Effect of Plant Species and Rodents on the Sequestration and/or
Movement of Mercury from Reclaimend Sites
Principal Investigator: Dr. Tom Waring
twaring@mtech.edu
This research sought to determine if mercury transport occurs from mercury contaminated mine or repository sites by either mice or vegetation. Several species of vegetation and soil were sampled, and mouse hair was collected from live mice at three sites near Helena Montana. The sites were defined as Silver Creek Drainage, Comet Repository, and the Ranch Site. Analytical results showed that mercury transport varied, depending on the adequacy of the cover system at the field site. Additionally, the amount of mercury accumulated by vegetation varied, depending on the plant species. Mice trapped at Silver Creek Drainage and the Ranch Site displayed elevated mercury levels in their hair samples, but those at the Comet Repository did not. This research points out the usefulness of mice as an inexpensive bio-monitor, since they are abundant and can be captured with ease.
MWTP Activity IV, Project 28
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