Mercury Contamination in Tigertooth croaker, Otolithes ruber (Teleostei, Sciaenidae), Fish of the Northwestern Persian Gulf with an Emphasis on Human Health Risk

Aims: This research aims to determine the mercury (Hg) in the muscle and liver tissues of Otolithes ruber species and its human health risk assessment due to its consumption. Material Methods: In this study, thirty fish samples were taken from the Imam Khomeini port northwest of the Persian Gulf in July. Then, the total mercury was measured by the Mercury Advanced Analyzer (254 AMA manufactured by Leco). Findings: The mean concentrations of Hg in the muscle of O. ruber species were 0.112± 0.015 μg.g-1 d.w were below the limits for fish proposed by WHO, FAO, USEPA, FDA, and MAFF, and the mean concentrations of Hg in the liver tissues were 0.714± 0.113. μg.g-1 d.w. The muscle/liver ratio was about 0.16, which revealed high contamination of the region with the mercury element. EDI and EWI lower than PTDI and PTWI and THQ 1.00 showed that the consumption of the mentioned fish will not pose an acute risk to the consumers’ health. Based on CRlim and CRmm in the studied fish for different human groups, a potential human health risk was identified for children. Conclusion: In general, this work’s main conclusion showed that there is no severe warning or prohibition against consuming this fish by adults. However, it should be mentioned that the risk assessment caused by the presence of other heavy elements and organic pollutants in O. ruber fish can impact the permissible limit of consumption of this species.