Distribution of mercury in some organs of the Kani Barazan wetland common coot (Fulica atra)

We document mercury distribution in the tissues (kidney, liver, breast feathers and pectoral muscle) of a waterbird, the common coot (Fulica atra) from the Kani Barazan wetlands in north-western Iran. Bird samples were collected between November 2011 and January 2012, and mercury was assayed by using a Varian 220 atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Mean levels of mercury in kidney, liver, breast feathers and pectoral muscle were 0.13, 0.22, 0.20 and 0.09 μg/g, respectively. Mercury concentrations in tissues of F. atra were in the following order: liver>feather>kidney>pectoral muscle. The mercury level was significantly (one-way ANOVA, p<0.05) different between kidneys, livers, pectoral muscles and feathers in F. atra. Although mercury concentrations were higher for all tissues in female birds compared with males, significant (p<0.05) differences were observed in muscle only.     

Tenax萃取技术用于养殖底泥中有机氯农药的生物有效性研究

本研究以经济底栖生物菲律宾蛤仔和河蚬为受试生物,分别对不同浓度梯度的海洋和淡水底泥中9种代表性有机氯农药(OCPs)进行累积实验;同时采用Tenax连续萃取法研究2类底泥中OCPs的脱附动力学,提供简单、快速评价养殖底泥中OCPs生物有效性的方法,并将Tenax萃取结果与2种底栖生物的累积结果进行比较。结果表明,菲律宾蛤仔和河蚬对OCPs的生物-底泥富集因子(BSAF)分别为0.31~1.89和0.12~2.12,且底泥中有机碳标化的OCPs浓度与生物体内脂肪标化的OCPs浓度之间的相关性较差。Tenax脱附动力学的结果表明,2类底泥中OCPs的快速脱附比例(F_(rap))均在50%左右,其快速、慢速和极慢速脱附速率常数数量级分别为10~(~(-1))、10~(-2)和10~(-4)。Tenax快速脱附组分与2种底栖生物累积结果之间具有良好的相关性(r~2=0.75,P0.0001),表明Tenax萃取技术可以预测OCPs在底栖生物体内的累积量,并且该方法克服了大型底栖生物累积实验结果重复性较差等缺点。另外通过与基于热力学平衡的方法对比发现,Tenax萃取技术更适用于滤食性或可消化底泥的底栖生物对底泥污染物的富集;同时Tenax 6 h和24 h单点萃取技术可以作为简单快速评价底泥疏水性有机污染物(HOCs)生物有效性的替代方法,进一步为养殖领域的底泥污染状况以及相关水产品的质量安全和食用风险提供生物有效性评价依据。     

Human hair mercury levels in the Wanshan mercury mining area,Guizhou Province,China

The total mercury (T-Hg) and methyl mercury (Me-Hg) concentrations in the hair were measured to evaluate mercury (Hg) exposure for the residents in Da-shui-xi Village (DSX) and Xia-chang-xi Village (XCX) in the Wanshan Hg mining area, Guizhou Province, Southwestern China. The mean concentrations in the hair of DSX residents were 5.5 ± 2.7 μg/g and 1.9 ± 0.9 μg/g for T-Hg and Me-Hg, respectively. The concentrations in the hair of XCX residents were 3.3 ± 1.4 μg/g and 1.2 ± 0.5 μg/g for T-Hg and Me-Hg, respectively. Hair Me-Hg concentrations were significantly correlated to T-Hg (r = 0.42, P < 0.01) in the two sites; on average, hair Me-Hg concentration accounted for 40 and 44% of T-Hg for DSX and XCX residents, respectively. Age has no obvious correlation with hair Hg and the hair Hg levels showed a significant gender difference, with higher T-Hg and Me-Hg concentrations in the hair from males than females. The rice collected from the two sites showed high levels of T-Hg and Me-Hg concentration. The results indicated a certain Hg exposure for the residents in DSX and XCX in the Wanshan Hg mining area.     

