Investigation of heavy metal mercury accumulation levels in the muscle tissue of Vannamei shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in shrimp distribution centers in Shiraz city

Accumulation of heavy metals in aquatic organisms is a major concern for food safety and public health. This study investigated the levels of mercury (Hg) in the muscle tissue of Vanami shrimp collected from shopping malls in Shiraz, Iran. A total of ۳۰ shrimp samples were collected from five major shopping malls during two sampling periods in Esfand and Ordibehesht ۱۴۰۴ (March–May ۲۰۲۵). Mercury concentrations were measured using standard analytical methods and reported as mg/kg fresh weight. The results showed that the Hg levels in shrimp muscle ranged from ۰.۰۴۲ to ۰.۰۷۸ mg/kg and the overall mean was ۰.۰۶۱ ± ۰.۰۰۹ mg/kg. No significant seasonal differences were observed between the two sampling months, and the differences between shopping malls were in the low range. Importantly, all measured values were below the permissible limit of ۰.۵ mg/kg set by international standards such as FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius. These findings indicate that shrimp collected from Shiraz shopping malls are safe for human consumption in terms of mercury contamination. However, continuous monitoring is recommended, as the accumulation of heavy metals in aquatic environments may vary with changes in water quality, feed sources, and distribution center management. These data provide valuable baseline information for risk assessment and monitoring of heavy metal residues in shrimp products in southern Iran, helping to ensure seafood quality and consumer safety.

کلیدواژه ها:

Vannamei shrimp ، mercury ، heavy metals ، shopping malls ، food safety ، Shiraz