IGOR LEHNHERR
Dept. of Earth and Environmental Sciences
University of Waterloo
200 University Ave. W
Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1
Ph.: (905) 865-5226 (c)
Email: ilehnher@uwaterloo.ca
Website: www.ualberta.ca/~lehnherr
Citizenship: Canadian and Swiss
CAREER AND EDUCATION
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW
W. Garfield Weston fellow in Northern Research, Department of Earth and
Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, Ontario; Advisor: Dr. S.L. Schiff
2012-
PROJECT COORDINATOR
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, and
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, Ontario;
Advisors: Drs. D.W. Schindler and S.L. Schiff
2011
DOCTORATE OF PHILOSOPHY IN ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton
Dissertation: Production and Cycling of Methylated Mercury Species in High Arctic
Freshwater and Marine Ecosystems; Advisor: Dr. V.L. St. Louis
2004-2011
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (Double Major in Chemistry and Biology)
Departments of Chemistry and Biology, University of Victoria, British Columbia
Senior project: Synthesis and Characterization of Silanol Complexes of Zirconium;
Advisor: Dr. D.J. Berg
1999-2003
CERTIFICATE OF SCIENCE
Faculty of Arts and Science, Yukon College, Whitehorse, Yukon Territory
1998-1999
AWARDS, GRANTS AND HONOURS
RESEARCH GRANTS
Northern Contaminants Program Grant
(in review)
Co-authored the proposal entitled, “Quantifying contaminant loadings, water quality and
climate change impacts in the world´s largest lake north of 74° latitude (Lake Hazen,
Quttinirpaaq National Park, Northern Ellesmere Island, Nunavut)” (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern
Development Canada – AANDC
Climate Change and Atmospheric Research Grant (NSERC)
(in review)
Co-wrote the proposal entitled, “Impacts of a Changing Climate on Active Layer Thaw and
Freshwater Chemistry in Canada's Sovereign and Resource-Rich Arctic”
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Northwest Territories Cumulative Impact Monitoring Program
2012-2014
Co-wrote the proposal entitled, “Snowpack accumulation: influence on caribou distribution, surface
water chemistry and lake productivity” ($162,225, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
Canada - AANDC)
Northern Contaminants Program Grant
2010-2011
Co-authored the proposal entitled, “Resolving the Arctic Ocean Methylmercury Conundrum”
($70,323, largest amount granted by AANDC out of 22 applications in its category)
Northern Scientific Training Program Research Grant
Awarded in support of my Ph.D. research ($8,500, AANDC)
2005-2008
Circumpolar/Boreal Alberta Research Grant
Awarded in support of my Ph.D. research ($2,500, Canadian Circumpolar Institute)
2006-2007
MAJOR AWARDS
W. Garfield Weston Postdoctoral Fellowship in Northern Research
2012-2014
National, awarded by the Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies
($50,000/yr)
NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship – Doctoral
National, held at the University of Alberta ($21,000/yr)
2005-2008
Alberta Ingenuity Studentship
2006-2010
Awarded based on academic and research merit, held at the University of Alberta ($26,000/yr)
NSERC Canada Graduate Scholarship – Master’s
National, held at the University of Alberta (17,500/yr)
2004-2005
Canadian Society of Chemical Industry Merit Award
2003
Awarded to the top graduating student (highest GPA) in Chemistry, held at the University
of Victoria
Exemplary Distinction
For outstanding performance in the Doctoral comprehensive (Candidacy) exam,
University of Alberta
2008
NSERC Undergraduate Research Award
National, held at McGill University ($5,000)
2003
Walter H. John’s Graduate Fellowship
Institutional, held at the University of Alberta ($4,750/yr)
2004-2008
University of British Columbia Gladys Estella Laird Graduate Fellowship
Institutional, declined ($8,000)
2004
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Yukon Excellence Awards
1999-2003
Territorial, awarded based on academic standing, held at the University of Victoria ($6000)
MINOR AWARDS
Alberta Department of Advanced Education Graduate Student Scholarship
For outstanding academic achievement in the first year of a Master’s program, held at
the University of Alberta ($2,000)
2006
Science Graduate Scholarship
Institutional, entrance scholarship, held at the University of Alberta ($2,000)
2004
J. Gordin Kaplan Graduate Student Award
Institutional, held at the University of Alberta ($1,300)
2006
American Chemical Society, Division of Analytical Chemistry Award
2002
Awarded to the top undergraduate student in Analytical Chemistry, University of Victoria
Dean’s Honour List
Institutional, awarded to the top 10% in the Faculty of Science, University of Victoria
2000-2003
The President’s Scholarship
Institutional, held at the University of Victoria ($2,500/yr)
2001-2003
The Yukon Conservation Society’s Ted Parnell Memorial Scholarship
2001
Territorial, awarded for excellence in the environmental sciences, held at the University
of Victoria ($500)
C. B. Husky’s Scholarship
1999-2003
Territorial, awarded based on academic standing, held at the University of Victoria ($250)
PUBLICATIONS
Refereed Publications in Scientific Journals
2012
Kirk, J. L., I. Lehnherr, M. Andersson, B. Braune, L. Chan, P. A. Dastoor, D. Durnford, A. L.
Gleason, L. L. Loseto, A. Steffen, and V. L. St. Louis. 2012. Mercury in Arctic marine
environments: sources, pathways and exposure. Environmental Research, 119: 64-87. (journal
impact factor = 3.2)
2012
Lehnherr, I., V. L. St. Louis, C. A. Emmerton, J. D. Barker and J. L. Kirk. 2012.
