Influence of Feeding Ecology on Mercury Accumulation in Turtles and Fish of the Rideau Canal, Ontario, Canada

A key finding from this study is that dietary reliance on the benthic food chain predicts mercury (Hg) accumulation in fish muscle but not in turtle blood, highlighting a species-specific pattern of contaminant uptake. The research analyzed Hg concentrations alongside carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N) in turtle blood and fish muscle samples collected from the Rideau Canal, Ontario, Canada, in 2012. These isotopic ratios were used to assess trophic levels, dietary reliance on benthic sources, and the proportion of zebra mussels in diets. While the proportion of zebra mussels did not significantly influence Hg concentrations in either species, the study underscores the importance of incorporating dietary ecology—particularly benthic reliance—in Hg modeling for fish, potentially identifying other vulnerable species.

Chateauvert, J. L. (2013). Influence of Feeding Ecology on Mercury Accumulation in Turtles and Fish of the Rideau Canal, Ontario, Canada. Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa. https://doi.org/10.20381/RUOR-3415