Lithuanian territorial and economic zones (data set limits: 55 19 - 56 02N; 20 21 - 21 05E);

Metal concentrations in biota

Atomic absorption spectrometers

The aim of the research of mercury is to determine the contamination of the Baltic Sea biota and to evaluate long-term dynamic of mercury concentrations. These investigations are important, because heavy metals accumulate in biota, especially in their soft tissues. In accordance with the national Baltic Sea monitoring programme the investigations of heavy metals in biota are performed one time a year (in summer) by the expedition vessel 'Vejas'. Investigations of mercury in biota have been carried out since 1999 in the Lithuanian territorial and economic zones. Mercury has been investigated in mussel (Macoma baltica, Mytillus edulis) and fish (flounder Platichthys flesus, herring Clupea harengus). The data are fully quality controlled. Systematic certification of laboratories, participation in international intercalibrations, internal control, introduced managing system for research' quality, use of high quality reagents determine quality of data. All data is stored in archive (written form in the annual Reports).

Galina Garnaga, Kristina Mickuviene, Violeta Jancauskiene (2008) Heavy metals and organochlorine compounds in mussels and fish of the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon / Monograph: The Baltic Sea and its problems (Articles in Lithuanian with English summaries), N. Remeikaite, R. Nikzentaitiene

Department of Marine Research of the Environmental Protection Agency
Taikos Av. 26
Klaipeda

LT-91149
Lithuania