Study Finds Varying Mercury Levels in US Wildlife Refuges
Why this is here: Researchers used dragonfly larvae as indicators of mercury exposure, providing one of the first refuge-wide assessments of its kind across the National Wildlife Refuge System.
A new study revealed varying mercury pollution risks to species across the US National Wildlife Refuge System. Researchers analyzed 1,356 dragonfly larvae from 30 refuges between 2021 and 2023. Mercury concentrations differed among the refuges and matched levels found on other protected lands.
About 80% of the sampled refuges contained sites with moderate to high mercury risk. The study identifies waterbodies where mercury may pose a threat to fish, wildlife, and people.
Investigators say the research provides baseline data for tracking changes in mercury levels. It also informs efforts to reduce mercury bioaccumulation through management actions. The US Fish and Wildlife Service led the study, published in The Journal of Wildlife Management.