Digital Commons Network^™

Comparative Evaluation On Human Infants Dietary Mercury Exposure Through Consumption Of Fish And Rice Products, Wenbin Cui

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Human exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) through diets (e.g., fish and rice) is a global health concern. Although MeHg exposure through fish consumption has long been considered the major route of mercury health risks, studies concerning the long-term changes in MeHg exposure from fish remain lacking. In sharply contrast to the fish MeHg issue, the presence of MeHg in rice has only been reported recently and its implications on MeHg exposure, albeit probably important, are still in infancy. Focusing on the discrepancies in the studies of MeHg exposure through fish and rice consumption, this study was aimed to assess the MeHg …

Experimental Analysis Of The Effects Of Hydroscape Structure On Fishes In A Dynamic Wetland, Michael R. Bush

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hydroscape structure can play a critical role in animal behavior, abundance, and community structure dynamics. Hydroscape configuration can be dynamic and can change quickly in ephemeral systems. However, ephemeral freshwater wetlands are among the most impacted systems in the world and restoration efforts often rely on incomplete information when establishing management objectives. Further understanding how alterations in hydroscape structure in dynamic systems affect animals is critical for conservation and management success.

To determine impacts that changing hydroscape conditions can have on consumers in freshwater wetlands, I examined the effects of a large-scale physical model on fish behavior, abundance, and community …

Examining Movement And Habitat Selection Of Everglades Fishes In Response To Seasonal Water Levels, Gregory J. Hill

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Fish distribution patterns and seasonal habitat use play a key role in the food web dynamics of aquatic ecosystems, including the Florida Everglades. In this study I examined the fine scale habitat shifts and movements of spotted sunfish, Lepomis punctatus across varying seasons and hydrologic conditions using in-situ field enclosures and Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) systems. Data on fish use of three dominant Everglades marsh habitats and activity level were recorded continuously from January to August, 2015. Fish were more active and had the highest use of higher elevation habitats when water levels rose during an experimental reversal in mid-April. …