Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique INRS-Océanologie, Rimouski, Québec, Canada
Section d'Oceanographie de l'Université du Québec à Rimouski (SOUQAR) 310 Ave. de Ursulines, Rimouski, Québec, Canada
Abstract:
A first survey of the mercury content of intertidal mussels in the St. Lawrence Estuary and part of the Gulf of St. Lawrence shows means values ranging from 0.160 to 0.629 ppm (dry weight). Highest values (grand mean 0.430 ppm) were found in the upper part of the lower estuary, lowest values (grand mean 0.172 ppm) on the north shore of the estuary and Gulf, and intermediate values along the Gaspé Peninsula. The results indicate a decreasing gradient in mercury levels from the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord seaward.