Seasonal characterization of mercury contamination along the Portuguese coast: human health and environmental risk assessment

Abstract

A seasonal characterization of mercury (Hg) accumulation in three different estuaries along the Portuguese coast (i.e. Ria de Aveiro, Tagus estuary and Ria Formosa) was done. For that, it was evaluated: (1) Hg concentrations in abiotic (water) and biotic matrices (flora and fauna); (2) the risk of consumption of local seafood species (e.g. bivalves) to human health; and (3) the environmental risk to Hg exposure. During 1 year, water and biological samples were collected during low tide, in each system for Hg quantification. Our findings revealed that total Hg concentrations in surface waters were higher in Ria de Aveiro and Tagus estuary than in Ria Formosa. In Ria de Aveiro, a particular attention should be given in autumn periods, where Hg levels (≈ 100 µg L−1) were considered quite high according to European quality parameters. The same was observed for the Tagus estuary during spring time. Regarding macrofauna Hg levels, no clear seasonal trend was observed. Also, total Hg concentrations in edible species (< 0.5 µg. g−1 ww) represent no risk for consumption. However, considering the environmental risk, in Ria de Aveiro, there is a moderate risk (RQ > 0.1) in autumn periods, which can be a matter of concern.