Bioaccumulation of copper, selenium and mercury in fish tissues of the Sudbury area lakes

Aquatic ecosystems near Sudbury, Ontario have been heavily contaminated by trace elements (TE) released from the mining and smelting industries in this area.;This study performed accurate and precise analysis of selected TE in fish tissues in lakes of the Sudbury area. The sources of TE and bioaccumulation pathways in fish were investigated.;Three fish species, yellow perch, northern pike, and brown bullhead, were collected from three lakes (Ramsey, Bethel, and Laurentian) within the Sudbury area. Yellow perch was also collected at one remote lake (Geneva), which is located 50 km away from the metal smelters. Concentrations of Cu, Se and Hg were measured in fish muscle and liver tissues and in lake water and sediments from the four study lakes. A total of 122 fish muscle and 105 fish liver tissues were analyzed for Cu and Se concentrations respectively; while 82 fish muscle and 75 fish liver tissues were tested for Hg. Bioaccumulation of the three trace elements were assessed and related to various chemical, environmental, and biological parameters. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).