Health Risk Of Methyl Mercury Contamination To Largemouth Bass (Micropterus Salmoides) In The Southeastern United States

Seymour, Ryan Donald

Publication

Health Risk Of Methyl Mercury Contamination To Largemouth Bass (Micropterus Salmoides) In The Southeastern United States

Seymour, Ryan Donald

Date

2020

Abstract

Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) are top predatory gamefish in aquatic ecosystems that are vulnerable to methyl mercury (MeHg) exposure and associated health effects. The objective of this study was to examine the potential health effects of MeHg on Largemouth Bass in the southeastern United States. I used the National Descriptive Model of Mercury in Fish to predict MeHg in three sizes of adult Largemouth Bass (Stock 20.3 cm Total Length (TL), Preferred 38.1 cm TL, and Trophy 63.5 cm TL) at 2,233 sites in 24 USEPA Level III ecoregions of 15 states. I detected significant differences in average estimated concentrations of MeHg in fish between ecoregions. Preferred- and trophy-sized Largemouth Bass were predicted to be at risk for adverse effects on their biochemistry, behavior, reproduction, and growth. This study suggest that MeHg contamination of water bodies poses a threat to adult Largemouth Bass within the southeastern United States.