Mercury Transport During Spring Runoff in the Provo River Utah, USA
Location
USU Eccles Conference Center
Event Website
http://water.usu.edu
Start Date
4-5-2016 4:33 PM
End Date
4-5-2016 4:36 PM
Description
Mercury (Hg) transport during snowmelt is widely recognized as a significant source of Hg to high elevation lakes and streams. However, it is not well understood to what extent Hg is associated with suspended sediment versus dissolved organic matter during snowmelt runoff. Snowpack, river, soil water, and overland flow samples will be collected across the Provo River watershed throughout 2015 and 2016. These samples will be analyzed for filtered and unfiltered total Hg (THg), filtered and unfiltered methylmercury (MeHg), and dissolved organic matter (DOM). Fluorescence spectroscopy will be used to determine the type and quality of DOM present, and its role in Hg complexation and transport. Preliminary results have shown a high fraction of “dissolved” THg (calculated as the fraction of filtered/unfiltered concentration) averaging around 75%. These results suggest that the majority of THg is transported in association with DOM in the Provo River. Findings will have implications for understanding Hg cycling in the Provo River watershed where Jordanelle Reservoir has fish consumption advisories due elevated Hg concentrations.
Mercury Transport During Spring Runoff in the Provo River Utah, USA
USU Eccles Conference Center
Mercury (Hg) transport during snowmelt is widely recognized as a significant source of Hg to high elevation lakes and streams. However, it is not well understood to what extent Hg is associated with suspended sediment versus dissolved organic matter during snowmelt runoff. Snowpack, river, soil water, and overland flow samples will be collected across the Provo River watershed throughout 2015 and 2016. These samples will be analyzed for filtered and unfiltered total Hg (THg), filtered and unfiltered methylmercury (MeHg), and dissolved organic matter (DOM). Fluorescence spectroscopy will be used to determine the type and quality of DOM present, and its role in Hg complexation and transport. Preliminary results have shown a high fraction of “dissolved” THg (calculated as the fraction of filtered/unfiltered concentration) averaging around 75%. These results suggest that the majority of THg is transported in association with DOM in the Provo River. Findings will have implications for understanding Hg cycling in the Provo River watershed where Jordanelle Reservoir has fish consumption advisories due elevated Hg concentrations.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/runoff/2016/2016Posters/2
Comments
A poster by Brian Packer, who is with Brigham Young University, Geological Sciences