Levels of methylmercury and controlling factors in surface sediments of the Carson River system, Nevada
- Univ. of Nevada, Reno, NV (United States)
Spatial and temporal distribution of MeHg, as well as, its relationships with both the biotic and abiotic activities, were determined in surficial sediments collected from a river-reservoir system, severely impacted by Hg-contaminated mine wastes. Despite the fact that total mercury concentrations in surface sediments of the Carson River system were in the {mu}g.g{sup -1} range, levels of MeHg varied from {approximately}1 to 28 ng Hg.g{sup -1} dry weight, representing less than 3% of Total-Hg. Positive relationships were obtained between MeHg concentrations and both the chemical activity and general rate of biotic activity, suggesting the contribution of both the abiotic and biotic processes in the production of MeHg in natural environments, the latter being more important and more significant. Laboratory investigations showed that rates of MeHg production in sediments of the Carson River were affected by factors related to peculiarities of this aquatic system.
- OSTI ID:
- 214832
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950801--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Mercury pathways in the Carson River-Lahontan Reservoir system, Nevada, USA
Chemical speciation of mercury in a highly contaminated aquatic ecosystem: The Carson River of Nevada