Coastal Mussel (Mytilus spp.) Soft Tissues as Bioindicators of Methylmercury: Exploring the Relationship Between Condition Index and Methylmercury Concentrations

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2024 Apr 11;112(4):60. doi: 10.1007/s00128-024-03888-9.ABSTRACTWe 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.PMID:38602538 | DOI:10.1007/s00128-024-03888-9
Source: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Source Type: research