Mercury Concentrations In Fish Research Articles

Assessing potential health risks to fish and humans using mercury concentrations in inland fish from across western Canada and the United States

Fish represent high quality protein and nutrient sources, but Hg contamination is ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems and can pose health risks to fish and their consumers. Potential health risks posed to fish and humans by Hg contamination in fish were assessed in western Canada and the United States. A large compilation of inland fish Hg concentrations was evaluated in terms of potential health risk to the fish themselves, health risk to predatory fish that consume Hg contaminated fish, and to humans that consume Hg contaminated fish. The probability that a fish collected from a given location would exceed a Hg concentration benchmark relevant to a health risk was calculated. These exceedance probabilities and their associated uncertainties were characterized for fish of multiple size classes at multiple health-relevant benchmarks. The approach was novel and allowed for the assessment of the potential for deleterious health effects in fish and humans associated with Hg contamination in fish across this broad study area. Exceedance probabilities were relatively common at low Hg concentration benchmarks, particularly for fish in larger size classes. Specifically, median exceedances for the largest size classes of fish evaluated at the lowest Hg concentration benchmarks were 0.73 (potential health risks to fish themselves), 0.90 (potential health risk to predatory fish that consume Hg contaminated fish), and 0.97 (potential for restricted fish consumption by humans), but diminished to essentially zero at the highest benchmarks and smallest fish size classes. Exceedances of benchmarks are likely to have deleterious health effects on fish and limit recommended amounts of fish humans consume in western Canada and the United States. Results presented here are not intended to subvert or replace local fish Hg data or consumption advice, but provide a basis for identifying areas of potential health risk and developing more focused future research and monitoring efforts.

Spatial and temporal patterns of mercury concentrations in freshwater fish across the Western United States and Canada

Methylmercury contamination of fish is a global threat to environmental health. Mercury (Hg) monitoring programs are valuable for generating data that can be compiled for spatially broad syntheses to identify emergent ecosystem properties that influence fish Hg bioaccumulation. Fish total Hg (THg) concentrations were evaluated across the Western United States (US) and Canada, a region defined by extreme gradients in habitat structure and water management. A database was compiled with THg concentrations in 96,310 fish that comprised 206 species from 4262 locations, and used to evaluate the spatial distribution of fish THg across the region and effects of species, foraging guilds, habitats, and ecoregions. Areas of elevated THg exposure were identified by developing a relativized estimate of fish mercury concentrations at a watershed scale that accounted for the variability associated with fish species, fish size, and site effects. THg concentrations in fish muscle ranged between 0.001 and 28.4 (μg/g wet weight (ww)) with a geometric mean of 0.17. Overall, 30% of individual fish samples and 17% of means by location exceeded the 0.30μg/g ww US EPA fish tissue criterion. Fish THg concentrations differed among habitat types, with riverine habitats consistently higher than lacustrine habitats. Importantly, fish THg concentrations were not correlated with sediment THg concentrations at a watershed scale, but were weakly correlated with sediment MeHg concentrations, suggesting that factors influencing MeHg production may be more important than inorganic Hg loading for determining fish MeHg exposure. There was large heterogeneity in fish THg concentrations across the landscape; THg concentrations were generally higher in semi-arid and arid regions such as the Great Basin and Desert Southwest, than in temperate forests. Results suggest that fish mercury exposure is widespread throughout Western US and Canada, and that species, habitat type, and region play an important role in influencing ecological risk of mercury in aquatic ecosystems.

Improvements in fish polychlorinated biphenyl and other contaminant levels in response to remedial actions in Hamilton Harbour, Ontario, Canada

Hamilton Harbour, located in Ontario, Canada at the western end of Lake Ontario, is recognized as one of the most anthropogenically-impacted regions within the Great Lakes and is currently listed as an Area of Concern. One of the Beneficial Use Impairments for the harbour has been restrictions on fish consumption due to elevated contaminant levels. In this study, we examined past and recent fish contaminant data collected by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change in partnership with other agencies to evaluate temporal trends in fish contaminant concentrations. Measurements for both resident and migratory sport fish as well as juvenile/forage fish were considered, with analysis focused on polychlorinated biphenyls, the group of chemicals identified as the major contaminant of concern. Current contaminant levels were evaluated against fish consumption advisory benchmarks used by Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, and compared with corresponding observations for other locations across the Great Lakes, including other Areas of Concern. The results show statistically significant improvements in fish contaminant levels within Hamilton Harbour, with recent fish mercury concentrations below the first advisory benchmarks for all species included in this study. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations declined by 59–82% from historical levels, although this decline was not statistically significant in Brown Trout, Common Carp, Freshwater Drum and White Sucker. Further, all species exhibit recent polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations above the first consumption advisory benchmark of 105 ng g−1. Compared to other Great Lakes locations, including other areas of concern, Hamilton Harbour polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations remain amongst the highest. The results suggest that recovery of Hamilton Harbour is still on-going.

