mercury bioaccumulation in pike (esox lucius) from anzali lagoon, iran

this paper presents  the  levels  of total  mercury  (t-hg)  in  dorsal  muscle,  liver  and  spleen of pike  (esox lucius) from  anzali  lagoon  in iran.  sampling were  carried  out from  july  2004 to july 2005. in addition 78 samples were collected. t-hg concentration  were  calculated  in relation to biometric factors. t-hg was measured by the leco ama 254 advanced mercury analyzer (usa) according to astm standard nod-6722. each sample was analyzed 3 times. accuracy of t-hg analysis was checked by running three samples of standard reference materials; srm 1633b, srm 2711 and srm 2709. detection limit was  0.001mg/kg  in  dry weight. the minimum and maximum  concentration  oft-hg  in  dorsal  muscle  was  0.2ppm  in one year and 1.2ppm in five year class. the mean t-hg significantly  increased  wit  age increased (p<0.05). the t-hg mean concentration.  in 1 and 2 year classes was 0.171ppm. accamulation pattern ofhg was significantly as well as muscle>liver>spleen. t-hg content in females was higher than males (p<0.05). acceptable monthly intake without carcinogenic effects due to mercury  for women, men, juveniles and children was 270,  320,  125 and  59g per  month.  consumption  of pike above 35cm. length should be avoided.