Mercury in Maryland and Chesapeake Bay

 

SERC Research on Mercury in the Bay  - PowerPoint Presentation 

 

SERC Research on Mercury in Maryland Lakes 

The state of Maryland advises that people limit their consumption of fish from all Maryland freshwaters because of methylmercury (MeHg) accumulation in fish. 

Methylmercury levels in Maryland fish are elevated, but vary significantly among lakes across the state.

Between 2002 and 2004, SERC scientists and colleagues at the University of Maryland studied mercury in 14 Maryland lakes.   

 

Our objectives were to learn:

What drives the differences in MeHg in fish among Maryland reservoirs?

What can be done to limit MeHg bioaccumulation in Maryland? 

We also found that:

• MeHg levels in fish were significantly related to atmospheric Hg deposition rates to the lakes' watersheds.
• Land development enhances Hg transport from watersheds to lakes.
• Development of anoxic bottom waters, or dead zones, in lakes results in more MeHg production
• MeHg production was related to sulfate levels in lakes 

The study suggests that MeHg levels in fish can be managed by:

• Reducing Hg and sulfate deposition to Maryland watersheds
• Maintaining or developing buffer zones around streams
• Limited land development
• Reducing anoxia in lakes by reducing nutrient inputs.

 For more information see this this presentation.