Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 2 of 2
Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network
Comparison Of Mercury Dynamics In High Arctic Lakes, Karista Elizabeth Hudelson
Comparison Of Mercury Dynamics In High Arctic Lakes, Karista Elizabeth Hudelson
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Arctic lakes and their watersheds are being simultaneously subjected to the deposition of atmospheric pollutants such as mercury (Hg), and warming. Once Hg enters an ecosystem, it may become methylated, greatly increasing its toxicity and reducing organisms’ ability to eliminate it. Mercury is bioaccumulative and thus found at high concentrations in land-locked Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) and other top predators. In sediment, Hg methylation rate is temperature-dependent, and [Hg] in Arctic predatory fish has been correlated with trends in air temperature. Despite reductions in Hg emissions in North America and Europe, [Hg] continues to rise in some Arctic species. The …
A Deep Life: The Application Of Stable Isotopes To Understand Deep-Sea Environments With A Focus On Latitudinal Gradients, Laurissa Christie
A Deep Life: The Application Of Stable Isotopes To Understand Deep-Sea Environments With A Focus On Latitudinal Gradients, Laurissa Christie
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The deep-sea, defined as the area 200 m below the surface, is facing emerging chemical, physical and biological stressors. Currently, very little is known regarding deep-sea ecosystems both globally and in the Arctic. In this thesis I undertook a literature review on the current understanding of global deep-sea ecosystems through the use of stable isotopes. Specifically, I synthesized the available literature on spatial variation, energy pathways, depth, temporal variation, feeding behaviour, niche, trophic position and body size isotopic trends. This thesis then presents a case study examining the isotopic niche of five teleost and two decapod species within Arctic deep-sea …