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Navrátil T, Rohovec J, Nováková T, Roll M, Cudlín P, Oulehle F. Quarter century of mercury litterfall at a coniferous forest responding to climate change, Central Europe. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:34936-34952. [PMID: 38717703 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33555-9] [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] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
This work evaluated the 25-year-long trends (1994-2018) in mercury (Hg) concentrations and fluxes in spruce litterfall at a forest research plot Načetín (NAC) recovering from acidic deposition in the Ore Mountains, Czech Republic. The mean litterfall Hg deposition averaged 51 ± 18 µg m-2 year-1, which has been the highest litterfall Hg deposition reported up to date on the European continent. In contrast, the wet deposition (2017-2019) was an order of magnitude lower averaging at 2.5 ± 1.5 µg m-2 year-1. All the spruce litterfall components bark, twigs, needles, cones, and a mixture of unidentified fragments had elevated mean Hg concentrations relative to background sites averaging 256 ± 77, 234 ± 62, 119 ± 23, 95 ± 14, and 44 ± 15 µg kg-1, respectively. Elevated litterfall Hg deposition and concentrations were attributed to the nearby local Hg emission source-coal-fired power plants. Temporally, the decrease of Czech Hg emissions since the 1990s was reflected by the decreasing trend of Hg concentrations in litterfall bark, cones, and twigs, while in needles and other material, Hg increased but insignificantly. Total litterfall ratios of Hg/C, Hg/N, and Hg/S were lower than those in soil O horizons averaging at 0.23 ± 0.04, 9.5 ± 2.0, and 170 ± 37 μg g-1, respectively. Since the beginning of monitoring, total litterfall Hg/C exhibited no trend, Hg/N decreased, and Hg/S increased. The litterfall biomass deposition averaging at 469 ± 176 g m-2 year-1 increased through time resulting in an increased Hg litterfall deposition at NAC by 1.1 µg m-2 year-1 despite the decreases in Czech Hg emissions. Peaks of annual litterfall Hg deposition up to 96 µg m-2 year-1 at NAC during the 25 years of monitoring resulted from weather extremes such as rime-snow accumulation, wind gusts, droughts, and insect infestation, which all significantly affected the annual biomass deposition. Based on our observations, further increases in biomass and litterfall Hg deposition rates can be expected due to the onset of bark beetle infestation and the increasing number of droughts caused by climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Navrátil
- Institute of Geology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 269, 165 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Rohovec
- Institute of Geology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 269, 165 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Nováková
- Institute of Geology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 269, 165 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Roll
- Institute of Geology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 269, 165 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Cudlín
- Global Change Research Institute, Czech Academy of Sciences, Poříčí 3B, 60 300, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Oulehle
- Global Change Research Institute, Czech Academy of Sciences, Poříčí 3B, 60 300, Brno, Czech Republic
- Czech Geological Survey, Klárov 3, 118 21, Prague 1, Czech Republic
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Veeraswamy D, Subramanian A, Mohan D, Ettiyagounder P, Selvaraj PS, Ramasamy SP, Veeramani V. Exploring the origins and cleanup of mercury contamination: a comprehensive review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-30636-z. [PMID: 37964142 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30636-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a global pollutant that poses significant risks to human health and the environment. Natural sources of mercury include volcanic eruptions, while anthropogenic sources include industrial processes, artisanal and small-scale gold mining, and fossil fuel combustion. Contamination can arise through various pathways, such as atmospheric deposition, water and soil contamination, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification in food chains. Various remediation strategies, including phytoremediation, bioremediation, chemical oxidation/reduction, and adsorption, have been developed to address mercury pollution, including physical, chemical, and biological approaches. The effectiveness of remediation techniques depends on the nature and extent of contamination and site-specific conditions. This review discusses the challenges associated with mercury pollution and remediation, including the need for effective monitoring and management strategies. Overall, this review offers a comprehensive understanding of mercury contamination and the range of remediation techniques available to mitigate its adverse impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davamani Veeraswamy
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Directorate of Natural Resource Management, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641 003, Tamil Nadu, India
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), ATC Building, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Arulmani Subramanian
- Department of Chemistry, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Sathyamangalam, 638 401, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Deepasri Mohan
