Rice consumption contributes to low level methylmercury exposure in southern China

► The average levels of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in rice samples were generally low. ► The general population in southern China had low risk of MeHg exposure. ► Rural population had significantly higher PDIs of MeHg than urban population from rice consumption. ► Rice is an important route of human MeHg exposure in southern China.