Mercury bioaccumulation and the population dynamics of Mesopodopsis slabberi (Crustacea: Mysidacea) along a mercury contamination gradient

The mercury bioaccumulation and population dynamics of the mysid Mesopodopsis slabberi was assessed along a mercury gradient in Ria de Aveiro (Portugal). M. slabberi is one of the most important mysid species in European temperate coastal shallow waters playing a key ecological role. Nevertheless, no references were found concerning the possible consequences of the Hg on the trophodynamics of these coastal ecosystems. M. slabberi showed a clear bioaccumulation along the Hg gradient and through life, with mature females reaching the highest concentrations. In terms of population structure, higher densities and biomasses of M. slabberi were assessed in the most contaminated areas contrarily to the least polluted areas. Despite the mercury accumulation in its tissues no strong negative effects on the structure and population dynamics of the species were observed. However, mysids might be important in the transfer of metals from the sediments and zooplankton to higher trophic levels such as fishes, most of them with commercial interest.This work was supported by FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia) through a project n. FCOMP-01-0124FEDER-010598 (MERCOAST, Refa. FCT PTDC/MAR/101906/ 2008) and by POPH and QREN—Promotion of scientific job funded by European social fund and national funds of MEC. The authors are indebted to all the colleagues that assisted in the field and lab work.publishe