Synopsis: The effects of climate change on the deposition, transport and fate of toxics are a priority identified by the Great Lakes Atmospheric Deposition (GLAD) Program in 2009. A study is proposed to provide a preliminary analysis of the potential for climate change to influence mercury cycling and bioaccumulation in the Great Lakes region. Mercury is a persistent bioaccumulative toxic of high concern. The current understanding of links between climate change and mercury is inadequate for policy makers to have a sound scientific basis for decisions regarding the management of mercury. A combination of mechanistic modeling, interpretation of existing field observations, and experimental work in the laboratory will be used in the proposed study. Climate-related factors that will be studied for potential influences on mercury include temperature, hydrology, carbon and mercury export from terrestrial systems, inlake water quality and trophic factors and atmospheric mercury deposition. Study results will allow policymakers to better assess the effects of climate change on mercury risks to humans and wildlife in the Great Lakes region, and to target the most important interactions between climate change and mercury for further monitoring and study.

Chemicals Studied: Methylmercury (MeHg)

Geographic Areas: N/A

Project Duration: 2 years

Potential Results and Implications: The proposed work will directly benefit Great Lakes states. It will allow policymakers to better consider the joint effects of climate change and mercury emissions controls on human and wildlife exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) in the Great Lakes region. Study results will also provide research managers a better basis to assess which interactions between climate change and mercury are priorities for attention. The proposed work will also include collaboration with other ongoing mercury-related projects, including GLAD initiatives in the Great Lakes basin.

Project Contact:
Reed Harris
Environmental Ltd.
180 Forestwood Drive, Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6J 4E6
Phone: (905) 339-0763
Email: reed@reed-harris.com