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Monitoring of Environmental Hg Occurrence in Tunisian Coastal Areas

Author

Listed:
  • Amel Jebara

    (Research Unit of Analysis and Process Applied to Environmental, APAE UR17ES32 Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology Mahdia, University of Monastir, Monastir 5000, Tunisia
    These authors contribute equally.)

  • Vincenzo Lo Turco

    (BioMorf Department, University of Messina, Polo SS Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
    These authors contribute equally.)

  • Caterina Faggio

    (Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy)

  • Patrizia Licata

    (Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Polo SS Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy)

  • Vincenzo Nava

    (BioMorf Department, University of Messina, Polo SS Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy)

  • Angela Giorgia Potortì

    (BioMorf Department, University of Messina, Polo SS Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy)

  • Rosalia Crupi

    (Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Polo SS Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy)

  • Hedi Ben Mansour

    (Research Unit of Analysis and Process Applied to Environmental, APAE UR17ES32 Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology Mahdia, University of Monastir, Monastir 5000, Tunisia)

  • Giuseppa Di Bella

    (BioMorf Department, University of Messina, Polo SS Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy)

Abstract

Total mercury (Hg) was determined in 450 environmental samples (seawater, sediment plant and fish) from five Mahdia coastal areas (Tunisia). Tolerable Weekly Intake% (TWI) values, according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), were calculated based on the average metal concentration in fish and the average weekly fish consumption rate. Hg was accumulated mainly in fish and in Posidonia oceanica leaves. Hg in sediment ranged from 1.88 μg/kg dry weight (d.w.) to 7.48 μg/kg d.w., while it was between 0.32 μg/kg and 0.19 μg/kg in seawaters. Our study showed high concentration in Posidonia oceanica in S3 (plant = 16.76 ± 4.48 μg/kg d.w.) as compared to those in S4 sites (plant = 5.33 ± 0.05 μg/kg d.w.). Concentrations for S. aurata and S. salpa in the Rejiche area exceeded the EC 1881/2006 legislation with values of 1.9 mg/kg and 2.5 mg/kg, respectively, and consumers may be exposed to high concentrations of Hg that exceeds the EFSA. The results showed that the fish species should be constantly monitored due to their TWI% of 154.5% for S. aurata and 209.8% S. salpa respectively.

Suggested Citation

  • Amel Jebara & Vincenzo Lo Turco & Caterina Faggio & Patrizia Licata & Vincenzo Nava & Angela Giorgia Potortì & Rosalia Crupi & Hedi Ben Mansour & Giuseppa Di Bella, 2021. "Monitoring of Environmental Hg Occurrence in Tunisian Coastal Areas," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-12, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:10:p:5202-:d:554237
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