Research on Georgia, South Carolina gators uncovers possibility of high mercury levels in waters

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — While studying Georgia and South Carolina alligators, researchers reportedly found high levels of mercury which could point to heavy metal issues in swampy waters.

University of Georgia (UGA) researchers discovered the high levels of mercury in alligators from the Okefenokee Swamp, Jekyll Island and Yawkey Wildlife Center, UGA Today

Alligators in the Okefenokee Swamp had mercury levels that were eight times higher than Jekyll Island and Yawkey Wildlife gators, the research article said. They found that alligators from the Okefenokee’s lowest values were comparable to the highest levels of the other two areas.

Researchers who discovered the levels said that high levels of mercury in alligators shows that it can move up the food chain easily, something that was not shown earlier studies.

Trace amounts of mercury, a potentially harmful element, are often found in runoff and precipitation downstream from major industrial areas.

Previous research has shown accumulating levels of the heavy metal in smaller animals in Georgia swamps but not as much is known about animals as high up in the food chain as the alligator.

UGA researchers said that the heightened levels in Okefenokee gators are likely due to a combination of factors such as the precipitation and runoff and tannic waters and peat in the area, plus proximity to the industrialized plants.

The rainfall and runoff are not as impactful in Jekyll Island or the Yawkey Wildlife Center since they have tidal inundation.

Age also plays a part in the heavy metal concentration, researchers found. They discovered that as they grow and eat larger animals, they accumulate more mercury.

Hatchlings are also at risk for higher levels since researchers said they found that they had mothers were passing mercury into the egg yolks during reproduction, a researcher told UGA Today.

Data was used from 133 alligators that were above hatching size. They were captured between April-October 2019 with permits.