Methylmercury Degradation Rates

High concentrations of methyl-mercury (CH3Hg+), a toxic substance to both animals and humans, recently have been measured in a number of top predators (including panthers and game fish) native to the Florida Everglades. The objective of this research was to provide ecosystem managers with CH3Hg+ degradation rate data from a number of study sites that represent a diversity of hydrologic and nutrient regimes common to the Everglades.

The focus was on better understanding the microbial and geochemical controls regulating CH3Hg+ degradation. At the time of the study, little was known about the specific factors influencing this process in natural systems.