Selenium, cadmium, copper, and zinc concentrations were measured in sediments and the tissues of mullet (Mugil cephalus) collected from the southern basin of Lake Macquarie, NSW, Australia. Trace metals in surficial sediments are enriched in trace metals relative to background concentrations (selenium, 3–19; cadmium, 14–42; copper, 1.5–3.6; zinc, 0.77–2.2 times background).

Selenium, cadmium, and copper in Lake Macquarie mullet tissues are elevated compared to those in mullet collected from the Clyde River estuary, a relatively pristine location. Selenium and copper concentrations are also elevated compared to those reported in mullet tissues from other nonpolluted coastal environments. Zinc concentrations in Lake Macquarie mullet muscle tissues are significantly higher than those in muscle tissues of mullet from the Clyde River estuary, but mullet from both locations have similar zinc concentrations in other tissues. These results show that contamination of sediment with trace metals has resulted in elevated trace metals in the benthic feeding fish M. cephalus.

Little of the variation of trace metal concentrations between fish was explained by variation in mass.

Selenium concentrations in mullet are of concern in muscle tissues as they are above recommended acceptable limits for safe human consumption, while concentrations in tissues are at levels that may effect fish growth, reproduction, and survival. Copper concentrations in mullet tissues are also at levels that may reduce fish growth.