Abstract
This chapter synthesizes information presented in Chaps. 1 through 5 of this volume on the processes that govern the biogeochemical cycling of mercury (Hg) in the Everglades. Particular emphasis is devoted to the processes that influence Hg methylation. Key variables include inorganic Hg, dissolved organic matter (DOM) and sulfate. The role of phosphorus which, during the early years of the South Florida Mercury Science Program was vigorously ascribed by different scientists to have two widely divergent and essentially unidimensional effects on Hg methylation and trophic transfer, also is explored. The role of each these latter variables with respect to Hg methylation (DOC, sulfate and phosphorus) and trophic transfer (DOM and phosphorus) is complex and needs to be considered in its entirety. Given the key role of sulfate and the controversy it has engendered with some Everglades stakeholders, the chapter also includes a detailed discussion of the statistical basis—both for and against—this key role.
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Notes
- 1.
Direct releases of MeHg into aquatic environments are rare but, when they occur, can be devastating. Perhaps the most significant example is the Minamata Bay, Japan disaster which became recognized as an incipient and growing problem in the mid-1950s (Harada 1995). In this case, industrial releases of MeHg directly into the bay resulted in very high exposure levels of Hg in fish and shellfish, with 2252 individuals diagnosed with a range of neurological and visual symptoms, including fetal developmental problems, categorized as “Minamata disease.”
- 2.
Organic carbon in the water column was measured during R-EMAP as total organic carbon (TOC) during Cycles 0–5, and as dissolved organic carbon (DOC) during Cycles 6–7. Cycle 11 data include both TOC and DOC (which are shown in Chap. 6, Vol. III to be essentially equivalent); the Cycle 11 data included in the plot are for TOC.
- 3.
There are other issues inherent in this paper which render its utility in resolving any debate on nature of the sulfate-Hg methylation debate problematic, including inappropriately using bioaccumulation factors as a proxy for directly concluding effects of sulfate on biota Hg concentrations (see Pollman and Axelrad 2014).
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Pollman, C.D. (2019). Major Drivers of Mercury Methylation and Cycling in the Everglades: A Synthesis. In: Rumbold, D., Pollman, C., Axelrad, D. (eds) Mercury and the Everglades. A Synthesis and Model for Complex Ecosystem Restoration. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-32057-7_6
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