Total mercury of marine fishes in Natuna Islands area, Indonesia: Risk assessment for human consumption

Abstract

Bioaccumulation of mercury (Hg) in marine has been a widespread health concern. It is important to asses Hg concentration in fish and evaluates the health risks in the Natuna, a region with high fish consumption in Indonesia. Research carried out in 2018 in the Natuna Islands aimed to provide information about the mercury content in fish consumption and the approach steps to minimize the risk of bioaccumulation. The assessment was carried out on 77 commercial fish samples in the Natuna area, Indonesia. The results showed that the concentration of total Hg in Lutjanus sebae, Epinephelus aerolatus and Gymnocranius frenatus exceeded the permissible limit (0.5 mg/kg for fish and fishery products) according to BPOM/SNI/JECFA. The sources of mercury contamination are not elaborated detail in this study, but a number of natural processes including vegetation surfaces, water bodies, wild fires, may be the main factor. It is a fact that mercury contamination still provides a risk for human health because of bioaccumulation. So, it is recommended to introduce Mean Weekly Intake (MWI) limit, which is a simple tool for guidance on fish consumption based on body weight and age. MWI will guide how many fishes can be consumed for an adult with 60 kg and a child with 10 kg body weight in relation to Hg concentration in the consumed fish.