Mercury Levels in Michigan River Otters, Lutra canadensis

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Abstract
Mercury (Hg) concentrations were examined in kidney and/or liver tissues of 43 river otters collected from the upper and northern lower peninsulas of Michigan from 1987–1989. In general, Hg concentrations in Michigan's otters were lower than reported for other localities in the United States but higher than concentrations reported in Michigan fish species. Concentrations were significantly higher in liver tissue relative to kidney tissue, averaging 2.18 mg Hg kg−1 dry weight ± 0.25 (S.E.) in the liver and 1.50 mg Hg kg−1 dry weight ± 0.22 in the kidney. Hg concentrations in liver and kidney tissues were significantly correlated (r = 0.41, p < 0.05). When the data were pooled for all years. Hg concentrations in liver tissue were statistically (94%) higher in males than females. Additionally. Hg concentrations in kidney tissue were 18.5% higher in males than females. but this difference was not statistically significant. No statistically verifiable relationships were noted between Hg concentrations and age, weight, sampling region, or the interaction of these variables.

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