Reservoirs and water management influence fish mercury concentrations in the western United States and Canada

Anthropogenic manipulation of aquatic habitats can profoundly alter mercury (Hg) cycling and bioaccumulation. The impoundment of fluvial systems is among the most common habitat manipulations and is known to increase fish Hg concentrations immediately following impoundment. However, it is not well understood how Hg concentrations differ between reservoirs and lakes at large spatial and temporal scales or how reservoir management influences fish Hg concentrations. This study evaluated total Hg (THg) concentrations in 64,386 fish from 883 reservoirs and 1387 lakes, across the western United States and Canada, to assess differences between reservoirs and lakes, as well as the influence of reservoir management on fish THg concentrations. Fish THg concentrations were 1.4-fold higher in reservoirs (0.13±0.011μg/g wet weight±standard error) than lakes (0.09±0.006), though this difference varied among ecoregions. Fish THg concentrations were 1.5- to 2.6-fold higher in reservoirs than lakes of the North American Deserts, Northern Forests, and Mediterranean California ecoregions, but did not differ between reservoirs and lakes in four other ecoregions. Fish THg concentrations peaked in three-year-old reservoirs then rapidly declined in 4–12year old reservoirs. Water management was particularly important in influencing fish THg concentrations, which were up to 11-times higher in reservoirs with minimum water storage occurring in May, June, or July compared to reservoirs with minimum storage occurring in other months. Between-year changes in maximum water storage strongly influenced fish THg concentrations, but within-year fluctuations in water levels did not influence fish THg concentrations. Specifically, fish THg concentrations increased up to 3.2-fold over the range of between-year changes in maximum water storage in all ecoregions except Mediterranean California. These data highlight the role of reservoir creation and management in influencing fish THg concentrations and suggest that water management may provide an effective means of mitigating Hg bioaccumulation in some reservoirs.

POTENSI SEBARAN LIMBAH MERKURI PERTAMBANGAN EMAS RAKYAT DI DESA CISUNGSANG, KABUPATEN LEBAK, BANTEN

The amalgamation in artisanal gold mining process in order to separate gold from the ore (gold-amalgam) will produce mercury waste. Poor waste management of mercury can pollute the environment. This research aims to identify a potential distribution pattern of mercury waste or tailing in Cisungsang village, Cibeber sub-district. Methods used are survei and spatial analysis. Samples taken from the research site are the gold miners (as subjects of research), sample of mercury waste, environmental samples (water, soil, fish, vegetables, and rice). The research results show that the use of mercury (100gr every tromol, every shift) has strong correlation (r = 0,791) with mercury concentrations in the waste ponds. Mercury concentrations in the liquid of waste ponds are 0,083-0,265 ppm and mercury concentration in the tailing (sludge) are 0,304-0,407 ppm. Researcher also develop a potential distribution pattern of mercury that consider slopes of 35% in the area, high precipitation, which can reach 4000 mm per year, and the condition of open waste ponds, which can speed up the mercury disposal process in the environment. Mercury concentration in the environment has exceeded the quality standard. Test result on environmental samples show that mercury concentration in fish is 1,66 ppm, in spinach is 4,61 ppm, and soil 0,0127 ppm .

Critical perspectives on mercury toxicity reference values for protection of fish

Environmental management decisions at mercury-contaminated sediment sites are predicated on the understanding of risks to various receptors, including fish. Toxicity reference values (TRVs) for interpreting risks to fish have been developed to assess mercury concentrations in fish or fish prey. These TRVs were systematically evaluated based on several lines of evidence. First, their conceptual basis and specific derivation were evaluated, including a close review of underlying toxicity studies. Second, case studies were reviewed to investigate whether TRVs are predictive of effects on fish populations in the field. Third, TRVs were compared with available information regarding preindustrial and present-day background concentrations of mercury in fish. The findings show that existing TRVs are highly uncertain, because they were developed using limited data from studies not designed for TRV derivation. Although field studies also entail uncertainty, several case studies indicate no evidence of adverse effects despite mercury exposures that exceed the available TRVs. Some TRVs also fall within the range of background mercury concentrations in predatory or prey fish. Lack of information on the selenium status of mercury-exposed fish is a critical confounding factor, and the form of methylmercury used in toxicity testing may also contribute to differences between TRV-based predictions and field observations of mercury effects on fish. On balance, the available information indicates that several of the TRVs reviewed are lower than necessary to protect fish populations. The 20% effect concentration from a previously published dose-response analysis appears closer to an effect threshold, based on available laboratory data. Additional research is needed to provide a stronger basis to establish dose-response relationships for mercury effects on fish.

