Surveillance of mercury content in edible fish

Samples of estuarine/sea fish and prawn purchased from different markets in and around Calcutta were analysed for mercury content in the edible portions by cold vapour AAS. The contents varied widely from 4.5 to 42.4 ppb. The internationally regulatory fixed levels for mercury in fish (of 1.0 and 0.5 ppm) appear to be too high in view of our findings and the acceptable weekly intake of mercury of 0.005 mg/kg body weight. It is suggested that the statutory permitted level of mercury in fish be reduced drastically from 500 to 50 ppb.