Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

This proposal requests funds for the purchase of an automatic gamma counter that will provide essential analytical support to the NSERC funded research programs of Dr. S. Niyogi and Dr. S.D. Siciliano at the University of Saskatchewan. In general, both research programs are focused to investigate the fate and toxicity of trace metals in our environment. The two main research objectives that will be facilitated with the acquisition of the requested equipment are: (i) mechanistic investigation of the absorption and toxicity of diet-borne trace metals in fish and humans; and (ii) estimation of mercury methylation potential of the Arctic soils. The use of radio-isotopes of different trace metals is absolutely imperative in these investigations since it provides a viable alternative to the standard 'cold' metal estimation approach, which is highly imprecise and doesn't provide the required analytical sensitivity. The requested gamma counter allows the use of gamma emitting radio-isotopes as it provides the capacity to analyze radio-labeled experimental samples. The findings from these research projects will enhance our current understanding of toxic consequences of the metal-contaminated diets in fish and humans, and thus will help to protect our health and wildlife. Moreover, mercury contamination in the Canadian Arctic is an issue of great concern in recent times. Methylmercury is a highly toxic form of mercury which animals can take up very rapidly from food and water. Therefore the study of mercury methylation potential of the Arctic soil will provide important information that will help us to understand the toxicological implications of mercury contamination in the Canadian Arctic.