Edward B. Swain

Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology
Research Scientist, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Mailing address: MPCA, 520 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155 Phone: 651-296-7800
E-mail: edward.swain@pca.state.mn.us
Ph. D. University of Minnesota

Fields of Interest

Effects of air pollution on lakes, fish and wildlife

Research

My research focuses on the effect of air pollutants on the ecology of lakes and associated fish and wildlife. Issues include mercury and semi-volatile organic (PCBs, dioxins) contamination, acid rain, eutrophication due to atmospheric deposition of phosphorus and nitrogen, atmospheric transport of heavy metals, and global climate change. At the Pollution Control Agency I serve as chair of the Mercury Task Force and help investigate the environmental impact of releases of mercury due to manufacturing, waste disposal, and energy production. I am interested in conducting and promoting additional research on the effects of mercury contamination on the health and reproduction of fish, mink, otter, loon and other piscivorous animals.

Selected Publications

  • Engstrom, D. R. and E. B. Swain 1997. Recent declines in atmospheric mercury deposition in the upper midwest. Environmental Science and Technology 31: 960-967.
  • Swain, E. B. (ed.) 1994. Strategies for reducing mercury in Minnesota. MPCA Mercury Task Force. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, St. Paul, Minnesota. 54 pp.
  • Swain, E. B., D. R. Engstrom, M. E. Brigham, T. A. Henning and P. L. Brezonik. 1992. Increasing rates of atmospheric mercury deposition in midcontinental North America. Science 257: 784-787.8.
  • Swain, E. B. and D. D. Helwig. 1989. Mercury contamination of fish in northeastern Minnesota lakes: historical trends, environmental correlates, and potential sources. Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science 55: 103-109.