Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and mercury in fish from lakes of the Tibetan Plateau

High mountains may act as cold traps for globally transported persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and mercury (Hg). In the present study, 60 fish samples were collected from eight alpine lakes across the Tibetan Plateau. Concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), total mercury (HgT) and methyl mercury (MeHg) were quantified in the fish muscle tissues to improve the understanding of pollution status and factors regulating the transport and fate of these contaminants on the Plateau. The results showed that lake-averaged ∑14PBDEs concentration was between 0.09 ng g−1 dw and 4.32 ng g−1 dw, which was lower than those reported for European mountains. The total mercury concentration in individual fish ranged from 243 to 2384 ng g−1 dw, and that of MeHg from 131 to 1610 ng g−1 dw, which is much higher than those reported in other mountain fish. The spatial variation of PBDEs and mercury in the Plateau is largely controlled by the specific meteorological patterns.

► We examined the levels and patterns of PBDEs and mercury in Tibetan fish.
► Mercury speciation was firstly investigated in the Tibetan fish.
► Methylation of mercury occurs primarily in situ.
► Distribution of contaminants is influenced by the specific meteorological patterns.