Methylmercury cycling in high Arctic wetlands: sources and sinks. Environmental Science &
Technology, 46: 10514-10522. (featured on the cover of ES&T, journal impact factor = 4.8)
2012
Lehnherr, I., J. L. Kirk and V. L. St. Louis. 2012. Methylmercury cycling in high Arctic
wetlands: controls on sedimentary production. Environmental Science & Technology, 46:
10523-10531. (featured on the cover of ES&T)
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2011
Lehnherr, I., V. L. St. Louis, H. Hintelmann and J. L. Kirk. 2011. Methylation of inorganic
mercury in polar marine waters. Nature Geoscience, 4: 298-302. (journal impact factor = 10.4)
2011
St. Louis, V. L., A. Derocher, I. Stirling, J. A. Graydon, C. Lee, E. Jocksch, E. Richardson, S.
Ghorpade, A. K. Kwan, J. L. Kirk, I. Lehnherr and H. K. Swanson. 2011. Climate-induced
changes in foodweb structure affecting mercury levels in Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus).
Environmental Science & Technology, 45: 5922-5928.
2011
Mowat, L. D., V. L. St. Louis, J. A. Graydon, and I. Lehnherr. 2011. Influence of forest
canopies on the deposition of methylmercury to boreal ecosystem watersheds. Environmental
Science & Technology 45: 5178-5185.
2009 Lehnherr, I. and V. L. St. Louis. Importance of ultraviolet radiation in the photodemethylation
of methylmercury in freshwater ecosystems. 2009. Environmental Science & Technology 43:
5692-5698.
2009 Graydon, J. A., V. L. St. Louis, H. Hintelmann, S. E. Lindberg, K. A. Sandilands, J. W. M.
Rudd, C. A. Kelly, M. T. Tate, D. P. Krabbenhoft, and I. Lehnherr. 2009. Investigation of
uptake and retention of atmospheric Hg(II) by boreal forest plants using stable Hg isotopes.
Environmental Science & Technology 43: 4960-4966.
2008 Kirk, J. L., V. L. St. Louis, H. Hintelmann, I. Lehnherr, B. Else and L. Poissant. 2008.
Methylated mercury species in marine waters of the Canadian high and sub Arctic.
Environmental Science & Technology 42: 8367-8373.
2007 St. Louis, V. L., H. Hintelmann, J. A. Graydon, J. L. Kirk, J. Barker, B. Dimock, M. J. Sharp,
and I. Lehnherr. 2007. Methylated mercury species in polar marine surface water and
snowpacks. Environmental Science & Technology 41: 6433-6441.
Journal Publications Accepted or in Preparation
1. Lehnherr, I. Mercury and methylmercury biogeochemistry with special reference to Canadian
Arctic ecosystems: a review. To be submitted to Environmental Reviews January 2013.
2. Lehnherr, I., J. Venkiteswaran, V. L. St. Louis, C. A. Emmerton, and S. L. Schiff. Ecosystem
metabolism in High Arctic ponds and lakes. To be submitted to Limnology and Oceanography
Spring 2013.
3. St. Louis, V. L., I. Lehnherr, J. D. Barker, J. A. Graydon, J. L. Kirk and C. Emmerton. Net
ecosystem exchange of CO2 and CH4 from ponds and lakes in the Canadian High Arctic. To be
submitted to Environmental Science & Technology Summer 2013.
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Other Refereed Publications
1. Lehnherr, I., official contributor to: Chen, C. Y., C. T. Driscoll, K. F. Lambert, R. P. Mason, L.
Rardin, C. V. Schmitt, N. S. Serrell, E. M. Sunderland. 2012. Sources to Seafood: Mercury
Pollution in the Marine Environment. Hanover, NH: Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program,
Dartmouth College.
2. Lehnherr, I., co-author of two chapters on mercury in marine and freshwater ecosystems in:
Canadian Arctic Report on Contaminants III, J. Chételat and B. Braune, eds. Northern
Contaminants Program, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, in press.
3. Lehnherr, I., lead author of the chapter entitled “Processes Contributing to the Net Production of
Methylmercury in Canadian Freshwater Ecosystems” for the Canadian Mercury Assessment
Report completed under the umbrella of the Clean Air Regulatory Agenda Mercury Science
Program, in review.
Non-Refereed Publications
1.
Lehnherr, I. 2003. L’Adjonction de Calcium dans la Fabrication de Mozzarella. (26 pp.)
Technical report on the effect of low-level additions of calcium during Mozzarella production
on milk protein recovery and overall yield; includes new protocol for the measurement of ionic
calcium in dairy matrices using ion-selective electrodes. (Internship work with Estavayer Lait
Société Anonyme (ELSA), Estavayer-Le-Lac, Switzerland)
2.
Lehnherr, I and Berg, D.J. 2003. Synthesis and Characterization of Silanol Complexes of
Zirconium. Undergraduate Research Paper, Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria.
