Mercury in muscle and liver of ten ray species from Northwest Mexico

Abstract

We determined total mercury (Hg) distribution in muscle and liver of ten ray species and assessed health risk considering Hg levels in muscle and average consumption of rays in Mexico. Rays were collected from five sites in NW Mexico between March and November 2012. Hg concentrations ranged from 4.465μgg−1 in muscle of the longtail stingray Dasyatis longa to 0.036μgg−1 in liver of the diamond stingray Dasyatis dipterura. Considering all the individuals, Hg in muscle (1.612±1.322μgg−1) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than in liver (0.745±0.616μgg−1). Regarding local health risk assessment, none of the ray species may cause adverse effects on consumers.