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Man Y, Wang B, Wang J, Cai K, Rinklebe J, Zhang L, Feng X. New Insights into MeHg Accumulation in Rice ( Oryza sativa L.): Evidence from Cysteine. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:5942-5951. [PMID: 38507823 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The intake of methylmercury (MeHg)-contaminated rice poses immense health risks to rice consumers. However, the mechanisms of MeHg accumulation in rice plants are not entirely understood. The knowledge that the MeHg-Cysteine complex was dominant in polished rice proposed a hypothesis of co-transportation of MeHg and cysteine inside rice plants. This study was therefore designed to explore the MeHg accumulation processes in rice plants by investigating biogeochemical associations between MeHg and amino acids. Rice plants and underlying soils were collected from different Hg-contaminated sites in the Wanshan Hg mining area. The concentrations of both MeHg and cysteine in polished rice were higher than those in other rice tissues. A significant positive correlation between MeHg and cysteine in rice plants was found, especially in polished rice, indicating a close geochemical association between cysteine and MeHg. The translocation factor (TF) of cysteine showed behavior similar to that of the TF of MeHg, demonstrating that these two chemical species might share a similar transportation mechanism in rice plants. The accumulation of MeHg in rice plants may vary due to differences in the molar ratios of MeHg to cysteine and the presence of specific amino acid transporters. Our results suggest that cysteine plays a vital role in MeHg accumulation and transportation inside rice plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Man
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Health Management Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jianxu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Kai Cai
- Guizhou Academy of Tobacco Science, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Management, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water and Waste-Management, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Wuppertal, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Leiming Zhang
- Air Quality Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto M3H 5T4, Canada
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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2
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Sun Y, Yang J, Li K, Gong J, Gao J, Wang Z, Cai Y, Zhao K, Hu S, Fu Y, Duan Z, Lin L. Differentiating environmental scenarios to establish geochemical baseline values for heavy metals in soil: A case study of Hainan Island, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 898:165634. [PMID: 37474065 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Soil heavy metal distributions exhibit regional heterogeneity due to the complex characteristics of parent materials and soil formation processes, emphasizing the need for appropriate regional standards prior to assessing soil risks. This study focuses on Hainan Island and employs the Multi-purpose Regional Geochemical Survey dataset to establish heavy metal geochemical baseline and background values for soil using an iterative method. Geographical detector analysis reveals that parent materials are the primary factor influencing heavy metal distribution, followed by soil types and land use. Heavy metal geochemical baseline values are established for the island's three environments and administrative regions. Notably, a universal geochemical baseline value cannot adequately represent regional variations in heavy metal distribution, with parent materials playing a crucial role in various scenarios. Locally applicable values based on parent material are the most representative for Hainan Island. This study provides a reference framework for developing region-specific environmental baseline values for soil heavy metal assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanling Sun
- Key Laboratory of Geochemical Exploration, Institute of Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration, CAGS, Langfang 065000, PR China; UNESCO International Centre on Global-scale Geochemistry, Langfang 065000, PR China; Faculty of Earth Sciences, China University of Geoscience, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Jianzhou Yang
- Key Laboratory of Geochemical Exploration, Institute of Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration, CAGS, Langfang 065000, PR China.
| | - Kai Li
- Radiation Environmental Monitoring Center of GDNGB, Guangzhou 510800, PR China
| | - Jingjing Gong
- Key Laboratory of Geochemical Exploration, Institute of Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration, CAGS, Langfang 065000, PR China
| | - Jianweng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Geochemical Exploration, Institute of Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration, CAGS, Langfang 065000, PR China
| | - Zhenliang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Geochemical Exploration, Institute of Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration, CAGS, Langfang 065000, PR China.
| | - Yongwen Cai
- Key Laboratory of Geochemical Exploration, Institute of Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration, CAGS, Langfang 065000, PR China
| | - Keqiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Geochemical Exploration, Institute of Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration, CAGS, Langfang 065000, PR China.
| | - Shuqi Hu
- Key Laboratory of Geochemical Exploration, Institute of Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration, CAGS, Langfang 065000, PR China
| | - Yangang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Geochemical Exploration, Institute of Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration, CAGS, Langfang 065000, PR China
| | - Zhuang Duan
- Key Laboratory of Geochemical Exploration, Institute of Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration, CAGS, Langfang 065000, PR China
| | - Lujun Lin
- Key Laboratory of Geochemical Exploration, Institute of Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration, CAGS, Langfang 065000, PR China
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3
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Adams EM, Gulka JE, Yang Y, Burton MEH, Burns DA, Buxton V, Cleckner L, DeSorbo CR, Driscoll CT, Evers DC, Fisher N, Lane O, Mao H, Riva-Murray K, Millard G, Razavi NR, Richter W, Sauer AK, Schoch N. Distribution and trends of mercury in aquatic and terrestrial biota of New York, USA: a synthesis of 50 years of research and monitoring. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 32:959-976. [PMID: 37861861 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-023-02704-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) inputs have particularly impacted the northeastern United States due to its proximity to anthropogenic emissions sources and abundant habitats that efficiently convert inorganic Hg into methylmercury. Intensive research and monitoring efforts over the past 50 years in New York State, USA, have informed the assessment of the extent and impacts of Hg exposure on fishes and wildlife. By synthesizing Hg data statewide, this study quantified temporal trends of Hg exposure, spatiotemporal patterns of risk, the role that habitat and Hg deposition play in producing spatial patterns of Hg exposure in fish and other wildlife, and the effectiveness of current monitoring approaches in describing Hg trends. Most temporal trends were stable, but we found significant declines in Hg exposure over time in some long-sampled fish. The Adirondack Mountains and Long Island showed the greatest number of aquatic and terrestrial species with elevated Hg concentrations, reflecting an unequal distribution of exposure risk to fauna across the state. Persistent hotspots were detected for aquatic species in central New York and the Adirondack Mountains. Elevated Hg concentrations were associated with open water, forests, and rural, developed habitats for aquatic species, and open water and forested habitats for terrestrial species. Areas of consistently elevated Hg were found in areas driven by atmospheric and local Hg inputs, and habitat played a significant role in translating those inputs into biotic exposure. Continued long-term monitoring will be important in evaluating how these patterns continue to change in the face of changing land cover, climate, and Hg emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan M Adams
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA.