- Division of Environmental Sciences, Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Shalimar, 190025, Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, India
| | - Parameswari Ettiyagounder
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Directorate of Natural Resource Management, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641 003, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Paul Sebastian Selvaraj
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Directorate of Natural Resource Management, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641 003, Tamil Nadu, India
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), ATC Building, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Sangeetha Piriya Ramasamy
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Directorate of Natural Resource Management, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641 003, Tamil Nadu, India
- School of Water, Energy, and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield, MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Venkatesan Veeramani
- Department of Civil Engineering, University College of Engineering, Anna University, Ariyalur, 621 731, Tamil Nadu, India
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Méndez-López M, Parente-Sendín A, Calvo-Portela N, Gómez-Armesto A, Eimil-Fraga C, Alonso-Vega F, Arias-Estévez M, Nóvoa-Muñoz JC. Mercury in a birch forest in SW Europe: Deposition flux by litterfall and pools in aboveground tree biomass and soils. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 856:158937. [PMID: 36167130 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric mercury (Hg) is largely assimilated by vegetation and subsequently transferred to the soil by litterfall, which highlights the role of forests as one of the largest global Hg sinks within terrestrial ecosystems. We assessed the pool of Hg in the aboveground biomass (leaves, wood, bark, branches and twigs), the Hg deposition flux through litterfall over two years (by sorting fallen biomass in leaves, twigs, reproductive structures and miscellaneous) and its accumulation in the soil profile in a deciduous forest dominated by Betula alba from SW Europe. The total Hg pool in the aboveground birch biomass was in the range 532-683 mg ha-1, showing the following distribution by plant tissues: well-developed leaves (171 mg ha-1) > twigs (160 mg ha-1) > bark (159 mg ha-1) > bole wood (145 mg ha-1) > fine branches (25 mg ha-1) > thick branches (24 mg ha-1) > newly sprouted leaves (20 mg ha-1). The total Hg deposition fluxes through litterfall were 15.4 and 11.7 μg m-2 yr-1 for the two years studied, with the greatest contribution coming from birch leaves (73 %). In the soil profile, the pool of Hg in the mineral soil (37.0 mg m-2) was an order of magnitude higher than in the organic horizons (1.0 mg m-2), mostly conditioned by parameters such as soil bulk density and thickness, total C and N contents and the presence of certain Al compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Méndez-López
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Área de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Ciencias, As Lagoas s/n, 32004 Ourense, Spain; Campus da Auga, Universidade de Vigo, Laboratorio de Tecnoloxía e Diagnose Ambiental, Rúa Canella da Costa da Vela 12, 32004 Ourense, Spain.
| | - Andrea Parente-Sendín
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Área de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Ciencias, As Lagoas s/n, 32004 Ourense, Spain; Campus da Auga, Universidade de Vigo, Laboratorio de Tecnoloxía e Diagnose Ambiental, Rúa Canella da Costa da Vela 12, 32004 Ourense, Spain
| | - Noemi Calvo-Portela
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Área de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Ciencias, As Lagoas s/n, 32004 Ourense, Spain; Campus da Auga, Universidade de Vigo, Laboratorio de Tecnoloxía e Diagnose Ambiental, Rúa Canella da Costa da Vela 12, 32004 Ourense, Spain
| | - Antía Gómez-Armesto
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Área de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Ciencias, As Lagoas s/n, 32004 Ourense, Spain; Campus da Auga, Universidade de Vigo, Laboratorio de Tecnoloxía e Diagnose Ambiental, Rúa Canella da Costa da Vela 12, 32004 Ourense, Spain
| | - Cristina Eimil-Fraga
- Unidad de Gestión Ambiental y Forestal Sostenible, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Rúa Benigno Ledo s/n, 27002 Lugo, Spain
| | - Flora Alonso-Vega
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Área de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Ciencias, As Lagoas s/n, 32004 Ourense, Spain; Campus da Auga, Universidade de Vigo, Laboratorio de Tecnoloxía e Diagnose Ambiental, Rúa Canella da Costa da Vela 12, 32004 Ourense, Spain
| | - Manuel Arias-Estévez
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Área de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Ciencias, As Lagoas s/n, 32004 Ourense, Spain; Campus da Auga, Universidade de Vigo, Laboratorio de Tecnoloxía e Diagnose Ambiental, Rúa Canella da Costa da Vela 12, 32004 Ourense, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Nóvoa-Muñoz
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Área de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Ciencias, As Lagoas s/n, 32004 Ourense, Spain; Campus da Auga, Universidade de Vigo, Laboratorio de Tecnoloxía e Diagnose Ambiental, Rúa Canella da Costa da Vela 12, 32004 Ourense, Spain
