A field-portable ultra-trace mercury analysis system

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We request funds to support the purchase of an Ohio Lumex® RA-915M Mercury Analyzer with ancillary items and two essential add-ons: 1) a PYRO-915 Thermal Decomposition unit for the analyses of complex and solid samples such as fish tissue and sediment, and 2) a RP-22 Impinger/Pump attachment for the analyses of trace mercury in water. This instrument package supports four collaborative and active research programs that focus on accumulation of mercury in northern lakes with Aboriginal subsistence fisheries. The proposed instrument package is a completely field-portable system; it is innovative in that it does not require compressed gas, is battery-operated, and (with two add-ons) is able to analyze solid and liquid samples. Procurement of this instrument will allow us to generate data on trace mercury concentrations in sediments, soils, water, and biota in remote northern environments where sample preservation (such as freezing of tissues) is impractical, and/or the transport of sufficient materials to the laboratory for analyses is challenging (e.g., by light aircraft, all-terrain vehicle, foot). Availability of near real-time data will allow us and our trainees to assess pilot data in the field and adjust sampling programs as necessary. This will result in substantive time and cost savings, as at present the lack of background/pilot data in most northern lakes often necessitates at least two field seasons. Generation of results in the field will also allow us to more effectively engage and report results back to northern stakeholders, such as Aboriginal groups; this will significantly enhance our ability to maintain social license and trust in the often politically-charged remote northern communities that we work in.