Total and methyl mercury in small marine biota caught off the Coast of Chennai, India

Abstract

This study reports the concentrations of total mercury and methyl mercury in sixteen families of marine biota caught off the coast of Kasimedu in Chennai, India, an important but understudied fish landing region. These included the commonly caught croakers, carangids, rays, goat fish, anchovies, crabs, and prawns. There was no correlation between total mercury or methyl mercury with fish length or mass. All concentrations were lower than the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India limits (total mercury = 500 μg/kg; methyl mercury = 250 μg/kg). Some values were above screening levels (total mercury >40 μg/kg wet weight) when considering possible adverse effects in predatory fish that consume the analyzed biota. Abbreviations: dw: dry weight; MeHg: methyl mercury; THg: total mercury; ww: wet weight