Mercury Analysis in Fish: Advanced Analytical Methods for Food Safety in the Food & Beverage Industry

Food safety is a critical priority in the Food & Beverage industry, ensuring that products remain safe and compliant from production to consumption. One of the most significant risks comes from trace metal contamination , particularly mercury, arsenic, selenium, and antimony, which are commonly introduced through dietary exposure.

Among these, mercury contamination in fish and seafood is a major global concern. Mercury is often present in the form of methylmercury , a highly toxic organic compound that bioaccumulates in aquatic organisms and poses serious health risks to consumers.

To protect public health, regulatory authorities worldwide have established maximum permissible limits for mercury in fish, typically in the range of 0.5 – 1.0 µg/g (wet weight).
 
These regulations have driven the need for:

• Accurate monitoring across seafood supply
• High-sensitivity analytical techniques
• Reliable differentiation between mercury species (speciation analysis)

 
Today, laboratories focus on advanced analytical capabilities such as:

• Speciation analysis — distinguishing methylmercury from inorganic mercury
• Ultra-trace detection — ensuring accurate results at very low concentrations
• Matrix tolerance — handling complex food samples like fish, dairy, and grains

 
One of the most effective techniques for mercury and elemental analysis is Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry (AFS) , particularly when combined with separation technologies.

How HPLC–HG–AFS Works

• HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) separates different chemical species
• Hydride Generation (HG) converts specific elements into detectable volatile forms
• AFS (Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry) provides ultra-sensitive detection

 
This approach is especially effective for:

• Mercury (Hg) – including methylmercury (via cold vapor techniques)
• Arsenic (As)
• Selenium (Se)

 
Compared to more complex systems, this method offers:

• High sensitivity
• Lower operational cost
• Simpler maintenance
• Strong performance for routine laboratory analysis

 

Ensuring Food Safety with Reliable Analytical Methods

As regulations tighten and consumer awareness increases, laboratories must adopt technologies that deliver:

• Ultra-trace detection capability
• Reliable Specification analysis
• Operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness

 

Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry (AFS),combined with advanced separation techniques, stands out as a proven solution for ensuring food safety—particularly in monitoring mercury and methylmercury in seafood.
 

About Our Analytical Solutions

At Nexus Analytics, we provide advanced analytical instrumentation based on AFS technology, supporting laboratories in food, pharmaceutical, and environmental testing with reliable and cost-effective solutions for trace element and speciation analysis.

 

Evaluating AFS for your lab? Contact us for a demo or technical workshop. Follow us for more insights into food safety analysis and request our application notes to explore proven methods for mercury and methylmercury detection.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the maximum mercury level allowed in fish?

Most countries regulate mercury in fish between 0.5–1.0 µg/g (wet weight), depending on species and risk classification.

 

What is the difference between mercury and methylmercury?

Methylmercury is a more toxic organic form of mercury that bioaccumulates in fish and poses higher health risks to humans.

 

What is the low cost and best method for mercury analysis in food?

Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry (AFS) is widely used due to its ultra-low detection limits and strong capability for speciation analysis.