| | - Julia E Gulka
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- Western Carolina University, 1 University Way, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, USA
| | - Mark E H Burton
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Douglas A Burns
- USGS New York Water Science Center, 425 Jordan Road, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Valerie Buxton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2125 Derring Hall, 926 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
- Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, PO Box 195, Ray Brook, NY, 12977, USA
| | - Lisa Cleckner
- Finger Lakes Institute, 601 South Maine Street, Geneva, NY, 14456, USA
- Hobart and William Smith Colleges, 300 Pulteney St., Geneva, NY, 14456, USA
| | | | - Charles T Driscoll
- Syracuse University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 151 Link Hall, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
| | - David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Nicholas Fisher
- Stony Brook University, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Oksana Lane
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Huiting Mao
- SUNY-ESF Chemistry Department, 1 Forestry Derive, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Karen Riva-Murray
- USGS New York Water Science Center, 425 Jordan Road, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Geoffrey Millard
- Syracuse University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 151 Link Hall, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
- U.S.A. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, 26 W Martin Luther King Dr, Cincinnati, OH, 45220, USA
| | - N Roxanna Razavi
- SUNY-ESF Department of Environmental Biology, 1 Forestry Derive, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Wayne Richter
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Fish and Wildlife, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY, 12233-4756, USA
| | - Amy K Sauer
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Nina Schoch
- Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, PO Box 195, Ray Brook, NY, 12977, USA
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Lepak JM, Johnson BM, Hooten MB, Wolff BA, Hansen AG. Predicting sport fish mercury contamination in heavily managed reservoirs: Implications for human and ecological health. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285890. [PMID: 37607193 PMCID: PMC10443864 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a concerning contaminant due to its widespread distribution and tendency to accumulate to harmful concentrations in biota. We used a machine learning approach called random forest (RF) to test for different predictors of Hg concentrations in three species of Colorado reservoir sport fish. The RF approach indicated that the best predictors of 864 mm northern pike (Esox lucius) Hg concentrations were covariates related to salmonid stocking in each study system, while system-specific metrics related to productivity and forage base were the best predictors of Hg concentrations of 381 mm smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), and walleye (Sander vitreus). Protecting human and ecological health from Hg contamination requires an understanding of fish Hg concentrations and variability across the landscape and through time. The RF approach could be applied to identify potential areas/systems of concern, and predict whether sport fish Hg concentrations may change as a result of a variety of factors to help prioritize, focus, and streamline monitoring efforts to effectively and efficiently inform human and ecological health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse M. Lepak
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Brett M. Johnson
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Mevin B. Hooten
- Department of Statistics and Data Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States of America
| | - Brian A. Wolff
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Adam G. Hansen
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
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5
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Hadjadji C, Augiron S, Crini N, Amiot C, Driget V, Tourmetz J, Renault S, Coeurdassier M. Metals in the Réunion harrier: tissue concentrations and meaning for conservation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:89270-89279. [PMID: 37452238 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28748-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The Réunion harrier is an endemic raptor on Réunion Island. Several threats endanger its population, poisoning by rodenticides being considered as the main one currently. No information is available on its exposure to other chemicals notably trace metal elements such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd). The Réunion harrier is still a victim