In 2012, researchers began collecting dragonfly larvae to reveal mercury pollution in protected waters. 13 years later, 21,000 samples helped create a model that can estimate freshwater mercury risk without testing every waterway

Dragonfly larvae data from thirteen years helped scientists develop a new mercury risk model. This model estimates freshwater mercury risk in areas lacking direct monitoring data. It combines larval mercury levels with water chemistry and landscape characteristics. The model can guide future testing and inform fish consumption advisories for communities.