Distribution of mercury species in different tissues and trophic levels of commonly consumed fish species from the south Bay of Biscay (France)

Mercury (Hg) is a contaminant of global concern in marine ecosystems, notably due to its ability accumulate and concentrate food webs. Concentrations total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg) inorganic (IHg) were assessed compared different tissues (liver, muscle, gonads) three common fish species (hake Merluccius merluccius, red mullet Mullus surmuletus, sole Solea solea) from the continental shelf southern part Bay Biscay. Several studies investigated Hg concentration but few concentrations other organs, despite importance such data understand organotropism metabolization. Results showed that trophic position feeding habitat are required variability muscle between species. In addition, high MeHg/THg ratio could be explained by predatory behavior studied biomagnification this within web, MeHg. Despite differences species, was always higher (from 118 ± 64 338 101 ng g−1 w.w.) liver 122 108 271 95 w.w.). These results can related physiological processes especially MeHg detoxification strategies.