Statistical Parameters as Criteria in Model Evaluation: Kinetics of Mercury Accumulation in Pike Esox lucius

Some processes involved in the accumulation of mercury in individual fish are studied by means of computer simulations. In general, it is shown that patterns of temporal variations of processes at the individual level are reflected in statistical parameters at the population level. In particular, it is shown that, in the system studied, the rate of uptake of mercury per unit weight probably co-varies with body weight. This conclusion is derived from rather poor data through a qualitative analysis approach where the correlation, within age classes, between body weight and concentration of mercury proves useful. It is indicated that this correlation may, in general, be more informative than the commonly used correlation which is calculated without accounting for age.