Great Salt Lake
Great Salt Lake in Utah may contain even more toxic mercury than previously known. This statement coming from water tests done by Kennecott Utah Copper last summer and fall, two years after samples that triggered alarms about mercury throughout Utah.
The numbers are the highest experts have ever heard of for any open water source in the United States. But, scientists and policymakers who have read the newly released results say it's too soon to jump to conclusions.
The new numbers might confirm the need for greater understanding of mercury in the Great Salt Lake. Many would like longer studies on why the levels are so high and what hazards the toxic methylmercury poses to people and the environment. This means more money in any future budgets regaring the lake and watershed. http://ut.water.usgs.gov/greatsaltlake/
December 19, 2005 1:38 AM | Category: Chemicals