Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends (BEST) Program environmental contaminants and their effects on fish in the Rio Grande basin
Schmitt CJ, Dethloff GM, Hinck JE, Bartish TM, Blazer SV, Coyle JJ, Denslow ND, Tillittt DE. 2004. Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends (BEST) Program environmental contaminants and their effects on fish in the Rio Grande basin. U.S. Geological Survey. Reston, VA
Litterfall was collected at 39 sampling sites in two small research watersheds, in 2003 and 2004, and analyzed for total Hg. The mean litter Hg concentration in softwoods was significantly greater than in mixed and scrub, and significantly lower than in hardwoods. In contrast, the mean weighted litter Hg flux was not significantly different among vegetation classes, and according to the researchers due to the large autumnal hardwood litter Hg flux being balanced by the higher softwood litter Hg concentrations, along with the higher chronic litterfall flux throughout the winter and spring in softwoods. The estimated annual deposition of Hg via litterfall in Hadlock Brook watershed (10.1 mu g m(-2)) and Cadillac Brook watershed (10.0 mu g m(-2)) was greater than precipitation Hg deposition and similar to or greater than the magnitude of Hg deposition via throughfall. The results demonstrate that litterfall Hg flux to forested landscapes can be at least as important as precipitation Hg inputs.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Schmitt, C.; Dethloff, G.; Hinck, J.; Bartish, T.; Blazer, S.; Coyle, J.; Denslow, N.; Tillittt, D.
- Date of Issue
- 2004
- Publisher
- U.S. Geological Survey
- Units
- ARD , CHDN , NCPN , SCPN
- Keywords
- ARD_Park-Air-Info_Collection, Contaminants, Deposition, Mercury, Toxics, Vegetation, Watersheds