Measurement of Mercury Concentration in Common Carp and Goldfish Living in Anzali Wetland, Iran, and Human Health Risk Assessment

It is essential to assess human health risk through fish consumption due to increased concentrations of pollutants. The aim of the present study was to determine the mercury concentration in the edible tissue of common carp and goldfish living in Anzali wetland, Iran, and to assess human health risk.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018. 10 samples of each species were purchased from local fishermen. Muscle tissue was isolated and after acid digestion, the mercury concentration was measured using a graphite furnace. Comparison of mercury concentration between species, and with national and international standards, and the correlation between mercury concentration and morphological characteristics were respectively performed using independent t-test, one-sample t-test and Pearson test by SPSS software version 21.

The mean and standard deviation of mercury concentration in the muscles of common carp and goldfish were 26±16 and 32±18 μg/kg dry weight, respectively. The results showed no significant differences in the mercury concentration in two species. Also, no significant correlation was observed between mercury concentration with fish body weight and length. Mercury levels were below the permissible limits provided by national and international organizations. Hazard Quotient (HQ) values as a risk index were also within the safe limits (HQ<1) for both children and adults.

In general, there is no potential health risk to children and adults through consumption of these species. However, due to the presence of different types of pollutants in the anzali wetland, monitoring their concentrations is recommended in different aquatic species.