Total mercury in Anuran livers by Direct Solids Analysis from a Historically Industrialized Region of Northern New York (2017)

Document Type : Research Note

Authors

1 Environmental Studies. St. Lawrence University, Canton. NY. 13617

2 Chemistry. St. Lawrence University, Canton. NY. 13617

3 Environmental Studies. St. Lawrence University. Canton. NY 13617

10.22059/poll.2026.409489.3266

Abstract

Mercury is a highly toxic, naturally occurring element that can be readily absorbed and retained in humans and other organisms. Chemical disturbance, including heavy metal pollution, contributes to the global decline of amphibian species, which are uniquely sensitive to aquatic chemical contaminants due to their highly permeable skin and life history traits. This experiment utilized a Leco AMA254 direct mercury analyzer to quantitatively determine the mercury concentration in the livers of 22 frogs [N = 6 Green frog (Lithobates clamitans), N = 5 Northern Leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens), and N =7 American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)] collected in St. Lawrence County, NY, by direct solids analysis. All the livers were found to have elevated mercury levels, some as high as 554.7 μg/kg dry mercury concentration, and none lower than 53.1μg/kg. This experiment reveals the implications of coal-burning and atmospheric mercury deposition as potential contributors to global amphibian decline.  Continued industrial and agricultural activity in the region underscores the need for further research to quantify the extent of methylmercury contamination in amphibians and its ecological impacts in Northern New York and beyond. 

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