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Mercury Levels in Fish for Human Consumption from the Southeast Gulf of California: Tissue Distribution and Health
A I Martínez-Salcido1, J Ruelas-Inzunza2, B Gil-Manrique1
1Posgrado en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Circuito Exterior s/n Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico, DF, Mexico.
Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
|January 5, 2018
Summary
Mercury (Hg) levels in fish from SE Gulf of California lagoons were assessed. Despite high concentrations in some fish tissues, none pose a health risk to consumers.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Marine Biology
- Public Health
Background:
- Mercury (Hg) contamination in marine ecosystems is a significant environmental concern.
- Fish consumption is a primary pathway for human exposure to methylmercury.
- Coastal lagoons are vital habitats and important sources of seafood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate human health risks associated with mercury concentrations in fish from three coastal lagoons in the SE Gulf of California.
- To determine mercury distribution in fish muscle and liver tissues.
- To compare mercury levels across different lagoon systems, seasons, and tissues.
Main Methods:
- Fish samples were collected from Urías, Huizache, and Teacapán lagoons.
- Mercury concentrations were measured in muscle and liver tissues.
- Multivariate analyses were employed to compare mercury levels based on tissue, season, and lagoon system.
- Health risk assessment was performed using hazard quotients.
Main Results:
- Mercury levels generally followed the sequence: liver > muscle.
- The highest mercury concentrations were found in Cynoscion reticulatus (muscle) and Pomadasys macracanthus (liver).
- Statistical differences in mercury concentrations were observed among lagoon systems but not between seasons or tissues.
- Higher mercury concentrations were associated with areas with lower hydrological regimes.
- Highest hazard quotients were estimated for Cynoscion reticulatus, Stellifer furthii, and Pomadasys macracanthus.
Conclusions:
- None of the analyzed fish pose a health risk to consumers based on mercury levels in their edible portions.
- Lagoon system characteristics significantly influence mercury concentrations in fish.
- Further monitoring is recommended in areas with altered hydrological regimes.
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