Mercury in surface sediments and benthic organisms from Guaymas Bay,east coast of the Gulf of California

In order to know the concentration of mercury in surface sediments, macroalgae and clams from Guaymas Bay, Mexico, 20 surface sediment samples and several individuals of Codium amplivesciculatum (3), Enteromorpha clathrata (4), Gracilaria subsecundata (2), Ulva lactuca (2), Chione subrugosa (80) and Crassostrea gigas (40) were collected and their Hg concentration was measured by a cold vapor Hg analyzer, after acid digestion. In addition, granulometric analysis and quantification of total organic carbon, aluminum, iron and manganese contents in sediments were performed. A Pearsons correlation matrix was determined and, the enrichment factor, the geoaccumulation index and the biota-sediment accumulation factor were calculated. Mercury concentrations in sediments ranged from 0.3 to 2.3 μg g⁻¹, with the central and northern portions showing the highest values. Macroalgae had a content of Hg that oscillated from 0.058 to 0.134 μg g⁻¹, while the average concentrations of this metal for clams and oysters were 0.063 and 0.230 μg g⁻¹, respectively. A clear effect of Guaymas City and the anthropogenic activities carried out around the Guaymas Bay has been observed and the enrichment factor and the geochemical index suggest that sediments from this coastal ecosystem are moderately to strongly contaminated with Hg. However, according to the figure of the maximum human consumption of Hg per week recommended by the World Health Organization, people can ingest clams without risk to their health.     

Urban sediment contamination in a former Hg mining district,Idrija, Slovenia

Road sediments from gully pots of the drainage system and stream sediments from local streams were investigated for the first time in the urban area of Idrija town, the central part of the second largest and strongly contaminated Hg mining district in the world. Hg concentrations in road sediments were lower than in stream sediments. They ranged from 16 to 110 mg/kg (Md = 29 mg/kg) for <0.125 mm particles and from 7 to 125 mg/kg (Md = 35 mg/kg) for <0.04 mm particles, while Hg concentrations in stream sediments ranged from 10 to 610 mg/kg (Md = 95 mg/kg) for <0.125 particles and from 10 to 440 mg/kg (Md = 105 mg/kg) for <0.04 mm particles. High Hg loadings in stream sediments were successfully linked with identified mercury sources (rocks containing mercury ore, areas of former ore roasting sites, ore residue dumps), because they are located in the drainage areas of streams, from which the sediments were collected. Links between Hg loadings in road sediments and identified mercury sources were not recognized. Solid phases of Hg were determined by thermo-desorption technique and are similar for both types of sediments. Results show the occurrence of three different forms: elemental mercury, mercury bound to matrix components and cinnabar. Approximately 50 % of Hg in samples consist of non-cinnabar fractions. This is important, since they are potentially bioavailable. An interesting new discovery according to previous research of environmental media from Idrija area by solid-phase Hg thermo-desorption technique is that elemental mercury was determined in almost all investigated sediments in minor amounts (Md = 3 %).     

Distribution of mercury in the sediments of some freshwater bodies in Ethiopia

Sediment samples were collected from Tinishu Akaki River (TAR), Lake Awassa, and Lake Ziway, Ethiopia for determination of mercury. The air-dried samples were analyzed for mercury with a differential atomic absorption spectrometer after thermal evaporation of bound mercury converting it to its atomic form. Certified reference materials (CRMs) of sediments and soils were used to validate the method. The recovery of mercury from CRMs and sediments was in the range of 95–100%. The limit of detection for the determination of mercury was 50?ng?kg^?1. The concentration of total mercury in the sediments varied from 3.9 to 110?µg?kg^?1 for TAR, 14 to 67?µg?kg^?1 for Lake Awassa, and 17 to 110?µg?kg^?1 for Lake Ziway. It was found that the total mercury concentrations in all samples were below the United States Environmental Protection Agency guideline of 200?µg?kg^?1.     

Acute toxicities of eleven metals to early life-history stages of the yellow crab Cancer anthonyi

We report findings from the first laboratory experiments to assess toxicities of metals found in drilling muds to embryos and prezoeae of a brachyuran crab. Embryos of Cancer anthonyi are brooded externally on the abdomen of female crabs; thus, embryos may be continuously exposed to pollutants contained in sediments of contaminated benthic habitats. Lethal concentrations of metals to embryos after 7 d exposures were: iron and barium (sulfate), 1 000 mg l^–1; barium (chloride), 100 mg l^–1; aluminum and nickel, 10 mg l^–1; copper and lead, l mg l^–1; cadmium, chromium VI and manganese, 0.01 mg l^–1; mercury, 0.001 mg l^–1. All metals effectively retarded embryos from hatching at concentrations equal or lower to those causing mortality, except for cadmium. Particularly impressive was iron, which suppressed hatching at l to 10 mg l^–1, concentrations previously found non-deleterious to marine organisms and 100 times more dilute than concentrations causing significant embryo mortality. The effects of metals on embryos increased as a function of exposure duration. Embryo mortality was delayed for at least 120 h at concentrations 1.0 mg l^–1, with the exception of mercury. Lethal concentrations established at 96 h were meaningless for crab embryos, because acute toxic thresholds were not attained by that time. Larval survivorship to chromium VI, copper, and zinc increased following exposure of embryos to these metals at low concentrations (1.0 mg l^–1), suggesting induction of biochemical pathways for products which bind or metabolize metals. Identical exposures of embryos to lead failed to enhance subsequent larval survivorship, showing that inductions may be metal-specific. We suggest that exposures of brachyuran embryos at field sites and the success of their subsequent hatching in the laboratory may be a means of assessing environmental contamination otherwise difficult to monitor.     

