Total mercury and selenium levels in commercial shrimp along the Pacific coast of Mexico.

ABSTRACT

The present study analyzed the content of total mercury (THg) and selenium (Se) in the muscle of shrimp collected from local markets in the 11 Pacific coastal states of Mexico. Methylmercury (MeHg) concentration, SeHg ratio, health benefits value from selenium consumption (HBVSe) and the permissible weekly consumption were estimated to assess the health risk to consumers. All THg and Se concentrations were below the maximum permissible limits. All hazard quotient (HQ) values were <1, however in Hermosillo, Culiacán and Guadalajara, the SeHg ratio and HBVSe were <1 and negative, due to the low concentrations of Se. As a general conclusion, there is no risk nor benefit from the consumption of shrimp from the Pacific coast of Mexico due to its Hg and Se content.