Science activity #49806,
updated 17 November 2022
Simulating methylmercury production and transport at the sediment-water interface to improve the water quality in the Delta
Description / purpose
The aim of this project was to improve basic knowledge of mercury cycling and aid management of net methylmercury production in the delta by developing a kinetic-thermodynamic reaction model that describes and quantifies mercury cycling in delta sediments. The model was used to assess uncertainties and estimate methylation and demethylation rates — the processes by which methylmercury is produced and breaks down. In addition, the project examined coupling of mercury cycling with cycling of iron, sulfur, and manganese.
Linked science activities
None specifiedCollaborators
Stefanie Helmrich, Principal investigator -
University of California - Merced [UC Merced]
Peggy O'Day, Co-investigator -
University of California - Merced [UC Merced]
Charles Alpers, Contributor -
California Water Science Center
Activity status
- 1 Awarded / Initiating (2018)
- 2 In progress / Ongoing (2018 - 2020)
- 3 Complete
Funding summary
Total allocated funding: $151,403
Label | Value |
---|---|
Contract # or labor code | 5298 |
Implementing organization | University of California - Merced [UC Merced] |
Funding organization | Delta Stewardship Council |
Funding Source | Delta Stewardship Council - General Fund |
Date of award | 2018-02-01 |
Date of fiscal year-end | Not provided |
Total award amount | $151,403 |
State type of obligation | Not provided |
Federal type of obligation | Not provided |
Reimbursability | Not provided |
Procurement mechanism | Contracted competitive or direct award |
Location
Subbasins
Delta regions
Geographic tags
None specified
Products and outputs
Type | Title | Description | Views |
---|---|---|---|
Delta Science Fellow 2018: Simulating methylmercury production and transport at the sediment-water interface to improve the water quality in the Delta | Project fact sheet | 1 | |
Development of a kinetic-thermodynamic model to simulate the mercury cycle in freshwater sediments | Presentation at the 2019 American Chemical Society | 0 | |
Simulation of mercury methylation and demethylation coupled to oxidation-reduction reactions in sediments of Delta tributaries. | Presentation at the 2019 Annual meeting of the Cal | 0 | |
Simulation of biogeochemical processes driving methylmercury production in different sediment habitats of the Delta and its tributaries. | Presentation at the 10th Biennial Bay-Delta Scienc | 0 | |
Helmrich S, Vlassopoulos D, Alpers CN & O’Day PA (2022) Critical review of mercury methylation and methylmercury demethylation rate constants in aquatic sediments for biogeochemical modeling, Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, 52:24 | Publication | 1 |
Type and context
Science action area
Management themes
Science themes
Types
Science functions
Management actions
Habitat protection / enhancement / restoration
,
Natural environmental flows
,
Pollution control
,
Wastewater management