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Ulus Y, Tsui MTK, Sakar A, Nyarko P, Aitmbarek NB, Ardón M, Chow AT. Declines of methylmercury along a salinity gradient in a low-lying coastal wetland ecosystem at South Carolina, USA. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:136310. [PMID: 36088973 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Wetlands are widely regarded as biogeochemical hotspots of highly toxic methylmercury (MeHg), mainly mediated by sulfate-reducing bacteria. In low-lying coastal wetlands, sea level rise, a phenomenon caused by global climate change, is slowly degrading numerous healthy freshwater forested wetlands into salt-degraded counterparts with a nickname "ghost forests", and eventually converting them to saltmarshes. However, little is known about the changes of mercury (Hg) methylation, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification along the forest-to-saltmarsh gradient. Here, we conducted extensive field sampling in three wetland states (healthy forested wetlands, salt-degraded forested wetlands, and saltmarsh) along a salinity gradient (from 0 to 9.4 ppt) in Winyah Bay, South Carolina, USA. We found that in our study wetland systems the saltmarshes had the lowest levels of both total Hg and MeHg in sediments and biota, as compared to healthy forested wetlands and saltwater-degraded ghost forests. Our results suggest that the slow conversion of forested wetland to saltmarsh could reduce net MeHg production in our study wetland systems, which we hypothesized that could be attributed to increased sulfate reduction and excessive buildup of sulfide in sediment that inhibits microbial Hg methylation, and/or reduced canopy density and increased photodegradation of MeHg. However, it should be noted that biogeochemical MeHg responses to salinity changes may be site-specific and we urge more similar studies in other wetland systems along a salinity gradient. Therefore, long-term salinization of coastal wetlands and the slow conversion of forests to marshes could decrease long-term exposure of toxic MeHg levels in coastal food webs that are similar to our system, and ultimately reduce human exposure to this neurotoxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yener Ulus
- Department of Environmental Studies, Davidson College, Davidson, NC, 28035, USA; Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA
| | - Martin Tsz-Ki Tsui
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA; School of Life Sciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences Programme, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Aslihan Sakar
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA
| | - Paul Nyarko
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA
| | - Nadia B Aitmbarek
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA
| | - Marcelo Ardón
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Alex T Chow
- Biogeochemistry and Environmental Quality Research Group, Clemson University, Georgetown, SC, 29442, USA
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5
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Méndez-López M, Gómez-Armesto A, Eimil-Fraga C, Alonso-Vega F, Rodríguez-Soalleiro R, Álvarez-Rodríguez E, Arias-Estévez M, Nóvoa-Muñoz JC. Needle age and precipitation as drivers of Hg accumulation and deposition in coniferous forests from a southwestern European Atlantic region. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 215:114223. [PMID: 36063908 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Vegetation and climate are critical in the biogeochemical cycle of Hg in forest ecosystems. The study assesses the influence of needle age and precipitation on the accumulation of Hg in needle biomass and its deposition by litterfall in thirty-one pine plantations spread throughout two biogeographical regions in SW Europe. Well-developed branches of Pinus pinaster were sampled and pine needles were classified according to 4 age classes (y0, y1, y2, y3). The concentration of total Hg (THg) was analyzed in the samples and Hg content in needle biomass and its deposition by litterfall were estimated. The concentration of total Hg (THg) increased with needle age ranging from 9.1 to 32.7 μg Hg kg-1 in the youngest and oldest needles, respectively. The rate of Hg uptake (HgR) three years after needle sprouting was 10.2 ± 2.3 μg Hg kg-1 yr-1, but it decreased with needle age probably due to a diminution in photosynthetic activity as needles get older. The average total Hg stored in needle biomass (HgWt) ranged from 5.6 to 87.8 mg Hg ha-1, with intermediate needle age classes (y1 and y2) accounting for 70% of the total Hg stored in the whole needle biomass. The average deposition flux of Hg through needle litterfall (HgLt) was 1.5 μg Hg m-2 yr-1, with the y2 and y3 needles contributing most to the total Hg flux. The spatial variation of THg, HgWt and HgLt decreased from coastal pine stands, characterized by an oceanic climate, to inland pine stands, a feature closely related to the dominant precipitation regime in the study area. Climatic conditions and needle age are the main factors affecting Hg accumulation in tree foliage, and should be considered for an accurate assessment of forest Hg pools at a regional scale and their potential consequences in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Méndez-López
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Área de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Ciencias, As Lagoas s/n, 32004, Ourense, Spain; Campus da Auga, Universidade de Vigo, Laboratorio de Tecnoloxía e Diagnose Ambiental, Rúa Canella da Costa da Vela 12, 32004, Ourense, Spain.
