Toxic effects of mercuric chloride on sperm and egg viability of two populations of mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus.

Exposure of mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) sperm from polluted Piles Creek (PC) to 0.01 ppm mercuric chloride (Hg) for 2 min caused a significant reduction in fertilization success. However, comparable exposure of sperm of mummichog from a relatively clean area in Long Island (LI) did not effect the fertilization success. Exposure of PC mummichog sperm to 0.05 ppm Hg for 2 min caused significant reduction in sperm motility. On the other hand, comparable exposure of LI mummichog sperm did not have any effect on motility. These data indicate that Hg is more toxic for PC mummichog sperm than LI mummichog sperm. Exposure of both PC and LI sperm either to 15 ppt sea water or to 0.05 ppm Hg for 15 min did not affect the morphology of the sperm, as seen by scanning electron microscopy. Exposure of PC and LI mummichog eggs to 0.05 ppm Hg up to 25 min had no effect on fertilization success, indicating that eggs are more tolerant to Hg than sperm.