Objectives: We previously described high levels of mercury in skin
and blood of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins from the Indian River Lagoon, FL and suggested that these animals may serve as sentinels for public health. Therefore, we assessed mercury exposure through fish consumption among individuals living near the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), FL who are potentially exposed to high levels of mercury in their diets. Results were compared to existing data on the Indian River Lagoon bottlenose dolphin population in order to fully understand the link between human and dolphin health in this unique environment.
Methods: We surveyed 59 adult residents at the Florida Oceanographic Society Center, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, and around common fishing areas. Questionnaires provided information on species-specific fish consumption during the 3 months before the survey. Hair samples were collected from all participants to be analyzed for total mercury.
Results: Residents’ mean hair mercury concentration was 1.5 ppm (n=59; range, 0.04-16.18 ppm); 42% of participants had levels >1 ppm, which approximately corresponds to the US EPA’s reference dose. Hair mercury levels were positively associated with fish consumption and significantly higher in those who consumed seafood from the Indian River Lagoon. In particular, those who consumed tuna filets/steak, grouper, and salmon had higher mercury concentrations in their hair, which follows the nationally reported averages in tissue of these fish species. However, the mean concentration of mercury in human hair was lower than that in the skin of IRL dolphins (7 ppm).
Conclusions: Study participants had relatively elevated mercury concentrations in their hair. This group represents a highly exposed sub-population with an exposure profile that differs from fish consumers in other regions of the United States and the general population, suggesting a need for more regionally specific exposure estimates and public health advisories.
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This sounds like a really interesting topic. I'd love to hear more about it at the conference.
ReplyDeleteVery Interesting, mercury in sea food has become and increasingly common problem. Especially b/c a significant amount of the world's population uses sea food as a food source. I would enjoy hearing more about this at the conference.
ReplyDeleteIt would be cool to hear more at the conference about how the increased mercury levels are affecting the lives of those people and dolphins compared to the rest, along with what is being done about the problem
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see more about this project, as humans and dolphins are each at the top of their food chains.
ReplyDelete