Stream Mercury Export in Response to Contemporary Timber Harvesting Methods (Pacific Coastal Mountains, Oregon, USA).

ABSTRACT: Land-use activities can alter hydrological and biogeochemical processes that can affect the fate, transformation, and transport of mercury (Hg). Previous studies in boreal forests have shown that forestry operations can have profound but variable effects on Hg export and methylmercury (MeHg) formation. The Pacific Northwest is an important timber producing region that receives large atmospheric Hg loads, but the impact of forest harvesting on Hg mobilization has not been directly studied and was the focus of our investigation. Stream discharge was measured continuously, and Hg and MeHg concentrations were measured monthly for 1.5 years following logging in three paired harvested and unharvested (control) catchments. There was no significant difference in particulate-bound Hg concentrations

SUBMITTER: Eckley CS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6690352 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature