Trace Metal and Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Concentrations in Various Fish Species Landed at Selected Irish Ports, 1997-2000

Abstract

The Marine Institute samples a range of finfish species landed at five major Irish ports on an annual basis, in accordance with the monitoring requirements of various European legislation designed to ensure food safety. During 1997 – 2000, a total of 112 samples from 23 different species of finfish were collected from five major Irish fishing ports and analysed for total mercury concentration in the edible. The concentration of mercury ranged from 0.03 to 0.18 mg/kg wet weight in 1997, <0.03 to 0.19 mg/kg wet weight in 1998, <0.03 to 0.29 mg/kg wet weight in 1999 and 0.03 to 0.33 mg/kg wet weight in 2000. These levels are well within the maximum limit of 0.50 mg/kg wet weight for mercury in fishery products set by the EC. This survey confirms previous studies, which show that Irish seafoods are effectively free from mercury contamination. Selected samples were also analysed for other trace metals and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Overall, the levels of lead and cadmium detected in the edible portion of the fish were low and well within the standard values of 0.20 and 0.05 mg/kg wet weight respectively, set by the EU. There are no internationally agreed standards or guidelines available for the remaining trace metals and chlorinated hydrocarbons in fishery products. Therefore results are compared with the strictest standard or guidance value for fish tissue, which are applied by contracting parties to OSPAR. The levels of these additional contaminants are well below the strictest values listed.