CHED 249 |
| Due to past mercury mining activity, California water and sediments are contaminated with mercury much higher than pre-gold rush background levels. The mercury is converted by microorganisms to methylmercury, which is biomagnified up the food chain and is the dominant form of mercury found in sportfish. The objective of this research is twofold: 1) to look at the extent that mercury has accumulated in the fisherman who consume sportfish from the San Francisco Bay-Delta Region, and 2) to better understand bioaccumulation and biomagnification of mercury up the food chain. Our current project is exploring the use of hair as a bioindicator of methylmercury accumulation. Hair samples were taken from research team members and were digested using modified EPA method 245.6. Hair samples were weighed, digested with sulfuric and nitric acid, and oxidized overnight with permanganate and potassium persulfate. Samples were then analyzed using cold vapor atomic absorption (CVAA-GA) for mercury content. Quality control was maintained using blanks, replicates, spikes, and a standardized hair sample. Preliminary results indicate marginal levels of mercury, but further analysis will be done using standard additions to account for matrix issues. After refining our analysis protocols, hair samples from fishermen and non-fish eaters (controls) will be collected and analyzed for mercury. All participants will be given a survey to assess their fish eating habits. This study will help to determine if there are any potential health risks to the local fishermen population as a result of mercury levels in the San Francisco Bay Area. |
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Environmental Chemistry
2:30 PM-4:30 PM, Monday, 11 September 2006 Moscone Center -- Hall D, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |