Factors Affecting the Mobilization, Transport, and Bioavailability of Mercury in Reservoirs of the Upper Missouri River Basin.

Abstract

Factors controlling the mobilization, transport, and bioavailability of mercury in relation to coal mining and other mercury sources were studied in reservoirs of the Upper Missouri River Basin. We assessed mercury and selenium contamination of fishes and sediments in 10 reservoirs, estimated mercury fluxes in Tongue River Reservoir, determined dietary accumulation of methylmercury by fish, and related limnological conditions in three reservoirs to rates of mercury accumulation by fish. Detailed limnological studies were conducted in Nelson, Cookson, and Tongue River reservoirs. Mercury concentrations were higher in walleyes (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum) from headwater reservoirs with unregulated inflows than in fish of the same size from downstream reservoirs. Erosion and leaching during flooding apparently facilitated mercury accumulation by fish in reservoirs.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1987
Accession Number
ADA322766

Entities

People

  • Denise E. Knight
  • Donald R. Skaar
  • Glenn R. Phillips
  • Patricia A. Medvick

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Birds
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Fish
  • Fisheries
  • Habitats
  • Medical Personnel
  • Wildlife

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Aquatic Ecology
  • Archaeological Resource Survey
  • Hydraulic Engineering.