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Mercury methylation in periphyton of the Florida Everglades

January 1, 1999

Trophic accumulation of mercury (Hg) in aquatic ecosystems is of global concern due to health effects associated with eating fish with elevated Hg levels. The methylated form of Hg bioaccumulates so it is important to understand how inorganic Hg is transformed to methylmercury in the environment. Here, a new site for Hg methylation, the periphyton communities that are prevalent in the Florida Everglades, is described. It is hypothesized that periphyton communities that support an active microbial sulfur cycle support Hg methylation. This new methylation site has implications for trophic transfer of methylmercury since periphyton can be the base of the food web in aquatic ecosystems.

Publication Year 1999
Title Mercury methylation in periphyton of the Florida Everglades
DOI 10.4319/lo.1999.44.7.1815
Authors L.B. Cleckner, C.C. Gilmour, J.P. Hurley, D. P. Krabbenhoft
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Limnology and Oceanography
Index ID 70021240
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Toxic Substances Hydrology Program