Mercury in fishes from Augusta Bay (southern Italy): risk assessment and health implication

Our study reports on the total mercury (HgT)concentrations measured in the muscles and livers of sev- eral benthic, demersal and pelagic fishspecies caught inside and outside of Augusta Bay (southernItaly), a semi-enclosed marine area, highly contaminated by the uncontrolled (sincethe 1950s to 1978s)dis- charge of the largest European petrochemical plant. Mercury levels in fishtissues are discussed with regard to specifichabitat, size and/or age of the specimens and HgT distribution in the bottom sediments. Results suggest astill active Hg release mechanism from the polluted sediments to the marine environ- ment. Also, the high HgT concentrations measured in fishescaught in the external area of the bay imply a potential role of Augusta Bay as apollutant source for the Mediterranean ecosystem. Finally, values of hazard target quotient (THQ) and estimated weekly intake (EWI)demonstrate that consumption of fishes caught inside the bay represents aserious risk for human health. Also, data indicate that intake of fishes caught from the external area of the bay, especially for that concern demersal and benthic species, could be represent asignificantcomponent of risk for the local population