Mercury in the Biogeochemical Cycle Natural Environment and Hydroelectric Reservoirs of Northern Quebec (Canada)

About this book

This book presents an exhaustive overview of the biogeochemical cycling of mercury in hydroelectric reservoirs as well as in natural aquatic systems of the boreal forest region of northern Quebec (Canada). Presented in the form of 14 papers with an overall synthesis, it marks the conclusion of over 10 years of studies carried out by universities, governmental institutions and industries, using the latest and most appropriate sampling and analytical procedures. The results clearly show a threefold increase in atmospheric fluxes of Hg in remote areas of northern Quebec over the last century and, in the case of hydroelectric reservoirs, the critical role played by the extensive flooding of land in the temporary post-impoundment increase in mercury levels in aquatic organisms and fish-eating wildlife.

Contents

Mercury and Methylmercury in Natural Ecosystems of Northern Quebec: Mercury in Natural Lakes and Unperturbed Terrestrial Ecosystems * Bioaccumulation of Mercury and Methylmercury in Invertebrates from Natural Boreal Lakes * Mercury in Fish * Mercury in Birds and Mammals * Mercury Dynamics at the Flooded Soil-Water Interface in the Reservoirs: In Vitro Release of Mercury and Methylmercury from Flooded Organic Matter * Mercury Dynamics at the Flooded Soil-Water Interface * Evolution of Mercury Concentrations in Aquatic Organisms from Hydroelectric Reservoirs: Bioaccumulation of Methylmercury in Invertebrates from Boreal Hydroelectric Reservoirs * Mercury Accumulation in Fish from the La Grande Complex * Post-Impoundment Evolution of Fish Mercury Levels * Calculated Fluxes of Mercury to Fish * Mercury Toxicity for Wildlife Resources: Ecotoxic Risk of Methylmercury Exposure in Mink * Breeding Success of Osprey und High Seasonal Methylmercury Exposure * Synthesis * Conclusion and Prospects.

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