Chapter 29.3, Problem 1ET

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The levels of mercury found in catfish, salmon, light meat tuna, and white meat tuna and explain the reason that different species contain different levels of mercury.

Introduction:

The U.S Food and Drug Administration suggests that pregnant and breastfeeding mother should avoid eating fishes like white tuna, shark, and swordfish. These particular fishes often contain a high concentration of mercury, which can affect the developing of fetus and infants. Mercury becomes a health problem through biological magnification. Biological magnification represents a process by which toxic substances become concentrated in animals occupying high trophic levels.