The Effects Of Length, Weight, Age, And Gender On Mercury Concentrations In Burbot In North-Central Minnesota Lakes

Authors

Liam Hanley

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Burbot Lota lota in north-central Minnesota lakes have the potential to reach large sizes and consume large volumes of prey. This caveat may make burbot susceptible to higher rates of biocontamination, bioaccumulation and biomagnification. The objective of this study was to determine how changes in age, length, gender, weight, and lake affect total mercury concentrations in burbot. In this experiment 28 burbot were angled from three lakes: Cass (n = 17), Winnibigoshish (n = 4), and Bad Medicine (n = 7). Then tissue samples were taken from each fish and were lyophilized and homogenized. Homogenized tissue samples were analyzed by a Milestone TriCell Dual Beam Direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA-80evo) while following EPA protocol 7473. Average total mercury concentration was 0.1248 mg/kg (SD = 0.0717) in Cass Lake; 0.1022 mg/kg (SD = 0.0352) in Lake Winnibigoshish; and 0.0435 mg/kg (SD = 0.0176) in Bad Medicine Lake. Linear regression analysis using AIC scores were used to determine the effects of each variable on total mercury. The best supported model attributed changes in total mercury with changes in length, age, weight, and lake. It was found that as fish weight and length increase total mercury concentration increased. Furthermore, consumption advisory guidelines place burbot in 1-2 servings a week for safe consumption.

Publication Date

2024

Comments

Faculty sponsor: Dr. Andrew Hafs, Department of Biology, Aquatic Biology Program and Tyler Orgon

Recommended Citation

Hanley, Liam, "The Effects Of Length, Weight, Age, And Gender On Mercury Concentrations In Burbot In North-Central Minnesota Lakes" (2024). Journal of Earth and Life Science. 64.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/j-earth-life-sci/64