Matís and the research company Laxfiskar held a meeting to present the results of a joint study of the amount of mercury in trout from Þingvallavatn.
The study was based on human nutrition and was carried out to draw a picture of the amount of mercury in Þingvallaurrið, taking into account their size and prehistory. The meeting was held on Wednesday, 27 May 2009, at 14:00 in Sjávarútvegshúsið, Skúlagata 4, on the 1st floor.
The results of the study show that mercury is measurable in Þingvellir trout. Mercury can be very toxic, especially for brain development. The maximum level of mercury in salmonids according to Icelandic and European regulations is 0.5 mg / kg. Foods that exceed the maximum levels set in Icelandic regulations may not be distributed or sold because such foods may be harmful to the health of consumers. The amount of mercury in Þingvallaurrið is in the range of 0.02 - 1.02 mg / kg. The results of the study showed that there is a strong correlation between the length of Þingvellir trout and the amount of mercury. Trout longer than 60 cm are very likely to contain mercury in quantities exceeding the permissible limits. The smaller trout is on average below the permitted limits and is therefore safe to consume. It is recommended that trout that are longer than 60 cm are not used for food but that they are released back into the water as they are important for the growth and development of the trout stock in Þingvallavatn. The results showed that the mercury pollution was found in comparable amounts in trout all over Þingvallavatn. However, evidence was found that mercury pollution may be higher in one area. It is therefore considered desirable to carry out further research to investigate possible regional differences in the concentration of mercury in the vicinity of Þingvallavatn.
Regarding the risk of consumers consuming foods with higher mercury concentrations, it is worth noting that it is especially important that individuals in certain risk groups, such as pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding, avoid such foods.
The study was funded by Orkuveita Reykjavíkur's Environment and Energy Research Fund (UOOR).
Franklín Georgsson, Helga Gunnlaugsdóttir and Hrönn Ólína Jörundsdóttir, Matís and Jóhannes Sturlaugsson, Laxfiskar.