Uptake Of Methylmercury Research Articles

Inorganic Mercury and Methyl-Mercury Uptake and Effects in the Aquatic Plant Elodea nuttallii: A Review of Multi-Omic Data in the Field and in Controlled Conditions

(1) Background: Mercury is a threat for the aquatic environment. Nonetheless, the entrance of Hg into food webs is not fully understood. Macrophytes are both central for Hg entry in food webs and are seen as good candidates for biomonitoring and bioremediation; (2) Methods: We review the knowledge gained on the uptake and effects of inorganic Hg (IHg) and methyl-Hg (MMHg) in the macrophyte Elodea nuttallii found in temperate freshwaters; (3) Results: E. nuttallii bioaccumulates IHg and MMHg, but IHg shows a higher affinity to cell walls. At the individual level, IHg reduced chlorophyll, while MMHg increased anthocyanin. Transcriptomics and metabolomics in shoots revealed that MMHg regulated a higher number of genes than IHg. Proteomics and metabolomics in cytosol revealed that IHg had more effect than MMHg; (4) Conclusions: MMHg and IHg show different cellular toxicity pathways. MMHg’s main impact appears on the non-soluble compartment, while IHg’s main impact happens on the soluble compartment. This is congruent with the higher affinity of IHg with dissolved OM (DOM) or cell walls. E. nuttallii is promising for biomonitoring, as its uptake and molecular responses reflect exposure to IHg and MMHg. More generally, multi-omics approaches identify cellular toxicity pathways and the early impact of sublethal pollution.

Uptake of methylmercury by marine microalgae and its bioaccumulation in them

Assessment of methylmercury (MeHg) accumulation by marine microalgae is critical to understand the dynamics of mercury (Hg) and MeHg in marine environments. We conducted incubation experiments with added MeHg to reveal its bioaccumulation by four marine microalgal lineages. Cyanophyceae had a higher cellular MeHg accumulation than Pelagophyceae, Prymnesiophyceae, and Bacillariophyceae (diatom). MeHg accumulation was higher in living (than dead) diatom cells. Moreover, diatom cells did not release cellular MeHg during cell division and the stationary phase. Our findings suggest that the community composition and metabolic activity of marine microalgae can be critical for MeHg biomagnification in marine food webs.

Evaluation of Mercury Transformation and Benthic Organisms Uptake in a Creek Sediment of Pearl River Estuary, China

A large fraction of mercury contaminant in the environment is from industrial production, and it potentially impairs human health once entering the food chain. Millions of people reside in the Pearl River Delta region, and water quality in the estuary directly affects their drinking water safety. Considering the highly intense anthropogenic activities and industrial productions, we attempted to measure the sediment mercury concentration in the Pearl River estuary. In this work, samples of a creek sediment within this region were collected and mercury concentrations were quantified. Total mercury, simultaneously extracted mercury, methylmercury, and bio-accumulated mercury were individually assayed. Results indicated that total mercury concentrations of investigated sites ranged from 1.073 to 4.450 µg/g dry sediment. The mercury in the sediment also transformed into more toxic methylmercury, which then adversely affected benthos biodiversity. Correlation analysis revealed that, mercury was accumulated into benthic microorganisms, mainly through the uptake of methylmercury. High concentrations of acid-volatile sulfide in the sediment indicated the presence of active sulfate-reducing bacteria, which could also catalytically transform inorganic mercury into methylmercury. Correlation analysis further showed that sulfate-reducing bacteria activity accounted for methylmercury formation.

Impacts of selenium supplementation on soil mercury speciation, and inorganic mercury and methylmercury uptake in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice grain is known to accumulate methylmercury (MeHg) and has been confirmed to be the major pathway of MeHg exposure to residents in mercury (Hg) mining areas in China. Selenium (Se) supplementation has been proven to be effective in mitigating the toxicity of Hg. To understand how Se supplementation influences soil Hg speciation, a wide range of Se (0–500 mg/kg) was applied to Hg polluted paddy soils in this study, which decreased MeHg concentration in soil from 2.95 ± 0.36 to 0.69 ± 0.16 μg/kg (or 77%). After Se addition, humic acid state Hg (F4) was transformed into strong-complexed state Hg (F5), indicating that Hg bound up to the non-sulfur functional groups of humic acid (non-RSH) was released and reabsorbed by strong binding Se functional group (F5). As a result, inorganic Hg (IHg) was reduced by >48%, 18%, and 80% in root, stem, and grain, respectively, however, the reduction was not apparent in leaf. Substantial reductions were also found for MeHg in grain and root, but not in stem and leaf. Soil is suggested to be the main source of both MeHg and IHg in rice grain. Such a finding may provide an idea for improving Hg-polluted paddies through controlling soil IHg and MeHg. Further research on the molecular structure of the strong-complexed Hg in F5 should be conducted to elucidate the mechanism of Hg-Se antagonism.

