Evaluating the influence of seasonal stratification on mercury methylation rates in the water column and sediment in a contaminated section of a western U.S.A. reservoir.

ABSTRACT: Mercury methylation frequently occurs at the active oxic/anoxic boundary between the sediment bed and water column of lakes and reservoirs. Previous studies suggest that the predominant mercury methylation zone moves to the water column during periods of stratification and that high potential methylation rates (K_m) in sediment require oxygenated overlying water. However, simultaneous measurements of methylmercury (MeHg) production in both the sediment and water column remain limited. Understanding the relative importance of sediment versus water column methylation and the impact of seasonal stratification on these processes has important implications for managing MeHg production. This study measured K_m and potential demethylation rates (K_dm) using stable is

SUBMITTER: Millard G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10259237 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature