It is common knowledge that a major source of mercury (Hg) in humans comes from the consumption of marine and freshwater fish. However, it is not widely known that Hg has also been found in terrestrial plants, and recent studies have proven that this may be another significant cause of Hg exposure for humans. This study focuses on the levels of Hg found in foreign and domestic rice and rice products consumed by students and residents of St. Lawrence County New York. The concentrations of Hg in a variety of rice grains and rice-based products is found using the Leco AMA254 Mercury Analyzer, which uses direct combustion and cold-vapor atomic absorption. Mercury levels in the rice grains were found to be between 20 ppb and 50 ppb, and future experiments will determine if the concentrations are diminished or remain constant in the rice products. Additionally, we will be looking at the concentrations of arsenic (As) in the same rice grains and products using a Perkin Elmer graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. Understanding that significant concentrations of heavy metals like Hg and As are found in commonly consumed plant materials, such as rice, will hopefully spark new studies on how the uptake of these toxic heavy metals can be prevented.

Analyzing the levels of mercury (Hg) in rice and rice products consumed by residents and students in St. Lawrence County New York

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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