In this paper, we discuss the "black box" model of microbial activity in the environment with regards to the biogeochemistry of trace elements. We highlight the limitations of this conceptual model, with a focus on the different variables and processes that can impact microbial activity in the environment. We then highlight microbial transformations of arsenic and mercury as an example of how these processes can influence contaminant biogeochemistry.
We're excited to have Dr. Abagael Pruitt join our team for a Scientist in the Park Fellowship supported by the National Park Foundation. Abagael will be researching the processes unfolding in Arctic rivers due metal mobilization.
PhD Student Ania Szlembarska was awarded an Earth Scholar Award from the UC Davis Institute of the Environment. The award will support research and science communication efforts of her work on the threat of sea level rise on mercury fate in coastal wetlands.
A big congrats to Mark Salazar for his first authored paper in ACS Central Science documenting the risk of metals and metalloids in disposable electronic cigarettes. The study evaluated three of the most popular brands of disposable e-cigarettes and discovered (1) the use of leaded bronze alloys in devices, releasing hazardous levels of lead, copper, and zinc and (2) an unknown source of antimony.
Congratulations to Virginia for being selected for the Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation Scholar Award. The award will support her to stipend, fees, and other research needs as she works towards completing her PhD.
PhD student Ania Szlembarska was awarded the 2025 Matsumura Research Fellowship. The support will be used to support her research on the effects of sea level rise on mercury cycling in coastal wetlands.
Undergraduate researchers Emily Richter and Lalima Saini presented their research at the UC Davis Undergraduate Research Conference. Lalima presented novel findings on the interconversion of antimony (Sb) oxidation states in electronic cigarettes, which has important implications for human health. Emily presented her research on how climate change may influence the formation of methylmercury in wetlands. It was fun to celebrate their progress in research and to see them share their findings with the campus community.
This fellowship will support Taylor to make an extended visit to the USGS Mercury Research Lab (Madison, WI) to train and collect data on the processing and analysis of stable isotopes of mercury.
Mercury is a global contaminant that is released to the atmosphere, travels long distances, and impacts humans and wildlife through bioaccumulation of toxic methylmercury. Selenium, in contrast, is an essential micronutrient that plays an important role in modulating oxidative stress in all vertebrates. Mercury is known to interact with selenium biomolecules, but very little is known about these interactions and their implications.
Undergraduate Emily Richter was awarded the 2025 Provost’s Undergraduate Research Fellowship. Her research is investigating how climate change and temperature increases will affect the rate at which methylmercury is formed. We're excited to see her work develop!
A recently published study in Environmental Science & Technology by our group highlights that nearly 1/3 of the methylmercury measured in the Snake River originates from formation in riparian zones of the river. This study coupled measurements of hydrology, surface and pore water biogeochemistry, sediment biogeochemistry, and aquatic biota. Big congrats to the whole team and especially PhD Candidate Virginia Krause for the publication!
