Assessment of mercury contamination in the marketed shrimp in Tehran: A health consideration

Authors

1 Gratuated from the Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch of Sari, Mazandaran-Iran

2 Food with Animal Origin Chemistry Labs, Food and Drug Control Laboratories, Food and Drug Laboratory Research Center, Food and Drug Organization, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran-Iran

3 Analytical Chemistry Labs, Food and Drug Control Laboratories, Food and Drug Laboratory Research Center, Food and Drug Organization, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran-Iran

4 Toxicology & Contaminant Labs, Food and Drug Control Laboratories, Food and Drug Laboratory Research Center, Food and Drug Organization, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran-Iran

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mercury contamination of aquatic ecosystem, due to its bioaccumul-ation, persistence, high risk and poisoning has become a concern in recent years. Consumption of shrimp as a rich source of protein, peptides, amino acid and minerals (Cu, Mg, Zn, I) is growing up. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study is to determine the mercury content of shrimp in Tehran market and compare this with international limits. METHODS: For this purpose, 19 samples were collected randomly from different retail markets in different parts of Tehran and their mercury content was measured by Mercury Analyzer DMA-80 with standard method ASTM D6722. The results were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: It was found that, the mean level of mercury in muscles of all examined samples was 76.44±8.59 ppb, that is in agreement with the existing data and lower than the WHO and FAO guideline (500 ppb). CONCLUSIONS: Shrimp consumption considering its mercury content is permitted in Tehran and has no serious risk to human health.

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