Graduate Abstract

Anne M. Rothweiler
May 2003

Factors Associated with the Bioaccumulation of Mercury in Human Hair Following Consumption of Fish from the Great Lakes Region

by

Anne M. Rothweiler

Bachelor of Science
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
1995

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the

Master of Science Degree in Environmental Science

Department of Environmental Studies
Greenspun College of Urban Affairs

Graduate College
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
May 2003

Dr. Shawn L. Gerstenberger, Examination Committee Chair
Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies
University of Nevada, Las Vegas

ABSTRACT

Due to the ubiquitous nature of mercury in the environment, an increase in potential human health risks arises from exposure to different media. The Great Lakes region. for instance, is an area of known mercury pollution. This project examines the relationship between fish consumption of a sensitive human population and the concentration of mercury in humans using information obtained from the Ojibwa Health Study. Using hair samples and questionnaires, this study focused on the species of fish, the amount of fish, the size of fish, and the geographic source of fish consumed. Also, human factors. such as years of eating Great Lakes fish, gender, height, and weight, were examined. Statistical analysis determined several exposure assessment variables for Ojibwa. Mean hair mercury concentrations was 1.82, with a standard deviation of 7.06. Analysis showed poor correlations between of the variables and their association with hair mercury concentrations.