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The concentration and variability of selenium and mercury measured in vacuum-packed tuna fish

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Abstract

Methylmercury (meHg) is a known toxin commonly found in fish. Fish is also a rich source of the trace nutrient selenium which has been hypothesized to modify the toxicity of meHg. We analyzed 28 samples of commercially packaged albacore and light tuna fish for selenium and mercury using standard comparator instrumental neutron activation analysis. Significant differences in the concentration of mercury and selenium were associated with the type of fish, brand and batch. Fish consumers should vary the brand of tuna fish to avoid routine consumption of a brand high in mercury.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Missouri Research Reactor, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA

    J. D. Brockman, N. Sharp, R. A. Ngwenyama & L. D. Shelnutt

  2. Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA

    J. A. McElroy

Authors
  1. J. D. Brockman
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  2. N. Sharp
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  3. R. A. Ngwenyama
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  4. L. D. Shelnutt
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  5. J. A. McElroy
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Correspondence to J. D. Brockman.

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Brockman, J.D., Sharp, N., Ngwenyama, R.A. et al. The concentration and variability of selenium and mercury measured in vacuum-packed tuna fish. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 282, 45–48 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-009-0164-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-009-0164-x

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