ABSTRACT
The Florida Everglades is a large, ecologically-sensitive wetland located at the southernmost tip of the US state of Florida. The Everglades is home to diverse fl ora and fauna, many of which are endemic, in addition to providing habitat for many species of overwintering birds and newly-introduced, invasive plant and animal species. The Everglades also serves as an important freshwater source for large human populations in South Florida, such that the sustainability and quality of water in the Everglades is of critical importance. As a result of the importance of the Everglades to South Florida, it is the subject of the largest environmental restoration project in history. Among the most important issues facing the restoration of the Everglades are the transformation and fate of the various forms of mercury, particularly methylmercury (CH3Hg
+). Methylmercury is a strong neurotoxin that binds to and destabilizes proteins essential to cell division and repair (Clarkson 2002). It is especially toxic to developing fetuses, neonates, and young children as these periods of growth involve rapid rates of cellular differentiation and division that, if exposed to biologically-signifi cant concentrations of methylmercury, fail to develop normally and can lead to spontaneous abortion as well as neurological and physical abnormalities that vary in extent and mortality. Because of its toxicity and potential for both human and wildlife health impacts, the factors controlling both methylmercury formation and degradation are of importance.