Macrozoobenthos diversity in an oxygen minimum zone off northern Namibia

A benthological survey in the Benguela upwelling area off northern Namibia (located at 17.3°S and water depth ranging between 26 and 117 m) showed the concentration of dissolved oxygen and the accumulation of organic-rich sediments to control macrozoobenthic community patterns. In contrast to highly biodiverse nearshore areas with well-structured shell deposits of the brachiopod Discinisca tenuis (Sowerby 1847), the benthic community in the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) decreased strongly in species numbers. Nevertheless, a well-established community ranging from 13 to 31 species persisted. Species densities (300–3,350 ind m⁻²) and biomass (4–109 g afdw/m²) were surprisingly high for areas with near bottom oxygen concentrations from 0.06 to 0.88 ml l⁻¹. In contrast to OMZ’s of other upwelling areas, where the benthic macrofauna is generally dominated by small-bodied polychaetes, off Namibia larger key organisms like the bivalve Nuculana bicuspidata (Gould 1845) and the snail Nassarius vinctus (Marrett 1877) accounted for a large proportion of the macrozoobenthos >1 mm. This is supposed to have a distinct effect on the functional properties of the sediments.

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Metal distribution in marine sediments of the Mar Piccolo in Taranto (Ionic Sea,southern Italy)

The spatial distribution of selected metals (Fe, Ni, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Hg and Cd) and their partition in the different chemical forms (speciation) were determined in benthic sediments from Mar Piccolo, Taranto (Ionic Sea, southern Italy). The aim of this study was to assess the degree of sediment contamination and bioavailability of metals, very important for Italian mussel culture, in a semi-enclosed marine ecosystem. In sediments, grain size distribution, total organic carbon (TOC), and humic (HA) and fulvic (FA) acids contents were also determined. The compounds TOC, HA and FA, in fact, have a great influence on metal complexation. High concentrations of copper, lead, zinc and mercury were found, especially in sediments of the first inlet of Mar Piccolo. Statistical analysis of results shows significant correlation among Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations and the influence of organic matter on the sediment distribution of Cu, Pb and Zn. Metal speciation analysis, carried out with sequential extraction method, shows that Fe and Ni are present in sediments mainly as sulphides. Mn and Pb are present principally in an ion-exchangeable form or bound to carbonate and Cu is associated to organic matter. Metal pollution index (MPI), calculated as a weighed mean of the metal contamination factors in each station, shows that with regard to Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn, some stations investigated are unpolluted (MPI <1), whereas in other areas, pollution level is not very high. On the contrary, for mercury, the pollution level in the first inlet of the basin is very high.     

An integrated investigation of biomarkers’ response in crabs (Liocarcinus depurator) and benthic indices at a metalliferous waste discharge area in North Evoikos gulf,Greece

This study applied biomarkers and benthic indices at an area in North Evoikos Gulf, Greece, affected by metalliferous slag disposal. Biomarkers of antioxidant defense (catalase, glutathione S-transferase), and neurotoxicity (acetylcholinesterase) were measured in crabs Liocarcinus depurator. Iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) concentrations in sediments and crabs were also measured. High levels of all metals were found in sediments at the disposal area. Metal levels in the crabs were also higher in the disposal area although spatial differences were not as marked as in the sediments. Accordingly, biomarker responses of crabs in the disposal area were also noted suggesting impact on the antioxidant defense of the organisms against oxidative stress. Benthic indices showed disturbance in the disposal area. The combined approach of measuring biomarkers and contaminant levels in the crabs and sediment was complementary to the benthic indices approach providing indications of metal exposure related effects. Our results support the idea that a twofold monitoring approach of assessing both the benthic community structure shifts and the biomarkers and metal accumulation levels may integrate and capture both the structural and the toxicological effects of dumping onto the benthic communities.     

