What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to investigate the patterns of mercury accumulation in sharks and the implications for food safety.

May 10, 2026Environmental Science & Technology0 citationsOpen Access

Global Patterns of Mercury Speciation and Biomagnification in Sharks: Ecological Drivers and Food Safety Implications

GBGinevra Boldrocchi DSDavide Spanu ALAlejandro Ruiz López

Key Points

The study aims to investigate the patterns of mercury accumulation in sharks and the implications for food safety.
Analyzed mercury levels in shark species globally.
Assessed health risks using Target Hazard Quotients.
Identified heavily exploited shark species contributing to mercury exposure.
Hazard Quotients exceeded 1 for deep-sea and large pelagic sharks, indicating health risks.
Elevated methylmercury levels were confirmed in commercial shark fillets.
Heavily exploited species identified as major contributors to human mercury exposure.

Abstract

-EU Hg limit. Target Hazard Quotients exceeded 1 for deep-sea and large pelagic sharks, highlighting tangible health risks. Elevated MeHg levels in commercial fillets confirm consumer exposure. Species with the highest MeHg burdens are heavily exploited and threatened, identifying globally traded sharks as hotspots of human Hg exposure.

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