“…Based upon soil characteristics, tree species, precipitation patterns, and expected Hg inputs, ecosystems at higher elevations are thought to receive higher Hg deposition and support greater methylation [ Lawson et al, ; Yu et al, ]. Findings of increased Hg concentrations in invertebrates, salamanders, and birds [ Blais et al, ; Townsend et al, ], along with higher concentration of other contaminants [ Reiners et al, ; Lovett and Kinsman , ; Miller et al, ; Lawson et al, ], with increases in elevation support this hypothesis. Moreover, several studies have also reported higher concentrations of soil THg in coniferous stands compared to deciduous forests [ Kolka et al, ; Graydon et al, ; Fisher and Wolfe , ].…”