Mercury and cadmium in swordfish and yellowfin tuna and health risk assessment for Sri Lankan consumers

Abstract

Commercially important marine fish, yellowfin tuna (YFT), and swordfish (SF), collected from the Indian Ocean around Sri Lanka were analysed for mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) content. The ranges for Hg were < 0.07-1.60 and < 0.07-4.30 mg/kg, while for Cd < 0.006-0.134 and 0.006-0.180 mg/kg in YFT and SF, respectively. In SF 13.3% and in YFT 9.2% exceeded the 1 mg/kg limit for Hg, while 3.1% of YFT exceeded the 0.1 mg/kg limit for Cd. All other samples were well below the maximum limits. Human health risk assessment was investigated using Estimated Daily Intake, Total Hazard Quotient, Hazard Index, and Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake values for Hg and Cd. The data indicated that the current YFT and SF consumption pattern in Sri Lanka poses no threat to consumer's health. However, further research and awareness on food safety aspects is needed on specific groups such as children and for areas in which consumption of seafood is high.