TDEC: High levels of mercury found in fish in Middle Tennessee river. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is warning individuals about high levels of mercury found in bass species in a Rutherford County river.
Can you eat fish from Tennessee River?
The Department recommends that residents and visitors continue to eat fish from Tennessee rivers and reservoirs, but they should also follow the published advisories on consumption hazards in individual reservoirs. Approximately 124,000 reservoir acres and 368 river miles are currently posted due to contaminated fish.
What is the Tennessee River contaminated with?
Industrial chemicals found in the Tennessee River are PFAS (per-and polyfluorinated substances), mercury, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), and corrosion inhibitors. These chemicals are often non-biodegradable, can move through soil into waterways, and last in the environment for decades to hundreds of years.
Can you swim in the Tennessee River?
2) Can I swim unattended in the TN River? No. You should never swim unattended in the TN river because there is a lot of commercial traffic (barges, duck boats, Southern Belle, commercial fishing craft, bass boats, jet skis, etc.). There is no protected swimmer area in the TN River.
Is there mercury in rivers?
Mercury gets into the air from a number of sources. Once in the air, mercury eventually settles into bodies of water like lakes and streams, or onto land, where it can be washed into water. Microorganisms in waterbodies can change it into methylmercury, where it builds up in fish and shellfish.
What is the cleanest lake in TN?
Norris Lake
The Clearest Lake In Tennessee, Norris Lake, Is Almost Too Beautiful To Be Real. When the weather gets warm there’s nothing better than a day out by the water. Whether you’re visiting by boat or picnicking on land, there’s just something about a lake day that refreshes the spirit and settles the soul.
What is the best tasting freshwater fish?
You’re sure to find something you love here.
- Catfish. Catfish is one of the most popular freshwater fish, and for good reason.
- Largemouth Bass. If you live in North America, then you know bass as one of the most prominent freshwater fish.
- Trout.
- Salmon.
- Walleye.
- Pike.
Is the Tennessee River toxic?
It is also one of the most polluted rivers in the world. A study announced earlier this year found that the level of microplastics in the Tennessee River is among the highest ever measured.
What is the cleanest river in the United States?
And it’s stunningly beautiful. –The Smith River is the wildest and cleanest river in the country outside of Alaska — indeed, it is one of the cleanest rivers in the world. — The Smith is the only major undammed river in California.
Is Tennessee water safe to drink?
We are proud to again report that your drinking water exceeds all federal and state standards and is safe to drink.
Are there alligators in the Tennessee River?
In 2019, a baby gator was spotted in the Tennessee River, just across the border in north Alabama. According to reports, 56 gators were dropped in the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge as an effort to expand the species in 1979.
What is the cleanest river in the world?
The Thames River
The Thames River in London tops the chart of the cleanest river in the world.
Why is the Tennessee River so polluted?
Plastic bags, litter seem to be main culprits
Knoll said the near uniform levels of microplastics found across the span of the Tennessee River was an indication that the particles were not coming from a single source, and he suggested plastic pollution was more likely the issue.
How can you tell if there is mercury in your water?
The Jerome® J505 hand held atomic fluorescence spectrophotometer can effectively measure elemental mercury in water by measuring the headspace above contaminated water without using a gold film trap. The portability allows for use outside of the lab, providing results as samples are drawn.
How do you get mercury out of your body?
If you have mercury poisoning with a very high level of mercury in your blood, your doctor will probably recommend chelation therapy. This method involves using medications, called chelators, that bind to mercury in your body and help it to exit your system. Chelators can be taken as a pill or injected.
Where is the most mercury in the world?
China was the world’s largest producer of mercury in 2021, with a mine production volume of 2,000 metric tons. The second leading producer of mercury, Tajikistan, produced approximately 170 metric tons in that year.
What is the deepest lake in TN?
Norris Lake
Norris Lake (Tennessee)
| Norris Lake | |
|---|---|
| Average depth | 75 ft (23 m) |
| Max. depth | 210 ft (64 m) |
| Shore length1 | 809 mi (1,302 km) |
| Surface elevation | 1,020 ft (310 m) |
What is the only natural lake in Tennessee?
Reelfoot Lake
Reelfoot Lake today
It is the only large natural lake in Tennessee.
What is the best lake to live on in TN?
Forty miles of shoreline along the fresh clear waters of Tellico Lake make for some of the best Tennessee lakefront property in the state.
What is the healthiest fish to eat?
6 of the Healthiest Fish to Eat
- Albacore Tuna (troll- or pole-caught, from the US or British Columbia)
- Salmon (wild-caught, Alaska)
- Oysters (farmed)
- Sardines, Pacific (wild-caught)
- Rainbow Trout (farmed)
- Freshwater Coho Salmon (farmed in tank systems, from the US)
What freshwater fish are not good to eat?
Are you aware that four fish have been designated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( USDA ) and Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) to be unsafe to eat due to their typically high levels of mercury? Making the “do not eat” list are King Mackerel, Shark, Swordfish and Tilefish.