Mercury speciation and safety of fish from important fishing locations in the Czech Republic

Abstract

Kenšová R., Kružíková K., Svobodová Z. (2012): Mercury speciation and safety of fish from important fishing locations. Czech J. Food Sci., 30: 276-284.The aim of the study was to describe the distribution of total mercury in the tissues of fish originating from important Czech fishing locations and to determine the level of methylmercury as a percentage of total mercury (Hg speciation). At six important fishing locations a total of 144 fishes of 13 species were caught and analysed. Samples of muscle, liver, gonads and scales were analysed for total mercury and in the case of muscles for methylmercury concentrations. Total mercury was determined by AAS using an AMA 254 analyser, and methylmercury determination was performed by GC/ECD using a GC-2010A chromatograph. Total mercury concentrations in muscle and other tissues of all the fish from all fishing locations were below 0.5 mg/kg, with the exception of 6 asps (Aspius aspius). A significant (P < 0.05) correlation was found between the total mercury concentrations in scales and other tissues. Methylmercury made up about 46-100% of total mercury in muscle. The overall results confirmed the good hygienic quality of fish from important Czech fishing locations.

A negative correlation between mercury content in muscle and body weight in carp from uncontaminated ponds

“…It follows that the fixed levels of mercury in the hepatopancreas and in kidneys were not excreted under the given experimental conditions. The negative correlation between total mercury content and fish weight found in our work is not consistent with the work of various authors who have shown a positive correlation between the concentration of total mercury and age (Cizdziel et al 2002;Jewett et al 2003) and between the concentration of total mercury and body weight (Farkas et al 2003;Kenšová et al 2012) in fish. Mercury bioaccumulation in predators is the highest one due to their position in the food chain (Yingcharoen & Bodaly 1993).…”

“…Fish are known to be a suitable bioindicator of the seriousness of mercury pollution in freshwater ecosystems (Čelechovská et al 2007;Maršálek et al 2007;Kružíková et al 2008;Kenšová et al 2012). The mercury content increases with age and weight of fish (Cizdziel et al 2002;Jewett et al 2003).…”

Mercury, Fatty Acids Content and Lipid Quality Indexes in Muscles of Freshwater and Marine Fish on the Polish Market. Risk Assessment of Fish Consumption

“…The observations of above authors are close to those found in the present study. Kenšová et al [ 41 ] also found the highest concentration of mercury in muscles of predatory fish (asp Aspius aspius L., eel Anguilla anguilla L., pike Esox lucius L., and perch). The same authors showed that among non-predatory fish (carp, bream, tench Tinca tinca L. and roach Rutilus rutilus L.) the lowest mercury content were noted in carp.…”

Assessment of mercury contamination in Brycon falcatus (Characiformes: Bryconidae) and human health risk by consumption of this fish from the Teles Pires River, Southern Amazonia

“…However, these studies were performed at contaminated sites. From a food safety point of view, it is important for studies to focus on commonly consumed species of fish and popular fishing sites with professional and amateur fishermen (Kensová et al, 2012). The fish species Brycon falcatus (Müller & Troschel, 1844), commonly known as matrinxã, is one of the most highly consumed species in the region due to its excellent quality of meat.…”