Risk to consumers from mercury in croaker (Otolithes ruber), from the Mahshahr port

In this study, the human health risk of mercury due to consumption of croaker (Otolithes ruber) in Mahshahr, the Persian Gulf, , was evaluated using atomic absorbtion spectrophotometer)and cold vapor techniques to measure the mercury concentration in muscle samples of 30 fresh croakers . A. Result showed the average concentration of mercury in croaker muscle was 0.354±0.09 µg/ g of fresh wet weight, which was less than the allowable amount for human consumption determined by the international organizations such as USFDA and WHO, but more than the allowable amount for human consumption determined by MAFF and the USEPA. HQ Index was above 1 (1.18). In addition, the calculations indicated that daily and weekly mercury uptake for the Iranian consumers, according to Statistical Yearbook of Iran Fisheries organization (the amount consumed per capita), is lower than the guideline values (PTWI and PTDI) provided by WHO, USFDA and more than USEPA. Therefore, the consumption of the croaker might be associated with some threat to the consumer’s health particularly pregnant women, fetuses and children from mercury but consumption permitted rate of 20gper dayand138 gper week is recommended for other people.