LE3 .A278 2022

2022

O'Driscoll, Nelson
Hillier, Kirk

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Biology

Biology

Mercury is a toxic environmental contaminant that is known to undergo long range transport, resulting in deposition in remote and pristine ecosystems. High concentrations of mercury in low trophic levels results in a high capacity for trophic transfer up the food web. As a result, low trophic level invertebrates may be used as sentinels for ecosystem contaminate concentrations and overall ecosystem health. Big Meadow Bog, located on Brier Island, Nova Scotia, is a disturbed wetland habitat that was subject to water table restoration and colonization by herring gulls (Larus argentatus), resulting in significant nutrient input from guano. Invertebrates encompassing 25 aquatic and terrestrial families were sampled from Big Meadow Bog in addition to surface water. Methylmercury (MeHg) was analyzed in all samples using gas chromatography-atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS). Methylmercury concentrations were significantly different across invertebrate families, and functional feeding groups (FFG). Concentrations of MeHg in Big Meadow Bog were on average 1.61 times higher than MeHg concentrations observed at undisturbed sites. More research into the role of nutrients on MeHg bioaccumulation at the base of food webs is required to better understand the factors affecting trophic transfer of contaminants in Big Meadow Bog.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3868