Preliminary Investigation of Basic Chemical Conditions of Water and Fish from Kasegalik Lake

Regions: Qikiqtaaluk Region, Nunavut

Tags: contaminants, mercury, fish, water chemistry, atmospheric pollution

Principal Investigator: Hermanson, Mark (5)
Licence Number: 12243
Organization: Academy of Natural Sciences
Licensed Year(s): 1994 1993 1992 1990
Issued: Jan 01, 1992
Project Team: James R. Brozowski

Objective(s): To identify the magnitude of atmospheric inputs of pollutants to the Belcher Islands area; to investigate the chemical conditions of water and fish in Kasegalik Lake; to measure lake water chemistry to determine if salt water is present below the surface, and how pollutants cross the fresh-salt water barrier; to measure the mercury content of fish from the lake to establish whether or not atmospheric inputs to the lake are an important source of mercury in fish, and how atmospheric inputs behave in a water column with both fresh and salt waters.

Project Description: The researcher and his team will attempt to identify whether or not Kasegalik Lake has fresh water atop relict sea water. The presence of salt water may influence the depositional behaviour of pollutants delivered by the atmosphere. They will analyze some Kasegalik sediments and fish from the lake to make an initial determination of whether or not further studies are warranted.