of poaching nowadays. When shooting is not lethal, animals may carry embedded shot in their body and thus be exposed to toxic level of Pb as demonstrated for other raptors. Moreover, recent monitoring suggests a decrease of its breeding success over time. It is known that Hg and Cd could impair reproduction and disturb embryo development in birds. The aim is to measure metal concentrations in the tissues of 30 carcasses of harrier collected from 2016 to 2021. Lead was analyzed in the liver and humerus, while Hg and Cd were measured in livers. Concentrations were compared to toxicological reference values. Overall, the Réunion harrier was not exposed to toxic levels of Pb or Cd. For Hg, 53% of the individuals have residues higher than the threshold compatible with oxidative stress, and 13% have liver concentrations above those compatible with reproduction impairment. A positive correlation was found between the proportion of urban habitat in a 55 km2 area centered on the location where the harrier was found and the concentration of Hg in the liver. We conclude that Hg exposure could be a threat for the Réunion harrier population and recommend monitoring the exposure of the most sensitive stages, i.e., embryos and nestlings, to this metal with non-invasive methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cloé Hadjadji
- Chrono-environnement-UMR 6249 CNRS Université de Franche-Comté, 16 route de Gray, 25030, Besançon Cedex, France
| | - Steve Augiron
- SEOR, 13 Ruelle des Orchidées, 97440, Saint-André, La Réunion, France
| | - Nadia Crini
- Chrono-environnement-UMR 6249 CNRS Université de Franche-Comté, 16 route de Gray, 25030, Besançon Cedex, France
| | - Caroline Amiot
- Chrono-environnement-UMR 6249 CNRS Université de Franche-Comté, 16 route de Gray, 25030, Besançon Cedex, France
| | - Vincent Driget
- Chrono-environnement-UMR 6249 CNRS Université de Franche-Comté, 16 route de Gray, 25030, Besançon Cedex, France
| | - Julie Tourmetz
- SEOR, 13 Ruelle des Orchidées, 97440, Saint-André, La Réunion, France
| | - Samantha Renault
- SEOR, 13 Ruelle des Orchidées, 97440, Saint-André, La Réunion, France
| | - Michael Coeurdassier
- Chrono-environnement-UMR 6249 CNRS Université de Franche-Comté, 16 route de Gray, 25030, Besançon Cedex, France.
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6
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Janssen SE, Hoffman JC, Lepak RF, Krabbenhoft DP, Walters D, Eagles-Smith CA, Peterson G, Ogorek JM, DeWild JF, Cotter A, Pearson M, Tate MT, Yeardley RB, Mills MA. Examining historical mercury sources in the Saint Louis River estuary: How legacy contamination influences biological mercury levels in Great Lakes coastal regions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 779:146284. [PMID: 33744580 PMCID: PMC9563104 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Industrial chemical contamination within coastal regions of the Great Lakes can pose serious risks to wetland habitat and offshore fisheries, often resulting in fish consumption advisories that directly affect human and wildlife health. Mercury (Hg) is a contaminant of concern in many of these highly urbanized and industrialized coastal regions, one of which is the Saint Louis River estuary (SLRE), the second largest tributary to Lake Superior. The SLRE has legacy Hg contamination that drives high Hg concentrations within sediments, but it is unclear whether legacy-derived Hg actively cycles within the food web. To understand the relative contributions of legacy versus contemporary Hg sources in coastal zones, Hg, carbon, and nitrogen stable isotope ratios were measured in sediments and food webs of SLRE and the Bad River, an estuarine reference site. Hg stable isotope values revealed that legacy contamination of Hg was widespread and heterogeneously distributed in sediments of SLRE, even in areas lacking industrial Hg sources. Similar isotope values were found in benthic invertebrates, riparian spiders, and prey fish from SLRE, confirming legacy Hg reaches the SLRE food web. Direct comparison of prey fish from SLRE and the Bad River confirmed that Hg isotope differences between the sites were not attributable to fractionation associated with rapid Hg bioaccumulation at estuarine mouths, but due to the presence of industrial Hg within SLRE. The Hg stable isotope values of game fish in both estuaries were dependent on fish migration and diet within the estuaries and extending into Lake Superior. These results indicate that Hg from legacy contamination is actively cycling within the SLRE food web and, through migration, this Hg also extends into Lake Superior via game fish. Understanding sources and the movement of Hg within the estuarine food web better informs restoration strategies for other impaired Great Lakes coastal zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Janssen
- U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 8505 Research Way, Middleton, WI 53562, USA.
