Mercury and methylmercury in birds and marine mammals inhabiting the coastal zone of the two King George Island's bays: Admiralty and King George Bay (maritime Antarctic)

The Antarctic is particularly sensitive to mercury (Hg) pollution and even low levels of Hg may cause significant damage in this fragile environment. The aim of this study was to investigate routes of mercury and methylmercury (MeHg) elimination by animals inhabiting the maritime Antarctic. The results showed that organisms at the highest trophic level (elephant seal) have the highest concentrations of THg and MeHg in both excrement and fur samples. Interspecies differences in mercury levels were observed in materials sourced from penguins of the genus Pysgocelis.13C and 15N values confirmed differences in the diets and foraging areas, which may affect Hg concentration in the tissues we analyzed. Time variations in THg and MeHg concentrations were observed in the excrement of the penguin species, which may be due to periods of fasting and intense feeding closely related to egg laying and moulting stages. [Display omitted] •Three ways to eliminate pollutants have been investigated in this article.•It is difficult to clearly determine the most effective route of Hg elimination.•Seasonal variations of Hg in excrement can depend on the penguin life cycle.•Values of 13C and 15N indicate different origins of Hg in samples.