Effects of urbanization on mercury deposition and accumulation in New England

Environmental Pollution
By: , and 

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Abstract

We compare total mercury (HgT) loading and methylmercury (MeHg) accumulation in streams and lakes from an urbanized area (Boston, Massachusetts) to rural regions of southern New Hampshire and Maine. The maximum HgT loading, as indicated by HgT atmospheric deposition, HgT emissions, and sediment HgT concentrations, did not coincide with maximum MeHg concentrations in fish. Urbanized ecosystems were areas of high HgT loading but had low MeHg concentrations in fish. Controls on MeHg production and accumulation appeared to be related primarily to HgT loading in undeveloped areas, while ecosystem sensitivity to MeHg formation appeared to be more important in regulating accumulation of MeHg in the urban area.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Effects of urbanization on mercury deposition and accumulation in New England
Series title Environmental Pollution
DOI 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.05.003
Volume 192
Year Published 2014
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) NH/VT office of New England Water Science Center, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program
Description 9 p.
First page 104
Last page 112
Country United States
State Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
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