Lifelong mercury bioaccumulation in Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) and the potential risks to human consumption

Costa, Filipe; Coelho, João P.; Baptista, Joana; Martinho, Filipe; Pereira, Eduarda; Pardal, Miguel A.

Lifelong mercury bioaccumulation in Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) and the potential risks to human consumption

2021

Atlantic horse mackerel is one of the most commercially important species in Europe. It can reach a longevity of 30 years, with potential implications in lifespan mercury contamination. This study conducted along the Portuguese coast aimed at evaluating the total Hg content and tissue distribution, to determine the annual mercury bioaccumulation patterns and the associated risk for consumption. The T-Hg accumulation patterns observed followed the order: muscle (0.34) > liver (0.28) > heart (0.19) > gills (0.11) > brain (0.041 mg kg⁻¹). Significant differences between tissues reflect the role of the different tissues in storage and redistribution. Significant relationships observed between age and T-Hg for all tissues highlight the continuous nature of the bioaccumulation process. European food safety guidelines signalled significant risk of consumption in about 30% of the samples. Still, there was an overall low risk from the consumption of this species, which can be further minimized through consumer options to avoid health issues.

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