Project Number:
WR04R001
Funding Year:
2004
Contract Period:
7/1/2004 - 6/30/2006
Funding Source:
UWS
Investigator(s):
PIs:- David E. Armstrong, UW-Madison, Water Science & Engineering Laboratory and Environmental Chemistry & Technology Program
- Christopher L. Babiarz, UW-Madison, Water Science & Engineering Laboratory and Environmental Chemistry & Technology Program
- Martin M. Shafer, UW-Madison, Water Science & Engineering Laboratory and Environmental Chemistry & Technology Program
- S.C. Kerr, UW-Madison, Water Science & Engineering Laboratory and Environmental Chemistry & Technology Program
Abstract:
Objectives: Our investigation focused on the cycling of mercury in wetlands within the Trout Lake Basin in Vilas County, Wisconsin. The three main objectives were:
- To characterize the levels of total Hg and methyl mercury (MeHg) carried in stream waters flowing through the wetlands;
- To characterize hyporheic zones within these wetlands regarding (a) concentrations of aqueous total Hg and MeHg, (b) factors influencing MeHg levels, and (c) the importance of hyporheic zones in controlling MeHg in stream waters;
- To probe the forms of inorganic Hg(II) and MeHg in hyporheic zone waters and examine the implications of speciation on transport and on the bioavailability of Hg(II) for methylation.