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The effects of wildfire on mercury and stable isotopes (δ15N, δ13C) in water and biota of small boreal, acidic lakes in southern Norway

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Abstract

Effects of wildfire on main water chemistry and mercury (Hg) in water and biota were studied during the first 4 post-fire years. After severe water chemical conditions during hydrological events a few months following the wildfire, the major water chemical parameters were close to pre-fire conditions 4 years after the fire. Concentrations of total Hg and methyl Hg in the surface water 4 years after the fire ranged between 1.17–2.63 ng L−1 and 0.053–0.188 ng L−1, respectively. Both variables were positive and strongly correlated with total organic carbon (TOC), TOC-related variables (color, UV absorbance), total phosphorous, and total iron. In addition, MeHg was positively correlated with total nitrogen and chlorophyll-a. The concurrence of increased concentrations of nutrients and chlorophyll-a in the lakes, the more enriched δ15N-signatures and higher Hg levels in fish 2 years after the fire, might be a result of the wildfire. However, natural factors as year-to-year variations in thermocline depth and suboxic status in the lakes make it difficult to draw any strong conclusions about wildfire effects on Hg in the biota from our investigated lakes

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Acknowledgments

This study is part of a forest fire project (Pyrowater) funded by the Norwegian Research Council (NRC) during the period 2009–2012. We greatly appreciate the Norwegian Water Research Institute (NIVA), for funding and initiating water chemical investigations and fish sampling during the very essential, initial post-fire period.

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  1. Department of Environmental and Health Studies, University College of Southeast Norway, Hallvard Eikas Plass 1, No-3800, Bø i Telemark, Norway

    Clara E. Moreno & Espen Lydersen

  2. Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadallén 21, No-0340, Oslo, Norway

    Eirik Fjeld

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  1. Clara E. Moreno
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Correspondence to Clara E. Moreno.

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Moreno, C.E., Fjeld, E. & Lydersen, E. The effects of wildfire on mercury and stable isotopes (δ15N, δ13C) in water and biota of small boreal, acidic lakes in southern Norway. Environ Monit Assess 188, 178 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-016-5148-z

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