Determination of mercury in fish otoliths by cold vapor generation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (CVG-ICP-MS)

► Mercury in fish otoliths is determined by cold vapor generation ICP-MS. ► Inorganic and methylmercury are determined selectively using NaBH4 as only reductant. ► Potassium ferricyanide ensures effective cleaning of residual Hg from sampling system. ► Mercury in fish otoliths is mostly organic mercury. ► Mercury concentrations in fish otoliths show variations with geochemistry of habitats.