| | - Joel C Hoffman
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, 6201 Congdon Blvd, Duluth, MN 55804, USA
| | - Ryan F Lepak
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, 6201 Congdon Blvd, Duluth, MN 55804, USA; Environmental Chemistry and Technology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 660 N. Park Street, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - David P Krabbenhoft
- U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 8505 Research Way, Middleton, WI 53562, USA
| | - David Walters
- U.S. Geological Survey Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Rd, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Collin A Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Greg Peterson
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, 6201 Congdon Blvd, Duluth, MN 55804, USA
| | - Jacob M Ogorek
- U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 8505 Research Way, Middleton, WI 53562, USA
| | - John F DeWild
- U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 8505 Research Way, Middleton, WI 53562, USA
| | - Anne Cotter
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, 6201 Congdon Blvd, Duluth, MN 55804, USA
| | - Mark Pearson
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, 6201 Congdon Blvd, Duluth, MN 55804, USA
| | - Michael T Tate
- U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 8505 Research Way, Middleton, WI 53562, USA
| | - Roger B Yeardley
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA
| | - Marc A Mills
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA
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7
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Buckman KL, Mason RP, Seelen E, Taylor VF, Balcom PH, Chipman J, Chen CY. Patterns in forage fish mercury concentrations across Northeast US estuaries. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 194:110629. [PMID: 33358725 PMCID: PMC7946743 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Biogeochemical conditions and landscape can have strong influences on mercury bioaccumulation in fish, but these effects across regional scales and between sites with and without point sources of contamination are not well understood. Normal means clustering, a type of unsupervised machine learning, was used to analyze relationships between forage fish (Fundulus heteroclitus and Menidia menidia) mercury (Hg) concentrations and sediment and water column Hg and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations, ancillary variables, and land classifications within the sub-watershed. The analysis utilized data from 38 sites in 8 estuarine systems in the Northeast US, collected over five years. A large range of mercury concentrations and land use proportions were observed across sites. The cluster correlations indicated that for Fundulus, benthic and pelagic Hg and MeHg concentrations were most related to tissue concentrations, while Menidia Hg was most related to water column MeHg, reflecting differing feeding modes between the species. For both species, dissolved MeHg was most related to tissue concentrations, with sediment Hg concentrations influential at contaminated sites. The models considering only uncontaminated sites showed reduced influence of bulk sediment MeHg for both species, but Fundulus retained sediment drivers at some sites, with dissolved MeHg still highly correlated for both. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC), chlorophyll, land use, and other ancillary variables were of lesser importance in driving bioaccumulation, though DOC was strongly related within some clusters, likely in relation to dissolved Hg. Land use, though not of primary importance, showed relationships opposite to those observed in freshwater, with development positively correlated and forests and agriculture negatively correlated with tissue concentrations across clusters and species. Clusters were composed of sites from geographically distinct systems, indicating the greater importance of small scale drivers of MeHg formation and uptake into the food web over system or region-wide influences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate L Buckman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA.
| | - Robert P Mason
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT, 06340, USA
| | - Emily Seelen
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT, 06340, USA
| | - Vivien F Taylor
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Prentiss H Balcom
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT, 06340, USA
| | - Jonathan Chipman
- Department of Geography, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Celia Y Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
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8
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Janssen SE, Tate MT, Krabbenhoft DP, DeWild JF, Ogorek JM, Babiarz CL, Sowers AD, Tuttle PL. The influence of legacy contamination on the transport and bioaccumulation of mercury within the Mobile River Basin. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 404:124097. [PMID: 33022526 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Past industrial use and subsequent release of mercury (Hg) into the environment have resulted in severe cases of legacy contamination that still influence contemporary Hg levels in biota. While the bioaccumulation of legacy Hg is commonly assessed via concentration measurements within fish tissue, this practice becomes difficult in regions of high productivity and methylmercury (MeHg) production, like the Mobile River Basin, Alabama in the southeastern United States. This study applied Hg stable isotope tracers to distinguish legacy Hg from regional deposition sources in sediments, waters, and fish within the Mobile River. Sediments and waters displayed differences in δ202Hg between industrial and background sites, which corresponded to drastic differences in Hg concentration. Sites that were affected by legacy Hg, as defined by δ202Hg, produced largemouth bass with lower MeHg content (59-70%) than those captured in the main rivers (>85%). Direct measurements of Hg isotopes and mathematical estimates of MeHg isotope pools in fish displayed similar distinctions between legacy and watershed sources as observed in other matrices. These results indicate that legacy Hg can accumulate directly into fish tissue as the inorganic species and may also be available for methylation within contaminated zones decades after the initial release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Janssen
- U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 8505 Research Way, Middleton, WI 53562, USA.
| | - Michael T Tate
- U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 8505 Research Way, Middleton, WI 53562, USA
| | - David P Krabbenhoft
- U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 8505 Research Way, Middleton, WI 53562, USA
| | - John F DeWild
- U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 8505 Research Way, Middleton, WI 53562, USA
| | - Jacob M Ogorek
- U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 8505 Research Way, Middleton, WI 53562, USA
| | - Christopher L Babiarz
- U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 8505 Research Way, Middleton, WI 53562, USA
| | - Anthony D Sowers
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Georgia Ecological Services Office, 4980 Wildlife Dr., Townsend, GA 31331, USA
| | - Peter L Tuttle
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Deepwater Horizon Gulf Restoration Office, 341 Greeno Road, Fairhope, AL 36532, USA
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9
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Riva-Murray K, Richter W, Roxanna Razavi N, Burns DA, Cleckner LB, Burton M, George SD, Freehafer D. Mercury in fish from streams and rivers in New York State: Spatial patterns, temporal changes, and environmental drivers. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 29:1686-1708. [PMID: 32440861 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-020-02225-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) concentrations in freshwater fish across the state of New York frequently exceed guidelines considered harmful to humans and wildlife, but statewide distribution and temporal changes are not well known for the state's streams and rivers. We analyzed existing data to describe recent spatial patterns, identify key environmental drivers, and assess temporal changes. Size classes within sportfishes and prey fishes formed 'functional taxa' (FT), and standardized scores were generated from 2007-2016 data for 218 sites. Muscle Hg in ≥1 sportfish FT exceeded human-health guidelines of 50 ng/g (sensitive populations) and 300 ng/g (general population, GP) at 93 and 56% of sites, respectively, but exceeded 1000 ng/g (a state threshold) at only 10% of sites. Whole-body Hg in ≥1 prey fish FT exceeded wildlife thresholds of 40 ng/g and 100 ng/g at 91 and 51% of sites, respectively. Environmental drivers of recent spatial patterns include extent of forest cover and storage, the latter an indicator of wetlands. Standardized Hg scores increased with increasing atmospheric Hg deposition and storage across rural 'upland' regions of New York. However, scores were not related to atmospheric deposition in more-developed 'lowland' regions due to the limited methylation potential of urban landscapes. Comparisons of 2010-2015 sportfish Hg concentrations with those of 1998 and 2000-2005 showed inconsistent temporal changes both among and within eight sites examined. Some recent stream and river fish Hg spatial patterns differed from those of lake-based studies, highlighting the importance of New York's flowing waters to future Hg monitoring and risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Riva-Murray
- U.S. Geological Survey, New York Water Science Center, Troy, NY, 12180, USA.
