Articles | Volume 22, issue 22
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-7425-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-7425-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
28 Nov 2025
Research article |
| 28 Nov 2025
| 28 Nov 2025
Bioconcentration as a key driver of Hg bioaccumulation in high-trophic-level fish
David J. Amptmeijer
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Matter Transport and Ecosystem Dynamics, Helmhotz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany
Johannes Bieser
Matter Transport and Ecosystem Dynamics, Helmhotz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany
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Sponges have unusually low methylmercury (MeHg) and high inorganic mercury (iHg) bioaccumulation compared to other macrobenthos. This pattern has been attributed to MeHg demethylation by symbiotic bacteria. Our model demonstrates an alternative explanation that dissolved organic matter (DOM) consumption by sponges can increase iHg and decrease MeHg levels. Low MeHg in sponges at the food web base may further limit MeHg bioaccumulation in higher trophic levels.
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Short summary
The mercury (Hg) form of most concern is monomethylmercury (MMHg⁺) due to its neurotoxicity and ability to bioaccumulate in seafood. Bioaccumulation in seafood occurs via bioconcentration (direct uptake) and biomagnification (trophic transfer). Our study separates these processes, showing that bioconcentration increases MMHg⁺ in high trophic level fish by 15 % per level, contributing 28–49 % of MMHg⁺ in Atlantic cod. These findings can be used to inform efficient Hg modeling strategies.
The mercury (Hg) form of most concern is monomethylmercury (MMHg⁺) due to its neurotoxicity...
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