title: Contamination of different portions of raw and boiled specimens of Norway lobster by mercury and selenium.
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate mercury and selenium distribution in different portions (exoskeleton, white meat and brown meat) of Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus). Some samples were also analysed as whole specimens. The same portions were also examined after boiling, in order to observe if this cooking practice could affect mercury and selenium concentrations. The highest mercury concentrations were detected in white meat, exceeding in all cases the maximum levels established by European legislation. The brown meat reported the highest selenium concentrations. In all boiled samples, mercury levels showed a statistically significant increase compared to raw portions. On the contrary, selenium concentrations detected in boiled samples of white meat, brown meat and whole specimen showed a statistically significant decrease compared to the corresponding raw samples. These results indicate that boiling modifies mercury and selenium concentrations. The high mercury levels detected represent a possible risk for consumers, and the publication and diffusion of specific advisories concerning seafood consumption is recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Science, University of Teramo, Viale Crispi 212, 64100, Teramo, Italy.
authors.forename: Monia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Perugini
authors.forename: Pierina
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Visciano
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Manera
authors.forename: Maria Cesarina
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Abete
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gavinelli
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Amorena
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008460:Meat / Q000032:analysis; D008628:Mercury / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D008121:Nephropidae / Q000378:metabolism*; D009664:Norway; D012643:Selenium / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D012758:Shellfish / Q000032:analysis*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D008628:Mercury; D012643:Selenium