| | - Wayne Richter
- Division of Fish and Wildlife, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Albany, NY, 12233, USA
- Department of Biology, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, USA
| | - N Roxanna Razavi
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Douglas A Burns
- U.S. Geological Survey, New York Water Science Center, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Lisa B Cleckner
- Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
| | - Mark Burton
- Biodiversity Research Institute, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Scott D George
- U.S. Geological Survey, New York Water Science Center, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Douglas Freehafer
- U.S. Geological Survey, New York Water Science Center, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
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10
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Janssen SE, Riva-Murray K, DeWild JF, Ogorek JM, Tate MT, Van Metre PC, Krabbenhoft DP, Coles JF. Chemical and Physical Controls on Mercury Source Signatures in Stream Fish from the Northeastern United States. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:10110-10119. [PMID: 31390861 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b03394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Streams in the northeastern U.S. receive mercury (Hg) in varying proportions from atmospheric deposition and legacy point sources, making it difficult to attribute shifts in fish concentrations directly back to changes in Hg source management. Mercury stable isotope tracers were utilized to relate sources of Hg to co-located fish and bed sediments from 23 streams across a forested to urban-industrial land-use gradient within this region. Mass-dependent isotopes (δ202Hg) in prey and game fish at forested sites were depleted (medians -0.95 and -0.83 ‰, respectively) in comparison to fish from urban-industrial settings (medians -0.26 and -0.38 ‰, respectively); the forested site group also had higher prey fish Hg concentrations. The separation of Hg isotope signatures in fish was strongly related to in-stream and watershed land-use indicator variables. Fish isotopes were strongly correlated with bed sediment isotopes, but the isotopic offset between the two matrices was variable due to differing ecosystem-specific drivers controlling the extent of MeHg formation. The multivariable approach of analyzing watershed characteristics and stream chemistry reveals that the Hg isotope composition in fish is linked to current and historic Hg sources in the northeastern U.S. and can be used to trace bioaccumulated Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Janssen
- United States Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center , Middleton , Wisconsin 53562 , United States
| | - Karen Riva-Murray
- United States Geological Survey, New York Water Science Center , Troy , New York 12180 , United States
| | - John F DeWild
- United States Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center , Middleton , Wisconsin 53562 , United States
| | - Jacob M Ogorek
- United States Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center , Middleton , Wisconsin 53562 , United States
| | - Michael T Tate
- United States Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center , Middleton , Wisconsin 53562 , United States
| | - Peter C Van Metre
- United States Geological Survey, Texas Water Science Center Austin , Texas 78754 , United States
| | - David P Krabbenhoft
- United States Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center , Middleton , Wisconsin 53562 , United States
| | - James F Coles
- United States Geological Survey, New England Water Science Center Northborough , Massachusetts 01532 , United States
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11
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Sung JH, Back SK, Lee ES, Jang HN, Seo YC, Kang YS, Lee MH. Application of powdered activated carbon coating to fabrics in a hybrid filter to enhance mercury removal. J Environ Sci (China) 2019; 80:58-65. [PMID: 30952353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Elemental mercury (Hg0) is predominant constituent of flue gas emitted from coal-fired power plants. Adsorption has been considered the best available technology for removal of Hg0 from flue gas. However, adsorbent injection increases the amount of ash generated. In the present study, powdered activated carbon (PAC) was coated on polytetrafluoroethylene/glass fiber filters to increase Hg0 removal while concurrently reducing the amount of ash generated. The optimal PAC coating rate was determined in laboratory experiments to ensure better Hg0 removal with low pressure drop. When PAC of particle size less than 45 μm was used, and the areal density was 50 g/m2, the pressure drop remained under 30 Pa while the Hg0 removal efficiency increased to 15.8% from 4.3%. The Hg0 removal efficiency also increased with decrease in filtration velocity. The optimal PAC coating rate was applied on a hybrid filter (HF), which was combined with a bag filter and an electrostatic precipitator in a single chamber. Originally designed to remove fine particulates matter, it was retrofitted to the flue gas control device for simultaneous Hg0 removal. By employing the PAC coating, the Hg removal efficiency of the HF increased to 79.79% from 66.35%. Also, a temporary reduction in Hg removal was seen but this was resolved following a cleaning cycle in which the dust layer was removed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ho Sung
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Ki Back
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Song Lee
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha-Na Jang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Chil Seo
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea.
