Application of stable isotope mixing models for defining trophic biomagnification pathways of mercury and selenium

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dc.contributor.authorJones, HJen_AU
dc.contributor.authorSwadling, KMen_AU
dc.contributor.authorButler, ECVen_AU
dc.contributor.authorBarry, LAen_AU
dc.contributor.authorMacleod, CKen_AU
dc.date.accessioned2014-11-02T23:44:06Zen_AU
dc.date.available2014-11-02T23:44:06Zen_AU
dc.date.issued2014-07-01en_AU
dc.date.statistics2014-11-03en_AU
dc.description.abstractTrophic models based on nitrogen stable isotope ratios (delta N-15) have been shown to predict changes in mercury (Hg) concentrations in fish; however, they are usually applied at the ecosystem scale and are rarely directed at known trophic pathways. We discuss a novel approach in which we combined gut contents analysis and stable isotope analyses (delta N-15 and delta C-13) into a Bayesian isotopic mixing model to provide a quantitative estimate of Hg and selenium (Se) biomagnification in an estuarine food web. Estimates of the relationship between total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) were significantly improved in mixing model-adjusted food webs over models that included all known prey sources. Spatial differences in dietary composition and MeHg bioavailability offer strong evidence that local food webs can have a significant effect on the biomagnification of Hg within benthic fish species. While no evidence of Se biomagnification was found, lower Se : Hg ratios at higher trophic levels could be attributed to increasing trophic Hg concentration. Furthermore, stable isotope analysis suggested Hg and Se biotransfer from benthic sources to fish. Overall, the findings highlight that isotope mixing models can be a significant aid in assessments of contaminant biomagnification, particularly when it is important to define food pathways to top predators. © 2014, American Society of Limnology and Oceanography.en_AU
dc.identifier.citationJones, H. J., Swadling, K. M., Butler, E. C. V., Barry, L. A., & Macleod, C. K. (2014). Application of stable isotope mixing models for defining trophic biomagnification pathways of mercury and selenium. Limnology and Oceanography, 59(4), 1181-1192. doi:10.4319/lo.2014.59.4.1181en_AU
dc.identifier.govdoc5816en_AU
dc.identifier.issn0024-3590en_AU
dc.identifier.issue4en_AU
dc.identifier.journaltitleLimnology and Oceanographyen_AU
dc.identifier.pagination1181-1192en_AU
dc.identifier.urihttp://dx.doi.org/10.4319/lo.2014.59.4.1181en_AU
dc.identifier.urihttp://apo.ansto.gov.au/dspace/handle/10238/5996en_AU
dc.identifier.volume59en_AU
dc.language.isoenen_AU
dc.publisherAmerican Society of Limnology and Oceanographyen_AU
dc.subjectNitrogen isotopesen_AU
dc.subjectAquatic ecosystemsen_AU
dc.subjectContaminationen_AU
dc.subjectFood chainsen_AU
dc.subjectSeleniumen_AU
dc.subjectSemimetalsen_AU
dc.titleApplication of stable isotope mixing models for defining trophic biomagnification pathways of mercury and seleniumen_AU
dc.typeJournal Articleen_AU
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