Hg Pools Research Articles

Transfer of mercury from benthic invertebrates to fishes in lakes with contrasting fish community structures

We examined the flow of mercury (Hg) from benthic invertebrates to fishes in lakes with contrasting fish community structure. The study was carried out in two whole lakes in southcentral Ontario in 1992. Both were remote from direct sources of contamination and were chosen because of their physical and chemical similarities. Although the fish communities in the two lakes were qualitatively similar, the total number of fishes in Ranger Lake was an order of magnitude smaller than that in Mouse Lake. As a result of the lower net predation from benthivorous fishes, documented in earlier studies, Ranger Lake benthic invertebrate populations were significantly higher. However, benthic invertebrate taxa in Mouse Lake were generally larger and had higher Hg concentrations. This was partly attributed to the stunted growth of Mouse Lake fishes, which did not allow them to prey on larger benthos as a result of gape limitations. Despite the lower Hg concentrations in Ranger Lake benthos, total benthic invertebrate Hg pools were higher in this lake as a result of its higher total benthic invertebrate biomass. However, the transfer of total Hg from benthic invertebrates to fishes was higher in Mouse Lake due to the higher consumption rates of benthivorous fishes.