Mercury contamination in Northern Québec environment and wildlife

It has been well documented in Northern Québec and elsewhere that levels of mercury (Hg) in fish from natural lakes often exceed the Canadian marketing standard (0.5 mg/kg). However, little information is available on the presence of Hg in wildlife other than fish or in abiotic compartments of the environment. Hydro-Québec has conducted a study to assess the nature and the extent of the present Hg contamination in Northern Québec and to acquire baseline data to monitor long term temporal changes. The results indicate that the levels of Hg observed in the environment are generally within the background levels reported for comparable pristine environments. However, total Hg concentrations in biota do reach high levels in piscivorous fishes, birds and mammals.