Houssard P., Point David, Tremblay-Boyer L., Allain V., Pethybridge H., Mashou J., Ferriss B. E., Baya P. A., Lagane Christelle, Menkès Christophe, Letourneur Y., Lorrain Anne. (2019). A model of mercury distribution in tuna from the Western and Central Pacific Ocean : influence of physiology, ecology and environmental factors. Environmental Science and Technology, 53 (3), p. 1422-1431. ISSN 0013-936X.
Titre du document
A model of mercury distribution in tuna from the Western and Central Pacific Ocean : influence of physiology, ecology and environmental factors
Année de publication
2019
Auteurs
Houssard P., Point David, Tremblay-Boyer L., Allain V., Pethybridge H., Mashou J., Ferriss B. E., Baya P. A., Lagane Christelle, Menkès Christophe, Letourneur Y., Lorrain Anne
Source
Environmental Science and Technology, 2019,
53 (3), p. 1422-1431 ISSN 0013-936X
Information on ocean scale drivers of methylmercury levels and variability in tuna is scarce, yet crucial in the context of anthropogenic mercury (Hg) inputs and potential threats to human health. Here we assess Hg concentrations in three commercial tuna species (bigeye, yellowfin, and albacore, n = 1000) from the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO). Models were developed to map regional Hg variance and understand the main drivers. Mercury concentrations are enriched in southern latitudes (10 degrees S-20 degrees S) relative to the equator (0 degrees-10 degrees S) for each species, with bigeye exhibiting the strongest spatial gradients. Fish size is the primary factor explaining Hg variance but physical oceanography also contributes, with higher Hg concentrations in regions exhibiting deeper thermoclines. Tuna trophic position and oceanic primary productivity were of weaker importance. Predictive models perform well in the Central Equatorial Pacific and Hawaii, but underestimate Hg concentrations in the Eastern Pacific. A literature review from the global ocean indicates that size tends to govern tuna Hg concentrations, however regional information on vertical habitats, methylmercury production, and/or Hg inputs are needed to understand Hg distribution at a broader scale. Finally, this study establishes a geographical context of Hg levels to weigh the risks and benefits of tuna consumption in the WCPO.
Plan de classement
Sciences fondamentales / Techniques d'analyse et de recherche [020]
;
Limnologie biologique / Océanographie biologique [034]
;
Pollution [038]
;
Ressources halieutiques [040]
Description Géographique
PACIFIQUE
Localisation
Fonds IRD [F B010075165]
Identifiant IRD
fdi:010075165
