Risk assessment through the consumption of mercury-contaminated fish in riverine communities, Brazilian Amazon
Mercury contamination in fish poses serious health risks for riverine populations that depend on fish for food security. In the Baixo Amazonas region of the Brazilian Amazon, a WHO‑based health‑risk assessment surveyed 108 residents in 2022, collecting data on diet, demographics and blood‑mercury levels. Nearly 90% consumed fish frequently, and estimated methylmercury intake exceeded recommended thresholds for women of childbearing age and adult men. Risk ratios were 1.8 and 1.2, respectively, indicating meaningful health concerns. Although fish remains nutritionally essential, the findings show that mercury‑contaminated fish consumption can significantly threaten community health, underscoring the need for targeted monitoring and mitigation strategies.
Subject Tags
- Rivers
- Fisheries
- Health
Abstract
Fish can contain high levels of mercury, which can harm health when consumed in large quantities. This work aimed to assess mercury exposure and fish consumption and calculate the health risks associated with consumption of mercury-contaminated fish in the riverine communities of Baixo Amazonas area, in the Brazilian Amazon. Materials and methods: A health risk assessment was carried out according to the methodology of the World Health Organization. Weight and fish consumption data were obtained in 2022 through a structured questionnaire covering social, demographic, and behavioral variables, fish consumption and symptoms associated to Hg exposure; and blood mercury was measured. Different scenarios of Hg contamination were used. Results: 108 participants were selected, of whom 89% (n = 96) were exposed and frequently consumed fish. Fish consumption indicated that the daily intake of methylmercury exceeded the recommendation of 0.23 µg MeHg/kg for women of childbearing age and 0.45 µg MeHg/kg for adult men. In these two groups, the risk ratio was higher than 1.0; in women of childbearing age (18–49 years), the ratio was 1.8, and in adult men the ratio was 1.2. Conclusions: These results indicate that fish consumption although essential for the food and nutritional security of the riverine community, can cause significant health risks due to the consumption of mercury-contaminated fish.
Citation
do Carmo Vieira Pereira, S., dos Santos, M. R. S., de Medeiros Soares, J., de Sousa Farias, M. P., Garcia, E., & de Moura Meneses, H. D. N. (2025). Risk Assessment Through the Consumption of Mercury-Contaminated Fish in Riverine Communities, Brazilian Amazon. In Amazon 2030-Sustainability Issues in the World's Largest Rainforest Region (pp. 35-45). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-81465-5_3
TNC Authors
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Edenise Garcia
The Nature Conservancy