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MERCURY IN SEDIMENT AND FISH FROM NORTH MISSISSIPPI LAKES.
Citation:
Huggett, D. B., J. A. Steevens, J. C. Allgood, C. B. Lutken, C. A. Grace, AND W H. Benson. MERCURY IN SEDIMENT AND FISH FROM NORTH MISSISSIPPI LAKES. CHEMOSPHERE 42(8):923-929, (2001).
Description:
Sediments and/or fish were collected from Sardis, Enid and Grenada Lakes, which are located in three different watersheds in North Mississippi, in order to assess mercury contamination. The mean total mercury concentration in sediments from Enid Lake in 1997 was 0.154 mg Hg/kg, while in 1998 sediment concentrations in Sardis, Enid and Grenada Lakes were 0.112, 0.88 and 0.133 mg Hg/kg, respectively. Mean total mercury concentrations in edible fillets of fish collected from Enid Lake in 1998 were above the human health FDA action level (>1.0 mg Hg/kg) for bass (1.40), crappie (1.69) and gar (1.89); however, tissue concentrations were less than 1.0 mg Hg/kg in carp (0.63) and catfish (0.82). Human hazard indexes for each species was greater than or equal to 1 for both adults and children, indicating that there is a potential for toxic effects to occur. In addition, calculated consumption limits indicate that adults may consume 4 - 12 oz. of fish per month, depending on the species consumed. For children, 2 oz. per month may be consumed. Further studies are needed to determine the exact environmental consequences and human health impacts associated with mercury contamination in North Mississippi and the Southeastern United States.