Too Much Mercury?
Data Story
Students analyze data about mercury accumulation in feathers and blood of loons to address the question: What evidence is there that bioaccumulation of mercury is a potential problem for loons in New England?
Welcome to this Tuva data story! Mercury is an element found in Earth's crust, including in deposits of coal. It is released from rock and soil into the atmosphere naturally during volcanoes and wildfires, and by human activities through burning of fossil fuels. Once it is in the air, mercury can fall to the ground in raindrops and in dust where it can enter the food chain. When mercury lands in a body of water it enters the food chain when it is taken up by plankton. Mercury is a heavy metal that is toxic to wildlife and humans when ingested. This data story is about what researchers at the BioDiversity Research Institute learned about mercury in loons on lakes in New England. Click Next to get started!
Topics and standards: Science, Life Science, Evaluating Claims, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning, MS-LS2-4, HS-LS2-2, Food Chain, Human Impacts, Ecosystems, Ecosystem Relationships, Grades 9-12, Grades 6-8, TEKS Science 8.12.A, TEKS Science 8.12.B, TEKS Science ENV.5.G, TEKS Science ENV.8.B, TEKS Science ENV.8.D, 6-LS2-4, 3.1.6-8.L, 3.1.9-12.L