Yu Song

My research focuses on mercury biogeochemistry, with particular emphasis on the molecular mechanisms that govern mercury transformation processes in natural environments. These include speciation and transformations such as reduction and methylation, with a current emphasis on microbial uptake. I employ synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to investigate how mercury interacts with thiol-containing biomolecules and natural organic matter, and how these interactions influence mercury uptake and transformation. This work contributes to a better understanding of mercury behavior in contaminated ecosystems and supports the development of more effective remediation strategies.

I investigate mercury cycling within forest and aquatic ecosystems, with a focus on chemical speciation, redox transformations, and interactions with natural organic matter. Through controlled laboratory experiments and field sampling, combined with advanced spectroscopy and modeling, I assess how environmental conditions influence mercury fate, bioavailability, and risk. My work supports the development of analytical methods for identifying mercury binding partners and redox-active species in complex environmental matrices.

• Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
• B.Sc. in Ecology, Northeast Normal University, China