Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://scholarhub.balamand.edu.lb/handle/uob/1840
Title: Determination and assessment of total mercury levels in local, frozen and canned fish in Lebanon
Authors: Obeid, Pierre J. 
Khoury, Bilal El 
Burger, Joanne
Aouad, Samer 
Younis, Mira
Aoun, Amal 
Nakat, John El
Affiliations: Department of Chemistry 
Department of Chemistry 
Department of Chemistry 
Department of Chemistry 
Keywords: Total mercury
Fish
Subjects: Lebanon
Issue Date: 2011
Part of: Journal of environmental sciences
Volume: 23
Issue: 9
Start page: 1564
End page: 1569
Abstract: 
Fish is an important constituent of the Lebanese diet. However, very little attention in our area is given to bring awareness regarding the effect of the toxicity of mercury (Hg) mainly through fish consumption. This study aimed to report analytical data on total mercury levels in several fish species for the first time in thirty years and to also made individuals aware of the presence and danger from exposure to mercury through fish consumption. Fish samples were selected from local Lebanese markets and fisheries and included 94 samples of which were fresh, frozen, processed, and canned fish. All values were reported as microgram of mercury per gram of fish based on wet weight. The level of mercury ranged from 0.0190 to 0.5700 μg/g in fresh samples, 0.0059 to 0.0665 μg/g in frozen samples, and 0.0305 to 0.1190 μg/g in canned samples. The data clearly showed that higher levels of mercury were detected in local fresh fish as opposed to other types thus placing consumers at higher risk from mercury exposure. Moreover, the data revealed that Mallifa (yellowstripe barracuda/Sphyraena chrysotaenia), Sargous (white seabream/Diplodus sargus), Ghobbos (bogue/Boops hoops), and shrimp (Penaeus sp.) were among the types containing the highest amounts of mercury. On the other hand, processed fish such as fish fillet, fish burger, small shrimp and crab are found to contain lower levels of mercury and are associated with lower exposure risks to mercury. Lebanese population should therefore, be aware to consume limited amounts of fresh local fish to minimize exposure to mercury.
URI: https://scholarhub.balamand.edu.lb/handle/uob/1840
DOI: 10.1016/S1001-0742(10)60546-3
Ezproxy URL: Link to full text
Type: Journal Article
Appears in Collections:Department of Chemistry

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