Northern Dolly Varden charr total mercury concentrations: variation by life-history type

Total mercury (THg) concentrations were measured for different life-history types of Northern Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma malma) from the Babbage River, Yukon Territory, Canada to test hypotheses regarding the influence of life-history type, trophic position, and growth rate on THg tissue concentrations. In contrast to other northern anadromous fish species, higher measured THg concentrations were found in the anadromous life-history types. Standardization for common age, however, indicated that anadromous fish had lower THg concentrations than freshwater resident life-history types. δ15N was the most important factor in explaining observed differences among the individuals regardless of life-history types, with growth rate also contributing to explain among-individual variation. The contrast of higher absolute, but lower age- and size-adjusted THg levels in anadromous fish was explained by a combination of two counteracting mechanisms, including: (1) a switch to feeding at higher trophic levels and the use of more THg contaminated marine prey, and (2) somatic growth dilution that, with increasing growth efficiency, decreases THg as fish grow and age. Results underscore the importance of considering life-history variation in addition to trophic patterns, and fish sizes and age when interpreting mercury concentrations in fish with varying life histories.

Conifer density within lake catchments predicts fish mercury concentrations in remote subalpine lakes

Remote high-elevation lakes represent unique environments for evaluating the bioaccumulation of atmospherically deposited mercury through freshwater food webs, as well as for evaluating the relative importance of mercury loading versus landscape influences on mercury bioaccumulation. The increase in mercury deposition to these systems over the past century, coupled with their limited exposure to direct anthropogenic disturbance make them useful indicators for estimating how changes in mercury emissions may propagate to changes in Hg bioaccumulation and ecological risk. We evaluated mercury concentrations in resident fish from 28 high-elevation, sub-alpine lakes in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Fish total mercury (THg) concentrations ranged from 4 to 438 ng/g wet weight, with a geometric mean concentration (±standard error) of 43 ± 2 ng/g ww. Fish THg concentrations were negatively correlated with relative condition factor, indicating that faster growing fish that are in better condition have lower THg concentrations. Across the 28 study lakes, mean THg concentrations of resident salmonid fishes varied as much as 18-fold among lakes. We used a hierarchal statistical approach to evaluate the relative importance of physiological, limnological, and catchment drivers of fish Hg concentrations. Our top statistical model explained 87% of the variability in fish THg concentrations among lakes with four key landscape and limnological variables: catchment conifer density (basal area of conifers within a lake's catchment), lake surface area, aqueous dissolved sulfate, and dissolved organic carbon. Conifer density within a lake's catchment was the most important variable explaining fish THg concentrations across lakes, with THg concentrations differing by more than 400 percent across the forest density spectrum. These results illustrate the importance of landscape characteristics in controlling mercury bioaccumulation in fish.

Influence of mining related activities on levels of mercury in water, sediment and fish from the Ankobra and Tano River basins in South Western Ghana

Mercury (Hg) used in gold amalgamation is a major source of contamination in developing countries. The present study evaluates the concentrations of total mercury in water, sediment and fish from the Ankobra and Tano Rivers, which drain the major gold mining areas in Ghana. Total mercury (T-Hg) analysis was carried out using an atomic absorption spectroscopy (Perkin Elmer model 5100PC) equipped with a flow injection analysis system (FIAS, AS-90). Water, sediment and fish T-Hg concentrations were 0.145–1.078 μg/L, 23.39–73.31, and 0.03–0.443 μg/g dw, respectively in Ankobra basin, while in Tano basin levels of 0.214–0.250 μg/L, 14.43–21.51, 0.068–0.413 μg/g were found for water, sediment and fish, respectively. The T-Hg concentration in water from both basins were within the World Health Organization threshold limits for drinking water except at River Asuo Kofi. Concentration of T-Hg in the sediment exceeded Environmental Protection Agency ecotoxicological threshold in some sampling stations, suggesting potential adverse ecological effects. T-Hg levels in fish from both basins were lower than the WHO value (<0.500 μg/g (wet wt). The target hazard quotient values, suggest that human should minimizing meals/week of the analyzed species to avoid deleterious effect during lifetime. The results suggested that mining activities significantly contribute to the considerable environmental Hg contamination in both Ankobra and Tano River basins. Therefore Hg levels should carefully monitored and controlled to reduce its inputs and mitigate potential health consequences of Hg accumulation in the environment.

