4. Conclusion
This study determined total Hg, MeHgþ and iHg species in different seafood samples, including fish, crustaceans and bivalves. Figures of merit (LOD, LOQ, reproducibility and trueness) of the proposed LC-UV-CV-AFS procedure were satisfactory for the determination of MeHgþ and iHg in fish and shellfish. MeHgþ was the predominant species in all fish samples. The highest levels of MeHgþ in fish were found in two Brazilian fish samples and two Spanish fish samples. All concentrations are below the maximum levels set by Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006 for MeHgþ except for these four fish samples, which showed concentrations higher than 1 mg kg1. Despite the lack of Brazilian legislation regulating the maximum levels of MeHgþ in seafood, the present results have increased the availability of reliable results on MeHgþ in seafood and could be used in further Directives on MeHgþ in food commodities. Thus, the present method could be a valuable tool for food control laboratories that assess MeHgþ in seafood samples.