Primary tabs

University of Michigan Biological Station

The University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) was founded in 1909.

Social

Determining Concentrations of Heavy Metals in American Marten (Martes americana) Tissues Using ICP-OES: Feasibility and Method Development

Animal Population
Fauna
Project Abstract: 
Industrial plants, mining, and farming operations release heavy metals into the environment, which can be incorporated into ecosystems and wildlife. Once inside an organism, the heavy metal deposits begin to have devastating effects on the animal, as well as on those that consume that animal. As the food chain continues, bioaccumulation of heavy metals continues to build as generations proceed, which can cause both physical and behavioral changes to occur in the organism. Heavy metal deposition in terrestrial ecosystems is relatively unknown, however, similar testing has been done on aquatic environments. To better understand the effects of heavy metals on terrestrial environments, we will be quantifying the mercury contamination in tissues of American marten (Martes americana), a predator species found in forests across northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. The goals of this research are to: 1) quantify mercury concentration, and other heavy metals, in marten tissue samples, and 2) develop protocol to use hair samples to test for mercury and other metals.
Investigators: 
Steffsmister
wittjill
Status of Research Project: 
Complete (archive)
Years Active: 
2018
Methods: 
I will be working with Dr. Witt and the Chemist at UMBS to analyze tissue and hair samples from the American marten. The research will take place in three phases: sample preparation, chemical analyses, and data analyses and interpretation. For sample preparation of tissues, I will prepare the samples in different ways. * For Hair Samples: o Hair is stored at –20 degrees Celsius, needing to be thawed at room temperature. Hair needs to be washed for analysis by detergent, water, and 10% ethanol. It will then be dried, weighed within .01 g, and digested in 3mL of nitric acid at 100 degrees Celsius, and H2O2 at 65 degrees Celsius. * For Liver and Kidney Tissue Samples: o Organ samples stored at –20 degrees Celsius, needing to be thawed at room temperature. Tissue samples will be homogenized in a food processor with the assistance of mortar and pestle. Samples will be digested in HNO3 and H2O2 using a microwave oven. Blank digest will also be conducted. Samples will then be digested at 1200W for ten minutes. Samples will then be diluted to 50mL with Milli-Q water. Resistivity will be recorded.
Funding agency: 
UMBS