Methyl Mercury Exposure through Seafood Diet and Its Effect on Aquatic Life and Health in United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Methylmercury bioaccumulates and concentrates through the aquatic food chain and is known for its potent toxicity, exposure to methylmercury is linked to increased health risks of humans as well as aquatic life. This paper reviews the existing comprehensive literature highlighting the interaction between Dissolved organic matter (DOM) and MeHg, the process of bioaccumulation and current unresolved risks due to MeHg contamination in aquatic life and its related health hazards. This review particularly focuses on the dietary exposure to methylmercury through seafood in UAE. Though further research is warranted on new factors that influence MeHg uptake and toxicity and bio-indicators of exposure to MeHg, that leads to cardiovascular and neurologic effects in adult populations in UAE, it is has been concluded that to protect human health and aquatic life, it is important to take necessary steps in order to eliminate or at least reduce the sources of methylmercury dietary exposure to national population.