Hg Lab
Research Field
My research focuses on the biogeochemistry and contamination of mercury (Hg) in aquatic environments, including the open ocean, marginal seas, estuaries, and freshwater systems. I investigate mercury bioaccumulation and trophic transfer in marine food webs, with particular emphasis on bluefin tuna. My work quantifies key Hg fluxes such as atmospheric deposition and air–sea exchange, and uses natural archives (e.g., sediments and corals) to reconstruct historical Hg inputs and assess methylmercury exposure. By combining Hg speciation and stable isotope analyses, I examine how global environmental change influences mercury cycling, biomagnification, and toxicity in ocean ecosystems.
Our research facilities include specialized labs for studying mercury (Hg) and carbon dioxide (CO2). We are equipped with an onboard Hg species analyzer, capable of measuring elemental Hg, methyl-Hg, and total Hg. The Hg species analyzer was custom-built for use during field cruises. Current projects involve method development and comprehensive surveys of Hg speciation within food webs and the western North Pacific Ocean. We are also conducting stable isotope analyses for carbon, nitrogen, and mercury isotopes to investigate bioaccumulation and trophic transfer within tuna food webs in the North Pacific Ocean.
Research topics:
- SouthEast Asian Time-Series Study (SEATS)
- Development and application of onboard underway flow injection mercury analyzer (FIMA)
- Air-sea exchange fluxes of Hg in relation to environmental change in the Western North Pacific Ocean (e.g., SCS, TS, ECS, WPS etc.)
- Mercury biogeochemistry and pollution in urbanized estuarine coasts
- Hg cycle and isotopic ratios reveal marine pollution and trophic transfer in marine fish
2024: Receiving the 2024 Distinguished Professor
2024: Receiving the 2024 National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Outstanding Research Award, Taiwan
2023: Visiting Professor, IPREM, CNRS/ Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour (UPPA), Pau, France (Fund by NTU-France Office in Taipei)
2022: Visiting Professor, IPREM, CNRS/ Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour (UPPA), Pau, France (Fund by NTU-France Office in Taipei)
2019: Visiting Professor at Rutgers University, NJ, USA (Funded by NSTC, ROC)
2012: Visiting Professor at WHOI, MA, USA (Funded by NSTC, ROC)
2000: Post-doctoral Scholarship at the Department of Marine Science, University of Connecticut, USA (Funded by NSF, USA)
1994: Ph.D. Scholarship at the University of Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, France (Funded by Ministry of Education, Taiwan, ROC)
- 1994-2000: Ph. D. in environmental and analytical chemistry and microbiology, University of Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, France (scholarship sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Taiwan).
- 1989-1991: M.S. in Marine Geochemistry, Institute of Oceanography, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
Job Description
This proposal aims to use stable isotope ratios to trace mercury (Hg) accumulation in Pacific bluefin tuna and identify its sources and pathways. By integrating Hg isotopes with carbon and nitrogen isotopes (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N), we will link Hg bioaccumulation in tuna to their habitat and prey across the Pacific Ocean and evaluate ocean pollution using isotopic tracers. We propose a multidimensional framework combining species concentration, isotopic composition, and bioaccumulation/metabolic rates to resolve Hg sources, cycling, and trends. Building on established methods and existing datasets, we will analyze Hg species and isotope ratios in tuna, prey fish, and, where possible, plankton assemblages. These data will be used to reconstruct dietary pathways and Hg accumulation processes in top predators, ultimately improving assessments of marine pollution under global change.
Preferred Intern Educational Level
We seek undergraduate (college-level) and master’s-level students to serve as research interns, supporting laboratory setup, mercury (Hg) analyses, and isotope ratio measurements.
Skill sets or Qualities
- Relevant background (marine science, environmental science, chemistry, biology etc.)
- Basic lab skills and clean techniques
- Interest in Hg biogeochemistry and isotopes
- Data analysis skills (Excel, R, or Python)
- Detail-oriented, organized, and reliable
- Teamwork and good communication