Mercury in fishes from Augusta Bay (southern Italy): Risk assessment and health implication

► The research reports on Hg contents in fishes living in and out the Augusta Bay. ► The high [HgT] in benthic species suggests an active release of Hg from sediments. ► The [HgT] in pelagic fishes suggests the bay exports mercury to the Mediterranean sea. ► THQ and EWI show that consumption of fishes from inside the bay is risky. ► THQ and EWI suggest caution in consuming fish from outside the Augusta Bay.