<![CDATA[Mercury (Hg) is a toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in aquatic environments and move through the food chain, potentially posing risks to environmental and human health. This study aimed to analyze mercury concentrations in environmental media (water and sediment) and biota—specifically algae, mosquitofish (*Gambusia affinis*), and Nile tilapia (*Oreochromis niloticus*)—within the Tallo River Basin in Makassar City, as well as to examine its bioaccumulation and biomagnification. An ecological study design with a descriptive approach was employed. Sampling was conducted at three locations: Kaluku Badoa, Parangloe, and Kapasa. Analysis results revealed that the highest mercury concentrations in sediment (0.103 mg/kg) and water (0.001 mg/L) were found in Parangloe. Mercury concentrations in algae reached 10.06 ppm, while concentrations in mosquitofish and Nile tilapia ranged from 0.061–0.117 mg/kg and 0.024–0.101 mg/kg, respectively. Mercury levels in both fish species remained below the maximum permissible limit of 0.5 mg/kg. Bioaccumulation factor (BAF) analysis showed the highest value in algae at Parangloe (BAF = 10,060), whereas mercury was not detected in algae at the other two locations. Mosquitofish exhibited a BAF >1 at all observation sites, while Nile tilapia showed a BAF >1 at Kaluku Badoa and Kapasa but not at Parangloe (BAF = 0.23). The highest biomagnification factor (BMF) was observed at Kaluku Badoa (BMF = 1.656), indicating potential for mercury biomagnification within the food chain. These findings demonstrate that the distribution, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification of mercury in the Tallo River Basin vary according to location and environmental component. Periodic monitoring of water quality and biota, along with the control of pollution sources, is necessary to minimize the potential for mercury exposure to ecosystems and humans.]]>
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