Sharks are fished for human consumption in Colombia, and fins are exported illegally to international markets. The goal was to identify differences in total mercury (THg) concentrations in fins and muscles of shark species seized in the Buenaventura port (Colombian Pacific), and to assess potential human health risks related to shark consumption. Seven species were considered in this study: Pelagic Thresher (Alopias pelagicus), Pacific Smalltail Shark (Carcharhinus cerdale), Brown Smoothhound (Mustelus henlei), Sicklefin Smoothhound (Mustelus lunulatus), Scalloped Bonnethead (Sphyrna corona), Scalloped Hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini), and Bonnethead Shark (Sphyrna tiburo), and THg was analyzed in shark tissues. 24% muscle samples concentrations were above international recommended limits for human consumption, especially for A. pelagicus and S. lewini. Stable isotopes (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) analysis showed a foraging overlapping in coastal habitats, where overfishing usually occurs. This study provides useful scientific information to develop management plans for sharks in Colombia and neighboring countries.

Pelagic thresher shark (Alopias pelagicus) is a circumglobal species with high ecological and economic importance. Concentrations of mercury, selenium and cadmium in the muscle and liver tissues of A. pelagicus captured from Baja California Sur, Mexico were determined for assessing the potential human hazard. Results revealed that the average concentrations of Hg (0.76 mg kg⁻¹) and Cd (0.18 mg kg⁻¹) in muscle tissues were below the maximum permissible limits for human consumption. Se in the muscles were relatively low (mean: 0.30 mg kg⁻¹ ⁻¹) resulting in a molar excess of Hg over Se. Average levels of hepatic Cd were extremely higher than the maximum limit for consumption. Organotropism of Hg was muscle > liver, whereas Se and Cd presented an order of liver > muscle. Biomagnification Factor (BMF) emphasized the trophic transfer of elements. Selenium Health Benefit value was negative (−3.76) posing potential health risks demanding regular monitoring for health risks.

Given their predatory characteristics, long life, and high trophic levels, sharks can have a remarkable ability to bioaccumulate and/or biomagnify trace elements (TE). In the present study, 13 TE (Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, As, Se, Zn, Cr, V, Fe, Ni, Co, and Mn) were analyzed in the muscle tissue of three shark species (Prionace glauca, Carcharhinus falciformis, and Alopias pelagicus) using high-resolution mass spectrometry inductively coupled to a plasma generator (HR-ICP-MS); 30 shark specimens of each specie were obtained during commercial fish landings in the port of Manzanillo, Mexico. The morphometric characteristics and sex of the sharks were recorded. Shark A. pelagicus accumulated higher concentrations of TE, especially for Hg and Cd, than the other species. Significant differences in the TE levels were detected between sexes in P. glauca and A. pelagicus; in all cases, the highest concentrations were found in female muscle tissue. The ability of sharks to bioaccumulate ETs depends of the metals (essentials higher than non-essential) but is explained mainly by feeding habits associated to sexes (population segregation) and size (ontogeny). The association between TE in shark specimens was related to the essentiality, their antagonistic action, and origin. The Se/Hg ratio was significantly higher than 1, evidence of the protective role of dietary Se against Hg uptake and toxicity in all specimens of the three shark species. Also, the elevate inverse correlation of As and Cd versus Se could indicate a protective action of Se against these toxic metals, but the mechanism must be investigated.