MERCURY CONCENTRATIONS IN MARINE SPECIES FROM THE COASTAL AREA OF TARRAGONA PROVINCE, SPAIN - DIETARY-INTAKE OF MERCURY THROUGH FISH AND SEAFOOD CONSUMPTION

A total of 592 samples of 21 species of fish, cephalopods, crustaceans and molluscs were analyzed for mercury concentrations between Novembe r 1992 and February 1993 at four sites on the Tarragona coast in Catal onia, Spain. The results of this study show that mercury discharges in to the marine environment of Tarragona Province have increased the mer cury content of marine organisms, with fish and crustaceans being the groups which accumulated the highest levels of this element. In a subs equent study, the individual dietary intake of mercury from fish and s eafood consumption by the population of Tarragona Province was estimat ed to be 16 mug day-1. This intake of mercury would not signify a heal th hazard for consumers of fish and seafood from the Tarragona coastal waters.