Inorganic mercury and methylmercury in surface sediments and mussel tissues from a microtidal lagoon (Bizerte, Tunisia)

The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of mercury compounds in marine sediments and mussel tissues collected in the lagoon of Bizerte, Tunisia, during two seasons (summer and winter). Inorganic mercury (Hg²⁺) concentrations in sediments were found to be highly variable, ranging from 0.04 nmol.g¹ to 3.22 nmol.g⁻¹ (dry weight) with a mean value of 0.52 nmol.g⁻¹. Anthropogenic sources of Hg²⁺, most probably metallurgy or tire production industries, have been evidenced. The mean concentration of monomethylmercury (MeHg⁺) in the surface sediments is 2.32 pmol g⁻¹ ranging from below the detection limit (0.45 pmol.g⁻¹) to 14.6 pmol.g⁻¹. No significant variation was observed between winter and summer seasons for both mercury species concentration in the sediments. The Hg²⁺ concentrations in mussel tissues are also variable, ranging from 0.007 to 1.347 nmol.g⁻¹ (dry weight). The mean concentration is 0.70 nmol.g⁻¹. In these tisssues, Hg²⁺ is generally the major compound, making up ca. 88% of total mercury concentrations. However, methylmercury concentrations are significant and homogeneous, ranging from 62 to 121 pmol.g⁻¹ (mean 96 pmol.g⁻¹). The results suggest that a fraction of the inorganic mercury load in the sediments of the lagoon undergoes methylation pathways. MeHg⁺ produced is assimilated in the mussels more readily than Hg²⁺.     

Effect of inorganic mercury on the emergence and hatching of the brine shrimpArtemia franciscana

We describe the effect of inorganic mercury on the emergence, hatching and growth ofArtemia franciscana (commercially obtained). At concentrations as low as 0.01µmol 1^–1, mercury delays development of the organism, but the effect on the final number of developed brine shrimp is small. At higher concentrations, mercury has a dramatic effect, inhibiting the developmental process at the emergence and hatching stages. As recorded by light and scanning electron microscopy, organisms stalled at emergence are not immediately killed. Their eye spots continue to darken and some may hatch although partially enclosed in the cyst shell. Completely emerged prenauplii in the presence of mercury often have an abnormal oval shape while hatched organisms may display shortened and deformed bodies and exhibit restricted movement. The results demonstrate that emergingA. franciscana are very sensitive to inorganic mercury and the potential usefulness of this organism for the study of metal effects upon physiological processes is indicated.     

Trace Metal Studies on the Starfish Asterias rubens L. From the Western Baltic Sea

In 1984, 115 samples of the starfish Asterias rubens L. collected in the south-eastern part of Cadet Trench (Mecklenburg Bay/Western Baltic Sea) were analyzed for their contents of a few major (calcium, magnesium) and trace elements (cadmium, copper, iron, mercury, manganese, nickel, lead, selenium and zinc). Distinct differences were found between starfish from different stations, and these are attributed to the composition of the sediments acting as a substrate for their prey (mussels, snails). Except for cadmium, the concentrations of the elements studied all correlated negatively with the diameter and weight of the starfish.

Parallel analyses of starfish arms and the central discs of the same animals showed that iron, zinc, copper and mercury levels were 16 to 30% higher, and selenium, manganese, magnesium, calcium and lead were 4 to 9% higher in the arms. Cadmium concentrations were 20% higher in the central discs than in the arms.

Stock estimations (about 52,000 tons fresh weight) show that starfish play a significant role in the benthic ecosystem of the western Baltic Sea. They can consume up to 200,000 tons of mussels and clams (Mytilus edulis, Macoma baltica) a year and may therefore represent a notable factor in the trace metal balance of the region.     

沉积物中汞的生物可利用性研究进展

沉积物是汞在水体中的主要分布相,同时也被认为是许多水生生物摄取汞的主要途径,本文综述了近年来在沉积物中汞的生物可利用性领域所取得的最新研究进展,包括体外消化液萃取法估测沉积物中汞的生物可利用性、可能影响汞生物可利用性的生物地球化学因素(汞在沉积物中的浓度、沉积物的组成、汞与沉积物的接触时间、汞与沉积物的结合形式,以及沉...     