TEACHING/TRAINING and SUPERVISORY EXPERIENCE
These various activities have helped me to develop teaching, leadership, communication and
interpersonal skills as well as taking responsibility for people under my supervision:
Teaching Assistant
2005
University of Alberta, Biology 381: People, Pollution and the Environment
 taught concepts of environmental science, answered questions and provided students with
feedback on assignments
 graded exams in a fair and consistent manner
Experiential Teaching
 Created and delivered a special presentation on the study of contaminants in the Arctic,
including both a lecture and laboratory demonstration, worked with students to collect and
process samples for a study on the distribution of mercury in Arctic marine waters and
mentored high school students throughout the 2-week field course of the “Schools on Board”
program. This unique educational program brings high school students from across Canada to
the Arctic to work and learn alongside world-class scientists during an oceanographic cruise on
board of the CCGS Amundsen icebreaker
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Additional Teaching and Outreach Activities
2006-present
 Received training on teaching undergraduate students through the University of Alberta
Professional Development Program’s Teaching Week 2011 by participating in workshops such
as Preparing and delivering lectures, Teaching effectively in the Lab, and Leading group
discussions
 Prepared and delivered teaching lecture on atomic structure for a 1st-year chemistry course, and
prepared problem set and quiz to accompany/complement lecture material (Yukon College,
Dec. 2010)
 Authored articles for the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) Newsletter designed to educate the
public on current environmental issues and on-going research at the ELA
 Delivered carefully prepared lectures, slideshows and interactive presentations to visiting high
school students at the University of Alberta on a variety on topics ranging from general
environmental science to “What it’s like to be a graduate student”
 Presented to Inuit elementary and high school students touring the CCGS Amundsen research
icebreaker during a community visit in Resolute Bay, Nunavut
 Worked with and trained youth and adults from northern communities to collect and process
samples during field campaigns in the Arctic
Tutor
1999-present
 Tutored a large number of undergraduate and high school students in a broad range of scientific
disciplines such as Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Mathematics
 Instructed students in both one-on-one and group settings
Training of Highly Qualified Personnel
2005-present
 Trained, supervised and mentored undergraduate students (7) and laboratory technicians (6) in
the collection of environmental samples in diverse field settings and in the analysis of
water/sediment/tissue samples using state of the art techniques, including inductively-coupled
mass spectroscopy and cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectroscopy
Mentoring of Graduate Students
2006-present
 Provided training for graduate students in safe laboratory and analytical chemistry techniques
 Assisted graduate students to develop models based on thermodynamics and chemical kinetics
to quantify biogeochemical processes such as chemical degradation and air-water gas exchange
 Assisted graduate students with experimental and sampling design and provided feedback on
results
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Carbon Cycling, Ecosystem Productivity and Climate Change Impacts
in Arctic Freshwater Ecosystems
05/2012-present
(Postdoctoral fellow, supervised by Dr. S. Schiff, University of Waterloo, in collaboration with Drs.
M. English,Wilfrid Laurier University and V. St. Louis, University of Alberta)
Arctic wetlands, ponds and lakes are common features on the Arctic landscape, providing valuable
resources to wildlife and humans. These systems also act as biogeochemical hotspots, and can be very
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productive. Rates of ecosystem productivity dictate how much energy flows through foodwebs,
impacting the abundance of higher-level organisms (e.g., fish), as well as the net carbon balance,
controlling whether a particular system is carbon source or sink. This research strives to obtain a
process-level understanding of ecosystem productivity and respiration, in order to better understand
how climate-induced changes in hydrology (change in precipitation patterns, timing of ice-out and
snowmelt, deepening of the active layer overlaying permafrost, etc.) and catchment vegetation
(increased vegetation cover, shifts in plant community structure) are impacting carbon cycling
dynamics and Arctic freshwaters ecosystems on both the short and long-term.
 Applied novel measurements of stable isotopes ratios in dissolved oxygen and dissolved
inorganic carbon to quantify whole-pond primary production and ecosystem respiration, two
processes which ultimately control the net ecosystem exchange of CO2 from aquatic ecosystems
 Measured N2O air-water fluxes and modeled rates of denitrification
 Collected sediment cores from lakes to reconstruct ecosystem productivity over longer time
periods, allowing for the examination of climate change impacts on lake ecosystems.
 Conducted limnological survey of ponds and lakes
Speciation and Deposition of Atmospheric Mercury in the Pristine
Boreal Ecoregion
(Scientist, CARA Mercury Science Program)
05/2011-present
The Clean Air Regulatory Agenda (CARA) Mercury Science Program was developed to provide
scientific information to support regulatory activities pertaining to atmospheric emissions of mercury in
Canada. As part of the CARA program, I have been quantifying the concentrations of various chemical
species of mercury in the atmosphere at the Experimental Lakes Area using state-of-the-art
instrumentation capable of continuously acquiring speciation and concentration data. This data is
crucial for parameterizing and developing models describing the chemistry of atmospheric mercury and
its deposition to landscapes, as well as for developing policy pertaining to emissions.
 setup, calibrated, maintained and trouble-shot Tekran Speciation Units to quantify atmospheric
mercury concentrations and deposition
Nutrient Cycling in Experimentally Eutrophied Lake 227
(Postdoctoral fellow/Project Coordinator, supervised by Drs. S. Schiff,
University of Waterloo and D. Schindler, University of Alberta)
05/2011-06/2012
Eutrophication is the world’s most widespread water quality problem, resulting in cyanobacteria
blooms and fish kills that have important implications from a fisheries and lake management
perspective. High phosphorus (P) concentrations have been identified as one of the key factors
resulting in eutrophication of lakes, and as a result regulations and controls have been implemented in
an effort to reduce P loading to freshwaters. However, there is still considerable debate as to whether
nitrogen (N) should be similarly regulated as this nutrient may also play an important role in
controlling algal biomass and lake eutrophication. This research aims to determine whether N is a
limiting nutrient (on a seasonal time scale) for algal growth in eutrophied lakes and, from a
management perspective, whether costly treatment of waste water to remove N would be a cost
effective means of managing lake eutrophication.
