This National Science Foundation (NSF) Geosciences Program (CFDA 47.050) Project Grant, awarded to Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, provides $158,036 to study monomethylmercury (MMHg) cycling in natural phytoplankton assemblages in the western North Atlantic Ocean. The overarching goal is to improve understanding of the factors controlling MMHg uptake by phytoplankton, which is crucial for modeling MMHg transfer through the marine food web. Key research activities include year-round sampling of estuaries and offshore waters, analyzing MMHg content in different plankton size fractions, and investigating the roles of cell size, dissolved organic carbon, and heterotrophy on MMHg uptake. The project will leverage existing long-term ecological research and ecosystem monitoring data collection efforts. Outcomes will include novel data on cellular MMHg quotas, biomass concentrations, and volume concentration factors, which can inform MMHg modeling efforts. The award also supports training of two graduate students and undergraduate internships, as well as outreach through collaboration with the Yale Peabody Museum.
Mod # | Description | Reason For Modification | Federal Obligation (Click to sort descending) | Date (Click to sort ascending) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not listed | $158.0k | 5/23/24 |