Measuring Temporal Variability of Methylmercury and Methane in the Pore Waters of a Chesapeake Bay Tidal Marsh

Abstract:

This study assesses the use of OsmoSampler technology to monitor methylmercury production in a tidal marsh and examines temporal variability of methylmercury in relation to controlling factors. We collected pore water samples in a Chesapeake Bay marsh using continuous pore-fluid sampling devices called OsmoSamplers. OsmoSampler technology has not previously been used to investigate mercury cycling. We designed systems using OsmoSamplers to collect pore water samples for methylmercury, methane, chloride, and sulfate analysis, sampling in a vegetated area and an area devegetated by clipping. Samples were collected over a 27 day period and stored in coils to create a temporal data set of in situ concentrations. This time series allows us to explore the methane-methylmercury connection and the effects of vegetation removal on methylmercury production. Some methanogens are known to methylate mercury, but the relative importance of the methane community in mercury methylation is not well understood. We hypothesized a positive correlation between methane and methylmercury production and a decrease in methylmercury production corresponding to vegetation removal. We also sought to demonstrate the feasibility of using OsmoSamplers to look at methylmercury flux in relation to these controls on mercury methylation. This study is a preliminary exploration of this technology in a marsh environment. Using our system we have successfully collected pore water samples. We present the temporal variability of measured concentrations with a discussion of adjustments for future long-term deployment.