Total Mercury in Squalid Callista <Emphasis Type="Italic">Megapitaria squalida</Emphasis> from the SW Gulf of California,Mexico: Tissue Distribution and Human Health Risk

We evaluated the total Hg concentration in different tissues of squalid callista Megapitaria squalida in order to measure Hg distribution in tissue and to estimate human health risk. Samples were obtained by free diving in the SW Gulf of California, Mexico. Concentrations are given on a wet weight basis. A total of 89 squalid callista specimens were obtained, presenting an average Hg concentration of 0.07?±?0.04 µg g^?1. There were no significant differences (p?>?0.05) in Hg concentration between tissues (visceral mass?=?0.09?±?0.08 µg g^?1; mantle?=?0.06?±?0.07 µg g^?1; muscle?=?0.06?±?0.04 µg g^?1). The low Hg values found in squalid callista and its low risk quotient (HQ?=?0.03) suggest that the consumption of squalid callista does not represent a human health risk. However, HQ calculated using MeHg was >?1, it which could indicate a potential risk related to consumption of clams.