Relative Uptake of Methylmercury was Higher in the Brain of Fetal and Neonate than Weanling and Adult Rats

Fetuses and neonates are known to be highly susceptible to methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity. However, little is known about the relative uptake of MeHg from blood to the developing brain compared to adults. We measured time-course changes in MeHg concentrations in the brain of fetal, neonate, weanling, and adult rats following a single MeHg administration. In the experiment at late gestation, MeHg (0.08 mg Hg/kg) was subcutaneously injected to dams on embryonic days 17, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, and 20, and the dams and fetuses were dissected on embryonic day 21 (1 day before parturition). Hg concentrations were measured 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, and 4 days after the injection. Brain Hg levels in fetuses peaked 2 days after the injection and were approximately 1.5 times higher than levels in dams during that period. In the experiment at postnatal periods, the same dose of MeHg was injected subcutaneously to male pups on postnatal day 1 (neonate), 35 (weanling), and 56 (adult). The rats were then sacrificed 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 days after injection. Brain Hg levels peaked most rapidly in neonates, and levels were approximately 1.5 times higher than levels in weanling or adult rats. Throughout the experiment of the pregnancy and postnatal periods, the Hg level in the blood and Hg brain/blood ratio 24 h after MeHg injection were highest in fetuses, followed by neonates, and decreased with life stage. These results indicate that relative higher brain uptake of MeHg is an important factor for increased vulnerability of fetuses and neonates to MeHg poisoning.

Mercury mobility and effects in the salt-marsh plant Halimione portulacoides: Uptake, transport, and toxicity and tolerance mechanisms

The plant Halimione portulacoides, an abundant species widely distributed in temperate salt-marshes, has been previously assessed as bioindicator and biomonitor of mercury contamination in these ecosystems. The present study aims to assess uptake and distribution of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MMHg) within H. portulacoides, potential mercury release by volatilization through leaves, and toxicity and tolerance mechanisms by investigating plant photochemical responses. Stem cuttings of H. portulacoides were collected from a salt-marsh within the Tagus estuary natural protected area, and grown under hydroponic conditions. After root development, plants were exposed to 199HgCl2 and CH3201HgCl, and sampled at specific times (0, 1, 2, 4, 24, 72, 120, 168 (7 days) and 432 h (18 days)). After exposure, roots, stems and leaves were analysed for total 199Hg (T199Hg) and MM201Hg content. Photobiology parameters, namely efficiency and photoprotection capacity, were measured in leaves. Both THg and MMHg were incorporated into the plant root system, stems and leaves, with roots showing much higher levels of both isotope enriched spikes than the other plant tissues. Presence of both mercury isotopes in the stems and leaves and high significant correlations found between roots and stems, and stems and leaves, for both THg and MMHg concentrations, indicate Hg translocation between the roots and above-ground organs. Long-term uptake in stems and leaves, leading to higher Hg content, was more influenced by temperature and radiation than short-term uptake. However, the relatively low levels of both THg and MMHg in the aerial parts of the plant, which were influenced by temperature and radiation, support the possibility of mercury release by stems and leaves, probably via stomata aperture, as a way to eliminate toxic mercury. Regarding photochemical responses, few differences between control and exposed plants were observed, indicating high tolerance of this salt marsh plant to THg and MMHg.

