Comparison of mercury levels in fresh tuna and canned tuna

CHED 200

Ashley E. Rollins, aerollins09@transy.edu and Gerald Seebach, gseebach@transy.edu. Division of Natural Science & Mathematics, Transylvania University, 300 N. Broadway, Lexington, KY 40508
It is an accepted fact that consumption and contact with mercury can have severe consequences ranging from skin rashes to muscle weakness and memory loss. Recent findings of contaminated consumables have prompted investigations into the safety of consuming animals lower on the food chain. A prominent example would be the levels of mercury found in tuna, a food source that has been hailed for its health benefits.Samples of both canned and fresh skipjack and albacore tuna are analyzed to ascertain any differences based on tuna size and gill intake. Samples are prepared using an oven drying method. The mercury is extracted by nitric acid digestion and levels are analyzed using flame atomic absorption.