Total Mercury Contents of Antarctic Toothfish Dissostichus mawsoni Caught in the Antarctic Sea

Mercury is an element of special concern for human health. Measurements of total mercury levels in fish have been taken into con sideration to assess risk. In this study, the Antarctic toothfish Dissostichus mawsoni was evaluated as a potential safe food source through measurement of total mercury contents. Total mercury concentrations in Antarctic toothfish ranged from 0.101 ± 0.047 mg/kg to 0.139 ± 0.075 mg/kg. The total mercury concentration was significantly correlated with macroscopic values including total fish length, weight, gonadosomatic index, and maturity ( P < 0.01 or 0.05). Furthermore, according to the risk assessment, the total mercury body exposure rate from Antarctic toothfish ranged from 2.125% to 2.847% of the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake. Therefore, the Antarctic toothfish could be used as a potential safe seafood source.