| | | | - Myong-Hwa Lee
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
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12
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Hsu-Kim H, Eckley CS, Achá D, Feng X, Gilmour CC, Jonsson S, Mitchell CPJ. Challenges and opportunities for managing aquatic mercury pollution in altered landscapes. AMBIO 2018; 47:141-169. [PMID: 29388127 PMCID: PMC5794684 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-017-1006-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The environmental cycling of mercury (Hg) can be affected by natural and anthropogenic perturbations. Of particular concern is how these disruptions increase mobilization of Hg from sites and alter the formation of monomethylmercury (MeHg), a bioaccumulative form of Hg for humans and wildlife. The scientific community has made significant advances in recent years in understanding the processes contributing to the risk of MeHg in the environment. The objective of this paper is to synthesize the scientific understanding of how Hg cycling in the aquatic environment is influenced by landscape perturbations at the local scale, perturbations that include watershed loadings, deforestation, reservoir and wetland creation, rice production, urbanization, mining and industrial point source pollution, and remediation. We focus on the major challenges associated with each type of alteration, as well as management opportunities that could lessen both MeHg levels in biota and exposure to humans. For example, our understanding of approximate response times to changes in Hg inputs from various sources or landscape alterations could lead to policies that prioritize the avoidance of certain activities in the most vulnerable systems and sequestration of Hg in deep soil and sediment pools. The remediation of Hg pollution from historical mining and other industries is shifting towards in situ technologies that could be less disruptive and less costly than conventional approaches. Contemporary artisanal gold mining has well-documented impacts with respect to Hg; however, significant social and political challenges remain in implementing effective policies to minimize Hg use. Much remains to be learned as we strive towards the meaningful application of our understanding for stakeholders, including communities living near Hg-polluted sites, environmental policy makers, and scientists and engineers tasked with developing watershed management solutions. Site-specific assessments of MeHg exposure risk will require new methods to predict the impacts of anthropogenic perturbations and an understanding of the complexity of Hg cycling at the local scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heileen Hsu-Kim
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Duke University, 121 Hudson Hall, Box 90287, Durham, NC 27708 USA
| | - Chris S. Eckley
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region-10, 1200 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 USA
| | - Dario Achá
- Unidad de Calidad Ambiental, Instituto de Ecología, Carrera de Biología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, P.O. Box 10077, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002 China
| | - Cynthia C. Gilmour
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Rd, Edgewater, MD 21037-0028 USA
| | - Sofi Jonsson
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 8, 11418 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carl P. J. Mitchell
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4 Canada
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13
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Cesário R, Mota AM, Caetano M, Nogueira M, Canário J. Mercury and methylmercury transport and fate in the water column of Tagus estuary (Portugal). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 127:235-250. [PMID: 29475660 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.11.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Six campaigns were performed in North Channel (CNOR), Barcas Channel (BC) and lower zones (EZ) of Tagus estuary to better understand methylmercury (MMHg) and mercury (Hg) transport and fate. Highest concentrations of particulate and dissolved MMHg were observed in CNOR in bottom waters and in the warmest months. The MMHg distribution coefficients between particulate and dissolved fractions were mainly influenced by particulate matter and dissolved organic carbon. The values were slightly higher in summer than in winter and in CNOR. Overall, results established that the tidal effect is a main driver on the transport and fate of Hg and MMHg from CNOR to outer areas, evidenced by the exportation of the Hg species from CNOR to the upstream station in high tide and to the downstream one in low tide. Therefore, CNOR may be considered a source of Hg and MMHg to the outer estuary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rute Cesário
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, Lisboa, Portugal; IPMA-Instituto Português do Mar e Atmosfera, Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, 6, 1495-006 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Maria Mota
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel Caetano
- IPMA-Instituto Português do Mar e Atmosfera, Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, 6, 1495-006 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marta Nogueira
- IPMA-Instituto Português do Mar e Atmosfera, Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho, 6, 1495-006 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Canário
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, Lisboa, Portugal.
