MERCURY IN ELEDONE-CIRRHOSA FROM THE NORTHERN TYRRHENIAN SEA - CONTENTS AND RELATIONS WITH LIFE-CYCLE

The Hg concentration in horned octopus was studied in relation to its biological cycle. The metal was measured in the muscle tissue of speci mens of different size, sex and maturity. This species proved to be a strong accumulator of mercury, whose concentration was found to be cor related with length independently of the sex. The relationship with si ze aas found also far the organic form. Consideration was given to the danger of frequent consumption of this cephalopod and to its use as a biomonitor of environmental mercury impact.