Mercury Cycling in Peatland Watersheds

Mercury (Hg) is of great environmental concern due to its transformation into the toxic methylmercury (MeHg) form that bioaccumulates within the food chain and causes health concerns for both humans and wildlife (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2002). Mercury can affect neurological development in fetuses and young children. In adults, exposure to Hg can lead to the deterioration of the nervous system, decreased sensory abilities, and a lack of muscle control (Ratcliffe et al. 1996). Methylmercury in fish poses a severe health risk for fish-eating animals such as otter, mink, bald eagle, kingfisher, osprey, and the common loon (Walcek et al. 2003), and even for fish themselves (Sandheinrich and Miller 2006). CONTENTS