Brain methylmercury uptake in fetal, neonate, weanling, and adult rats

Fetuses and neonates are known to be highly susceptible to methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity, but little is known about the relative uptake of MeHg from blood to the developing brain. We measured time-course changes in mercury (Hg) concentrations in the brain of fetal, neonate, weanling, and adult rats after an injection of 0.08 μg (0.4 nmol) Hg/g MeHg. In the prenatal experiment, MeHg was subcutaneously injected to pregnant dams on embryonic days 17, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, or 20, and Hg concentrations in tissues were measured in both mothers and fetuses on embryonic day 21 (1 day before parturition). Brain Hg levels in fetuses peaked 2 days after injection and were approximately 1.5 times higher than in mothers. In the postnatal experiment, the same MeHg dose was injected subcutaneously to male rats on postnatal days 1 (neonates), 35 (weanlings), or 56 (adults). Mercury concentrations in tissues were measured 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 days after the injection. Brain Hg levels peaked most rapidly in neonates, and were approximately 1.5 times higher than levels in weanlings or adults. Throughout the examined period, peak Hg levels in the brain and the Hg brain/blood ratio 24 h after injection were highest in fetuses, followed by the levels in neonates, and decreased with life stage. These findings suggest that relatively higher brain MeHg uptake is an important factor in the vulnerability of fetuses and neonates to MeHg exposure.

Effects of phosphorus on uptake and translocation of methylmercury in rice

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to determine uptake and translocation of MeHg in the absence or presence of P in three rice cultivars, named Tianyou196 (TY196), NanJing35 (NJ35), and ZiXiangnuo (ZX). Rice seedlings from each cultivar were divided into two groups. One group was grown in normal P (+P) nutrient solution and the other in absence of P or starvation (−P) nutrient solution for 2 weeks. Both groups were subsequently exposed to 200 mg/L MeHg chloride culture solution and maintained in a greenhouse for 4 weeks. The results showed that the amount of reddish Fe plaque outside rice root was significantly increased by P starvation treatment, but in the +P treatments, rice roots remained white. It is proposed that Fe plaque formed sequestered MeHg and consequently reduced translocation of MeHg from roots to shoots. It is of interest that MeHg content in roots and shoots of TY196 and NJ35 was 11.1%–18.8% and 28.9%–32.3% lower than in ZX, respectively. Therefore, in practice, depletion of P to enhance Fe plaque formation in rice growing area is effective in preventing MeHg translocation from roots to shoots and ensures food safety in mine locations.

A Model for Methylmercury Uptake and Trophic Transfer by Marine Plankton.

Methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations can increase by 100 000 times between seawater and marine phytoplankton, but levels vary across sites. To better understand how ecosystem properties affect variability in planktonic MeHg concentrations, we develop a model for MeHg uptake and trophic transfer at the base of marine food webs. The model successfully reproduces measured concentrations in phytoplankton and zooplankton across diverse sites from the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. Highest MeHg concentrations in phytoplankton are simulated under low dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations and ultraoligotrophic conditions typical of open ocean regions. This occurs because large organic complexes bound to MeHg inhibit cellular uptake and cell surface area to volume ratios are greatest under low productivity conditions. Modeled bioaccumulation factors for phytoplankton (102.4-105.9) are more variable than those for zooplankton (104.6-106.2) across ranges in DOC (40-500 μM) and productivities (ultraoligotrophic to hypereutrophic) typically found in marine ecosystems. Zooplankton growth dilutes their MeHg body burden, but they also consume greater quantities of MeHg enriched prey at larger sizes. These competing processes lead to lower variability in MeHg concentrations in zooplankton compared to phytoplankton. Even under hypereutrophic conditions, modeled growth dilution in marine zooplankton is insufficient to lower their MeHg concentrations, contrasting findings from freshwater ecosystems.

Methylmercury Uptake into BeWo Cells Depends on LAT2-4F2hc, a System L Amino Acid Transporter.

The organic mercury compound methylmercury (MeHg) is able to target the fetal brain. However, the uptake of the toxicant into placental cells is incompletely understood. MeHg strongly binds to thiol-S containing molecules such as cysteine. This MeHg-l-cysteine exhibits some structural similarity to methionine. System L plays a crucial role in placental transport of essential amino acids such as leucine and methionine and thus has been assumed to also transport MeHg-l-cysteine across the placenta. The uptake of methylmercury and tritiated leucine and methionine into the choriocarcinoma cell line BeWo was examined using transwell assay and small interfering (si)RNA mediated gene knockdown. Upon the downregulation of large neutral amino acids transporter (LAT)2 and 4F2 cell-surface antigen heavy chain (4F2hc), respectively, the levels of [3H]leucine in BeWo cells are significantly reduced compared to controls treated with non-targeting siRNA (p < 0.05). The uptake of [3H]methionine was reduced upon LAT2 down-regulation as well as methylmercury uptake after 4F2hc silencing (p < 0.05, respectively). These findings suggest an important role of system L in the placental uptake of the metal. Comparing the cellular accumulation of mercury, leucine, and methionine, it can be assumed that (1) MeHg is transported through system L amino acid transporters and (2) system L is responsible for the uptake of amino acids and MeHg primarily at the apical membrane of the trophoblast. The findings together can explain why mercury in contrast to other heavy metals such as lead or cadmium is efficiently transported to fetal blood.

