Mercury Content in Tinned Molluscs (Mussel, Cockle, Variegated Scallop, and Razor Shell) Normally Consumed in Spain, 2005

Concentrations of mercury were determined for tinned molluscs (Mollusca, Bivalvia), i.e., mussels (Mytilus spp.), cockles (Cerastoderma edule), variegated scallops (Chlamys varia), and razor shells (Ensis spp.), consumed in Spain. A total of 220 samples were analyzed: 120 mussels, 40 cockles, 24 var...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of food protection 2006-09, Vol.69 (9), p.2237-2240
Main Authors: Gutierrez, A.J, Lozano, G, Gonzalez, T, Reguera, J.I, Hardisson, A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
Bivalvia
Cerastoderma edule
Chlamys
Chlamys varia
Consumer Product Safety
Ensis
environmental exposure
Fish and seafood industries
food analysis
food contamination
Food Contamination - analysis
Food industries
Food Preservation - methods
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
heavy metals
Humans
Marine
Maximum Allowable Concentration
mercury
Mercury - analysis
Mollusca - chemistry
mussels
Mytilus
scallops
seafoods
shellfish
Shellfish - analysis
Siliqua patula
Spain
Species Specificity
water pollution
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Summary:Concentrations of mercury were determined for tinned molluscs (Mollusca, Bivalvia), i.e., mussels (Mytilus spp.), cockles (Cerastoderma edule), variegated scallops (Chlamys varia), and razor shells (Ensis spp.), consumed in Spain. A total of 220 samples were analyzed: 120 mussels, 40 cockles, 24 variegated scallops, and 36 razor shells. Samples were obtained weekly from markets in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands) over a period of 12 months. All observed concentrations of mercury were below the maximum permitted for human consumption (0.5 mg/kg) as defined by European Community Decision 93/351/CE. Mercury concentrations were 27.28 ± 12.43 μg/kg for mussels, 66.59 ± 23.53 μg/kg for cockles, 33.68 ± 15.76 μg/kg for variegated scallops, and 21.26 ± 12.24 μg/kg for razor shells. To evaluate the importance of mercury as a food contaminant, the percentage ingested daily, the weight of mercury in the diet, and the calculated percentage of this metal in the diet contributed by reference species were estimated.
ISSN:0362-028X
1944-9097
DOI:10.4315/0362-028X-69.9.2237