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 Coordinated and conducted sampling for the whole-ecosystem experimental addition of P to
eutrophic Lake 227 at the world-renowned Experimental Lakes Area, trained and supervised
students and technicians
 Measured sediment-water fluxes of species of N, P, and carbon (C) using a novel benthic flux
chamber
 Quantified in-lake biogeochemical processes (e.g., respiration, sedimentation, mercury
transformations) using a variety of techniques, including the use of stable-isotopes
 Assembled whole-watershed mass balances for N
Resolving the Arctic Ocean Methylmercury Conundrum
06/2010-12/2011
(Postdoctoral fellow, supervised by Dr. V. L. St. Louis, University of Alberta and in
collaboration with Dr. H. Hintelmann, Trent University)
Monomethylmercury (MeHg), the toxic form of mercury that biomagnifies through foodwebs, is
present in some Arctic marine mammals and fish at concentrations above the Canadian commercial
marketing limit even though concentrations of MeHg in bulk seawater are relatively low compared to
other aquatic systems. This begs the question as to what is the cause and mechanism of the efficient
transfer of MeHg from marine waters into local foodwebs. We are currently investigating the
hypothesis that particulate matter provide favorable micro environments for the production of MeHg
and that organisms at the base of the foodweb feeding on detritus and particulate matter are in fact
experiencing greater exposure to MeHg than would be predicted from concentrations measured in bulk
seawater.
 Co-wrote the successfully funded proposal
 Collected suspended particles to perform the first ever measurements of particulate-bound
MeHg in polar marine waters
 Quantified full suite of dissolved Hg species (total-, monomethyl-, dimethyl- and elementalmercury) throughout the water column
 Examined the role chemical and biological oceanographic parameters in controlling Hg
distribution, speciation and bioaccumulation
 Compared various sampling protocols to allow correction of old data sets for sampling artifacts
Production and Cycling of Methylmercury in Arctic Aquatic
Ecosystems
09/2004-04/2011
(Ph.D. thesis project, supervised by Dr. V. L. St. Louis at the University of Alberta)
The neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg) is found in some Arctic marine animals and freshwater fish at
levels that may be harmful to Northern Peoples consuming them as food. Because MeHg is the form of
mercury (Hg) that is bioaccumulated and biomagnified, the key process which causes Hg to enter into
foodwebs is the methylation of inorganic Hg(II) to MeHg in aquatic environments. Thus, the objective
of my Ph. D. research was to determine the sources of MeHg to Arctic foodwebs by obtaining a
mechanistic understanding of the processes controlling the production and cycling of this toxin in
Arctic freshwater and marine systems. I have been able to quantify water-column Hg(II) methylation in
oceans and conclusively demonstrate that it is a major source of MeHg to marine ecosystems, that high
Arctic wetlands, despite cool temperatures and relatively limited availability of organic matter, are sites
of MeHg production and that the photo-degradation of MeHg in aquatic systems is mediated by UV
radiation and not visible light, as had been previously reported. The results from my research will
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provide valuable input for global and regional Hg models as well as an understanding of the sources of
MeHg to Arctic aquatic foodwebs, which will be useful in designing strategies to minimize MeHg
exposure risks to fish, animals and people of the Arctic.
 Independently conceived original research, formulated hypotheses, designed and performed
experiments, collected and analyzed data, constructed models and published manuscripts
 Secured funding for this project by successfully applying for research grants
 Utilized cutting-edge stable-isotope tracer techniques to quantify rates of MeHg production and
degradation in water and sediments
 Employed both whole-ecosystem approaches and controlled experiments in field and laboratory
settings to answer research questions
 Organized, coordinated and led eight different field campaigns in the remote Canadian Arctic,
including three oceanographic cruises
 Performed sample analysis using clean room and trace metal protocols in combination with
state-of-the-art instrumentation including gas chromatography inductively coupled mass
spectrometry (GC-ICP/MS) and cold vapor atomic spectroscopy (CVAFS)
 Developed, implemented and adapted techniques, such as species-specific isotope dilution mass
spectrometry, for the analysis of MeHg in a variety of environmental matrices (water,
atmosphere, sediments, biological tissues)
 Collaborated with researchers across Canada (Drs. Holger Hintelmann, Scott Lamoureux,
Derek Muir) on a number of projects and contributed in a large multidisciplinary team setting
(e.g., ArcticNet, a Network of Centres of Excellence of Canada)
Transfer of Terrestrial Mercury to Aquatic Systems in High Arctic
Catchments
(Research Assistant, University of Alberta)
04/2007-08/2011
 Quantified the export of terrestrial mercury (total Hg and MeHg) from streams draining two
separate lake watersheds at the Cape Bounty Arctic Watershed Observatory (CBAWO)
 Examined the impacts of climate change (e.g., permafrost degradation, changes in precipitation
and hydrology) on the export of Hg from these catchments
 Collaborated with university (Dr. Scott Lamoureux, Queen’s University) and government
scientists (Dr. Derek Muir, Environment Canada) to successfully complete this research
 These results will be integrated with those of my collaborators investigating Hg and carbon
cycling in lakes receiving water from my study streams to obtain an ecosystem-scale
understanding of Hg biogeochemistry in these changing high latitude systems
Net Ecosystem Exchange of Greenhouse Gases in Arctic Wetland and
Tundra Ecosystems
(Research Assistant, University of Alberta)
05/2005-08/2010
Carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) are important greenhouse gases (GHGs) that influence the
atmosphere’s heat budget, and hence global climate. Currently it is not known whether many Arctic
ecosystems are net sources or sinks of CO2 and CH4, despite the importance of this information for
constructing global climate models. We are now quantifying the fluxes of these gases from aquatic
(wetland) and terrestrial (tundra) ecosystems at the highest latitudes ever studied, as well as examining
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the impacts of climate change on these processes and whether feedback effects on carbon cycling might
result from these changes.
