Project Number:
WR02R002
Funding Year:
2002
Contract Period:
7/1/2002 - 6/30/2004
Funding Source:
UWS, USGS
Investigator(s):
PIs:- Matthew H. Meyer, UW-Madison, Water Science & Engineering Laboratory
- David E. Armstrong, UW-Madison, Water Science & Engineering Laboratory
- Christopher L. Babiarz, UW-Madison, Water Science & Engineering Laboratory
Abstract:
Background: Production of methyl mercury (MeHg) in watersheds is of concern because MeHg accumulates in aquatic foodwebs and poses a health threat to consumers of fish in many lakes. Production of MeHg occurs in anoxic subsurface zones in association with sulfate reduction. Consequently, hyporheic zones are potentially important sources of MeHg because these sites provide an environment conducive to both methylation and potentially rapid transport to adjacent surface waters.
Objectives: This investigation focused on two main objectives:
(1) measure the temporal and spatial distribution of total Hg and methyl Hg in three distinct zones along a hydrologic flowpath: deep ground water, shallow hyporheic water (and sediments), and surface stream water
(2) relate the temporal and spatial patterns of total Hg and methyl Hg concentrations to environmental factors and processes potentially important in controlling the transport and fate of mercury.