Non-essential trace elements, methylmercury, and organic contaminants in hunted ringed seals (Pusa hispida) from Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada

This study aimed to identify the levels of non-essential trace elements found in Ringed seals (Pusa hispida), a key source of food for Inuit communities in Nunavut, Canada.

Non-essential trace elements including, cadmium (Cd), total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were analysed in muscle and liver samples collected from ringed seals harvested during subsistence hunts by local Inuit hunters, from two locations on Baffin Island (Frobisher Bay and Eclipse Sound) from 2016-2018.

All data are subject of a publication containing method details, full QA/QC, interpretations and conclusions. Citation: Daoust, P. Y., MacMillan, G. A., Sudlovenick, E., Simonee, J., Amyot, M., Houde, M., Lemire, M., & L'Hérault, V. (2025). Non-essential trace elements, methylmercury, and organic contaminants in hunted ringed seals (Pusa hispida) from Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada. Chemosphere, 377, 144324. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144324

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
Last Updated April 17, 2026, 18:29 (UTC)
Created April 17, 2026, 18:29 (UTC)
contact_email DRCADonneesOuvertes-ACRDOpenData@ec.gc.ca
contact_person {}
criticality_level []
data_dictionary []
geographic_scope ["0"]
open_canada_collection primary
open_canada_date_published 2025-05-01 00:00:00
open_canada_keywords {"en": ["Environment"], "fr": ["Environnement"]}
open_canada_subject ["nature_and_environment"]
sensitivity_level unrestricted
title_fr Éléments trace non essentiels, méthylmercure et contaminants organiques chez les phoques annelés chassés (Pusa hispida) de l'île de Baffin, Nunavut, Canada
update_frequency as_needed