 Planned and participated in five field seasons on Ellesmere Island
 Used continuous measurements of dissolved CO2 and CH4 in wetland ponds and gas-exchange
velocities based on wind speed to calculate air-water fluxes of these gases
 Demonstrated that wetland sites are a sink of atmospheric carbon dioxide but a source of
methane to the atmosphere during the growing season
 Collected and processed water chemistry/limnological samples used to characterize each site
 Assisted in the set-up of a state-of-the-art eddy covariance flux tower in 2008 and 2009 at the
most northerly location to date, with which we were able to demonstrate that during the
growing season, the tundra landscape is a sink of atmospheric carbon dioxide
Clean Air Regulatory Agenda: Mercury Science Program
(Consultant/contractor, Environment Canada)
02/2009 and 03/2010
 Collected sediment cores from lakes in Alberta (2009) and Ontario (ELA, 2010) to reconstruct
the historical deposition of Hg to these lakes
 Collected sediments using a gravity corer, sectioned sediment cores, collected and processed
water samples for various chemical parameters using clean techniques
Sources of Methylmercury to Northern Caribou Herds
(Research Assistant, University of Alberta)
06/2007 – 08/2007
Caribou meat can be a significant source of MeHg to Northern peoples since it makes up a large
portion of their diet. To determine the ultimate source of MeHg to caribou and Northern peoples, we
compared terrestrial and marine sources of MeHg in lichens – one of the principal food sources of
caribou – by collecting lichens in transects moving away from coastal areas where MeHg of marine
origin is deposited in wet and dry atmospheric deposition.
 Assisted in the design and planning of the research project
 Led the research team for the field component of this research, which was conducted on Devon
and Bathurst Islands, Nunavut
Calcium Additions as a Means of Increasing Milk Protein Recovery and
Overall Yield in the Manufacture of Mozzarella Cheese
09/2003 – 12/2003
(Industrial Internship, Estavayer Lait Société Anonyme, Switzerland)
 Optimized levels of added calcium chloride during industrial production of mozzarella cheese
to increase the recovery of milk protein and the overall yield, while retaining product quality
 Developed a new protocol for the measurement of ionic calcium in dairy matrices using ionselective electrodes
 Implemented the use of ion-selective electrodes to optimize the amount of calcium added and
the equilibration parameters, such as time, temperature and pH, during milk maturation.
 Developed the project, conducted all chemical analyses for calcium, milk proteins and other
parameters, and co-directed industrial-scale trials
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 Presented my findings to representatives from R&D and upper management, with the result that
the company decided to implement my recommendations on optimal calcium concentrations,
changing their mozzarella fabrication process accordingly
Photoreduction of Aqueous Mercury in the Presence of Oxalate
05/2003 – 08/2003
(Undergraduate Research Assistant, supervised by Dr. P. A. Ariya, McGill University)
 Designed and completed the synthesis of Hg complexes containing organic ligands and
characterized these complexes using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
 Conducted kinetic studies using these Hg complexes, as well as ionic Hg, to examine the role of
organic anions in the (photo-)reduction of Hg(II) to Hg(0) over a range of pH and chloride
concentrations
 Employed a variety of analytical techniques and tools such as Raman, UV-Visible and atomic
fluorescence spectroscopy to complete this research
 Demonstrated that: (1) Hg both directly and indirectly bound to oxalate can be photoreduced,
(2) the presence of chloride ions inhibits the reaction and (3) pH plays an important roles by
dictating the speciation of the various chemical species involved
Synthesis and Characterization of Silanol Complexes of Zirconium
01/2003 – 04/2003
(Undergraduate thesis project, supervised by Dr. D. J. Berg, University of Victoria)
 Synthesized a number of novel organometallic complexes using inert-atmosphere glove-box
techniques
 Characterized synthesis products using Infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy,
mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography
PRESENTATIONS AT SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS
(* denotes presenting author)
1. Lehnherr, I.* S. L. Schiff, D. M. Orihel, D. W. Schindler, S. N. Higgins, M. J. Paterson, D. T.
Callaghan, M. Holoka and J. J. Venkiteswaran. The importance of sediment return in subsidizing
nitrogen requirements for algal production in an experimentally eutrophied lake (Lake 227). 66th
Meeting of the Society of Canadian Limnologists, January 3-5, 2013, Windsor, ON (poster).
2. Kirk, J. L., I. Lehnherr, A. Gleason, D. Muir, V. St. Louis. The impact of eutrophication on
mercury cycling in Lake 227 at the Experimental Lakes Area in northwestern Ontario. 66th
Meeting of the Society of Canadian Limnologists, January 3-5, 2013, Windsor, ON (oral).
