Open-File Report 2011–1297
AbstractThis report presents the results of a reconnaissance study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to determine mercury (Hg) and other selected metal concentrations in Black bass (Micropterus spp.) from Whiskeytown Lake, Shasta County, California. Total mercury concentrations were determined by cold-vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CVAAS) in fillets and whole bodies of each sampled fish. Selected metals scans were performed on whole bodies (less the fillets) by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Mercury concentrations in fillet samples ranged from 0.06 to 0.52 micrograms per gram (µg/g) wet weight (ww). Total mercury (HgT) in the same fish whole-body samples ranged from 0.04 to 0.37 (µg/g, ww). Mercury concentrations in 17 percent of “legal catch size” (≥305 millimeters in length) were above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency water-quality criterion for the protection of human health of 0.30 µg/g (ww). These data will serve as a baseline for future monitoring efforts within Whiskeytown Lake. |
First posted February 16, 2012 For additional information contact: Part or all of this report is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF); the latest version of Adobe Reader or similar software is required to view it. Download the latest version of Adobe Reader, free of charge. |
May, J.T., Hothem, R.L., Bauer, M.L., and Brown, L.R., 2012, Concentrations of mercury and other metals in black bass (Micropterus spp.) from Whiskeytown Lake, Shasta County, California, 2005: U.S. Geological Survey, Open-File Report 2012–1297, 16 p.
Abstract
Introduction
Purpose and Scope
Field Methods and Sample Preservation Techniques
Laboratory Methods of Chemical Analysis
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
Results and Discussion
Acknowledgements
References