Concentration of mercury in human hair and associated factors in residents of the Gulf of Trieste (North-Eastern Italy)

• DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23384-z
• Publication Date: 2022-10-21T12:05:56Z
• Authors: Luca Cegolon; Elisa Petranich; Elena Pavoni; Federico Floreani; Nicolò Barago; Elisa Papassissa; Francesca Larese ...; Stefano Covelli
• Keywords: Cinnabar; Mercury; Hair analysis

Abstract The Gulf of Trieste (Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy) is the coastal area Mediterranean Sea most highly contaminated by mercury (Hg) due to fluvial inputs from Isonzo/Soča River system, draining over 500 years’ worth cinnabar extraction activity Idrija mining district (Western Slovenia). aim this research investigate concentration Hg in hair samples taken general population Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) Region area, as a marker chronic exposure Hg. Three hundred and one individuals — 119 males 182 females were recruited convenience sampling September 2021. An amount approximately 100 mg was collected occipital scalp each participant measure respective concentrations (expressed mg/kg). Moreover, participants completed self-report questionnaire collecting extensive socio-demographic life-style information. A multiple linear regression analysis employed factors associated with increased levels hair. mean 1.63 mg/kg found, slightly above 1.0 threshold recommended WHO for pregnant women children, although still well below no observed adverse effects level (NOAEL) 10 mg/kg. Among respondents, 55.6% showed > 1 mg/kg, 22.9% 2 exhibited adjusted those subjects who reported preference shellfish/crayfish/mollusks (RC = 0.35; 95%CI: 0.16; 0.55), whereas it decreased frozen fish -0.23; − 0.39; 0.06). Though risk alert residents FVG deemed unnecessary at time, that limit their ingestion locally caught < 4 servings/month.