Relation between trophic position and mercury accumulation among fishes from the Tongue River Reservoir, Montana
Concentrations of total mercury were determined in muscle tissue from northern pike (Esox lucius), sauger (Stizostedion canadense), walleye (S. vitreum), black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), and white crappie (P. annularis) collected from the Tongue River Reservoir, Montana, prior to extensive surface coal-mine development in the region. Mercury concentrations in fish flesh increased with fish size and age; larger individuals of all five species exceeded the US Food and Drug Administration's mercury concentration guideline of 0.5 ..mu..g/g. The rate of mercury accumulation was faster in the piscivorous species (northern pike, saugers, and walleyes) than in the planktivores (black crappies and white crappies). Differences in mercury uptake rates among the various species appeared to be directly related to the quantity of mercury eaten; results are discussed in relation to published models of mercury accumulation by fishes.
- Research Organization:
- Montana State Univ., Bozeman
- OSTI ID:
- 6865561
- Journal Information:
- Environ. Res.; (United States), Vol. 22:1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
MERCURY
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BUILDUP
FISHES
MONTANA
MUSCLES
TISSUES
TOXICITY
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
BODY
ELEMENTS
METALS
NORTH AMERICA
ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
USA
VERTEBRATES
560305* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Vertebrates- (-1987)