Comparison of mercury distribution between liver and muscle: a biomonitoring of fish from lightly and heavily contaminated localities
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2008 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Sensors |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Water pollution and control |
| Keywords | Hg liver/muscle ratio; indicator fish; predator; non-predator; river contamination |
| Description | Tissue samples were collected between 1991 and 1996 at 13 locations along the River Elbe, from 1,117 fish of 25 species. The principal indicator species were perch (Perca fluviatilis) (n=118), roach (Rutilus rutilus) (n=138) and chub (Leuciscus cephalus) (n=113). Mercury (Hg) concentrations in muscle and liver were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. In fish from lightly contaminated sites, Hg concentration in muscle was higher than that in liver, whereas at heavily contaminated sites, liver Hg concentration was higher than in muscle. The liver/muscle ratios in three indicator species from heavily contaminated and lightly contaminated localities were significantly different. In fish from heavily contaminated localities, Hg was deposited preferentially in the liver (the depository for inorganic and organic forms of Hg), while in lightly contaminated areas, it was deposited preferentially in muscle. The predominant type of Hg occurring in muscle is the organic form methylmercury. |
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