Despite the prevalence of mercury contamination in the Chesapeake Bay, large-scale patterns of mercury concentrations, and potential risks to fish, wildlife, and humans across the watershed, are poorly understood.
USGS researchers compiled data from state monitoring programs and recent research efforts to address this knowledge gap and assess fish mercury concentrations in the watershed’s freshwater habitats. Examining nearly 8,000 total mercury concentrations from 600 locations, researchers found that fish mercury concentrations spanned a 44-fold range. Although mean mercury concentrations tended to be moderate, 45%, 48%, and 36% of all samples exceeded benchmarks for human, avian piscivores, and fish risk, respectively. The percentage of fish exceeding these benchmarks was not uniform among species or locations. Variation in fish mercury concentrations highlights the roles of waterbody, landscape, and ecological processes in shaping mercury risk. Authors outline an integrated monitoring program that could identify key factors influencing mercury concentrations and strategies to mitigate risks across the watershed.
Willacker Jr., J.J., Eagles-Smith, C.A., Blazer, V.S., 2020, Mercury bioaccumulation in freshwater fishes of the Chesapeake Bay watershed: Ecotoxicology, p. online, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-020-02193-5.
To view related Story Map: https://wim.usgs.gov/geonarrative/chesapeakefishmercury/
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Bioaccumulation of Mercury in Fish Varied by Species and Location in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed—Summary of Existing Data and a Roadmap for Integrated Monitoring
Fish mercury data from State monitoring programs and research studies within the Chesapeake Bay were compiled and summarized to provide a comprehensive overview of the variation in fish mercury concentrations among species and habitats within the watershed. These data are put into context with existing health benchmarks for humans, birds, and fish. Scientists also provide a roadmap for an...Contaminant Ecology Research Team (FRESC)
The FRESC Contaminant Ecology research program evaluates the distribution, movement, and ecological effects of environmental contaminants across the landscape and strives to provide relevant science in support of natural resource conservation, management, and decision making. - Publications
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