Mercury concentrations in wetlands associated with coal-fired power plants in Illinois

Mercury contaminations in air and water are a significant problem throughout the United States. Because of mercury concentrations, 15 bodies of water in Illinois have advisories concerning consumption of fish. Emissions from coal-fired power plants are thought to be a significant source of this mercury. To evaluate mercury deposition into wetlands, sediment and tadpole samples from 60 wetlands located near power plants in Illinois will be measured for mercury concentrations. This project will provide preliminary data and protocols for evaluating mercury in wetlands surrounding coal-fired power plants, and provide a baseline for future management decisions for regulation of mercury emissions in Illinois.

B.S. in Life Science from Arizona State University (Dec. 2005)