Abstract
Research was initiated to study the bioaccumulation of mercury through the food chain in the water hyacinth weevil, Neochetina eichhornae, and its impact on protein metabolism. A concentration-dependent accumulation of Hg in water hyacinth leaves was documented over a one-week period. At the 25 ppm concentration, the total Hg accumulated in insects was 15.16 mu g/100 mg of leaves in males. The feeding of insects declined as the Hg levels increased in the plants. A decrease in total protein was related to the concentration of Hg adsorbed by the insects. The results also indicate an increase in free amino acids in Hg-contaminated weevils compared with controls.