Skip to main navigation Skip to search Skip to main content

Relations between mercury, methyl-mercury and selenium in tissues of Octopus vulgaris from the Portuguese Coast

  • Joana Raimundo
  • , Carlos Vale
  • , João Canário
  • , Vasco Branco
  • , Isabel Moura

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

41 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Mercury, methyl-mercury (MeHg) and selenium were determined in digestive gland and mantle of Octopus vulgaris, from three areas of the Portuguese coast. To our knowledge these are the first data on MeHg in cephalopods. Concentrations were higher in the digestive gland and percentage of MeHg in mantle. Enhanced Hg and MeHg levels were obtained in digestive gland of specimens from Olhão (3.1-7.4 and 2.0-5.0 μg g-1, respectively). Differences between areas may be partially related to Hg availability. Relationships between concentrations in mantle and digestive gland pointed to proportional increases of Hg and MeHg in tissues of specimens from Matosinhos and Cascais, but relatively constant values in mantle of individuals from Olhão (higher contamination). Se:Hg molar ratio in digestive gland was 32 and 30 in octopus from Matosinhos and Cascais, respectively, and 5.4 from Olhão. The proximity to the unit suggests demethylation as response to elevated MeHg levels in digestive gland.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2094-2100
Number of pages7
JournalEnvironmental Pollution
Volume158
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2010
Externally publishedYes

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 14 - Life Below Water
    SDG 14 Life Below Water

Keywords

  • Cephalopods
  • Mercury
  • Methyl-mercury
  • Portugal
  • Selenium

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Relations between mercury, methyl-mercury and selenium in tissues of Octopus vulgaris from the Portuguese Coast'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this