Forest fire effects on mercury deposition in the boreal forest

Emma L. Witt; Randy Kolka; Edward A. Nater; Trent R. Wickman

doi:10.1021/es802634y

Treesearch

Forest fire effects on mercury deposition in the boreal forest

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Emma L. Witt, Randy Kolka, Edward A. Nater, Trent R. Wickman

Year:

2009

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Northern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1021/es802634y

Source:

Environmental Science and Technology. 43(6): 1776-1782.

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine how forest fire effects Hg deposition to nearby landscapes impacted by smoke plumes. Hg concentrations and deposition were hypothesized to increase in throughfall and open precipitation after fire, and canopy type was hypothesized to influence the magnitude of the increase. Conifer canopies, which are better able to scavenge Hg from the atmosphere than deciduous canopies, were hypothesized to have greater changes in throughfall THg and MeHg concentrations.

Citation

Witt, Emma L.; Kolka, Randall K.; Nater, Edward A.; Wickman, Trent R. 2009. Forest fire effects on mercury deposition in the boreal forest. Environmental Science and Technology. 43(6): 1776-1782.