Collaborative Research: Investigations on the Cycling of Mercury from the Ocean to Fog and Deposition to Land in Coastal California

单甲基汞（MMHg）是海洋环境中一种剧毒形式的汞，能够在水生食物网中生物浓缩，威胁人类健康。最近的研究表明，MMHg的雾沉积可能是这种有毒化合物对受雾影响的陆地生态系统的一个重要来源，然而这些过程对雾的了解甚少。来自加州大学圣克鲁斯分校、加州州立大学蒙特利湾分校和圣何塞州立大学的研究人员将利用加利福尼亚海岸的雾观测站网络（FogNet）进行实验，以检查雾中MMHg的时空分布及其潜在来源。本研究结果将有助于更好地阐明雾在向陆地生态系统输送MMHg中的作用。更广泛的影响：本研究将为加州一些大学的本科生和研究生提供科学培训，包括来自代表性不足群体的个人。FogNet将在州立大学、联邦实体和非政府组织之间建立一个合作研究网络。这项研究的结果将通过进一步提高对有毒汞循环的一般认识而使整个社会受益。

Monomethyl mercury (MMHg) is a highly toxic form of mercury in the marine environment, with the ability to bio-concentrate in aquatic food webs and threaten human health. Recent studies have indicated that fog deposition of MMHg may represent an important source of this toxic compound to terrestrial ecosystems that are impacted by fog, however these processes are poorly understood. Researchers from the University of California Santa Cruz, California State University Monterey Bay, and San Jose State University will conduct experiments using a network of fog observation sites (FogNet) along the California coast to examine the spatial and temporal distribution of MMHg in fog and its potential sources. Results from this study will help to better elucidate the role of fog in transporting MMHg to terrestrial ecosystems.Broader Impacts: This study will provide scientific training for undergraduate and graduate students, including individuals from underrepresented groups, in a number of universities in California. FogNet will create a collaborative research network between state universities, federal entities, and non-governmental organizations. Results from this study will benefit society at large through furthering general knowledge on the cycling of toxic mercury.