Students Ask Scientists – Making Mercury Toxic: Microbial Transformations of a Global Pollutant

Mercury is a dangerous neurotoxin that can be found in high concentration in fish across the globe. Surprisingly, mercury levels in the environment are quite low compared to other forms of pollution. However, microorganisms in the environment can convert the mercury that is released into the environment into another form of mercury called methylmercury. This methylmercury form is capable of two processes called bioaccumulation and biomagnification which lead to high concentrations, often to toxic levels, in fish.

This research focuses on understanding these microorganisms: Who are they? Where do they live? What do they eat? Why do they make mercury more toxic? This research was conducted in a wide range of environments, from the Great Lakes down to test tubes in the laboratory.

Join Ben Peterson, an Assistant Professor in the School of Freshwater Sciences at the University of Wisconsin−Milwaukee, for a look into his research that uses microbes as a window into understanding how contaminants impact aquatic ecosystems and human health.

• What: Students Ask Scientists – Making Mercury Toxic: Microbial Transformations of a Global Pollutant
• When: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 1-2pm CT
• Who: Middle school students and up, Educators, and Partners
• Where: Anywhere via Zoom Webinar… Register here!

Learn more here (including potential pre- and post-activities to complete with your learners).

Questions? Contact Ginny Carlton (glcarlton@aqua.wisc.edu).