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 ± 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. [Display omitted] •Total mercury (THg) in Merluccius merluccius fillets averaged 0.6 (± 0.3) mg kg−1, dw.•Significant season-related differences were found in females and not in males.•Only females showed a correlation between THg level and length.•THg was significantly higher in mature compared with immature specimens.•European hake fillets caught in the Adriatic Sea is safe for human consumption.