Mercury in tuna from the western equatorial Atlantic Ocean and health risk assessment

Abstract

This study analyses the mercury (Hg) concentration in the meat of Thunnus albacares and Thunnus obesus caught from the western equatorial Atlantic Ocean. The objective was to estimate the Hg intake via tuna ingestion and presents the possible health risk assessment. For T. albacares and T. obesus, the median concentration was 212 ng∙g-1 and 475.1 ng∙g-1 wet weight, respectively. The Hg concentrations were below the maximum tolerable limit established by international and Brazilian regulations for fishery products. The consumption would pose a risk for human populations that ingest more than 80 g∙day-1. Regular monitoring of both human consumption rates and Hg levels in fish are recommended.