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The importance of the age when evaluating mercury pollution in fishes: the case of Diplodus sargus (Pisces, Sparidae) in the NW Mediterranean

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The aim of this study was to analyse the concentration of mercury (Hg) in the muscle of acommon littoral, omnivorous fish such as the white seabream, Diplodus sargus, and to evaluate itsrelationship with the age and size of the specimens. Large, older predatory fishes have typically beenthe main target species for risk assessment of Hg intake in humans. The white seabream is neither abig fish nor a predator, but all sizes of NW Mediterranean specimens of this species showed highlevels of Hg, with clear increases in older specimens. In addition, although the Se:Hg molar ratio washigh and could reduce the impact of high concentrations of Hg in smaller fishes, it could not in theolder specimens of D. sargus analysed because it decreased with age. This is not a major concern forhuman health because the white seabream is not a widely consumed species. However, in specialsituations involving toddlers, children and women of childbearing age, problems might arise if thewhite seabream or similar species are consumed in place of those that current recommendationsadvise against eating. In these cases it is very important to consider the species of fish consumed ineach country and carefully assess the risk of Hg intake

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