Abstract

Total and organic mercury concentrations were determined in muscle, liver and kidney of thirty-six fin whales ( Balaenoptera physalus) of the Northeast Atlantic. Age, sex and length relationships for both forms of metal were examined. Tissue concentrations were lower than those of toothed whales and seals. A slight increase with age was observed for total mercury concentrations in muscle and liver and organic mercury concentrations in liver, which suggests a low rate of excretion for the metal, even at low concentrations. No differences between sexes were found regarding mercury concentrations, nor to their accumulation pattern.

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