Project Description: The goal of this research project is to address knowledge gaps about Se and Hg as independent and interacting stressors in freshwater systems. These knowledge gaps include: (a) Se biogeochemistry and trophodynamics; (b) the underlying mechanisms of Se, Hg, and Se-Hg toxicity; and (c) the coupling of Se and Hg uptake and trophic transfer along aquatic food webs.
Objectives of the proposed research are to:
1. Elucidate the influence of abiotic and biotic factors on Se uptake at the base of aquatic food webs;
2. Examine mechanisms of selenium toxicity through a combination of field collections and lab-based exposure experiments;
3. Develop biogenic tracers for understanding historic and contemporary exposure patterns;
4. Explore the mediating role of selenium on mercury uptake by food webs, trophic transfer, biomagnification, and speciation in lentic and lotic freshwater systems; and
5. Investigate the mechanisms and manifestations of selenium and mercury co-exposure consequences as they relate to fish health.
Lead Principal Investigator: Dr. Jessica Brandt, University of Connecticut
Partner Institution: University of Connecticut
Federal Agency: U.S. Geological Survey
Federal Agency Technical Contact: Faith Graves
Project Type: Research
Project Discipline: Natural Resources
Project Sub-Discipline(s): Biological (Ecology, Fish, Wildlife, Vegetation, T&E), Natural Hazards & Environmental Quality (NRDA), Water (FW & Marine)
Start Year: 2022
End Year: 2027
Initial Funding Amount: $49,999.00
Federal Grant Number: G22AC00068
Amendments
- Amendment Number: 01, Year: 2023, Amount: $67,499.00
- Amendment Number: 02, Year: 2024, Amount: $55,000.00
Products Associated with this Project:
- No products found.