Can a 16th Century Shipwreck Be Considered a Mercury Source in the 21st Century?—A Case Study in the Azores Archipelago (Portugal)

During the Spanish colonial era, ships frequently transported mercury across Atlantic to New World be used in gold mining. As many of those eventually sank, shipwrecks may represent a local source contamination marine environment. In this context, evaluating coastal sediments and magnification food webs is crucial for understanding dynamics estimating exposure life locations where occurred. This study investigated concentration present biota from three distinct groups: macroalgae (Asparagopsis armata Ulva lactuca), gastropods (Littorina striata Patella candei gomesii) crustaceans (Palaemon elegans Pachygrapsus marmoratus) collected Azores Archipelago, Portugal (one site near 16th-century shipwreck others further away). Mercury analyses indicated that species area had significantly higher levels than other areas. Fine showed values above established sediment quality guidelines; however, considering total fraction, adverse biological effects are not expected occur. Moreover, increased primary producers consumers reinforced biomagnification potential metal.