Mercury has been recognized as an environmental pollutant for several decades. But, only since the late 1980's
have scientists been able to accurately quantify aqueous mercury samples at natural levels (sub parts-per-trillion range). Historically, sample
contamination and lack of instrument sensitivity hampered low-level mercury analysis. With the evolution of sensitive analytical methods for
mercury, species-specific analytical methods have been developed for several environmentally relevant forms of mercury, including:
gaseous elemental mercury (Hg0) and methylmercury (CH3Hg+). The mission of the Wisconsin District Mercury Laboratory is to provide unbiased
data for the support of mercury research projects. Support includes, training of personnel in proper collection techniques, providing sampling
equipment, development of new collection and analytical methods, analysis and reporting of high quality results from various matrices and mercury
species, and consultation in project development and interpretation of results.
For our collaborators and customers, to make equipment and supplies requests please email to mercury@usgs.gov. To contact the Mercury Lab by telephone please call 608-821-3844. To contact one of the Mercury Team researchers please contact that person at their email address below: