Mercury Content of Fish: What Consumers Need to Know Before They Eat
Source: Image by makabera With its abundance of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, fish is frequently hailed as a nutritional powerhouse. However, consumers, medical professionals, and legislators all have serious concerns about the mercury content of fish, due to growing awareness of this issue. People can enjoy the health benefits of seafood without needless risks by knowing how mercury enters fish, which species are most affected, and how to make safer choices. Understanding Mercury in the Marine Food Chain Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in air, water, and soil. It enters oceans and freshwater systems through volcanic activity, industrial pollution, coal combustion, and mining runoff. Once mercury reaches water bodies, microorganisms convert it into methylmercury, a highly toxic form that easily accumulates in living organisms. Small aquatic organisms absorb methylmercury from water and sediments. When small fish eat these organi...
