Invertebrates as Bioindicators of Mercury in the Okefenokee Swamp of Southeast Georgia
Author(s)
George, Bagie Mariam
Batzer, Darold P.
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Hatcher, Kathryn J.
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Abstract
Concerns have developed about elevated
levels of mercury in wetland vertebrates. It is
suspected that mercury moves through wetland food
webs and bioaccumulates in top predators. The
objective of this study was to examine mercury
concentrations in the Okefenokee Swamp of southeast
Georgia, focusing on levels in invertebrates. We
collected amphipods, odonates, and crayfish, three
groups that are important in the Okefenokee food webs,
and determined mercury levels in their tissues.
Although amphipods are lower on the food chain,
higher levels of mercury were detected in amphipod
tissues than in odonates or crayfish.
Sponsor
Sponsored and Organized by: U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resources Conservation Service, The University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology
Date
2001-03
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Proceedings