Falling Mercury
According to a new study by the US Geological Society, fallen autumn leaves contribute as much mercury to the environment as precipitation. This is significant because precipitation was previously the major route for hazardous mercury in the air to be deposited to the environment.
Most of the mercury in fish and food webs come from the air, and specifically from coal fired power plants and other industrial sources. The USGS study examined mercury levels in litterfall from forests over a three-year period in 15 eastern U.S. states. A full copy of the study can be accessed via the USGS website.
