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Chemical Monitoring in Local Foods: Mercury in Fish

Description

Mercury (Hg) enters the environment through natural processes and human activities. There are three forms of Hg: elemental (metallic) mercury, inorganic mercury salts and organic mercury... More ≫

Description

Mercury (Hg) enters the environment through natural processes and human activities. There are three forms of Hg: elemental (metallic) mercury, inorganic mercury salts and organic mercury compounds. Methylmercury (MeHg) is often formed from inorganic mercury during biological processes such as methylation by microorganisms in water and sediment. MeHg can accumulate in aquatic organisms including fish. People are exposed to very low levels of mercury in the air, water and food. Some people may be exposed to relatively higher levels of mercury by eating MeHg-containing fish. MeHg accumulates in the human body over time and because it is a known neurotoxin, it is necessary to limit human exposure to MeHg. To protect public health, Health Canada has proposed mercury guidelines and advisories for fish consumption based on total mercury (THg; all forms of Hg in a sample). This dataset was collected as part of long-term monitoring of mercury levels in various species of fish in Albertan...

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Fresh water aquaculture and public land

Description

Alberta's alternative livestock industry, including the production of fresh fish through aquaculture for commercial purposes, has expanded rapidly over the last few years. At the same time, an... More ≫

Description

Alberta's alternative livestock industry, including the production of fresh fish through aquaculture for commercial purposes, has expanded rapidly over the last few years. At the same time, an interest is being expressed to raise fish on public land for commercial or personal use. In addition, there have been several instances where individuals have approached the Lands Division for authority to raise various aquatic species that are not typically associated with fish production (e.g., leeches for medical purposes, aquatic plants for commercial purposes) on public land or in a Crown owned water body.

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Fish and wildlife habitat

Description

Alberta is an ecologically diverse province. The wide range of land forms and vegetation communities create a large mosaic of natural landscapes that provide habitat for Alberta's fish and... More ≫

Description

Alberta is an ecologically diverse province. The wide range of land forms and vegetation communities create a large mosaic of natural landscapes that provide habitat for Alberta's fish and wildlife. Public lands are an important source of fish and wildlife habitat and these habitat requirements are integrated into public land management.

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