An assessment of mercury in estuarine sediment and tissue in Southern New Jersey using public domain data

Marine Pollution Bulletin
By: , and 

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Abstract

Mercury (Hg) is considered a contaminant of global concern for coastal environments due to its toxicity, widespread occurrence in sediment, and bioaccumulation in tissue. Coastal New Jersey, USA, is characterized by shallow bays and wetlands that provide critical habitat for wildlife but share space with expanding urban landscapes. This study was designed as an assessment of the magnitude and distribution of Hg in coastal New Jersey sediments and critical species using publicly available data to highlight potential data gaps. Mercury concentrations in estuary sediments can exceed 2 μg/g and correlate with concentrations of other metals. Based on existing data, the concentrations of Hg in mussels in southern New Jersey are comparable to those observed in other urbanized Atlantic Coast estuaries. Lack of methylmercury data for sediments, other media, and tissues are data gaps needing to be filled for a clearer understanding of the impacts of Hg inputs to the ecosystem.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title An assessment of mercury in estuarine sediment and tissue in Southern New Jersey using public domain data
Series title Marine Pollution Bulletin
DOI 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.04.027
Volume 107
Issue 1
Year Published 2016
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) New Jersey Water Science Center
Description 14 p.
First page 22
Last page 35
Country United States
State New Jersey
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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