The total Mercury Concerntration in Fish from certain Southern Coastal Waters and North Solomon Province of Papua New Guinea.

Abstract

Total mercury concentrations using potassium permanganate digestion in barramundi fish (Lates calcarifer) from Western Province were found to be higher than those from Gulf province. Some individual barramundi from Western province had total mercury levels in the excess of the WHO recommended limit of 0.50 micrograms per gram (ug/g) based on wet weight (WW). Jewfish or croakers (Sciaenidae) and threadfins salmon (Polynemidae) from Gulf province had mercury concentrations within the acceptable limit. Mercury levels in one area was quite high. The mackerel (Scombridae) fish from Mullins Harbour, Milne Bay Province had their mercury levels ranged from 1.81 -3.59ug/g WW and the mean concentration was 2.60 ug/g WW. Some of the barramundi caught in the Mullins Harbour had also been found to have mercury concentrations above 0.50ug/g WW.