The higher the seawater concentration of mercury, the more mercury accumulated in
the bodies of organisms. Mercury contamination of the northwest European sea waters
is reflected in the mercury content of mussels. Large amounts, considerably more than
0.2 mgjkg, are present in mussels from the mouths of rivers and in the areas around
industrial effluent pipes (Fig. 26). Likewise, differing levels of mercury contamination can be ascertained along the Atlantic coast of the U.S.A from the mercury content of the plankton (Fig. 27).
42"
40"
38 D
36'
CAPE
COD
Fig. 27. Specimens of zooplankton taken from the surface water of the Atlantic close to the east
coast of the U.S.A. show higher concentration of mercury than samples taken from areas distant
from the coast. Specimens collected in 1969 are indicated by a triangle, those taken in 1975 by
a dot. The figures refer to mg/kg of dry weight (Windom et al. 1973)
44
the bodies of organisms. Mercury contamination of the northwest European sea waters
is reflected in the mercury content of mussels. Large amounts, considerably more than
0.2 mgjkg, are present in mussels from the mouths of rivers and in the areas around
industrial effluent pipes (Fig. 26). Likewise, differing levels of mercury contamination can be ascertained along the Atlantic coast of the U.S.A from the mercury content of the plankton (Fig. 27).
42"
40"
38 D
36'
CAPE
COD
Fig. 27. Specimens of zooplankton taken from the surface water of the Atlantic close to the east
coast of the U.S.A. show higher concentration of mercury than samples taken from areas distant
from the coast. Specimens collected in 1969 are indicated by a triangle, those taken in 1975 by
a dot. The figures refer to mg/kg of dry weight (Windom et al. 1973)
44