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Methylmercury levels in a parasite (Apophallus brevis metacercariae) and its host, yellow perch (Perca flavescens)

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Abstract

The biomagnification of methylmercury (MeHg) amongst trophic levels results in high levels of this compound in many freshwater fish species. The role of parasites in MeHg cycling and trophic transfer in freshwater systems is largely unknown. This study examined the potential for metacercariae of Apophallus brevis to accumulate and biomagnify MeHg from their second intermediate host, yellow perch, Perca flavescens. Contrary to our prediction that MeHg levels would be higher in parasites than in the host muscle tissue in which they are embedded, we found that concentrations were similar. The lack of increase in MeHg levels from host to parasite may be due to limited assimilation of host muscle tissue or, in part, to low parasite metabolism. Parasite load did not reduce fish growth and subsequently alter MeHg concentrations. This study suggests that relationships between larval parasites and their hosts do not conform to typical patterns of MeHg biomagnification seen in aquatic systems.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Lori Tate for assistance with this study and Bob Flett (Flett Research, Winnipeg, MB) and Laurie Wesson (DFO, Freshwater Institute, Winnipeg, MB) for mercury analyses. Funding for mercury analyses was provided by EPRI, USA. Diane Orihel, Michael Paterson and four anonymous reviewers provided constructive reviews of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater Institute, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3T 2N6

    Jennie E. Ryman, Jillian L. A. Van Walleghem & Paul J. Blanchfield

  2. Department of Zoology, University of Manitoba, Z320 Duff Roblin Bldg., Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3T 2N2

    Jennie E. Ryman & Jillian L. A. Van Walleghem

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  1. Jennie E. Ryman
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  2. Jillian L. A. Van Walleghem
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  3. Paul J. Blanchfield
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Correspondence to Paul J. Blanchfield.

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Ryman, J.E., Van Walleghem, J.L.A. & Blanchfield, P.J. Methylmercury levels in a parasite (Apophallus brevis metacercariae) and its host, yellow perch (Perca flavescens). Aquat Ecol 42, 495–501 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10452-007-9104-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10452-007-9104-4

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