Distribution of anthropogenic mercury in a forested wetland.

Undergraduate Research Exper.As global usage of mercury and methylmercury increases, climate change will impact its distribution and movement in unexpected ways. In wetlands, elemental mercury (Hg) is methylated into its more environmentally toxic form, methylmercury ([CH3Hg+]). The two main sources for anthropogenic mercury are atmospheric deposition and legacy soil mercury. Methylmercury bio-accumulates and causes neurological damage to terrestrial and aquatic organisms. Our research demonstrated that there was mercury within the forested wetland watershed. Also, the analysis suggested that although organic carbon was an indicator for the presence of Hg. However, the best predictor was when horizon mid-point, % C, and δ13C parameters were all considered together. Studying the dynamics and distribution of mercury within wetlands can inform environmental and resource managers on best practices to mitigate these ecological health issues.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/116615/1/Thompson_Carl_REU_2015.pd