GEOC 117 |
| Gretchen E. Berryman, Cathleen J. Webb, and Chelsea Campbell. Chemistry, Western Kentucky University, 1 Big Red Way, Bowling Green, KY 42101 |
| The fate and transport of mercury, a persistent neurotoxin in the aquifer system, and its bioaccumulation in organisms of Mammoth Cave National Park (MCNP) will be examined. Atmospheric deposition of mercury is the largest single source of mercury at Mammoth Cave. With over twenty power plant applications under consideration in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, significant increases in mercury deposition are expected. Determination of mercury levels in the park and the factors that affect mercury distribution is important. Contaminant transport in a karst system can be quite rapid and extensive. Mercury is of great concern due to biomagnification. Furthermore, a number of surface and subsurface organisms are endangered or declining in MCNP. Monthly data sets were analyzed for mercury levels in Green River water and sediments. Observed levels of mercury in fish and clam samples are comparable to values observed in the literature. |
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Poster Session
6:00 PM-9:00 PM, Tuesday, March 30, 2004 Anaheim Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster
Division of Geochemistry |