Total and Methyl Mercury Analysis of Crayfish in Voyageurs National Park

Principal Investigators:
John Sorensen, University of Minnesota Duluth, 218-726-8469
Michael Sydor, University of Minnesota Duluth, 218-726-7205

Project Personnel:
Brenda Moraska-LaFrancois, National Park Service, St. Croix Watershed Research Station

Project Duration:
September 2002 – May 2003

Funding:
U.S. Department of the Interior, Administered through the Midwest Region NPS and the GPCESU.

Summary:
In order to augment on-going mercury research in Voyageurs National Park, crayfish are being investigated to assess their potential contribution to mercury contamination in predators such as game fish and otter. Park Service employees collected approximately 80 individual crayfish from five inland lakes during September, 2002.All specimens were measured for body size and will be analyzed for total mercury concentrations. A subset will also be analyzed for methyl mercury concentrations.

Total mercury analyses has been completed for approximately 2/3 of the samples. Methyl mercury analyses will soon be underway.