Enhanced Susceptibility of Methylmercury Bioaccumulation into Seston of the Laurentian Great Lakes
Jacob M. Ogorek, Ryan F. Lepak, Joel C. Hoffman, John F. DeWild, Tylor J. Rosera, Michael T. Tate, James P. Hurley, David P. Krabbenhoft
Abstract
) concentrations. Methylmercury biomagnification factors between size-sieved seston were similar between lakes. Bioaccumulation factors in phytoplankton were among the highest in the literature (log 5.5 to 6.1), exceeding those in oceans, smaller lakes, and streams, and was influenced by DOC. Higher bioaccumulation rates increase the susceptibility of methylmercury accumulation into the food web. Because mercury is dominantly delivered to the Great Lakes through the atmosphere and the biota therein is highly susceptible to methylmercury uptake, we propose that the Laurentian Great Lakes are excellent sentinels to trace the success of efforts to decrease global mercury emissions (e.g., Minamata Treaty) in the future.