SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — While studying Georgia and South Carolina alligators, researchers reportedly found high levels of mercury which could point to heavy metal issues in swampy waters.
University of Georgia (UGA) researchers discovered the high levels of mercury in alligators from the Okefenokee Swamp, Jekyll Island and Yawkey Wildlife Center, UGA Today reported.
Alligators in the Okefenokee Swamp had mercury levels that were eight times higher than Jekyll Island and Yawkey Wildlife gators, the research article said. They found that alligators from the Okefenokee’s lowest values were comparable to the highest levels of the other two areas.
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Researchers who discovered the levels said that high levels of mercury in alligators shows that it can move up the food chain easily, something that was not shown earlier studies…