Risk assessment of fish consumption for residents around the international Anzali wetland based on mercury content

In recent years, the discharge of various pollutants, especially metals, into aquatic environments has exerted negative effects on the biota and health status. Among metals, mercury can induce the highest adverse influence on aquatic ecosystems and humans. Hence, the limited consumption of some fish species including Sander lucioperca, Esox lucius Linnaeus, Cyprinus carpio, and Carassius auratus gibelio was determined for the residents around of the Anzali Wetland based on their mercury content. The mercury concentration showed significant differences between the fishes; the highest and lowest levels were detected in the muscle of Esox lucius Linnaeus (165.400 ng/g) and Carassius auratus gibelio (60.55 ng/g), respectively. The daily consumption rate limit (CRlim) and the allowable number of fish meals per month (CRmm) showed the highest consumption limit for Esox lucius Linnaeus, with the highest mercury concentration. Cyprinus carpio, and Carassius auratus gibelio exhibited the least concern and limited consumption.