Characterization and speciation of mercury in mosses and lichens from the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau

The accumulation and species of mercury (Hg) in mosses and lichens collected from high-altitude Tibetan Plateau were studied. The altitudes of the sampling sites spanned from 1983 to 5147 m, and a total of 130 mosses and 52 lichens were analyzed. The total mercury (THg) contents in mosses and lichens were in the ranges of 13.1–273.0 and 20.2–345.9 ng/g, respectively. The average ratios of methylmercury (MeHg) in THg in mosses and lichens were 2.4 % (0.3–11.1 %) and 2.7 % (0.4–9.6 %), respectively, which were higher than those values reported in other regions. The contents of THg in both mosses and lichens were not correlated with the THg in soils (p > 0.05). The lipid contents displayed a significantly positive correlation with concentrations of MeHg in mosses (r = 0.461, p < 0.01, n = 90), but not in lichens. The correlations between Hg contents in mosses and the altitudes, latitudes and longitudes of sampling sites indicated the mountain trapping and spatial deposition of Hg in the Tibetan Plateau.     

Mercury distribution in the sediments of Ambarlı Port Area,Sea of Marmara (Turkey)

The purpose of this study is to investigate historical and current mercury (Hg) contamination in the surface and core sediments of the Ambarl? Port area. Textural parameters, total organic carbon (TOC), ²¹⁰Pb and total Hg (THg) contents were measured. Mercury contamination of the sediments was assessed on the basis of the enrichment factor (EF), anthropogenic factor (AF), index of geoaccumulation (Igeo) and corresponding sediment quality guidelines. Most surface sediment samples were also non-toxic with mercury concentrations below the effects range-low (ERL) value, but mercury levels at five stations were between ERL and effects range-median (ERM) values, where occasional adverse effects concerning risk analysis are expected. The EF and Igeo analysis showed that there was no significant mercury enrichment and contamination in the core sediment before the 1650s, but values increased from then onwards to 2009 (being especially accelerated in line with port activities from 1989), disclosing a serious ecotoxicological risk to sediment-inhabited marine organisms.     

Meiobenthos distribution pattern in the tropical East Atlantic: indication for fractionated sedimentation of organic matter to the sea floor?

To test the extent to which sea surface productivity governs the distribution pattern of benthic organisms, meiobenthic standing stocks were investigated on the shelf, continental margin and the adjacent abyssal plains off the western African coast between Guinea (10°N) and Angola (18°S). The area of investigation is characterized by gradients in surface productivity due to spatially and seasonally varying coastal upwelling. Reflecting the dependency of deep-sea organisms on organic matter input from the euphotic zone, similar gradients ought to be expected within the benthos. Meiofaunal abundances and biomasses (including Foraminifera) from a total of 57 stations along 13 transects across the continental margin showed a fairly close correlation with sediment-bound chloroplastic pigment concentrations, indicating the sedimentation of particulate organic matter from phytoplankton production. However, certain discrepancies in faunal and pigment distribution patterns were found in regions apart from the centres of enhanced primary␣productivity, i.e. apart from the upwelling centres: whereas pigment concentrations in the sediments were still comparably high, meiofaunal numbers in those peripheral areas were generally lower. It is suggested that smaller/lighter phytodetritial matter, transported over long distances by subsurface currents and exposed to ongoing microbial degradation during its passage, probably does not have the same energy content as the relatively fast-sinking, larger phytodetritus aggregates (“marine snow”), which are found in centres of enhanced primary productivity and support extensive benthic stocks. Thus, meiobenthic abundances in relation to sediment-bound pigment concentrations on the western African continental margin may indicate fractionated sedimentation of organic matter to the sea floor. Received: 28 May 1997 / Accepted: 14 July 1997     