| | - Antía Gómez-Armesto
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Área de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Ciencias, As Lagoas s/n, 32004, Ourense, Spain; Campus da Auga, Universidade de Vigo, Laboratorio de Tecnoloxía e Diagnose Ambiental, Rúa Canella da Costa da Vela 12, 32004, Ourense, Spain
| | - Cristina Eimil-Fraga
- Unidad de Gestión Ambiental y Forestal Sostenible, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Rúa Benigno Ledo s/n, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Flora Alonso-Vega
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Área de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Ciencias, As Lagoas s/n, 32004, Ourense, Spain; Campus da Auga, Universidade de Vigo, Laboratorio de Tecnoloxía e Diagnose Ambiental, Rúa Canella da Costa da Vela 12, 32004, Ourense, Spain
| | - Roque Rodríguez-Soalleiro
- Unidad de Gestión Ambiental y Forestal Sostenible, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Rúa Benigno Ledo s/n, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Esperanza Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Edafología y Química Agrícola, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Rúa Benigno Ledo s/n, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Manuel Arias-Estévez
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Área de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Ciencias, As Lagoas s/n, 32004, Ourense, Spain; Campus da Auga, Universidade de Vigo, Laboratorio de Tecnoloxía e Diagnose Ambiental, Rúa Canella da Costa da Vela 12, 32004, Ourense, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Nóvoa-Muñoz
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Área de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Ciencias, As Lagoas s/n, 32004, Ourense, Spain; Campus da Auga, Universidade de Vigo, Laboratorio de Tecnoloxía e Diagnose Ambiental, Rúa Canella da Costa da Vela 12, 32004, Ourense, Spain
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Drenner RW, Chumchal MM, Adams KJ, Seymour RD. Effect of Land Cover on Ecoregion-Scale Spatial Patterns of Mercury Contamination of Largemouth Bass in the Southeastern United States. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:2386-2394. [PMID: 35975571 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Consumption of methylmercury (MeHg)-contaminated fish is the primary source of MeHg in humans and poses a hazard to human health. Because of widespread atmospheric deposition of inorganic mercury (IHg), all water bodies in the United States have been contaminated with Hg. In aquatic ecosystems, IHg is converted to MeHg, which biomagnifies, reaching high concentrations in piscivorous fish. It is not possible for governmental agencies to monitor fish from every waterbody to determine if concentrations of MeHg in fish are hazardous to human health. To help government agencies focus their monitoring efforts, it is critical that we develop the ability to predict regions where waterbodies are most likely to contain fish with hazardous concentrations of MeHg. The objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between MeHg contamination of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), a popular piscivorous gamefish, and land cover in 24 ecoregions across 15 states in the southeastern United States. In our study we demonstrate for the first time that 72% of the variance in average concentrations of MeHg in largemouth bass between ecoregions of the southeastern United States can be explained by the percentage coverage by evergreen forests, emergent herbaceous wetlands, and pasture/hay. Land cover determines the sensitivity of freshwater systems to atmospheric IHg deposition, and the present study suggests that at the ecoregion scale, MeHg bioaccumulation in piscivorous gamefish, and ultimately the health hazard that these MeHg-contaminated fish pose to humans, can be in part predicted by land-cover type. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2386-2394. © 2022 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray W Drenner
- Biology Department, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | | | - Kimberly J Adams
- Biology Department, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Ryan D Seymour
- Biology Department, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
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Wang B, Yuan W, Wang X, Li K, Lin CJ, Li P, Lu Z, Feng X, Sommar J. Canopy-Level Flux and Vertical Gradients of Hg 0 Stable Isotopes in Remote Evergreen Broadleaf Forest Show Year-Around Net Hg 0 Deposition. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:5950-5959. [PMID: 35420795 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Vegetation uptake represents the dominant route of Hg input to terrestrial ecosystems. However, this plant-directed sink is poorly constrained due to the challenges in measuring the net Hg0 exchange on the ecosystem scale over a long period. Particularly important is the contribution in the subtropics/tropics, where the bulk (∼70%) of the Hg0 deposition is considered to occur. Using the relaxed eddy accumulation technique, this study presents for the first time a whole ecosystem Hg0 flux record over an evergreen hardwood forest. This tower-based micrometeorological method gauged a cumulated net Hg0 flux of -41.1 μg m-2 over 16 months, suggesting that the subtropical montane forest acts as a large and continuous sink of atmospheric Hg0. The monthly net fluxes were consistently negative (-7.3 to -1.0 μg m-2 month-1) throughout the year, with the smallest absolute values occurring during the mild and dry subseason in spring, which was also the annual lowest in vegetation activity. Colocated measurements of multilevel gradients of Hg0 concentration and its stable isotopic composition support the finding of year-round Hg0 deposition. The stable Hg isotope measurements also show that in-canopy bi-directional Hg0 exchange is prevalent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- 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