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14
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McKee LJ, Bonnema A, David N, Davis JA, Franz A, Grace R, Greenfield BK, Gilbreath AN, Grosso C, Heim WA, Hunt JA, Leatherbarrow JE, Lowe S, Pearce SA, Ross JRM, Yee D. Long-term variation in concentrations and mass loads in a semi-arid watershed influenced by historic mercury mining and urban pollutant sources. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 605-606:482-497. [PMID: 28672237 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.04.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Urban watersheds are significantly anthropogenically-altered landscapes. Most previous studies cover relatively short periods, without addressing concentrations, loads, and yields in relation to annual climate fluctuations, and datasets on Ag, Se, PBDEs, and PCDD/Fs are rare. Intensive storm-focused sampling and continuous turbidity monitoring were employed to quantify pollution at two locations in the Guadalupe River (California, USA). At a downstream location, we determined loads of suspended sediment (SS) for 14yrs., mercury (HgT), PCBs, and total organic carbon (TOC) (8yrs), total methylmercury (MeHgT) (6yrs), nutrients, and trace elements including Ag and Se (3yrs), DDTs, chlordanes, dieldrin, and PBDEs (2yrs), and PCDD/Fs (1yr). At an upstream location, we determined loads of SS for 4yrs. and HgT, MeHgT, PCBs and PCDD/Fs for 1yr. These data were compared to previous studies, climatically adjusted, and used to critically assess the use of small datasets for estimating annual average conditions. Concentrations and yields in the Guadalupe River appear to be atypical for total phosphorus, DDTs, dieldrin, HgT, MeHgT, Cr, Ni, and possibly Se due to local conditions. Other pollutants appear to be similar to other urban systems. On average, wet season flow varied by 6.5-fold and flow-weighted mean (FWM) concentrations varied 4.4-fold, with an average 7.1-fold difference between minimum and maximum annual loads. Loads for an average runoff year for each pollutant were usually less than the best estimate of long-term average. The arithmetic average of multiple years of load data or a FWM concentration combined with mean annual flow was also usually below the best estimate of long-term average load. Mean annual loads using sampled years were also less than the best estimate of long-term average by a mean of 2.2-fold. Climatic adjustment techniques are needed for computing estimates of long-term average annual loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lester J McKee
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, California 94804, USA.
| | - Autumn Bonnema
- Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, Moss Landing, California, USA
| | - Nicole David
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, California 94804, USA
| | - Jay A Davis
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, California 94804, USA
| | - Amy Franz
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, California 94804, USA
| | | | | | - Alicia N Gilbreath
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, California 94804, USA
| | - Cristina Grosso
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, California 94804, USA
| | - Wesley A Heim
- Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, Moss Landing, California, USA
| | - Jennifer A Hunt
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, California 94804, USA
| | - Jon E Leatherbarrow
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, California 94804, USA
| | - Sarah Lowe
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, California 94804, USA
| | - Sarah A Pearce
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, California 94804, USA
| | - John R M Ross
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, California 94804, USA
| | - Donald Yee
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, California 94804, USA
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15
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Richardson JB, Petrenko CL, Friedland AJ. Organic horizon and mineral soil mercury along three clear-cut forest chronosequences across the northeastern USA. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:27994-28005. [PMID: 28990145 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0356-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a globally distributed pollutant trace metal that has been increasing in terrestrial environments due to rising anthropogenic emissions. Vegetation plays an important role in Hg sequestration in forested environments, but increasing tree removal for biofuels and wood products may affect this process. The long-term effect of clear-cutting on forest soil Hg remains uncertain, since most studies are limited to measuring changes for < 10 years following a single harvest event. The chronosequence approach, which substitutes space for time using forest stands of different ages since clear-cutting, allows for investigation of processes occurring over decades to centuries. Here, we utilized three clear-cut forest soil chronosequences across the northeastern USA to understand Hg accumulation and retention over several decades. Total Hg concentrations and pools were quantified for five soil depth increments along three chronosequences. Our results showed Hg concentrations and pools decreased in the initial 20 years following clear-cutting. Mineral soil Hg pools decreased 21-53% (7-14 mg m-2) between 1-5-year-old stands and 15-25-year-old stands but mineral soil Hg pools recovered in 55-140-year-old stands to similar values as measured in 1-5-year-old stands. Our study is one of the first to demonstrate a decrease and recovery in Hg pool size. These changes in Hg did not correspond with changes in bulk density, soil C, or pH. We utilized a simple two-box model to determine how different Hg fluxes affected organic and mineral soil horizon Hg pools. Our simple model suggests that changes in litterfall and volatilization rates could have caused the observed changes in organic horizon Hg pools. However, only increases in leaching could reproduce observed decreases to mineral soil Hg pools. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanism of Hg loss from forest soils following clear-cutting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin B Richardson
- Environmental Studies Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA.
- Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Department, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA.
