Total and organic mercury concentrations in the white muscles of swordfish (Xiphias gladius) from the Indian and Atlantic oceans.

Abstract

A total of 226 swordfish samples collected from Taiwanese fishing vessels in the Indian and Atlantic oceans were examined for total mercury (THg) and organic Hg (OHg). Analysis of 56 pooled white muscle samples showed that THg and OHg concentrations ranged from 0.056 to 3.97 (1.3 +/- 0.97) and from 0.043 to 3.92 (1.01 +/- 0.82) microg g(-1) flesh mass, respectively. These values were similar to those from various previous studies during the past three decades. THg and OHg were significantly linearly correlated with fork length (FL, cm) of the fish from Indian and Atlantic oceans; however, there was no significant OHg%-FL relationship. OHg and THg also were significantly correlated. Fishes with FL < or = 140 cm met the methyl Hg (meHg) regulatory standard set by the European Commission Decision (meHg < or = 1.0); and fish with FL < or = 211 cm met the Taiwanese Food and Hygiene Standard (meHg < or = 2.0). Weekly swordfish consumption rates and amounts are recommended accordingly.