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Mercury Transport and Contamination in the Lake Ontario Basin
Start Date 08/01/2008
End Date 07/31/2009
Primary Partner: Syracuse University
Primary Contact: Driscoll, Charles.T. - Professor
Project Type: CARTI III
Technical Description:
We hypothesize that: Lake Ontario is a net sink for mercury inputs, and that the surrounding watersheds control the production and supply of methylmercury and subsequent trophic transfer to aquatic biota.
Our objectives for this study are:
1) To develop and test an automated methodology for the analysis of methylmercury;
2) To collect and analyze tributary samples for Lake Ontario and develop a preliminary mass balance of mercury for the lake; and
3) To evaluate methylmercury supply and trophic transfer in embayments of Lake Ontario.
Expected Outcomes:
It is envisioned that this study will provide valuable capability and data which will be used in the development of a comprehensive proposal to investigate mercury dynamics in the Lake Ontario basin. Expected benefits and results of the project are:
1) a new rapid and more reliable MeHg method;
2) development of a preliminary database of Hg observations for Lake Ontario that will be available to scientific and management communities; and
3) publication of results in peer-reviewed journals.
Accomplishments:
1. Develop and test an automated methodology for the analysis of methylmercury
Samples collected were already analyzed using the proven semi-automation technique. The maximization of the ICP/MS and separation of the mercury species was completed. The on-line concentration is proven to be a challenge and need further development.
2. Collect and analyze tributary samples for Lake Ontario and develop a preliminary mass balance of mercury for the lake
Monthly dates were coordinated with Dr. Brian Branfireun of the University of Toronto. Field surveys of the Lake Ontario tributaries began during the summer field season of 2009 and will continue into the 2010 field season. To date, eleven sampling events have been conducted. Water samples have been collected from five rivers and the effluent of five wastewater treatment plants. Samples were collected using clean techniques, and are being analyzed for total and methyl Hg and ancillary water quality characteristics.
3. Evaluate methylmercury supply and trophic transfer in embayments of Lake Ontario
One hundred percent of samples were processed and freeze dried. Eighty percent have been analyzed for total and methyl Hg.
Benefits:
Mercury is a dangerous toxin and understanding its dynamics in the water systems will lead to new and better methods to control it and lessen its transport into these systems.
For more information:
http://www.ecs.syr.edu/faculty/driscoll/personal/Research.asphttp://www.ecs.syr.edu/faculty/driscoll/biocomplexity/index.asp
Presentations:
Anjali Ganess, Janique Cheesman, Edward F. Mason Jr., Charles T. Driscoll "Total Mercury and Carbon Concentrations and Transport in the Lake Ontario Basin" poster at summer REU 2009.
Janique Cheesman, Anjali Ganess, Charles T Driscoll, Edward F. Mason Jr."Mercury Contamination in the Ontario Basin-Effects of Anions on Methylmercury" poster at summer REU 2009.
Joseph Denkenberger "Quicksilver Fluxes in the Three Rivers and Lake Ontario Systems" poster at the 11th Annual Onondaga Lake Scientific Forum, Liverpool, NY, 20 November 2009.
Image Credit: United States Environmental Protection Agency
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