Assessment of mercury content in Panga (Pangasius hypophthalmus). (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodríguez, María; Gutiérrez, Ángel J.; Rodríguez, Natividad; Rubio, Carmen; Paz, Soraya; Martín, Verónica; Revert, Consuelo; Hardisson, Arturo
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 196(2018)
• Page Start: 53
• Page End: 57
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: Pangasius hypophthalmus -- Panga -- Mercury -- Toxicological evaluation -- CV-AAS; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.12.137
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: Panga ( Pangasius hypophthalmus ), originating from Vietnam, is one of the most consumed fish because of its low cost, mild taste and presentation (fillets without skin and bones). Nevertheless, due to the high levels of contamination of the rivers where it lives, and to the fact that the panga is a predator, whereby it will accumulate a higher mercury concentration, the main objectives of the present study were to evaluate the toxic risk from mercury ingestion as a result of the consumption of this fish. A total of 80 frozen panga samples natural and marinade from different commercial establishments have been analyzed using cold vapour atomic absorption spectrophotometry (CV-AAS). The results obtained show a wide range of mercury concentrations between 0.10 and 0.69 mg/kg, with an average value of 0.22 mg/kg. In addition, it has been found that the average mercury concentration in the marinated presentation (0.18 mg/kg) is higher than that obtained in the natural panga (0.16 mg/kg). However, no significant differences were found between commercial establishments or in the presentation formats, with the conclusion that they did not influence the mercury content in the samples. Assuming a weekly consumption of 350 g of panga, the contribution rate to Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) of mercury (4 μg/kg bw/week) is 32% and 27.5% for women and men, respectively. Based on the results obtained in this study, an exhaustive control of the mercury content in this type of fish is necessary. In addition, a consumption restriction to children will be established. Highlights: The consumption of panga is increasing due to its low price. Panga comes from areas with high levels of pollution. Mercury bioaccumulates and biomagnifies along the food chain. The mercury level in some samples exceeded the maximum limit. Intake of mercury from panga may pose a health risk.