Researchers find consistent mercury levels in Arctic seals

Date:
October 7, 2020
Source:
Wiley
Summary:
Ringed seals and other Arctic marine mammals are important in the
diet of Arctic Indigenous peoples. A study spanning 45 years of
testing indicates that mercury concentrations in ringed seals from
the Canadian Arctic have remained stable, showing very limited
declines over time.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Ringed seals and other Arctic marine mammals are important in the diet of Arctic Indigenous peoples. A study spanning 45 years of testing indicates
that mercury concentrations in ringed seals from the Canadian Arctic
have remained stable, showing very limited declines over time.


==========================================================================
The authors of the Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry study noted
that different climate parameters may have affected mercury accumulation
in seals.

"Ringed seal is an important species for contaminants surveillance and monitoring across the Arctic. With the collaboration and support of Inuit communities, we've been able to study contaminants in seals for decades
in Canada," said corresponding author Magali Houde, PhD, of Environment
and Climate Change Canada. "Levels of mercury have not changed much in
ringed seals through time. Our result suggest that climate factors could
be influencing the accumulation of mercury in seals."

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by Wiley. Note: Content may be edited
for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Magali Houde, Zofia E. Taranu, Xiaowa Wang, Brent Young, P. Gagnon,
Steve
H. Ferguson, Michael Kwan, Derek C.G. Muir. Mercury in Ringed Seals
( Pusa hispida ) from the Canadian Arctic in Relation to Time and
Climate Parameters. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 2020;
DOI: 10.1002/ etc.4865 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201007123129.htm

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