Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS OF MERCURY AND ZINC IN FOUR EDIBLE LAGOON FISH SPECIES FROM POUDRE D'OR BAY, MAURITIUS

S.BHAGWANT

Abstract

Variations in the bioaccumulation of both metals showed interspecies differences possibly attributed to differences in feeding and behavioral habits. However, high total Hg burdens were observed in Niue cepholus (0.741 mg/kg, wet weight) and Mulioidicthys flavolineatus (0.442 mg/kg wet weight). On the other hand, mercury leve:s in muscle tissues are below the permissible limits. Based on the per capita local fish consumption, the estimated average weekly intake of mercury (0.294 mg) in Mugii cephaius from the bay is at borderline with the permissible recommended weekly intake (0.35 mg) of mercury in the diet which, therefore, necessitates close monitoring of the bayThough zinc levels were found to be below the permissible limits, high concentrations were observed in liver samples ranging from 0.710 to 1.673 mg/kg,wet weight.