Concentrations of mercury and other metals in black bass (Micropterus spp.) from Whiskeytown Lake, Shasta County, California, 2005

May, Jason T.; Hothem, Roger L.; Bauer, Marissa L.; Brown, Larry R.

Abstract:

This report presents the results of a reconnaissance study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to determine mercury (Hg) and other selected metal concentrations in Black bass (Micropterus spp.) from Whiskeytown Lake, Shasta County, California. Total mercury concentrations were determined by cold-vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CVAAS) in fillets and whole bodies of each sampled fish. Selected metals scans were performed on whole bodies (less the fillets) by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Mercury concentrations in fillet samples ranged from 0.06 to 0.52 micrograms per gram (μg/g) wet weight (ww). Total mercury (HgT) in the same fish whole-body samples ranged from 0.04 to 0.37 (μg/g, ww). Mercury concentrations in 17 percent of "legal catch size" (≥305 millimeters in length) were above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency water-quality criterion for the protection of human health of 0.30 μg/g (ww). These data will serve as a baseline for future monitoring efforts within Whiskeytown Lake.

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USGS Numbered Series

ProdID:

70007458

Citation Author:

May, Jason T.; Hothem, Roger L.; Bauer, Marissa L.; Brown, Larry R.

Citation Contributing Office:

California Water Science Center

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English

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vi, 16 p.

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Prepared in cooperation with the National Park Service, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and the Burned Area Response Program

Citation Publisher:

U.S. Geological Survey

Citation Series:

Open-File Report

Citation Series Code:

OFR

Citation Series Number:

2011-1297

Citation Search Results Text:

Concentrations of mercury and other metals in black bass (Micropterus spp.) from Whiskeytown Lake, Shasta County, California, 2005; 2012; OFR; 2011-1297; May, Jason T.; Hothem, Roger L.; Bauer, Marissa L.; Brown, Larry R.