| Abstract: | In 2003, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency studied total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in periphyton at eight rivers in the United States in coordination with a larger USGS study on mercury cycling in rivers. Periphyton samples were collected using trace element clean techniques and NAWQA sampling protocols in spring and fall from targeted habitats (streambed surface-sediment, cobble, or woody snags) at each river site. A positive correlation was observed between concentrations of THg and MeHg in periphyton (r2 = 0.88, in log-log space). Mean MeHg and THg concentrations in surface-sediment periphyton were significantly higher (1,333 ng/m2 for MeHg and 53,980 ng/m2 for THg) than cobble (64 ng/m2 for MeHg and 1,192 ng/m2 for THg) or woody snag (71 ng/m2 for MeHg and 1,089 ng/m2 for THg) periphyton. Concentrations of THg in surface-sediment periphyton had a strong positive correlation with concentrations of THg in sediment (dry weight). The ratio of MeHg:THg in surface-sediment periphyton increased with the ratio of MeHg:THg in sediment. These data suggest periphyton may play a key role in mercury bioaccumulation in river ecosystems. ?? 2007 American Water Resources Association. |
| Genre: | Article |
| ProdID: | 70031070 |
| Citation Author: | Bell, A. H.; Scudder, B. C. |
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| Citation End Page: | 968 |
| Citation Issue: | 4 |
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| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Journal of the American Water Resources Association |
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| Citation Number Of Pages: | 12 |
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| Citation Search Results Text: | Mercury accumulation in periphyton of eight river ecosystems; 2007; Article; Journal; Journal of the American Water Resources Association; Bell, A. H.; Scudder, B. C. |
| Citation Start Page: | 957 |
| Citation Volume: | 43 |
| Citation Year: | 2007 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Mercury accumulation in periphyton of eight river ecosystems; 2007; Article; Journal; Journal of the American Water Resources Association; Bell, A. H.; Scudder, B. C. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| URL (DIGITAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER): | http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-1688.2007.00078.x |
| Date Other: | Mon, 1 Jan 2007 00:00 -0600 |
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