Relationship between trace element concentrations and body length in dolphinfish ( Coryphaena hippurus ) in the northwest Atlantic Ocean

Dolphinfish ( Coryphaena hippurus ) is a popular seafood choice worldwide, however, except for mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se), little is known about the concentration of other trace elements in dolphinfish muscle tissue, especially in the northwest Atlantic Ocean. This study investigated the relationship between body length (61 to 94 cm fork length) and trace element [silver (Ag), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), Hg, manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), Se, and zinc (Zn)] concentrations in muscle tissue of dolphinfish caught off Long Island, New York ( n = 16). There was a positive relationship with body length for As and Hg, a negative relationship with body length for Cu and Zn, and no relationship with body length for Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Se. A negative relationship between the Se:Hg molar ratio and body length and Se:Hg molar ratio and Hg concentration was observed. Dolphinfish were low in Hg with only 18.9% ( n = 3) of individuals exceeding the U.S. EPA human health criterion of 0.3 µg/g wet weight, making this species a suitable seafood choice to reduce dietary intake of Hg at the investigated body length. All fish had a Se:Hg molar ratio > 1:1 indicating that Se may have a protective effect against Hg toxicity. The selenium health benefit value (HBV Se ) for all individuals was > 1, indicating there may be health benefits from consuming dolphinfish.