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M3 Research Laboratory: Mercury, trace Metals/elements and Microplastics

M3 Research Laboratory

Welcome to the USGS M3 Research Laboratory. We specialize in analyses for mercury, other trace metals/elements, and microplastics. We have a multi-disciplinary team of researchers that is dedicated to developing field and analytical methods for the reliable detection of metals and microplastics. For metals, we have expanded capabilities to examine concentrations using optical spectroscopy and mass spectrometry techniques as well as a high-resolution multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer to examine isotope ratios. The lab also specializes in low-level concentration and speciation methods for mercury. New capabilities include the enumeration and identification of microplastics using Raman and IR spectroscopy techniques. Check out our capabilities page for more information!

About the M3 Research Laboratory

Two scientists guide sampling equipment attached to large crane, on to deck of research vessel

Learn about the M3 Research Laboratory and meet our team!

Learn about M3 Research Lab

Mercury Assessments

Two scientists sampling water in the Shark River Slough in Everglades National Park, Florida
Learn about Mercury Assessments

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Publications

Application of mercury stable isotopes to examine sources and hydrologic factors impacting mercury bioaccumulation and cycling in invertebrates of a model saline lake Application of mercury stable isotopes to examine sources and hydrologic factors impacting mercury bioaccumulation and cycling in invertebrates of a model saline lake

Invertebrates, such as brine shrimp and brine flies, are key prey items for millions of resident and migratory birds that utilize saline lakes such as Great Salt Lake (GSL). Elevated methylmercury (MeHg) in invertebrate and waterfowl species of GSL has been assumed to be linked to elevated MeHg in GSL’s anoxic Deep Brine Layer (DBL) where aqueous concentrations can exceed 30 ng/L. Here...
Authors
Samuel Lopez, Sarah E. Janssen, Michael T. Tate, Frank J. Black, Hannah Mcilwain, Laura Flucke, Jacob Ogorek, William Johnson
By
Utah Water Science Center, M3 Research Laboratory

Ecological factors decouple Great Lakes fish mercury concentrations trends decadal declines in mercury emissions Ecological factors decouple Great Lakes fish mercury concentrations trends decadal declines in mercury emissions

Atmospheric mercury (Hg) deposition has been declining in North America but remains the dominant delivery mechanism to the Great Lakes. The Lakes are highly efficient at bioaccumulating methylmercury, making the fish excellent sentinels for tracking shifts in atmospheric Hg deposition. Invasive mussels have altered biogeochemical processes, prey populations and fish dietary strategies
Authors
Ryan F. Lepak, Joel Hoffman, Sarah E. Janssen, Michael T. Tate, Morgann B Gordon, Michael Mahon, Samantha Rumschlag, Christopher Yarnes, Brian A. Lennel, David Krabbenhoft, Jacob Ogorek, James P. Hurley
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, M3 Research Laboratory

Climate-driven sulfate export in alpine watersheds may stimulate methylmercury production Climate-driven sulfate export in alpine watersheds may stimulate methylmercury production

Climate change is increasing sulfate export and changing wetland extent in mountain regions. These changes may increase microbially mediated production of the neurotoxic substance methylmercury due to enhanced sulfate metabolism in mountain environments. Here, we assess methylmercury concentrations and formation rates across high-elevation wetlands in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. We...
Authors
Hannah R. Miller, Charles Driscoll, Sarah E. Janssen, Eve-Lyn Hinckley
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, M3 Research Laboratory
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