Stoneham, Lisa; Brasso, Dr. Rebecka (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Brasso, Rebecka (Weber State University, Zoology)
Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that poses significant health threats to people and wildlife. The organic form of mercury, methylmercury, is converted from its inorganic form via microbial methylation. Methylmercury is dangerous because it attaches to proteins in the blood, muscle, and other tissues and can cross the blood-brain and placental barriers. Microbial methylation is enhanced in anoxic environments such as wetlands, which are increasingly being classified as mercury hotspots where animals accumulate elevated concentrations relative to those in terrestrial systems. This is concerning for the wetlands of the Great Salt Lake due to its history of anthropogenic inputs of pollutants and its importance as a breeding ground and rest stop for migrating avian species. Previous research has shown significant mercury methylation occurring within the Deep Brine Layer of the GSL. The purpose of this project was to investigate potential spatial variation in mercury concentration in different portions of the GSL. With a focus on invertebrates, we collected insects including brine flies, midges, damselflies, and crane flies from three sites of varying salinity around Antelope Island State Park: Farmington Bay, White Rock Bay, and the Antelope Island Marina. Mercury concentrations in insects were determined using a Nippon MA-3000 Direct Mercury Analyzer. Our results will provide a preliminary assessment of mercury concentrations in flying insects from different habitats around the island. This will help in determining differential risk to insectivorous songbirds, waterfowl, and shorebirds foraging on these common prey species in the GSL.