Abstract
This paper discusses mercury contamination, a serious environmental problem in aquatic ecosystems resulting in negative effects on birds, fish, mammals, and even humans. The writer explains how by testing the MeHg levels in various bird species that are known to be piscivorous, the MeHg pollution level in a local ecosystem can be assessed. This is key to keeping levels low in human populations as ecosystems with high MeHg levels should not be used for fishing. The paper concludes that various studies on bird populations show that both lethal and sublethal doses affect both behavior and productivity.

Outline:

Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Statistical Analyses
Results and Discussion
Common Loon
Ibises and Egrets
Bald Eagles
Falcons
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Mercury is a pervasive environmental pollutant that, in its gaseous elemental state, can be transported globally due to various characteristics that make it unreactive and stable, thus extended the lifetime of the elemental form. Mercury and most of its compounds are exceptionally toxic. Mercury is unique when compared to other trace metal elements found in the atmosphere as it is found almost entirely in its gaseous form (Hylander & Goodsite 2005). Mercury is deposited into the atmosphere due to both nature and human-generated sources. Most of the human-generated mercury comes from stationary combustion generally by coal-fired power plants and other municipal incinerators. Other sources include gold production, non-ferrous metal production, cement production, and other various sources."

Tags:methylation pollution oxidized microorganism neurotoxic, food chain, bioaccumulation biomagnification

Abstract
This paper gives a full overview of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB). The paper presents background information on PCBs, including their sources, cleanup efforts, stakeholders, and similar toxins. The paper emphasizes environmental and water quality applications.

From the Paper
"Advances in the treatment of affected aquatic systems have been made and PCB contamination is becoming less widespread. The stakeholders associated with this issue are large electrical companies like White-Westinghouse and General Electric and biotechnology corporations such as the Monsanto Company. The electric companies needed a chemical that could be used for industrial cooling and the Monsanto Company used their technology to create this chemical. (Schmidt,48)"

Tags:bioaccumulation, biphenyls, polychlorinated