Evaluation of biouptake of total mercury and methyl-mercury in terrestrial invertebrates

Evaluation of Biouptake of Total Mercury and Methyl-Mercury

in Terrestrial Invertebrates

 

Chelsea Standish¹, Jerome Grant¹, Teresa Mathews², Kevin Moulton¹, John Smith²,

University of Tennessee¹ and Oak Ridge National Laboratory²

Abstract

 

            Mercury (Hg) and methyl-mercury (MeHg) are heavy metals of great environmental concern due to their abilities to cause neurological, kidney, reproductive, and other physical damage to animals.  The Lower East Fork Poplar Creek (LEFPC), which originates from the Y-12 Plant at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), has significantly elevated levels of both elemental mercury and methyl-mercury.  The majority of these environmental pollutants originated from the Y-12 Plant from 1950 to 1963.  Recent environmental ecological assessments revealed high levels of methyl-mercury in riparian spiders along LEFPC, as well as in the surrounding floodplain soils. These findings suggested the need for a more complete study of the levels and effects of total mercury and methyl-mercury on terrestrial invertebrates and upper-level predators that live in this habitat.  Thus, an extensive multi-year research project was developed and initiated to address this knowledge void. The overall goal of this research was to evaluate both total mercury and methyl-mercury in the floodplain of the LEFPC by examining four terrestrial invertebrate (wolf-spiders, earthworms, detritivorous invertebrates, and herbivorous insects) feeding guilds.  This presentation will provide an overview of project goals, results, and implications. The data collected will provide a better understanding of the environmental impact that these pollutants have on the LEFPC, LEFPC floodplain and the surrounding environment. The information from this study will help land managers make informed decisions on management and conservation efforts to protect upper-level predators in areas where mercury and methyl-mercury are present.