Metal contamination in liver and muscle of northern pike (Esox lucius) and white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) and in sediments from lakes near the smelter at flin flon, manitoba

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Abstract
Northern pike (Esox lucius Linnaeus), white sucker (Catostomus commersoni Lacépède) and sediment cores were obtained from 13 lakes located 4.5 to 84 km from the base metal smelter at Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada. Zn, Cu, Cd, Hg, Se, Pb and As concentrations were determined in liver and muscle of fish. Depth profiles of Zn, Cu, Cd, Hg and Se concentrations were determined in sediment cores. The area receiving significant metal deposition from the smelter is smaller than previously estimated. Increases in metal concentrations in depth profiles of sediment cores appear to coincide with the onset of smelting operations at Flin Flon. Metal concentrations in fish from two lakes near the smelter dropped between 1976 and 1982, after a tall stack (250 m) was installed on the smelter. Metal concentrations in muscle were poor indicators of metal concentrations in sediments. Concentrations of Cd and Se in liver of northern pike, and concentrations of Zn, Cu, Cd and Se in liver of white sucker were greatest in the most contaminated lakes. Concentrations of Hg in fish declined with increased proximity to the smelter. Limnological variables seemed to have little influence on metal concentrations in fish.

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