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University of Michigan Biological Station

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

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Mercury isotopes and cycling in forest ecosystems

Atmospheric
Terrestrial
Vegetation
Project Abstract: 
Mercury is a highly toxic metal and can be found in natural and remote ecosystems due to the long-range atmospheric transport. Mercury stable isotopes is a relatively new tool that can be used to trace mercury cycling and transformation in ecosystems. This study is aimed to better understand the isotopic composition of mercury in different components in forest ecosystems in northern Michigan, and is also aimed to examine if isotopic differences can be observed among food webs and trophic levels.
Investigator(s): 
Martin Tsz Ki Tsui
Status of Research Project: 
Complete (archive)
Years Active: 
2015
Methods: 
The proposed study will involve collection of materials from different terrestrial habitats (e.g., swamps, deciduous and coniferous forests). Materials to be sampled include leaf litter, forest floor (top soil) and invertebrates. We plan to collect samples mainly by hand-picking with gloves and forceps. Samples will be frozen and brought back to University of Michigan for mercury isotopic analyses.