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Mercury in freshwater, estuarine, and marine fishes from Southern Brazil and its ecological implication

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Abstract

In this study, we measured the mercury concentration in 27 different fish species with high commercial value. Samples were taken from a region characterized by the diversity of aquatic environments. Mercury concentration in marine fish species varied from 30.4 to 216 ng g − 1, while in estuarine species, it varied from 12.4 to 60.3 ng g − 1. Compared to mercury concentration in marine species, none of the specimens from estuarine environment has reached a mercury concentration of 100 ng g − 1. However, mercury concentrations in species from the freshwater Patos lagoon are remarkably higher (15.3 to 462 ng g − 1) than those from the estuarine or marine region. Even though mercury concentrations in these fish species did not exceed the maximum level (500 ng g − 1) allowed by WHO for human consumption, they represent the main food source for sea birds and mammals coming from South Pole during their migration period.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Depto. de Geociências, Fundação Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS 96201-900, Brazil

    V. T. Kütter, N. Mirlean & P. R. M. Baisch

  2. Depto. de Oceanografia, Fundação Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS 96201-900, Brazil

    M. T. Kütter

  3. Depto. de Geoquímica, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Centro, Niterói, 24020-150, RJ, Brazil

    E. V. Silva-Filho

Authors
  1. V. T. Kütter
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  2. N. Mirlean
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  3. P. R. M. Baisch
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  4. M. T. Kütter
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  5. E. V. Silva-Filho
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Correspondence to V. T. Kütter.

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Kütter, V.T., Mirlean, N., Baisch, P.R.M. et al. Mercury in freshwater, estuarine, and marine fishes from Southern Brazil and its ecological implication. Environ Monit Assess 159, 35–42 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-008-0610-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-008-0610-1

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