Use this fish mercury calculator to help consumers estimate their mercury intake from fish consumption by considering factors such as the type of fish, portion size, and frequency of consumption to provide an estimate of mercury exposure.
- Tilefish (Gulf of Mexico): Average of 1.123 ppm, with maximum readings up to 3.73 ppm, indicating very high mercury levels.
- Tilefish (Atlantic Coast): Lower average of 0.144 ppm, but can reach up to 0.533 ppm.
- Southern Bluefin Tuna: Known for high mercury content, similar to other large predatory fish.
- Barramundi: Contains significant mercury levels, often exceeding safe limits if consumed frequently.
- Gemfish and Orange Roughy: Both species are known for elevated mercury concentrations and should be consumed with caution.
If you regularly eat tuna, you can input the specific type (e.g., albacore or yellowfin), how many ounces you typically consume, and how often you eat it.
Fish Mercury Calculator
| Fish Type | Portion (oz) | Frequency (per week) | Mercury Intake (μg) | % of Weekly Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon | 6 | 2 | 7.5 | 15.8% |
| Cod | 4 | 1 | 12.6 | 26.5% |
| Albacore Tuna | 3 | 1 | 29.8 | 62.6% |
| Tilapia | 6 | 3 | 6.6 | 13.9% |
| Swordfish | 4 | 0.5 (bi-weekly) | 56.5 | 118.7% |
| Shrimp | 8 | 2 | 3.6 | 7.6% |
| Canned Light Tuna | 5 | 2 | 12.6 | 26.5% |
| Halibut | 6 | 1 | 25.2 | 53.0% |
| Pollock | 4 | 2 | 4.4 | 9.2% |
| Catfish | 6 | 2 | 5.9 | 12.4% |
| Trout | 6 | 2 | 8.3 | 17.4% |
| Sardines | 2 | 2 | 0.5 | 1.1% |
Fish Mercury Levels Chart
| Fish Type | Mercury Level (ppm) |
|---|---|
| Swordfish | 0.995 |
| Shark | 0.979 |
| King Mackerel | 0.730 |
| Bigeye Tuna | 0.689 |
| Marlin | 0.485 |
| Albacore Tuna | 0.35 |
| Canned Tuna (White) | 0.128 |
| Cod | 0.111 |
| American Lobster | 0.107 |
| Herring | 0.084 |
| Trout | 0.071 |
| Pollock | 0.031 |
| Catfish | 0.025 |
| Salmon (Fresh/Frozen) | 0.022 |
| Sardines | 0.013 |
| Oysters | 0.012 |
| Shrimp | 0.009 |
| Scallops | 0.003 |
Fish Mercury Calculation Formula
Mercury Intake = (Fish Mercury Concentration) × (Amount Consumed) × (Frequency of Consumption)Where:
- Fish Mercury Concentration is measured in parts per million (ppm)
- Amount Consumed is usually in ounces or grams
- Frequency of Consumption is often expressed as times per week or month
When you consume 6 ounces of albacore tuna (average mercury concentration of 0.35 ppm) twice a week, the calculation would be:
0.35 ppm × 6 oz × 2 = 4.2 units of mercury exposure per weekHow to Measure Mercury in Fish?
The most common method is Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (CVAAS). This process involves:
Sample preparation: Fish tissue is homogenized and digested in acid.
Mercury vaporization: The sample is treated to convert all mercury to elemental form.
Absorption measurement: Mercury vapor is passed through a light beam, and absorption is measured.
How Much Fish Mercury is Toxic Per Week?
Adults consume no more than 0.1 micrograms of mercury per kilogram of body weight per day recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
For a 150-pound (68 kg) adult, this translates to about 6.8 micrograms per day or 47.6 micrograms per week.
A person eats 6 oz of albacore tuna (0.35 ppm mercury) twice a week, their intake would be: (0.35 ppm × 6 oz × 2) × 28.35 g/oz = 59.54 micrograms, exceeding the recommended limit.
Which Fish Has the Least Mercury?
- Salmon: Both wild and farmed varieties have very low mercury levels (about 0.022 ppm).
- Sardines: These small fish contain only about 0.013 ppm of mercury.
- Tilapia: This popular freshwater fish has approximately 0.013 ppm of mercury.
Consuming 6 oz of salmon twice a week would result in a mercury intake of only about 7.5 micrograms, well below the recommended limit.
Can You Get Too Much Mercury from Eating Fish?
Yes, it’s possible to consume excessive amounts of mercury from fish, especially if you regularly eat large predatory species.
A person who frequently eats high-mercury fish like swordfish (0.995 ppm) could easily exceed safe levels. Eating 6 oz of swordfish just once a week would result in about 169 micrograms of mercury intake, more than three times the recommended weekly limit for a 150-pound adult.
Sources / References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Advice About Eating Fish
- Environmental Protection Agency: EPA-FDA Fish Advice
- National Resources Defense Council: Mercury Guide
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