Total and organic mercury concentrations in the white muscles of swordfish ( Xiphias gladius ) from the Indian and Atlantic oceans (original) (raw)
Related papers
Taiwanese Journal of Agricultural Chemistry and Food Science
A total of 226 swordfish samples collected from Taiwanese fishing vessels in the Indian and Atlantic oceans were examined for total mercury (THg) and organic Hg (OHg). Analysis of 56 pooled white muscle samples showed that THg and OHg concentrations ranged from 0.056 to 3.97 (1.3 AE 0.97) and from 0.043 to 3.92 (1.01 AE 0.82) mg g À1 flesh mass, respectively. These values were similar to those from various previous studies during the past three decades. THg and OHg were significantly linearly correlated with fork length (FL, cm) of the fish from Indian and Atlantic oceans; however, there was no significant OHg%-FL relationship. OHg and THg also were significantly correlated. Fishes with FL 140 cm met the methyl Hg (meHg) regulatory standard set by the European Commission Decision (meHg 1.0); and fish with FL 211 cm met the Taiwanese Food and Hygiene Standard (meHg 2.0). Weekly swordfish consumption rates and amounts are recommended accordingly.
Mercury (Hg) is a global environmental pollutant that has been the cause of many public health concerns. It is transferred through trophic level and bio magnification in the food chain. Total Hg level was measured by cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry in muscle tissue of 176 Swordfish (Xiphiasgladius) samples ranging from 11.8-112.0 kg total weight and 45-278 cm total length, collected from major fish landing sites in Sri Lanka during July 2009 to March 2010. Total Hg concentration varied between 0.18-2.58 mg/kg wet weight (ww), with a mean value ± standard deviation of 0.90 ± 0.52 mg/kg ww. Of the investigated samples 32% exceeded Hg limits as set by the European Union and Sri Lankan legislation (1 mg/kg, ww). Hg concentration of swordfish showed a significant positive relationship (P value < 0.05) with the fish length and weight. Consequently, consumption of larger fish leads to an increase in the exposure level for consumers.
Mercury content in commercial pelagic fish and its risk assessment in the Western Indian Ocean
2006
As top predators of pelagic food webs, large fish naturally bioaccumulate mercury (Hg). Determining Hg burdens in commercialized fish is essential considering the concern about effects of contaminants on human health and the legal thresholds that are therefore set for local consumption and/or exportation. Total Hg levels were measured in the muscular tissue of 183 fish of five commercially important species from the tropical zone of the Western Indian Ocean. All individuals were measured and sexed in order to study the impregnation of Hg with size and sex within each species. Values of Hg found in this part of the Indian Ocean were comparable to Hg in muscular tissue of the same species studied in other areas. The highest Hg levels were noted in Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) caught in waters surrounding Reunion Island (3.97 ± 2.67 μg g − 1 dry weight). Following the Swordfish, in decreasing order of Hg content, were the Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) and the Skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis), then the Common Dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) and the Wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri). In the North of the Mozambique Channel, Swordfish had higher Hg levels than Yellowfin Tunas, and Dolphinfish exhibited intermediate Hg levels. The size of a fish was a determining factor of its Hg burden, as was the species. Differences in size-normalized Hg levels were observed between the two study zones for Swordfish and Common Dolphinfish. Sex, in contrast, did not influence Hg levels suggesting that females and males have similar feeding habits. The muscular Hg levels presented here suggest that consumers of fish originating from theWestern Indian Ocean should limit themselves to one Swordfish based meal per week, or one fish meal a day if they choose to eat tuna or Common Dolphinfish.
Mercury Content in Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) and Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) and Estimation of Mercury Intake
Mercury (Hg) is a pollutant of global importance that adversely impacts ecological and human health. A total of 140 Thunnus albacores (yellowfin tuna) and 176 of Xiphias gladius (swordfish) samples collected from the Indian Ocean around Sri Lanka in the period of July 2009 to March 2010 were examined for total mercury content and used to evaluate the mercury intake of Sri Lankan population. Total mercury concentrations of muscular tissues of fish were determined using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. The results indicated that the highest mercury concentration were noted in swordfish 0.90±0.52 mg/kg, wet weight and followed by yellowfin tuna (0.30±0.18 mg/kg, wet weight). The projected intake values of mercury through human consumption were calculated (µg kg -1 body wt. weekly -1 ) and were compared with those of provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) per kg body weight as stipulated by the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) and Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).The estimated PTWI were lower than for yellowfin tuna and swordfish stipulated guidelines and therefore, was not considered to pose adverse effects to the humans with the present fish consumption volume.