3. Venkistwaran, J. J., S. L. Schiff, S. N. Higgins, I. Lehnherr. Effects of internal carbon support
on the 13C of organic carbon in an experimentally eutrophied lake. 66th Meeting of the Society of
Canadian Limnologists, January 3-5, 2013, Windsor, ON (poster).
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4. Lehnherr, I.*, J. J. Venkiteswaran, V. L. St. Louis, S. L. Schiff, C. A. Emmerton. Ecosystem
metabolism and air-water exchange of greenhouse gases in High Arctic ponds. American
Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, December 2-7, 2012, San Francisco, CA, USA (poster).
5. Kirk, J. L., I. Lehnherr, A. Gleason, D. Muir, V. St. Louis. The impact of eutrophication on
mercury cycling in Lake 227 at the Experimental Lakes Area in northwestern Ontario. American
Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, December 2-7, 2012, San Francisco, CA, USA (oral).
6. J. L. Kirk, D. Muir, I. Lehnherr, A. Gleason, V. L. St. Louis. The impact of eutrophication on
mercury cycling in Lake 227 at the Experimental Lakes Area in Northwestern Ontario. Gordon
Research Seminar - Environmental Sciences: Water, June 23-24, 2012, Holderness, NH, USA
(poster).
7. Lehnherr, I.*, V.L. St. Louis, J. L. Kirk, C. A. Emmerton, J.D. Barker. Methylmercury cycling
in High Arctic wetlands: what are the controls on production? International Polar Year 2012
Conference, April 22-27, 2012, Montreal, QC (oral).
8. Lehnherr, I.*, V. L. St. Louis and H. Hintelmann. Particulate and dissolved methylated mercury
species in marine waters of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago: implications for bioaccumulation.
International Polar Year 2012 Conference, April 22-27, 2012, Montreal, QC (poster).
9. St. Louis, V.L., I. Lehnherr, S.F. Lamoureux, J.A. Graydon, J.D. Barker, C.A. Emmerton, J.L.
Kirk. Net ecosystem exchange of carbon dioxide and methane from lakes and wetlands in the
Canadian High Arctic. International Polar Year 2012 Conference, April 22-27, 2012, Montreal,
QC (oral).
10. Kirk, J. L., D. Muir, A. Gleason, I. Lehnherr, V. St. Louis, S. Lamoureux, T. Lewis, K. Stewart,
D. Iqaluk and B. Iqaluk. The transfer of terrestrial mercury to freshwater ecosystems at Cape
Bounty, Melville Island, Nunavut. International Polar Year 2012 Conference, April 22-27, 2012,
Montreal, QC (poster).
11. Lehnherr, I.* Sediment-water fluxes of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients in an experimentally
eutrophied boreal lake (L227, Experimental Lakes Area). 2nd Annual Lake 227 Project Meeting,
Canada Centre for Inland Waters, January 18, 2012, Burlington, ON (oral).
12. Lehnherr, I.*, V.L. St. Louis, J. L. Kirk, C. A. Emmerton. Methylmercury cycling in High
Arctic wetlands: what are the controls on production? The Society of Environmental Toxicology
and Chemistry North America 32nd Annual Meeting, November 13-17, 2011, Boston, MA, USA
(oral).
13. Lehnherr, I.*, V. L. St. Louis, H. Hintelmann. Mercury speciation in Arctic marine waters. 19th
Annual Northern Contaminants Program Results Workshop, September 20-21, 2011, Victoria,
BC (oral; invited).
14. Lehnherr, I.*, V. L. St. Louis, J. L. Kirk and C. A. Emmerton. Methylmercury cycling in High
Arctic wetlands: what are the controls on methylmercury production? 10th International
Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant, July 24-29, 2011, Halifax NS (oral).
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15. St. Louis, V. L., A. Derocher, I. Stirling, J. Graydon, C. Lee, E. Jocksch, E. Richardson, S.
Ghorpade, A. Kwan, J. L. Kirk and I. Lehnherr. Differences in mercury bioaccumulation
amongst polar bears (Ursus Maritimus) from the Canadian high and sub Arctic. 10th International
Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant, Halifax, Canada, July 28th, 2011 (oral).
16. Kirk, J., V. St. Louis, D. Muir, I. Lehnherr, S. Lamoureux, T. Lewis, K. Stewart, D. Iqaluk, C.
Tunks, G. Lawson. The transfer of terrestrial mercury to freshwater aquatic ecosystems of the
Canadian High Arctic. 10th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant, July 2429, 2011, Halifax NS (poster).
17. Kirk, J. L., D. Muir, A. Gleason, J. Coty, V. L. St. Louis, I. Lehnherr, B. Iqaluk, D. Iqaluk, S.
Lamoureux, K. Stewart, T. Lewis. The transfer of terrestrial mercury to freshwater Arctic
ecosystems of Cape Bounty, Melville Island, Nunavut. 10th Experimental Lakes Area Seminar
Series, Experimental Lakes Area, Ontario, Canada, July 13th, 2011 (oral; invited).
18. Lehnherr, I.* Production and cycling in methylmercury in Arctic freshwater ecosystems.
Experimental Lakes Area Seminar Series, June 29, 2011, Experimental Lakes Area, ON (oral;
invited)
19. Lehnherr, I.*, V. L. St. Louis, J. L. Kirk and J. D. Barker. Production and cycling of
methylmercury in high Arctic wetlands. American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, December
13-17, 2010, San Francisco, CA, USA (poster).
