Mercury Distribution in Liver, Kidney, Muscle and Feathers of Caspian Sea Common Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)

Abstract: We conducted a study to screen mercury (Hg) level in the Caspian Sea common cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) to determine the biological behavior of this element and to assess the exposure of wild fish-eating birds, which are a bioindicator to this pollutant. Mercury concentration was measured in liver, kidney, muscle and feathers. The mean concentration of mercury was 8.32±1.32, 9.25±1.71, 2.064±0.22 and 4.44±0.3 ppm in liver, kidney, muscles and feathers respectively. Hg concentration was highest in the kidney and liver (p<0.01). The amount of mercury accumulation obtained was as follows: Liver ≈ Kidneys > Feathers > Muscles. Hg concentration in the liver and muscle increased significantly with growth from juvenile to adult (p<0.05). Comparison of Hg concentration between males and females indicated that Hg concentration in the muscle (p<0.05) and kidney (p<0.01) was significantly different.