title: Methyl mercury concentrations in edible fish and shellfish from Dunedin, and other regions around the South Island, New Zealand.
abstract: Methyl mercury (MeHg) concentrations were determined in edible fish and shellfish available in local markets in Dunedin, New Zealand. While most of the fish species were sourced in Dunedin, some specimens of fish were also collected from waters off Picton, around Stewart Island and also off-shore of the South Island in the Puysegur and Subantarctic regions. The concentrations of MeHg were analysed in 25 different fish species and shellfish (103 muscle tissue samples). Total mercury (HgT) levels were also analysed in a few (n=12) selected fish samples. Most of the Hg was in the form of MeHg (≥ 96%). Higher MeHg concentrations were found in fish at higher trophic levels, particularly in predatory fish species such as ling, school shark, spiny dogfish and albacore tuna. Concentrations of MeHg in all samples ranged from 0.002 to 2.515 μg MeHg/g.
authors.affiliation: School of Physical, Environmental and Mathematical Sciences, University of NSW at Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra BC 2610, Australia; Department of Chemistry, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Ashish K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Sadhu
authors.affiliation: 40 Burkes Drive, Dunedin, New Zealand; Department of Chemistry, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand. Electronic address: theflyingkiwi@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Jonathan P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Queensland Gas Company, 275 George St, Brisbane 4000, Australia; Department of Chemistry, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Hamish
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Furrell
authors.affiliation: 3 Kirkwood Road, Hastings, New Zealand; Department of Chemistry, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bostock
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005399:Fishes; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000032:analysis*; D008628:Mercury / Q000032:analysis; D008767:Methylmercury Compounds / Q000032:analysis*; D009520:New Zealand; D017747:Seafood / Q000032:analysis*; D012754:Sharks; D012758:Shellfish / Q000032:analysis; D014413:Tuna; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D008767:Methylmercury Compounds; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D008628:Mercury
keywords: Bio-accumulation; Edible fish; Methyl mercury; Trophic level