Assistant Professor Department of Biology University of Regina Regina, SK. Canada S4S 0A2 office: (306) 337 2355 fax: (306) 337 2410 email: Britt.Hall@uregina.ca

---

My research focuses on environmental controls regulating the formation and bioaccumulation of methylmercury (MeHg) in aquatic ecosystems, specifically mercury dynamics in wetlands. Currently, we are focusing on environmental controls regulating the formation and bioaccumulation of methylmercury (MeHg) in prairie wetlands. Water MeHg concentrations can be extremely high in some Type 3 wetland ponds in Saskatchewan and preliminary data suggest that there may be an influence of land use type on MeHg concentrations in water. Wetlands surrounded by land that has been converted to natural grasslands tend to have elevated concentrations of MeHg compared water in wetlands that are cultivated by traditional farming methods. We have also observed very high concentrations of MeHg in water from wetlands ponds surrounded by organically farmed areas. Prairie lakes and wetlands are critical wildlife habitats, providing cover and nesting sites for hundreds of game and non-game wildlife species and containing the some of the most important waterfowl breeding habitat remaining in North America. Examining environmental factors regulating mercury cycling in prairie wetlands will provide information necessary to protect wildlife populations inhabiting these vulnerable habitats.