Trace Metal and Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Concentrations in Various Fish Species Landed at Selected Irish Ports, 2001

Abstract

The Marine Institute sample a range of finfish species landed at major Irish ports on an annual basis, in accordance with the monitoring requirements of various European legislation designed to ensure food safety. During 2001, a total of 44 samples from 20 different species of finfish were collected from six major Irish fishing ports and analysed for total mercury concentration in the edible tissue. The concentration of mercury ranged from less than the limit of quantitation (0.03 mg/kg wet weight) to 0.42 mg/kg wet weight with a mean and median of 0.09 and 0.07 mg/kg respectively. These levels are within the maximum limit of 0.50 mg/kg wet weight for mercury in fishery products set by the EC (1 mg/kg for selected species). This survey confirms previous studies, which show that Irish seafood is 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 the OSPAR Convention. The levels of these additional contaminants are well below the strictest values listed.