Understanding the sources of mercury is important in devising strategies to reduce its toxic impact on the Everglades. Scientists have proposed several explanations for elevated concentrations of mercury compounds found in the Everglades, including agricultural runoff, hydrological changes from flood control projects, or atmospheric deposition air emissions from a variety of sources that are deposited into lakes, rivers and other bodies of water by wind and rain.
Scientists disagree on from where the mercury in Florida s air is coming.
Mercury is a major concern because it can accumulate in the aquatic food web and cause toxic effects to wildlife, especially fish-eating predators. The Speciated Atmospheric Mercury Profile Experiment will consist of 20 flights made at various altitudes over the Everglades.