Major correlates of mercury in small fish and common loons (Gavia immer) across four large study areas in Canada

We investigated mercury (Hg) concentrations in small fish (mainly yellow perch, Perca flavescens; ∼60% of fish collected) and in blood of common loons (Gavia immer) that prey upon them during the breeding season on lakes in 4 large, widely separated study areas in Canada (>13 lakes per study area; total number of lakes = 93). Although surface sediments from lakes near a base metal smelter in Flin Flon, Manitoba had the highest Hg concentrations, perch and other small fish and blood of common loon chicks sampled from these same lakes had low Hg concentrations similar to those from uncontaminated reference lakes. Multiple regression modeling with AIC analysis indicated that lake pH was by far the most important single factor influencing perch Hg concentrations in lakes across the four study areas (R2 = 0.29). The best model was a three-variable model (pH + alkalinity + sediment Se; Wi = 0.61, R2 = 0.85). A single-variable model (fish Hg) best explained among-lake variability in loon chick blood Hg (Wi = 0.17; R2 = 0.53). From a toxicological risk perspective, all lakes posing a potential Hg health risk for perch and possibly other small pelagic fish species (where mean fish muscle Hg concentrations exceeded 2.4 μg/g dry wt.), and for breeding common loons (where mean fish muscle Hg concentrations exceeded 0.8 μg/g dry wt., and loon chick blood Hg exceeded 1.4 μg/g dry wt.) had pH < 6.7 and were located in eastern Canada.

Estimation of Mercury Intake from Consumption of Fish and Seafood in Russia

Data on the mercury concentration in freshwater and marine fish and seafood on the territory of Russia are presented. The level and pattern of the fish and seafood consumption in various regions of Russia are found from the analysis of open statistics. Regions with the maximum and minimum consumption of fish products are established. Mercury intake from these products in a human organism is calculated. It is shown that at the current level and pattern of the diet in Russia fish cannot be a source of high mercury concentrations in a human organism.

Key contributors to variations in fish mercury within and among freshwater reservoirs in Oklahoma, USA.

Elevated fish mercury (Hg) concentrations in freshwater ecosystems worldwide are a significant human and ecological health concern. Mercury bioaccumulation and biomagnification in lakes and reservoirs are controlled by numerous biogeochemical and ecological factors, contributing to variability in fish Hg concentrations both within and among systems. We measured total mercury concentrations ([THg]) and stable isotopes (δ(15)N, δ(13)C) in over 30 fish species in two connected subtropical freshwater reservoirs (Grand Lake and Lake Hudson, Oklahoma, USA), their tributaries, and local farm ponds, all of which are potentially impacted by nearby atmospheric Hg sources. We also conducted an inter-system analysis among 61 reservoirs in Oklahoma to explore biological, chemical and physical factors associated with fish [THg] across systems. We found that [THg] for most species in Grand Lake and Lake Hudson were relatively low compared to other reservoirs in Oklahoma. There were significant spatial variations in many species within and between Grand Lake and Lake Hudson, even after accounting for length and/or trophic position (based on δ(15)N). Fish in local farm ponds, commonly used in agricultural regions for raising game fish, had 2-17 times higher [THg] than fish of a similar length in nearby reservoirs. The inter-system analysis revealed that pH, water color, rainfall, and nutrients are the best predictors of fish [THg] across systems. Our results provide insight into the key factors associated with fish [THg] variations both within and across systems, and may be useful for exposure assessment and for identifying sites and water bodies prone to high fish [THg] as monitoring priorities.

Mercury Concentrations in Pacific Angel Sharks (Squatina californica) and Prey Fishes from Southern Gulf of California, Mexico.

