Factors related to fish mercury concentrations in Iowa lakes

Mercury contamination in aquatic ecosystems is a global concern due to the health risks of consuming contaminated fishes. Fish mercury concentrations are influenced by a range of biotic and abiotic factors that vary among regions, but these complex interactions are difficult to disentangle. We collected bluegill ( Lepomis macrochirus ), white and black crappie ( Pomoxis annularis ; P. nigromaculatus ), largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides ), walleye ( Sander vitreus ), muskellunge ( Esox masquinongy ), and northern pike ( E. lucius ) from waterbodies throughout Iowa and analyzed them for mercury concentrations. We used land use, water chemistry, and fish characteristics to explain variation in mercury concentrations among and within systems. Mercury concentrations were generally low and undetectable (