Ecological effects of dumping of dredged sediments; options for management

Dredging and dumping of dredged sediments in estuarine and coastal waters may lead to increased turbidity and enhanced sediment deposition at dump sites. This mainly affects primary production by phytoplankton, performance of visual predators (e.g. fish, birds), and growth and survival of benthic organisms. This paper combines a compilation of literature information and results of additional experimental studies on the effect of enhanced concentrations of suspended matter (SPM) on growth of bivalve molluscs, and on survival of macro- and meiozoobenthos after dumping of dredged sediments. Furthermore, it focuses on non-toxic dredged sediments only. Release of nutrients from dredged sediments did, so far, hardly influence estuarine phytoplankton production. Increased turbidity may affect dab as well as prey location by sandwich terns. Enhanced SPM-concentrations are unfavourable for young herring and smelt. Growth of filter-feeding bivalves may be impaired, especially at SPM-concentrations >250 mg/l. Estuarine nematodes can survive burial by 10 cm of dumped dredged sediment provided that its physical characteristics are similar to those of the original sediment. Sessile benthos organisms such as mussels and oysters can cope with sediment deposition of only 1–2 cm. Other macrozoobenthos can survive sediment deposition of 20–30 cm. Recovery of benthos at a dump site will occur if the interval between successive dumpings is sufficiently long. Options for management of dumping of dredged sediments are described, relating to different locations of dump sites in estuarine and coastal waters, to different seasons, and to the actual use (area and frequency) of dump sites.     

Comparison of mercury bioaccumulation between wild and mariculture food chains from a subtropical bay of Southern China

Bioaccumulation and trophic transfer of mercury (Hg) both in the natural marine ecosystem and the mariculture ecosystem were studied at Daya Bay, a subtropical bay in Southern China. Averaged Hg concentrations in sediment, phytoplankton, macrophyte, shrimp, crab, shellfish, planktivorous fish, carnivorous fish, farmed pompano, farmed snapper, compound feed and trash fish were 0.074, 0.054, 0.044, 0.098, 0.116, 0.171, 0.088, 0.121, 0.210, 0.125, 0.038 and 0.106 μg g⁻¹ dw, respectively. These Hg levels were at the low–middle ends of the global range. Positive correlation between Hg concentrations in farmed fish and fish weights/sizes was observed, whereas no clear correlation between Hg concentrations and lipid contents was found. Hg concentrations followed macrophyte < phytoplankton < sediment < planktivorous fish < shrimp < crab < carnivorous fish < shellfish, and commercial feed < trash fish < farmed fish. Hg was biomagnified along the marine food chain in the ecosystem of Daya Bay. Hg levels in the farmed fish were higher than those in the wild fish primarily because of the higher Hg level in fish feed and the smaller size of marine wild fish.

     

Long-distance transport of Hg, Sb, and As from a mined area, conversion of Hg to methyl-Hg, and uptake of Hg by fish on the Tiber River basin, west-central Italy

Stream sediment, stream water, and fish were collected from a broad region to evaluate downstream transport and dispersion of mercury (Hg) from inactive mines in the Monte Amiata Hg District (MAMD), Tuscany, Italy. Stream sediment samples ranged in Hg concentration from 20 to 1,900 ng/g, and only 5 of the 17 collected samples exceeded the probable effect concentration for Hg of 1,060 ng/g, above which harmful effects are likely to be observed in sediment-dwelling organisms. Concentrations of methyl-Hg in Tiber River sediment varied from 0.12 to 0.52 ng/g, and although there is no established guideline for sediment methyl-Hg, these concentrations exceeded methyl-Hg in a regional baseline site (<0.02 ng/g). Concentrations of Hg in stream water varied from 1.2 to 320 ng/L, all of which were below the 1,000 ng/L Italian drinking water Hg guideline and the 770 ng/L U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) guideline recommended to protect against chronic effects to aquatic wildlife. Methyl-Hg concentrations in stream water varied from <0.02 to 0.53 ng/L and were generally elevated compared to the baseline site (<0.02 ng/L). All stream water samples contained concentrations of As (<1.0–6.2 μg/L) and Sb (<0.20–0.37 μg/L) below international drinking water guidelines to protect human health (10 μg/L for As and 20 μg/L for Sb) and for protection against chronic effects to aquatic wildlife (150 μg/L for As and 5.6 μg/L for Sb). Concentrations of Hg in freshwater fish muscle ranged from 0.052–0.56 μg/g (wet weight), mean of 0.17 μg/g, but only 17 % (9 of 54) exceeded the 0.30 μg/g (wet weight) USEPA fish muscle guideline recommended to protect human health. Concentrations of Hg in freshwater fish in this region generally decreased with increasing distance from the MAMD, where fish with the highest Hg concentrations were collected more proximal to the MAMD, whereas all fish collected most distal from Hg mines contained Hg below the 0.30 μg/g fish muscle guideline. Data in this study indicate some conversion of inorganic Hg to methyl-Hg and uptake of Hg in fish on the Paglia River, but less methylation of Hg and Hg uptake by freshwater fish in the larger Tiber River.