| Recent studies have shown that mercury (Hg) levels in many fish from remote lakes exceed the recommended guidelines for human consumption. Most of these studies conclude that the source of contamination lies in the atmosphere. Kejimkujik National Park (KNP), Nova Scotia, is considered to be a pristine ecosystem in which fish and loon Hg levels are anomalously high. Studies in the park have shown that atmospheric Hg concentrations may not be high enough to account for the Hg levels in the biota, indicating that the park may be an unusual system in terms of Hg distribution and migration.; A variety of new Hg data sets produced in the park over the last 5–10 years were integrated into a GIS database, using watersheds as the common parameter, to establish new relationships and correlations. In addition, the levels of Hg found in natural geological environments (i.e. bedrock and shear zones), and the potential for this Hg to be released to the environment were investigated.* (Abstract shortened by UMI.); *This dissertation includes a CD that is compound (contains both a paper copy and a CD as part of the dissertation). The CD requires the following applications: Microsoft Office; Windows 95/98; Imaging Preview. |
