Total mercury and selenium levels in commercial shrimp along the Pacific coast of Mexico.

The present study analyzed the content of total mercury (THg) and selenium (Se) in the muscle of shrimp collected from local markets in the 11 Pacific coastal states of Mexico. Methylmercury (MeHg) concentration, Se:Hg ratio, health benefits value from selenium consumption (HBV Se) and the permissible weekly consumption were estimated to assess the health risk to consumers. All THg and Se concentrations were below the maximum permissible limits. All hazard quotient (HQ) values were <1, however in Hermosillo, Culiacán and Guadalajara, the Se:Hg ratio and HBV Se were <1 and negative, due to the low concentrations of Se. As a general conclusion, there is no risk nor benefit from the consumption of shrimp from the Pacific coast of Mexico due to its Hg and Se content. • Hg and Se content was evaluated in shrimp from markets along Mexican Pacific coast. • All hazard quotient (HQ) values of samples analyzed were <1. • In some markets the selenium-benefit values for shrimp samples were negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]