Speciation of Mercury in Microalgae by Isotope Dilution-inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

ABSTRACTSpecies-specific stable isotope dilution in combination with gold trap- or gas chromatography (GC)-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is reported for the determination of inorganic mercury and methylmercury in diatoms (Chaetoceros curvisetus). The optimum conditions for the separation parameters were established. The isotope dilution analysis was performed using 199Hg-enriched Hg2+ and laboratory-synthesized 201Hg-enriched methylmercury. The absolute detection limits obtained with isotope dilution-ICP-MS were 9 pg for total mercury and 0.6 pg for methylmercury. The relative error of 7 Hg isotopic abundances based on the peak area measurements was better than 2.0% for 20 pg of methylmercury (as Hg) and 250 pg of inorganic mercury. The accuracy of the method was validated with a biological certified reference material. The developed method was then applied to investigate the uptake of inorganic mercury and methylmercury by C. curvisetus. Continuous uptake of inorganic mercury and methylmercury was observed during 5 days of incubation.

Methylmercury uptake and degradation by methanotrophs.

Methylmercury (CH3Hg+) is a potent neurotoxin produced by certain anaerobic microorganisms in natural environments. Although numerous studies have characterized the basis of mercury (Hg) methylation, no studies have examined CH3Hg+ degradation by methanotrophs, despite their ubiquitous presence in the environment. We report that some methanotrophs, such as Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b, can take up and degrade CH3Hg+ rapidly, whereas others, such as Methylococcus capsulatus Bath, can take up but not degrade CH3Hg+. Demethylation by M. trichosporium OB3b increases with increasing CH3Hg+ concentrations but was abolished in mutants deficient in the synthesis of methanobactin, a metal-binding compound used by some methanotrophs, such as M. trichosporium OB3b. Furthermore, addition of methanol (>5 mM) as a competing one-carbon (C1) substrate inhibits demethylation, suggesting that CH3Hg+ degradation by methanotrophs may involve an initial bonding of CH3Hg+ by methanobactin followed by cleavage of the C-Hg bond in CH3Hg+ by the methanol dehydrogenase. This new demethylation pathway by methanotrophs indicates possible broader involvement of C1-metabolizing aerobes in the degradation and cycling of toxic CH3Hg+ in the environment.

Methylmercury uptake by diverse marine phytoplankton

Methylmercury uptake by diverse marine phytoplankton

Methylmercury uptake by diverse marine phytoplankton.

Phytoplankton may serve as a key entry for methylmercury (MeHg) into aquatic food webs however very few studies have quantified the bioconcentration of MeHg in marine phytoplankton from seawater, particularly for non-diatoms. Experiments using 203Hg to measure MeHg uptake rates and concentration factors in six marine phytoplankton species belonging to different algal classes were conducted and the influence of light, temperature, and nutrient conditions on MeHg bioaccumulation were determined. All algal species greatly concentrated MeHg out of seawater, with volume concentration factors (VCFs) ranging from 0.2 × 105 to 6.4 × 106. VCFs were directly related to cellular surface area-to-volume ratios. Most of the cellular MeHg was found in the cytoplasm. Temperature, light, and nutrient additions did not directly affect MeHg uptake in most species, with the exception that the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum displayed significantly greater uptake per cell at 18°C than at 4°C, suggesting an active uptake for this species. Passive transport seemed to be the major pathway for most phytoplankton to acquire MeHg and was related to the surface area-to-volume ratio of algal cells. Environmental conditions that promoted cell growth resulted in more total MeHg associated with cells, but with lower concentrations per unit biomass due to biodilution. The very high bioconcentration of MeHg in marine phytoplankton is by far the largest bioconcentration step in marine food chains and variations in algal uptake may account for differences in the amount of MeHg that ultimately builds up in different marine ecosystems.