Concentrations of mercury (Hg) were quantified in muscle tissues of the Pacific angel shark, Squatina californica sampled from Southern Gulf of California, Mexico, considering total length, sex, diet and the dietary risk assessment. High Hg levels are typically associated with carnivorous fishes, however S. californica showed low Hg concentrations (<1.0µgg(-1)) in muscle (0.24±0.27µgg(-1) wet weight; n=94). No effect of sex, total length and weight on Hg concentrations were observed in the shark (p>0.05). Hg concentrations were highest in the darkedge mishipman: Porichthys analis (0.14±0.08µgg(-1)) and red-eye round herring Etrumeus teres (0.13±0.05µgg(-1)) relative to other prey species, which could suggest that Hg concentrations in S. californica were influenced by these species. Given the relatively low concentration of Hg across age-classes and sex, consumption of S. californica's muscle tissue poses limited risk to humans.

Isotopic profile and mercury concentration in fish of the lower portion of the rio Paraíba do Sul watershed, southeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the isotopic profile and mercury (Hg) concentrations in fish (carnivores, omnivores and detritivores) in the lower portion of the rio Paraíba do Sul watershed, southeastern Brazil. Carbon (δ13C) isotopic analyses revealed that pelagic and benthonic sources are part of the feeding of the fish from the different guilds (-14.0 to -24.8 ‰). The benthic sources are usually enriched in δ13C (-16.9‰, from watershed runoff) compared to pelagic sources because the phytoplankton, important primary producer that supports several pelagic chains, has δ13C signature lighter (-23.9‰). The nitrogen (δ15N) isotopic signatures indicated that most guilds were at the same trophic position (10.0 to 15.5 ‰), except for pelagic omnivorous fish, which had a lower trophic position. Niche overlap was observed among pelagic and demersal carnivorous fish, demersal omnivorous fish, and demersal detritivorous fish. The lower isotopic niche breadth of pelagic carnivorous fish reveals the specialized resource use by this guild. Hg concentrations (ng g-1 dry weight) differed significantly between demersal carnivorous fish (185.3 dry weight; 27.8 wet weight) and demersal omnivorous fish (277.9 dry weight; 41.7 wet weight) and between pelagic omnivorous fish (197.2 dry weight; 29.6 wet weight) and demersal omnivorous fish due to (1) differences in food sources: guilds that fed on bottom resources were more affected by contamination because the sediment is an important Hg accumulator in the study area, and (2) because of its trophic positions. Considering that the fish consumed prey of similar trophic positions, the guilds did not show a well-defined food hierarchy. Therefore, in this study, there was no clear relationship between Hg and δ15N.

Effects of habitat on mercury concentrations in fish: a case study of Nile perch (Lates niloticus) in Lake Nabugabo, Uganda.

This study focused on variation in fish mercury (Hg) concentrations in 185 Nile perch (Lates niloticus) samples collected across four different habitat types in Lake Nabugabo, Uganda, a tropical lake located proximate to Lake Victoria. We quantified the stomach contents of Nile perch using the % index of relative importance, as well as, nitrogen and carbon isotopic concentrations to assess the role of diet and trophic level on Hg concentrations. In each habitat, we also evaluated a suite of chemical and physical characteristics that are commonly associated with variation in Hg bioavailability in temperate systems. Using linear mixed models and ANOVA, we demonstrate that habitat of capture is an important predictor of Hg concentrations in Nile perch from Lake Nabugabo and that the relationship between habitat and Hg is size and diet dependent. Nile perch diet as well as dissolved oxygen concentration and pH were also correlated with observed differences in fish Hg. Overall, Hg concentrations in Nile perch were all well below the WHO/FAO recommended guideline of 500ng/g (mean 13.6±0.4ng/g wet weight; range 4.9 and 29.3ng/g wet weight). This work contributes to a growing awareness of intra-lake divergence in Nile perch, as well as, divergence in Hg concentrations between varying aquatic habitat types, particularly wetlands.

Estimating Mercury Exposure of Piscivorous Birds and Sport Fish Using Prey Fish Monitoring.

Methylmercury is a global pollutant of aquatic ecosystems, and monitoring programs need tools to predict mercury exposure of wildlife. We developed equations to estimate methylmercury exposure of piscivorous birds and sport fish using mercury concentrations in prey fish. We collected original data on western grebes (Aechmophorus occidentalis) and Clark's grebes (Aechmophorus clarkii) and summarized the published literature to generate predictive equations specific to grebes and a general equation for piscivorous birds. We measured mercury concentrations in 354 grebes (blood averaged 1.06 ± 0.08 μg/g ww), 101 grebe eggs, 230 sport fish (predominantly largemouth bass and rainbow trout), and 505 prey fish (14 species) at 25 lakes throughout California. Mercury concentrations in grebe blood, grebe eggs, and sport fish were strongly related to mercury concentrations in prey fish among lakes. Each 1.0 μg/g dw (∼0.24 μg/g ww) increase in prey fish resulted in an increase in mercury concentrations of 103% in grebe blood, 92% in grebe eggs, and 116% in sport fish. We also found strong correlations between mercury concentrations in grebes and sport fish among lakes. Our results indicate that prey fish monitoring can be used to estimate mercury exposure of piscivorous birds and sport fish when wildlife cannot be directly sampled.