20. Kirk, J. L., D. Muir, C. Tunks, L. Alpi, G. Lawson, D. Iqaluk, B. Iqaluk, V. St. Louis, I.
Lehnherr, S. Lamoureux, K. Stewart and T. Lewis. The transfer of terrestrial mercury to Arctic
freshwater ecosystems, Melville Island, Nunavut. The Society of Environmental Toxicology and
Chemistry North America 31st Annual Meeting, November 7-11, 2010, Portland, OR, USA (oral).
21. Lehnherr, I.*, V. L. St. Louis and H. Hintelmann. Mercury speciation in Arctic marine waters.
18th Annual Northern Contaminants Program Results Workshop, September 28-30, 2010,
Whitehorse, YT (poster).
22. Lehnherr, I.*, V. L. St. Louis and H. Hintelmann. Production and cycling of methylated mercury
species in Arctic marine waters. American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, December 14-18,
2009, San Francisco, CA, USA (oral).
23. Barker, J. D., V. L. St. Louis, I. Lehnherr, and J. A. Graydon. Net ecosystem exchange of CO2
and CH4 in the high Arctic (81° N) during the growing season. American Geophysical Union Fall
Meeting, December 14-18, 2009, San Francisco, CA, USA (poster).
24. Lehnherr, I.*, V. L. St. Louis and H. Hintelmann. Production and cycling of methylated mercury
species in Arctic marine waters. 6th ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting, December 8-11, 2009,
Victoria, BC (oral).
25. Kirk, J., D. Muir, V. St. Louis, S. Lamoureux, I. Lehnherr and T. Lewis. The transfer of
terrestrial mercury to aquatic ecosystems at the Cape Bounty Arctic Watershed Observatory
(CBAWO) Melville Island, Nunavut. 6th ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting, December 8-11,
2009, Victoria, BC (oral).
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26. Lehnherr, I.* and V. L. St. Louis, H. Hintelmann and J. L. Kirk. Production and cycling of
methylated mercury species in Arctic marine waters. 9th International Conference on Mercury as
a Global Pollutant, June 7-12, 2009, Guiyang, China (oral).
27. Lehnherr, I.* and V. L. St. Louis. The importance of UV radiation in the photodemethylation of
methylmercury. 9th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant, June 7-12, 2009,
Guiyang, China (poster).
28. Lehnherr, I.*, J. L. Kirk, V. L. St. Louis and H. Hintelmann. Methylation and ocean-atmosphere
fluxes of mercury in Arctic marine waters. Arctic Change International Conference, December 912, 2008, Québec, QC (poster).
29. Lehnherr, I. *, J. L. Kirk, V. L. St. Louis, and H. Hintelmann. The Biogeochemistry of
Methylated Mercury in Arctic Marine Waters. Department of Biological Sciences Graduate
Student Research Days, University of Alberta, February 14, 2008, Edmonton, AB (poster).
30. St. Louis, V. L., J. A. Graydon, J. L. Kirk, L. Mowat and I. Lehnherr. The dynamic exchange of
atmospheric mercury with Arctic and Boreal ecosystems. Special Seminar, Harvard University,
January 31, 2008, Boston, MA, USA (oral; invited).
31. Lehnherr, I.*, J. L. Kirk, V. L. St. Louis, and H. Hintelmann. The Biogeochemistry of
Methylated Mercury in Arctic Marine Waters. 4th ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting,
December 11-14, 2007, Collingwood, ON (poster).
32. St. Louis, V. L., H. Hintelmann, J. A. Graydon, J. L. Kirk, J. Barker, B. Dimock, M. J. Sharp and
I. Lehnherr. Methylated mercury species in Canadian high Arctic marine waters and snowpacks.
Experimental Lakes Area Seminar Series, July 12, 2007, Experimental Lakes Area, ON (oral;
invited).
33. Kirk, J. L., I. Lehnherr, V. L. St. Louis, and H. Hintelmann. Toxic mercury species in Arctic
seawaters. Department of Biological Sciences Graduate Student Research Days, University of
Alberta, February 9, 2007, Edmonton, AB (poster).
34. Lehnherr, I.*, J. L. Kirk, V. L. St. Louis, and H. Hintelmann. Toxic mercury species in Arctic
seawaters. 3rd ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting, December 12-15, 2006, Victoria, BC
(poster).
35. St. Louis, V. L., J. L. Kirk, and I. Lehnherr*. Production of toxic mercury species in Canadian
Arctic ecosystems. Circumpolar Students Association Northern Speaker Series, October 24,
2006, Edmonton, AB (oral).
36. Lehnherr, I.*, V. L. St Louis and J. D. Barker. The production and cycling of methylmercury in
high arctic ponds. 8th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant, August 6-11,
2006, Madison, WI, USA (oral).
37. Kirk, J. L., V. L. St. Louis, H. Hintelmann, and I. Lehnherr. Potential sources of monomethyl
mercury to Arctic marine ecosystems. 8th International Conference on Mercury as a Global
Pollutant, August 6-11, 2006, Madison, WI, USA (oral).
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38. St. Louis, V. L., J. A. Graydon, J. L. Kirk and I. Lehnherr. Recent advances in understanding the
biogeochemical cycling of mercury. Experimental Lakes Area Seminar Series, May 24, 2006,
Experimental Lakes Area, ON (oral; invited).
