Environmental Monitoring : Mercury Concentration in Ambient Air and Hares at GTP Molve Area

The present study, as part of a comprehensive monitoring of the eco-system, was aimed at establishing a relationship between mercury concentration in ambient air and tissues of wild animals in the vicinity of the natural gas processing plant - GTP Molve, Croatia. The study presents a part of results of mercury concentration measurements in hares present in the wider area around GTP Molve. The results indicate that concentrations are within normal levels. Mean mercury concentration values found in hares’ muscle, liver, kidney and brain tissues recorded in 1999 were lower than those recorded during 1995 and 1990. Mercury concentration measurements in ambient air and in hare’ s tissues demonstrate small but constant decline in concentration values. Achieved results point to the need of further research in order to investigate correlations between particular values so as to be able to make adequate conclusions.