Atmospheric mercury is a pollutant of concern because it can show up in the environment far away from its source.
There is currently no reliable passive method of monitoring atmospheric mercury. This project entailed a comprehensive review and report on research into passive mercury sampling (dosimetry) In future, review results may be used to design and build a dosimeter for monitoring remote areas of the north.
Mercury is known as a persistent environmental toxin and can remain in the ecosystem for long periods. Mercury also accumulates in the food chain, meaning top predators and humans are most at risk.
Monitoring mercury levels in the environment is important for a number of reasons. Mercury can damage nerve tissue in humans and animals, so knowing when there are unsafe levels in drinking water and food sources is important for public safety and wildlife management.
- Cold Climate Innovation, Yukon Research Centre, Yukon College
- Carl Mitchell, Project Advisor, Assistant Professor, Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto
- Maxwell Mazur, Graduate Student and researcher, Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto
- Cold Climate Innovation, Yukon Research Centre, Yukon College