The Effects of Disturbance on the Production of Methylmercury in Wetlands

Aliana Reichert-Eberhardt, Penn State

March 25, 2010 @ 01:20 pm to 02:10 pm

10 Tyson Building

Due to the burning of coal and other anthropogenic sources, the amount of available mercury in the environment has increased. In wetlands, sulfate-reducing bacteria convert oxidized mercury (Hg2+) into monomethylmercury (CH3Hg+), a highly bioavailable compound. Methylmercury will then accumulate in aquatic animals, which can then be consumed by humans._ The focus of my research will be how the effects of disturbance around wetlands can alter the production of methylmercury.

Contact

Kristen Granger
klg297@psu.edu