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Effects of urbanization on mercury deposition and accumulation in New England

December 31, 2014
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.
Publication Year 2014
Title Effects of urbanization on mercury deposition and accumulation in New England
DOI 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.05.003
Authors Ann T. Chalmers, David P. Krabbenhoft, Peter C. Van Metre, Mark A. Nilles
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Environmental Pollution
Index ID 70192432
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization NH/VT office of New England Water Science Center; Toxic Substances Hydrology Program
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