Abstract
We investigated total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in coastal mussels (Mytilus spp.) sampled from the Minas Basin, Bay of Fundy and evaluated the relationship with condition index (CI). THg concentrations were low in sediment (mean THg = 5.15 ± 2.11 ng/g dw; n = 6) and soft tissues (mean THg = 62.3 ± 13.7 ng/g; mean MeHg = 13.2 ± 6.3 ng/g; n = 57). The THg in tissues had no significant relationship with CI (Rs= -0.205, p = 0.126). MeHg in tissues were significantly and negatively correlated with condition index (Rs = -0.361, p = 0.006) indicating that healthier mussels (higher CI) have lower mercury content possibly due to elimination strategies or growth dilution.
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Acknowledgements
Thank you to Kelly Stevens and Mia Doncaster for their help and expertise in the lab.
Funding
Funding for this research was provided the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC; grant #RGPIN-2018-05118 to N.J.O). Author Nelson O’Driscoll is an unpaid member of the editorial board of the BECT journal.
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Rogers, J., Bradford, M.A. & O’Driscoll, N.J. Coastal Mussel (Mytilus spp.) Soft Tissues as Bioindicators of Methylmercury: Exploring the Relationship Between Condition Index and Methylmercury Concentrations. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 112, 60 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-024-03888-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-024-03888-9