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Mercury speciation analysis in seafood by species-specific isotope dilution: method validation and occurrence data
Stéphanie Clémens1, Mathilde Monperrus, Olivier F X Donard
1Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail, Laboratoire de Sécurité des Aliments de Maisons-Alfort, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France.
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
|May 3, 2011
Summary
This study developed a precise method to measure methylmercury (MeHg) and total mercury (THg) in seafood. The validated technique accurately quantifies mercury levels, crucial for assessing human exposure through diet.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Food Safety
Background:
- Mercury contamination in seafood poses a significant risk to human health.
- Accurate quantification of methylmercury (MeHg) and total mercury (THg) is essential for risk assessment.
- Existing methods may lack the required accuracy and precision for reliable monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a robust analytical method for determining MeHg and THg in seafood.
- To evaluate sample preparation techniques for optimal mercury speciation analysis.
- To assess mercury levels in seafood consumed by the French population.
Main Methods:
- Species-specific isotope dilution analysis coupled with gas chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (GC-ICP-MS).
- Evaluation of extraction, derivation (propylation), and automated agitation for sample preparation.
- Validation using certified reference materials and accuracy profiles (β-expectation tolerance intervals).
Main Results:
- The developed method demonstrated excellent accuracy and precision, with low limits of quantification for MeHg and THg.
- Validation confirmed method reliability across a wide concentration range (0.15-5.1 mg kg(-1) for MeHg, 0.27-5.2 mg kg(-1) for THg).
- Analysis of 62 seafood samples showed generally low MeHg concentrations, with high MeHg percentages in fish and shellfish.
Conclusions:
- The validated GC-ICP-MS method is suitable for accurate and precise determination of mercury species in seafood.
- The method provides reliable data for monitoring food contamination and assessing human exposure to mercury.
- Findings indicate that mercury methylation/demethylation reactions are generally insignificant in most seafood types studied.