| | - Chelsea L Petrenko
- Environmental Studies Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Andrew J Friedland
- Environmental Studies Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
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16
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Buckman K, Taylor V, Broadley H, Hocking D, Balcom P, Mason R, Nislow K, Chen C. Methylmercury bioaccumulation in an urban estuary: Delaware River USA. ESTUARIES AND COASTS : JOURNAL OF THE ESTUARINE RESEARCH FEDERATION 2017; 40:1358-1370. [PMID: 28970741 PMCID: PMC5621658 DOI: 10.1007/s12237-017-0232-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Spatial variation in mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) bioaccumulation in urban coastal watersheds reflects complex interactions between Hg sources, land use, and environmental gradients. We examined MeHg concentrations in fauna from the Delaware River estuary, and related these measurements to environmental parameters and human impacts on the waterway. The sampling sites followed a north to south gradient of increasing salinity, decreasing urban influence, and increasing marsh cover. Although mean total Hg in surface sediments (top 4cm) peaked in the urban estuarine turbidity maximum and generally decreased downstream, surface sediment MeHg concentrations showed no spatial patterns consistent with the examined environmental gradients, indicating urban influence on Hg loading to the sediment but not subsequent methylation. Surface water particulate MeHg concentration showed a positive correlation with marsh cover whereas dissolved MeHg concentrations were slightly elevated in the estuarine turbidity maximum region. Spatial patterns of MeHg bioaccumulation in resident fauna varied across taxa. Small fish showed increased MeHg concentrations in the more urban/industrial sites upstream, with concentrations generally decreasing farther downstream. Invertebrates either showed no clear spatial patterns in MeHg concentrations (blue crabs, fiddler crabs) or increasing concentrations further downstream (grass shrimp). Best-supported linear mixed models relating tissue concentration to environmental variables reflected these complex patterns, with species specific model results dominated by random site effects with a combination of particulate MeHg and landscape variables influencing bioaccumulation in some species. The data strengthen accumulating evidence that bioaccumulation in estuaries can be decoupled from sediment MeHg concentration, and that drivers of MeHg production and fate may vary within a small region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Buckman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover NH
- Corresponding Authors: , phone: 603-646-8768, , phone: 603-646-2376
| | - Vivien Taylor
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover NH
| | - Hannah Broadley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover NH
| | - Daniel Hocking
- Department of Biology, Frostburg State University, Frostburg MD
| | - Prentiss Balcom
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton CT
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge MA
| | - Rob Mason
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton CT
| | - Keith Nislow
- Northern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Amherst MA
| | - Celia Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover NH
- Corresponding Authors: , phone: 603-646-8768, , phone: 603-646-2376
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17
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Davis JA, Ross JRM, Bezalel S, Sim L, Bonnema A, Ichikawa G, Heim WA, Schiff K, Eagles-Smith CA, Ackerman JT. Hg concentrations in fish from coastal waters of California and Western North America. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 568:1146-1156. [PMID: 27067833 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.03.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 03/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The State of California conducted an extensive and systematic survey of mercury (Hg) in fish from the California coast in 2009 and 2010. The California survey sampled 3483 fish representing 46 species at 68 locations, and demonstrated that methylHg in fish presents a widespread exposure risk to fish consumers. Most of the locations sampled (37 of 68) had a species with an average concentration above 0.3μg/gwet weight (ww), and 10 locations an average above 1.0μg/gww. The recent and robust dataset from California provided a basis for a broader examination of spatial and temporal patterns in fish Hg in coastal waters of Western North America. There is a striking lack of data in publicly accessible databases on Hg and other contaminants in coastal fish. An assessment of the raw data from these databases suggested the presence of relatively high concentrations along the California coast and in Puget Sound, and relatively low concentrations along the coasts of Alaska and Oregon, and the outer coast of Washington. The dataset suggests that Hg concentrations of public health concern can be observed at any location on the coast of Western North America where long-lived predator species are sampled. Output from a linear mixed-effects model resembled the spatial pattern observed for the raw data and suggested, based on the limited dataset, a lack of trend in fish Hg over the nearly 30-year period covered by the dataset. Expanded and continued monitoring, accompanied by rigorous data management procedures, would be of great value in characterizing methylHg exposure, and tracking changes in contamination of coastal fish in response to possible increases in atmospheric Hg emissions in Asia, climate change, and terrestrial Hg control efforts in coastal watersheds.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Davis
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804, USA.
| | - J R M Ross
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804, USA.
| | - S Bezalel
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804, USA.
| | - L Sim
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804, USA.
| | - A Bonnema
- Marine Pollution Studies Lab, 7544 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA.
| | - G Ichikawa
- Marine Pollution Studies Lab, 7544 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA.
| | - W A Heim
- Marine Pollution Studies Lab, 7544 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA.
| | - K Schiff
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, 3535 Harbor Blvd., Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA.
| | - C A Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
| | - J T Ackerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Science Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Dixon, CA 95620, USA.
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18
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Wathen JB, Lazorchak JM, Olsen AR, Batt A. A national statistical survey assessment of mercury concentrations in fillets of fish collected in the U.S. EPA national rivers and streams assessment of the continental USA. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 122:52-61. [PMID: 25434269 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/02/2014] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The U.S. EPA conducted a national statistical survey of fish fillet tissue with a sample size of 541 sites on boatable rivers =>5th order in 2008-2009. This is the first such study of mercury (Hg) in fish tissue from river sites focused on potential impacts to human health from fish consumption to also address wildlife impacts. Sample sites were identified as being urban or non-urban. All sample mercury concentrations were above the 3.33ugkg(-1) (ppb) quantitation limit, and an estimated 25.4% (±4.4%) of the 51663 river miles assessed exceeded the U.S. EPA 300ugkg(-1) fish-tissue based water quality criterion for mercury, representing 13144±181.8 river miles. Estimates of river miles exceeding comparable aquatic life thresholds (translated from fillet concentrations to whole fish equivalents) in avian species were similar to the number of river miles exceeding the human health threshold, whereas some mammalian species were more at risk than human from lower mercury concentrations. A comparison of means from the non-urban and urban data and among three ecoregions did not indicate a statistically significant difference in fish tissue Hg concentrations at p<0.05.
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Affiliation(s)
- John B Wathen
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, OW/Office of Science and Technology, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (MC4305T), Washington, DC 20460, United States.
| | - James M Lazorchak
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Anthony R Olsen
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD Western Ecology Division, 200 S.W. 35th Street, Corvallis, OR 97333-4902, United States
| | - Angela Batt
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
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