High concentrations of methyl-mercury (CH3 Hg+), a substance toxic to both animals and humans, recently have been measured in a number of top predators (including panthers and game fish) native to the Florida Everglades.

As part of a larger research group investigating the mercury (Hg) cycle in south Florida, our work has focused on the microbiological and geochemical processes that control CH3Hg+ degradation in Everglades peat-sediment. Field measurements of CH3Hg+ degradation rates are currently being provided to ecosystem managers. From this and other field data, predictive Hg cycle models are being constructed to aid in making informed decisions regarding hydrologic and nutrient management strategies that may influence the Everglades Hg cycle.

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