Methylmercury in fish from the South China Sea : Geographical distribution and biomagnification

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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Author(s)

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)437-444
Journal / PublicationMarine Pollution Bulletin
Volume77
Issue number1-2
Online published1 Oct 2013
Publication statusPublished - 15 Dec 2013
Externally publishedYes

Abstract

We conducted a large-scale investigation of methylmercury (MeHg) in a total of 628 marine wild fish covering 46 different species collected from the South China Sea between 2008 and 2009. Biological and ecological characteristics such as size (length and wet weight), feeding habit, habitat, and stable isotope (δ15N) were examined to explain MeHg bioaccumulation in marine fish and their geographical distribution. MeHg levels in the muscle tissues of the 628 individuals ranged from 0.010 to 1.811μg/gdrywt. Log10MeHg concentration was significantly related to their length and wet weight. Feeding habit and habitat were the primary factors influencing MeHg bioaccumulation. Demersal fish were more likely to be contaminated with MeHg than the epipelagic and mesopelagic varieties. Linear relationships were obtained between Log10(MeHg) and δ15N only for one location, indicating that biomagnification was site-specific. Results from this study suggest that dietary preference and trophic structure were the main factors affecting MeHg bioaccumulation in marine fish from the South China Sea. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Research Area(s)

  • Bioaccumulation, Biomagnification, Marine fish, Methylmercury, South China Sea

Citation Format(s)

Methylmercury in fish from the South China Sea: Geographical distribution and biomagnification. / Zhu, Aijia; Zhang, Wei; Xu, Zhanzhou et al.
In: Marine Pollution Bulletin, Vol. 77, No. 1-2, 15.12.2013, p. 437-444.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review