Mercury distribution in abiotic and biological compartments within several estuarine systems from Argentina: 1980–2005 period

DE MARCO, S.G.; BOTTÉ, S.E.; MARCOVECCHIO, J.E.

CHEMOSPHERE

Elservier

Lugar: Amsterdan Netherlands; Año: 2006 vol. 65 p. 213 - 223

0045-6535

Total mercury contents from both abiotic and biological compartments within several estuarine wetlands and salt-marshes from Argentina have been fully studied since the 80´s. In this sense, the assessment of Hg occurrence in surface sediments, suspended particulate matter (SPM) and crab and fish species from Mar Chiquita Coastal Lagoon, Bahía Blanca estuary or Samborombón Bay (in La Plata river estuary) are included in the present study. All studied samples were analyzed through CV-AAS, following internationally standardized methods. In all cases analytical quality  was checked against international reference materials. During 80´s Hg contents within sediments and SPM as well as in edible fish species from Bahía Blanca estuary have shown to be high, and the large industrial nucleous located in the northern margin of this estuary was opportunely identified as the main source of this metal. Nevertheless, a permanent monitoring program developed since 1996 and up to the present has demonstrated that Hg concentrations have significantly decreased down to lower than those of 80´s. On the other hand, both Mar Chiquita coastal lagoon and Samborombón Bay have presented intermediate mercury levels in their abiotic and biological compartments. In both cases the possible occurrence of remote sources of this metal was considered. Both, the mercury bioaccumulation and biomagnification processes were evaluated in the studied estuaries, as well as the potential qualification of estuarine foodstuffs for human consumption.