Northern Curonian Lagoon in the southeast Baltic Sea (data set limits: 55 16 - 55 44N; 21 01 - 21 17E).

Metal concentrations in biota

Benthos samplers; atomic absorption spectrometers

The aim of the research of mercury is to determine the contamination of the Curonian Lagoon's 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 Curonian Lagoon monitoring programme the investigations of heavy metals in biota are performed one time a year (in summer) by the expedition cutter 'Gintaras'. Investigations of mercury in biota have been carried out since 1999 in the site covered the north part of the Lagoon which belongs to the Lithuania. Mercury has been investigated in mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and fish (perch Perca fluviatilis). 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 since 1999 is stored in archive (written form in annual Reports).

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

LT-91149
Lithuania