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Evaluation of Sources and Uptake of Methylmercury in Farm-Raised Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchuss Mykiss) and Yellow Perch (Perca Flavescens)
Elevated methylmercury (MeHg) levels in fish are known to slow their growth rates, disrupt their reproductive success, and increase their rates of infectious disease; MeHg may also result in fish consumption advisories for humans, but little is known about MeHg levels in the most popular farm-raised fish in the Midwest. The goal of this research project is to determine the critical factors controlling MeHg concentrations in farm-raised rainbow trout (Oncorhynchuss mykiss) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) by tracking the quantity and quality of the feed, the growth stage of the fish, and the anaerobic conditions of the ponds. The resulting field- and laboratory-generated data will be used to calibrate a contaminant-accumulation model across species and method of aquaculture. Improved best management practices will be developed to minimize potential inputs of MeHg to farm-raised fish and to reduce the impact of mercury from aquaculture waste to the surrounding environment.
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