Methyl mercury concentrations in edible fish and shellfish from Dunedin, and other regions around the South Island, New Zealand

Methyl mercury (MeHg) concentrations were determined in edible fish and shellfish available in local markets in Dunedin, New Zealand. While most of the fish species were sourced in Dunedin, some specimens of fish were also collected from waters off Picton, around Stewart Island and also off-shore of the South Island in the Puysegur and Subantarctic regions. The concentrations of MeHg were analysed in 25 different fish species and shellfish (103 muscle tissue samples). Total mercury (HgT) levels were also analysed in a few (n=12) selected fish samples. Most of the Hg was in the form of MeHg (≥96%). Higher MeHg concentrations were found in fish at higher trophic levels, particularly in predatory fish species such as ling, school shark, spiny dogfish and albacore tuna. Concentrations of MeHg in all samples ranged from 0.002 to 2.515μgMeHg/g.

Total mercury concentrations in fish from Urrá reservoir (Sinú river, Colombia). Six years of monitoring

ABSTRACTObjective. The aim of this study was to monitor the total mercury (T-Hg) concentrations in fish from the Urrá reservoir, after impoundment. Materials and methods. Five fish species at different trophic levels were sampled from 2004 to 2009 and analyzed by cold-vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy for T-Hg concentrations in muscle tissue. Water quality parameters were evaluated. Results. The highest (1.39±0.69 μg/g ww) and lowest (0.15±0.02 μg/g ww) T-Hg concentrations were detected in Hoplias malabaricus (piscivorous) and Cyphocharax magdalenae (iliophagous/detritivorous) respectively, whereas Leporinus muyscorum (omnivorous) had an intermediate level (0.40±0.11 μg/g ww). The organic matter content in the water increased with time and depth, whereas dissolved oxygen and pH decreased. A covariance analysis (with fish length as a covariate) shows a steady increase of T-Hg levels in all the studied species after impoundment. Conclusions. The T-Hg concentrations in the evaluated fish species, increased after impoundment. The water quality variables showed conditions favoring Hg methylation and its biomagnification, this last was evident in the fish food chain of the reservoir.

Simple metal model for predicting uptake and chemical processes in sewage-fed aquaculture ecosystem

This paper shows how a model can be used as an experimental tool to assess the processes in aqua chemistry that should be included in the model. The STELLA software was used to study the uptake of Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu and Hg from sewage-fed aquaculture. Model calibration revealed that feeding rate of 15% was the best, which is also in accordance to the fish growth. The ratio of fish food was also calibrated to be 70% due to a food chain in the water and 30% due to a food chain in the sediment. This gave the lowest uncertainty of the model. The simple metal model was working acceptably well for Pb, Cu and Cd but not working properly for chromium and mercury. Additional processes, including precipitation of chromium and bio-magnification of methylmercury were introduced to explain concentration of chromium and mercury in fish. Comparison of measured and predicted metal concentration used for validation gave a linear regression with an R2 value of 0.9 indicating that a good agreement between the model predictions and the experimental measurements. The finding suggests that the simple metal model is an accurate and useful for predicting uptake and chemical processes in ecosystem.

Mercury Contamination in an Indicator Fish Species from Andean Amazonian Rivers Affected by Petroleum Extraction.

Elevated mercury (Hg) concentrations in fish from Amazonia have been associated with gold-mining, hydroelectric dams and deforestation but few studies consider the role of petroleum extraction. Hg levels were determined in fish samples collected in three river basins in Ecuador and Peru with contrasting petroleum exploitation and land-use characteristics. The non-migratory, piscivorous species, Hoplias malabaricus, was used as a bioindicator. The rate of Hg increase with body weight for this species was significantly higher on the Corrientes River, near the site of a recent oil spill, than on the other two rivers. In the absence of substantial deforestation and other anthropogenic sources in the Corrientes River basin, this finding suggests that oil contamination in Andean Amazonia may have a significant impact on Hg levels in fish.