The authors of the Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry study noted that different climate parameters may have affected mercury accumulation in seals.

"Ringed seal is an important species for contaminants surveillance and monitoring across the Arctic. With the collaboration and support of Inuit communities, we've been able to study contaminants in seals for decades in Canada," said corresponding author Magali Houde, PhD, of Environment and Climate Change Canada. "Levels of mercury have not changed much in ringed seals through time. Our result suggest that climate factors could be influencing the accumulation of mercury in seals."

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Journal Reference:

1. Magali Houde, Zofia E. Taranu, Xiaowa Wang, Brent Young, P. Gagnon, Steve H. Ferguson, Michael Kwan, Derek C.G. Muir. Mercury in Ringed Seals ( Pusa hispida ) from the Canadian Arctic in Relation to Time and Climate Parameters. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 2020; DOI: 10.1002/etc.4865