Hg Concentrations in Muscles and Gills of Fish from Shallow Lakes of Different Trophic Status (Eastern Poland)

Abstract

Mercury (Hg), due to its widespread occurrence and high geochemical and biochemical activity, is one of the most dangerous global environmental contaminants. Due to its high accumulation, it can easily be introduced into the food chain, posing a significant toxicological threat to the health of humans and animals. All forms of Hg, and in particular organic compounds with a short carbon chain, are toxic for aquatic organisms. The toxic effect of Hg on living organisms consist in its high affinity for sulfhydryl groups of proteins and enzymes and inhibition of their biochemical functions [1].