Modelling the effect of acidity on mercury uptake by walleye in acidic and circumneutral lakes

Abstract

An association between acidification of lakes and high mercury concentrations in fishes has been reported. In northern Wisconsin (USA), for example, walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) in naturally acidic lakes have higher mercury concentrations than walleye in circumneutral lakes (Weiner, 1983). In this study a bioenergetic based model for mercury uptake is applied to identify potential causes of higher mercury concentrations in fishes living in acidic lakes. Application of the model to walleye populations in northern Wisconsin indicates that higher mercury concentrations in acidic lakes are most likely a result of both increased concentrations in the water and increased efficiencies of uptake from water. Higher concentrations in the water would result in higher concentrations in the food.