39. St. Louis, V. L., J. A. Graydon, J. L. Kirk and I. Lehnherr. Recent advances in understanding the
biogeochemical cycling of mercury. Department of Biological Sciences Seminar Series,
University of Alberta, January 27, 2006, Edmonton, AB (oral).
40. Lehnherr, I*. 2003. L’Adjonction de Calcium dans la fabrication de Mozzarella. Presentation of
internship work conducted at Estavayer Lait Société Anonyme, December 2003, Estavayer-LeLac, Switzerland (oral).
41. Raofie, F., I. Lehnherr and P. A. Ariya. 2003. Kinetics and Mechanism of Reduction of
Mercuric Ion with Organic Matter. 3rd Annual Collaborative Mercury Research Network
(COMERN) General Congress, November 5-7, 2003, St. Andrews, NB (poster).
42. Lehnherr, I.* and P. A. Ariya. 2003. Photoreduction of Aqueous Mercury in the Presence of
Oxalate. Presentation of NSERC USRA work to members of the Chemistry, and Atmospheric
and Oceanic Sciences Departments, July 30, 2003, McGill University, Montreal, QC (oral).
43. Lehnherr, I.* and D. J. Berg. 2003. Synthesis and Characterization of Silanol Complexes of
Zirconium. Undergraduate Research Seminar, Department of Chemistry University of Victoria.
April 3, 2003, Victoria, BC (oral).
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Executive Member, ArcticNet Student Association (ASA)
ArcticNet is a Network of Centres of Excellence of Canada that brings together scientists in the natural,
health and social sciences with their partners from Inuit organizations, government agencies and the
private sector to study the impacts of climate change in the coastal Canadian Arctic; its student
association counts over a thousand members.
 Held the position of Secretary and Communications Officer in 2007-2008
 Contributed to and published the ASA newsletter to keep students updated on funding
opportunities, field schools, on-going research and upcoming workshops/conferences
 Organized, with the other ASA Executives, the Student Day symposium and workshop at the
Arctic Change 2008 international conference hosted in Quebec City.
 Responsible for updating the ASA website
 Translated documents between French and English
 Participated in the additional ASA initiatives such as organizing regional workshops and
outreach activities
Scientific Expert, Coastal and Marine Mercury Ecosystem Research Collaborative
(C-MERC)
C-Merc is an international team of scientists and stakeholders assembled to elucidate key processes
related to the inputs, cycling and uptake of mercury in marine ecosystems. The findings from this
initiative will be translated and distributed to public health and policy stakeholders.
Igor LEHNHERR
January 2013
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 co-lead of the Ocean System synthesis paper for the Arctic Ocean region and co-author on the
summary report on policy implications of mercury in marine environments
Contributing Author, Canadian Arctic Contaminant Assessment Report (CACAR-III)
and the current Canadian Mercury Assessment
 Co-author of two chapters on mercury concentrations and transformations in marine and fresh
waters for CACAR-III (in press)
 Lead author of chapter on mercury transport and transformations in aquatic ecosystems for the
Canadian Mercury Assessment conducted under the umbrella of the Clean Air Regulatory
Agenda Mercury Science Program
Professional Affiliations and Memberships:
Association of Polar Early Career Scientists: Member, 2011-present
Society of Environmental Toxicolgy and Chemistry: Member, 2011-present
American Geophysical Union: Student member, 2009-2011; Member, 2011-present
ArcticNet – a Network of Centres of Excellence of Canada: Member, 2005-present
ArcticNet Student Association: Student member, 2005-2011; Member 2011-present
Canadian Society of Chemical Industry: Student member, 2003-2004
Golden Key International Honor Society: Member, 2000-present
Journal Referee
Since 2007, I have been asked to referee numerous scientific articles for peer-reviewed journals
such as Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, Environmental Science & Technology,
Marine Chemistry, Chemosphere, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Toxicology and
Chemistry, and Science of the Total Environment.
Media Coverage
1. Featured in December 2012 edition of Canadian Geographic for research conducted in the
Canadian Arctic.
2. Following the publication of “Methylation of inorganic mercury in polar marine waters” in
Nature Geoscience in April 2011, over a hundred news organization around the world covered
the story, including CBC television, CBC radio, Science Daily, The European Commission’s
Science for Environment Policy (the European Commission's environmental news service for
policy makers, distributed to over 13,000 subscribers), The Edmonton Journal, The Vancouver
Sun, The Montreal Gazette, Nunatsiaq News, and the Canadian Chemical News. As part of this
coverage, I was interviewed television, radio and other newsmedia.
3. Nunatsiaq News Feature. Arctic contaminants threaten polar bears. Jane George, August 6,
2010.
4. Environment & Energy News PM. Scientists offer some clues to how mercury enters ocean,
June 28, 2010.
5. Nunatsiaq News Feature. Scientists seek key to mercury mystery. John Thompson, August 24,
2007.
Conference Service
1. Co-organizer and convener, Mercury in Arctic Environments, special session, 10th International
Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant, Halifax, Canada, July 2011.
2. Co-chair, Polar Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecosystems (Biogeochemistry, Hydrology),
International Polar Year 2012 Conference, Montreal, Canada, April 2012.
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Language Skills
I am able to fluently speak, read, write and communicate effectively in both English and French.
Igor LEHNHERR
January 2013
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