This $401,056 National Science Foundation project grant under the Geosciences program (CFDA 47.050) will fund research examining the effects of terrestrial organic matter inputs on coastal mercury cycling, methylmercury production and bioaccumulation in the Gulf of Maine. Specifically, the grantee will study how climate change-driven increases in rainfall and river runoff influence the delivery of contaminants, organic matter and nutrients from land to coastal waters. Field surveys and shipboard experiments will explore the complex processes affecting mercury cycling, methylmercury formation and uptake into microplankton under varying algal bloom conditions and river flows. Complementary laboratory microcosm experiments will analyze these dynamics using autotrophic and mixotrophic microplankton taxa under different organic matter characteristics and concentrations. Isotope analyses and organic matter quality measures will also be used. In addition to filling key knowledge gaps, findings aim to inform efforts achieving the goals of the Minamata Convention on reducing mercury emissions and exposures. The three-year project was awarded to Dartmouth College on June 1, 2022.
Mod # | Description | Reason For Modification | Federal Obligation (Click to sort descending) | Date (Click to sort ascending) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not listed | $401.1k | 2/4/22 |