Question

Mercury is a heavy metal that can cause severe health problems in even small concentrations. Fish and shellfish efficiently concentrate mercury into their flesh, so it is important to monitor seafood for its mercury content. An extensive study conducted in 1980 concluded that the mean mercury level in oysters from the White Bear estuary was 0.021 parts per million (ppm) with a standard deviation a=0.020 ppm. In 2012, a sample of 49 oysters from the same estuary exhibited a mean mercury concentration of 0.005 ppm. Can you conclude that the 2012 mercury concentration is lower than in 1980? Use the level of significance a=0.05. No. There is insufficient evidence to conclude that the mercury concentration has decreased from 1980 to 2012. Yes. The mercury concentration appears to be lower in 2012. There is not enough information to reach a conclusion.

Answer 1