Low Mercury levels in Lake Kinneret Fish

Paul J. Blanchfield, James Shapiro, Assaf Sukenik, Diane M. Orihel, Edna Shefer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Human exposure to the neurotoxin, methylmercury (MeHg), occurs primarily through the consumption of contaminated fish that are present even in pristine freshwater ecosystems. Lake Kinneret is the sole freshwater lake in Israel and supports an important commercial fishery. We examined total mercury (THg; often equivalent to MeHg in fish muscle tissue) for nine fish species in Lake Kinneret. Concentrations were low for all fish species, 6-409 ng/g, and below 500 ng/g MeHg, the level generally considered safe for human consumption. Of particular relevance are the very low levels of THg (<60 ng/g) in Galilee St. Peter’s fish (Sarotherodon galilaeus) and lavnun (Acanthobrama terrascantae), the most commercially important species in Lake Kinneret. Biomagnification was apparent among trophic guilds, with THg concentrations increasing from primary to secondary to tertiary consumers. This study suggests that consumption of commercial species, especially primary consumers, will result in low MeHg exposure to humans.

Original languageEnglish
JournalIsraeli Journal of Aquaculture - Bamidgeh
Volume64
StatePublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2012,Israeli Journal of Aquaculture–BAMIGDEH, All right reserved.

Keywords

  • Contaminant
  • Fish
  • Freshwater
  • Israel

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aquatic Science
  • Agronomy and Crop Science

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