Variations of Mercury and Selenium Concentrations in Adamussium Colbecki and Pagothenia Bernacchii from Terra Nova Bay (ANTARCTICA) During a Five Years Period

Abstract

Pagoihenia bernacchi and Adamussium colbecki specimens have been collected in Terra Nova Bay, Ross Sea, Antarctica, from 1987 to 1992. Total and organic mercury and selenium concentrations were measured in the muscular tissue of P. bernacchii and in the soft parts of A. colbecki. Sampling, samples preparation, and analysis were the same for all the specimens, and the temporal variation in concentrations are discussed. Large variations for total and organic mercury contents are found in A. colbecki, while P. bernacchii shows significant interannual differences in selenium concentration. However, none of these differences reflect a consistent temporal trend. Medians obtained during the five years in 109 specimens of P. bernacchii are: 0.60 μg/g dry weight for total mercury, 78% for the percentage of organic mercury, and 3.0 μg/g dry weight for selenium. Values found in 117 specimens of A. colbecki are: 0.17 μg/g dry weight for total mercury, 28% for the percentage of organic mercury, and 9.1 μg/g dry weight for selenium.

Key Words:

• Antarctica
• marine organisms
• mercury
• selenium