Mercury Transport During Snowmelt in the Upper Provo River
Location
Logan Country Club
Start Date
3-28-2017 3:30 PM
End Date
3-28-2017 3:35 PM
Description
Transport of mercury (Hg) 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 transport is associated with suspended sediment versus dissolved organic matter (DOM) during snowmelt runoff. To address this question, we performed routine sampling throughout the 2015 and 2016 snowmelt season on the upper Provo River, northern Utah. The Provo River, which feeds into the Jordanelle Reservoir has fish consumption advisories due elevated Hg concentrations. Throughout the snowmelt season snow, soil, soil water, and overland flow samples were collected in the Upper Provo River watershed. All samples were analyzed for total Hg (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC), and DOM. Preliminary results show concentrations of THg up to 7.28 ng/L at maximum discharge and high fractions of “dissolved” THg (calculated as the fraction of filtered/unfiltered concentration) averaging 75%. Fluorescence spectroscopy will be used to determine the type and quality of DOM present, its role in Hg complexation, and mobilization dynamics. Comparison of Hg, DOM, and DOC species from collected samples will provide insight into Hg mobilization and the ultimate fate of Hg during transportation.
Mercury Transport During Snowmelt in the Upper Provo River
Logan Country Club
Transport of mercury (Hg) 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 transport is associated with suspended sediment versus dissolved organic matter (DOM) during snowmelt runoff. To address this question, we performed routine sampling throughout the 2015 and 2016 snowmelt season on the upper Provo River, northern Utah. The Provo River, which feeds into the Jordanelle Reservoir has fish consumption advisories due elevated Hg concentrations. Throughout the snowmelt season snow, soil, soil water, and overland flow samples were collected in the Upper Provo River watershed. All samples were analyzed for total Hg (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC), and DOM. Preliminary results show concentrations of THg up to 7.28 ng/L at maximum discharge and high fractions of “dissolved” THg (calculated as the fraction of filtered/unfiltered concentration) averaging 75%. Fluorescence spectroscopy will be used to determine the type and quality of DOM present, its role in Hg complexation, and mobilization dynamics. Comparison of Hg, DOM, and DOC species from collected samples will provide insight into Hg mobilization and the ultimate fate of Hg during transportation.