2008
To assess mercury (Hg) contamination in fishery resources of the Bengal Bay, a total of 78 specimens of 11 pelagic fish species were obtained during the joint survey of BIMSTEC member countries on Assessment and Management of Marine Resources, in November to December 2007. Individual specimen was coded, measured and weighed. The white flesh samples for Hg analyses were taken from the abdominal area of most fishes, and from the caudal area for sharks. Total Hg concentrations (expressed in ng/g wet weight) in the samples were as follow; 514±187 for bigeye thresher shark (Alopias superciliosus), 251±128 for copper shark (Carcharhinus brachyurus), 122±35 for silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis), 48 for unidentified shark, 886±104 for tille travalley (Caranx tille), 64±62 for frigate tuna (Auxis thazard), 63±16 for kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis), 110±153 for skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), 92±32 for yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), 201 for bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), and 478 ± 416 for swordfish (Xiphias gladius). In general, the relationship between Hg levels in muscles and fish size was observed. Five of 8 bigeye thresher shark, only one tille travalley, 2 of 29 skipjack tuna and 5 of 16 swordfish had Hg concentrations in their fleshes exceeded the EU's upper limit of 0.5 μg/g. Moreover, the swordfish that weighed over 40 kg contained Hg in their tissues higher than 1 μg/g.
Mercury (Hg) is a pollutant of global importance that adversely impacts ecological and human health. A total of 140 Thunnus albacores (yellowfin tuna) and 176 of Xiphias gladius (swordfish) samples collected from the Indian Ocean around Sri Lanka in the period of July 2009 to March 2010 were examined for total mercury content and used to evaluate the mercury intake of Sri Lankan population. Total mercury concentrations of muscular tissues of fish were determined using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. The results indicated that the highest mercury concentration were noted in swordfish 0.90±0.52 mg/kg, wet weight and followed by yellowfin tuna (0.30±0.18 mg/kg, wet weight). The projected intake values of mercury through human consumption were calculated (µg kg -1 body wt. weekly -1) and were compared with those of provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) per kg body weight as stipulated by the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) and Joint ...
Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 2001
The total mercury content in the edible part of sword"sh (Xiphias gladius) was determined in 192 specimens ranging from 10 to 412 kg, in the period January 1997}December 1999. Total mercury values between 0.04 and 2.21 mg kg\, with a mean value of 0.62$0.35 mg kg\, were obtained. Data were analyzed in two subsets. One of them, for specimens under 100 kg, yielded a mean value for total mercury content of 0.53$0.02 mg kg\, and the other, for specimens above 100 kg, had a mean value of 0.94$0.06 mg kg\. The existence of these subsets of data is related with the rate of mercury incorporation into sword"sh #esh, in accordance with a potential model for total mercury bioaccumulation. Sword"sh weighing below 100 kg can be considered safe for human consumption, according to international regulations.
The total mercury content in the edible part of sword"sh (Xiphias gladius) was determined in 192 specimens ranging from 10 to 412 kg, in the period January 1997}December 1999. Total mercury values between 0.04 and 2.21 mg kg\, with a mean value of 0.62$0.35 mg kg\, were obtained. Data were analyzed in two subsets. One of them, for specimens under 100 kg, yielded a mean value for total mercury content of 0.53$0.02 mg kg\, and the other, for specimens above 100 kg, had a mean value of 0.94$0.06 mg kg\. The existence of these subsets of data is related with the rate of mercury incorporation into sword"sh #esh, in accordance with a potential model for total mercury bioaccumulation. Sword"sh weighing below 100 kg can be considered safe for human consumption, according to international regulations.
Mercury (Hg) is a naturally occurring metal in the earth's crust and can enter the aquatic environment through natural and anthropogenic activities. Part of Hg is converted to methyl-mercury (MeHg) and accumulates in fish through the food chain reaching its highest levels in large predatory fish such as tuna. Consumption of contaminated fish has been considered a serious public health concern. Yellow fin tuna (Thunnus albacares, YFT) comprises the most important component of the Indian Ocean tuna catches and it can contain significant levels of MeHg. For better understanding and monitoring purpose of Hg levels in YFT populations, total Hg (T-Hg) concentrations were analyzed in edible muscle tissue from 140 YFT collected from major fish landing sites of Sri Lanka in 2010 and 2011. The samples were analyzed using cold vapour atomic absorption spectrophotometric method, with microwave assisted digestion. In Sri Lankan waters, Hg levels in YFT ranged from <LOD (0.021) to 0.98 mg/kg (mean ± SD = 0.30±0.18 mg/kg; median = 0.27 mg/kg) in wet weight basis. Data from the present study suggest that Sri Lankan YFT contain lower levels of Hg compared with the EU/EC recommendations (1 mg/kg). T-Hg levels of YFT were positively related with fish length and weight.