Net methylmercury production in 2 contrasting stream sediments and associated accumulation and toxicity to periphyton.

Periphyton uptake of bioaccumulative methylmercury (MeHg) may be an important entryway into the food web of many stream ecosystems where periphyton can be dominant primary producers. The net production of MeHg in stream sediment, its bioaccumulation in periphyton, and the potential toxicity of divalent Hg (Hg[II]) and MeHg in sediment to periphyton were investigated with a 67-d in situ incubation experiment using chemical exposure substrates containing either a fine-grained, organic-rich or a sandy, low-organic sediment, each amended with varying concentrations of mercuric chloride. Methylmercury was produced in sediment, and concentrations increased with greater amounts of added Hg(II); however, the net production of MeHg was inhibited in the highest Hg(II) treatments of both sediments. The range of total Hg concentrations that inhibited MeHg production was between approximately 80 000 ng Hg and 350 000 ng Hg per gram of organic matter for both sediments. Periphyton colonizing substrates accumulated MeHg in proportion to the concentration in sediment, but periphyton exposed to the sandy sediment accumulated approximately 20-fold more than those exposed to the organic-rich sediment relative to sediment MeHg concentrations. Toxicity of either Hg(II) or MeHg to periphyton was not observed with either periphyton organic content, net primary production, or respiration as endpoints. These results suggest that in situ production and bioaccumulation of MeHg in stream ecosystems can vary as a function of sediment characteristics and Hg(II) loadings to the sediment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1759-1765. © 2015 SETAC.

Investigation of biogeochemical controls on the formation, uptake and accumulation of methylmercury in rice paddies in the vicinity of a coal-fired power plant and a municipal solid waste incinerator in Taiwan

Recent studies have shown that rice consumption is another critical route of human exposure to methylmercury (MeHg), the most toxic and accumulative form of mercury (Hg) in the food web. Yet, the mechanisms that underlie the production and accumulation of MeHg in the paddy ecosystem are still poorly understood. In 2013 and 2014, we conducted field campaigns and laboratory experiments over a rice growing season to examine Hg and MeHg cycling, as well as associated biogeochemistry in a suite of paddies close to a municipal solid waste incinerator and a coal-fired power plant station in Taiwan. Concentrations of total Hg and MeHg in paddy soil and rice grain at both sites were low and found not to exceed the control standards for farmland soil and edible rice in Taiwan. However, seasonal variations of MeHg concentrations observed in pore water samples indicate that the in situ bioavailability of inorganic Hg and activity of Hg-methylating microbes in the rhizosphere increased from the early-season and peaked at the mid-season, presumably due to the anoxia created under flooded conditions and root exudation of organic compounds. The presence of Hg-methylators was also confirmed by the hgcA gene detected in all root soil samples. Subsequent methylation tests performed by incubating the root soil with inorganic Hg and an inhibitor or stimulant specific for certain microbes further revealed that sulfate-reducers might have been the principal Hg-methylting guild at the study sites. Interestingly, results of hydroponic experiments conducted by cultivating rice in a defined nutrient solution amended with fixed MeHg and varying levels of MeHg-binding ligands suggested that chemical speciation in soil pore water may play a key role in controlling MeHg accumulation in rice, and both passive and active transport pathways seem to take place in the uptake of MeHg in rice roots.

Historic and Contemporary Mercury Exposure and Potential Risk to Yellow-Billed Loons (Gavia adamsii) Breeding in Alaska and Canada

Abstract. The Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii) is one of the rarest breeding birds in North America. Because of the small population size and patchy distribution, any stressor to its population is of concern. To determine risks posed by environmental mercury (Hg) loads, we captured 115 Yellow-billed Loons between 2002 and 2012 in the North American Arctic and sampled their blood and/or feather tissues and collected nine eggs. Museum samples from Yellow-billed Loons also were analyzed to examine potential changes in Hg exposure over time. An extensive database of published Hg concentrations and associated adverse effects in Common Loons (G. immer) is highly informative and representative for Yellow-billed Loons. Blood Hg concentrations reflect dietary uptake of methylmercury (MeHg) from breeding areas and are generally considered near background levels if less than 1.0 µg/g wet weight (ww). Feather (growrn at wintering sites) and egg Hg concentrations can represent a mix of breeding and wintering dietary...

