Mission: Mercury is the most common contaminant of aquatic ecosystems worldwide, however, its sources, pathways and toxicity controlling processes are very complex. In addition, sampling and analytical procedures are very exacting and a great care must be taken to yield reliable data. The mission of the Mercury Studies team is to provide expert assistance to the USGS and other state and Federal agencies in the form of scientific understanding of mercury in the environment, methods for collecting mercury samples in various media (water, sediment, biota), and analytical support by maintaining a state-of-the-art mercury analysis laboratory.

The objectives of the Team are to:

1) within the team, continually seek high-quality projects through cooperator contracts, development of project proposals, execution of the project work elements, and timely completion of reports,

2) provide professional consultation and analytical support to other USGS employees who seek assistance for conducting studies of mercury in the environment, and

3) maintain a good level of challenging work that will sustain the professional and financial needs of the team.