Mercury levels in Merluccius merluccius muscle tissue in the central Mediterranean Sea: Seasonal variation and human health risk

In this study we analysed total mercury (THg) levels in European hake (Merluccius merluccius) - an ecologically and commercially important species throughout the Mediterranean - caught in the northern and central Adriatic Sea. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating THg levels in hake fillets in relation to ecological (season) and biological (body size, sex, sexual maturity, lipid content) parameters. THg levels in muscle showed no sex-related differences; in contrast, significant season-related differences were found in females, with higher levels in spring-summer compared with autumn-winter. No season-related differences were seen in males. A significant sex effect was found for body size and sexual maturity. Females showed a correlation between THg level and length, THg being significantly higher in mature compared with immature specimens. No significant sex effect was found for muscle lipid content, because a correlation between THg concentration and tissue lipids was found in both sexes.Since the mean THg concentration found in M. merluccius fillets (0.64 & PLUSMN; 0.29 mg kg(-1) dry weight; range, 0.20-1.53) was consistently under the level set by EU regulations, this study demonstrates that European hake caught in the northern and central Adriatic is safe for human consumption.

Automated summary

In this study, the total mercury (THg) levels were analyzed in European hake caught in the northern and central Adriatic Sea. The study found that there were no sex-related differences in THg levels in muscle, but significant season-related differences were observed in females. It also found a correlation between THg level and body size, sexual maturity, and lipid content. However, the THg concentration in hake fillets was consistently below the EU regulations, indicating that they are safe for human consumption.