Accumulation of dietary methylmercury and effects on growth and survival in two estuarine forage fish: Cyprinodon variegatus and Menidia beryllina

Dietary methylmercury (MeHg) uptake by fish in relation to life stage, species, and level of exposure is poorly understood in lower trophic levels, particularly in estuarine species. The authors compared accumulation of dietary MeHg as well as sensitivity (survival and growth) to dietary MeHg exposure in two species of estuarine forage fish, Cyprinodon variegatus and Menidia beryllina. Fish were fed one of five dietary MeHg concentrations (ranging from 0.04 to 14 µg/g dry wt) over a period of 70 d. Growth rate and the level of dietary exposure influenced MeHg tissue concentrations in both species. Mercury in the diet exhibited a strong linear relationship with fish Hg tissue concentrations. Additionally, the authors found that M. beryllina was more sensitive to dietary MeHg exposure than C. variegatus. Both species showed some decreases in growth related to MeHg exposure, although these patterns were not consistent among treatments. Overall, C. variegatus and M. beryllina were found to have a high tolerance for dietary MeHg exposure. If fish occupying low trophic levels are capable of surviving with high Hg body burdens, this tolerance has important implications for Hg exposure of organisms occupying higher trophic levels.

Coupling of methylmercury uptake with respiration and water pumping in freshwater tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

The relationships among the uptake of toxic methylmercury (MeHg) and two important fish physiological processes-respiration and water pumping--in the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were explored in the present study. Coupled radiotracer and respirometric techniques were applied to measure simultaneously the uptake rates of MeHg, water, and oxygen under various environmental conditions (temperature, dissolved oxygen level, and water flow). A higher temperature enhanced MeHg influx and the oxygen consumption rate but had no effect on the water uptake, indicating the influence of metabolism on MeHg uptake. The fish showed a high tolerance to hypoxia, and the oxygen consumption rate was not affected until the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to extremely low levels (below 1 mg/L). The MeHg and water uptake rates increased simultaneously as the dissolved oxygen level decreased, suggesting the coupling of water flux and MeHg uptake. The influence of fish swimming performance on MeHg uptake was also investigated for the first time. Rapidly swimming fish showed significantly higher uptake rates of MeHg, water, and oxygen, confirming the coupling relationships among respiration, water pumping, and metal uptake. Moreover, these results support that MeHg uptake is a rate-limiting process involving energy. Our study demonstrates the importance of physiological processes in understanding mercury bioaccumulation in fluctuating aquatic environments.

Interrelationships between Fish Tissue Mercury Concentrations and Water Quality for South Dakota Natural Lakes and Impoundments

The purpose of this study was to determine whether water quality parameters commonly associated with primary productivity may be used to predict the susceptibility of a specific water body to exceed proposed fish consumption advisory limitation of 0.3 mg kg−1. South Dakota currently has nine lakes and impoundments that exceed fish tissue mercury advisory limits of 1.0 mg kg−1 total mercury, far exceeding US Environmental Protection Agency and Food and Drug Administration 0.3 mg kg−1 consumption criteria. Previous studies suggest that increased aquatic productivity may mitigate the effects of biological production and subsequent uptake of methyl mercury through bio-dilution; however, it is uncertain whether these trends may exist within highly alkaline and highly productive aquatic conditions common to South Dakota lakes and impoundments. Water quality parameters and fish tissue mercury data for northern pike and walleye were collected and assessed using existing South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Game Fish and Parks data. The data was initially screened using both parametric linear regression and non-parametric Mann–Whitney rank sum comparisons and further assessed using binary logistic regression and stepwise logistic regression methodology. Three separate phosphorus measurements (total, total dissolved, and Trophic State Index) and pH were determined to significantly correlate with increased mercury concentrations for the northern pike-in-impoundments model. However, phosphorus surprisingly was not a strong predictor for the remaining scenarios modeled. For the northern pike-in-natural lakes models, alkalinity was the most significant water quality parameter predicting increased mercury concentrations. Mercury concentrations for the walleye-in-natural lakes models were further influenced by pH and alkalinity. The water quality and fish tissue mercury interrelationships determined within this study suggest aquatic productivity, and consequential eutrophication processes appear to be reasonable indicators of fish tissue mercury susceptibility for aquatic conditions common to South Dakota and highlight the continuing need to minimize eutrophication through effective watershed management strategies.