Levels of mercury and arsenic contamination in popular fish and shrimp brands consumed in Saudi Arabia

M W Ashraf,A Mian

doi:10.4314/bcse.v33i3.17

Abstract

ABSTRACT . Fish and shrimp are public sources of healthy protein for a large fragment of the Saudi population. Therefore, the present work was conducted to assess the level of possible arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) contamination of these sea foods. Eight species of ﬁsh and two species of shrimp were collected from the local markets of Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Mercury and arsenic concentration of samples was determined by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-AAS). Highest average concentration of total Hg was found in Siganus canaliculatus (0.54 ± 0.06 µg/g) while the lowest level was detected in Lethrinus miniatus (0.24 ± 0.07 µg/g). For shrimp species, the levels varied from 0.13 to 0.91 µg/g for mercury and 0.19 to 0.53 µg/g for arsenic. The rank order of shrimp species based upon mercury level was Penaeus semisulcatus > Penaeus indicus ; whereas based upon arsenic level it was almost similar. Mean levels of both Hg and As in all the species studied are lower than the limits set by international health agencies; 0.550 µg/g for mercury and 6.0 µg/g for arsenic. KEY WORDS : Arabian Gulf, Fish, Shrimp, Arsenic, Mercury Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2019 , 33(3), 573-578. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v33i3.17

Highlights

Fish and shrimp are low-cost sources of healthy protein for human consumption that provide omega-3 fatty acids to reduce low density lipoproteins (LDL) levels in the blood stream and the occurrence of stroke and coronary diseases [1]
The present study is conducted with an aim to measure total mercury and arsenic levels in fish and shrimp species commonly consumed in the Saudi Arabia and exported to neighboring countries
A total of 54 fish samples and 29 shrimp samples were analyzed for total mercury and arsenic contents

Summary

Introduction

Fish and shrimp are low-cost sources of healthy protein for human consumption that provide omega-3 fatty acids to reduce low density lipoproteins (LDL) levels in the blood stream and the occurrence of stroke and coronary diseases [1]. In the Gulf countries, fish and shrimp are the most important source of nutritional protein. Toxic metals like mercury and arsenic enter marine animals such as fish and shellfish by absorption through gills or food.

Results

Conclusion