Mercury speciation in fish muscles from major Czech rivers and assessment of health risks

Abstract

The aim of this work was to determine the mercury and methylmercury content in muscle tissue of chub (Leuciscus cephalus L.), to assess the health risks of eating the fish and to determine the number of fish meat servings that are suitable for weekly consumption. Total mercury concentrations were determined using a single-purpose atomic absorption spectrophotometer AMA 254. Methylmercury concentrations were determined by gas chromatography. The location where the highest total mercury concentrations in fish muscle tissues were found was the Vltava – Vraňany (0.236±0.1001mg/kg−1), and the highest methylmercury concentration was found at the Labe – Obříství (0.231±0.1056mg/kg−1). The conclusion based on the data ascertained is that the locations from which the lowest number of fish meat servings can be eaten are the Vltava – Vraňany and the Labe – Obříství. The results of this study helped evaluate contamination levels of rivers that flow out of the Czech Republic.