University of Alabama researchers are analyzing data collected during a three-year study of mercury levels of fish in the state’s rivers.
The UA study, funded through an $800,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Science Foundation, focused on fish pulled from Alabama’s Black Warrior, Tombigbee, Alabama, Mobile and Tensaw rivers. The study also looked at mercury levels in the water and sediments.
The researchers obtained assistance from area fishermen in collecting fish samples. They met with bass clubs and other anglers, explaining their project and how and where samples should be taken.
Results will be announced upon completion of the study.
The UA research team includes biologists Dr. Eric Roden, Dr. Kimberly Warner and Dr. Milton Ward; Dr. Hobson Bryan, a social scientist in the department of geography; and three former UA scientists, Dr. Berry Lyons, now teaching at Ohio State, Dr. Jean-Claude Bonzongo, now teaching at Austin College in Texas, and Dr. Indrajeet Chaubey, now teaching at the University of Arkansas.
Contact
Bill Gerdes, UA Media Relations, bgerdes@cba.ua.edu, 205/348-8318