LAUSR

Biomonitoring methylmercury (MeHg) exposure is problematic in resource-limited settings and with difficult-to-access populations where traditional biomarker approaches present logistical, economic, and ethical issues. The present study aimed to validate the use of dried blood spots (DBS) to assess MeHg exposure in a real-world contaminated field setting. DBS and whole blood samples were collected from electronic waste (e-waste) workers (n=20) from Agbogbloshie (Ghana) in 2017, and DBS were also artificially created in the laboratory using the field-collected blood. Whole blood MeHg concentrations averaged 0.84µg/L, which was not different from levels measured in the corresponding DBS samples (field-collected or artificial-created). Whole blood MeHg comprised 61% of the blood total mercury concentrations. Linear regression analysis revealed no differences in MeHg concentrations between whole blood samples and field-collected DBS (slope 0.89, R2 =0.94), and between field- and laboratory-DBS (slope 0.89, R2 =0.96). MeHg content in DBS punch blanks averaged 0.86 pg, and thus not of concern. These findings indicate that DBS are a suitable tool for assessing MeHg exposure in real-world environmental settings that may be heavily contaminated. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.