| | - Wei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Xun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Kai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Che-Jen Lin
- Center for Advances in Water and Air Quality, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas 77710, United States
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
- Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xian 710061, China
| | - Zhiyun Lu
- National Forest Ecosystem Research Station at Ailaoshan, Jingdong, Yunnan 676209, China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
- Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xian 710061, China
| | - Jonas Sommar
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
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8
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Abstract
Forest research and professional workforces continue to be dominated by men, particularly at senior and management levels. In this review, we identify some of the historical and ongoing barriers to improved gender inclusion and suggest some solutions. We showcase a selection of women in forestry from different disciplines and parts of the globe to highlight a range of research being conducted by women in forests. Boosting gender equity in forest disciplines requires a variety of approaches across local, regional and global scales. It is also important to include intersectional analyses when identifying barriers for women in forestry, but enhanced equity, diversity and inclusion will improve outcomes for forest ecosystems and social values of forests, with potential additional economic benefits.
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Sayers CJ, Roeder MR, Forrette LM, Roche D, Dupont GLB, Apgar SE, Kocek AR, Cook AM, Shriver WG, Elphick CS, Olsen B, Bonter DN. Geographic variation of mercury in breeding tidal marsh sparrows of the northeastern United States. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2021; 30:1929-1940. [PMID: 34383236 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-021-02461-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Saltmarsh sparrows (Ammospiza caudacuta) and seaside sparrows (A. maritima) are species of conservation concern primarily due to global sea-level rise and habitat degradation. Environmental mercury (Hg) contamination may present additional threats to their reproductive success and survival. To assess site-specific total mercury (THg) exposure and identify environmental correlates of THg detection, we sampled blood from adult male saltmarsh and seaside sparrows at 27 sites between Maine and Virginia, USA. The mean THg concentration (±1 SD) throughout the entire sampling range was 0.531 ± 0.287 µg/g wet weight (ww) for saltmarsh sparrows and 0.442 ± 0.316 µg/g ww for seaside sparrows. Individual THg concentrations ranged from 0.135-1.420 µg/g ww for saltmarsh sparrows and 0.153-1.530 µg/g ww for seaside sparrows. Model averaging from a suite of linear mixed models showed that saltmarsh sparrows averaged 20.1% higher blood THg concentrations than seaside sparrows, potentially due to differences in diet or foraging behavior. We found no evidence for a relationship between sparrow THg concentrations and land cover surrounding sampled marshes or average precipitation-based Hg deposition. Overall, our results suggest considerable, unexplained variation in tidal marsh sparrow blood THg concentrations over their co-occurring breeding ranges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Sayers
- Department of Natural Resources & the Environment, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA.
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA.
| | - Mackenzie R Roeder
- School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, USA
| | - Lindsay M Forrette
- School of Marine Programs, University of New England, Biddeford, ME, 04005, USA
| | - Daniel Roche
- Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Program, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26501, USA
| | - Gaetan L B Dupont
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Sam E Apgar
- Department of Ecology & Environmental Biology and Center of Biological Risk, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Alison R Kocek
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Alexandra M Cook
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - W Gregory Shriver
- Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Chris S Elphick
- Department of Ecology & Environmental Biology and Center of Biological Risk, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Brian Olsen
- School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, USA
| | - David N Bonter
- Department of Natural Resources & the Environment, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
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10
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Wang T, Yang G, Du H, Guo P, Sun T, An S, Wang D, Ma M. Migration characteristics and potential determinants of mercury in long-term decomposing litterfall of two subtropical forests. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 208:111402. [PMID: 33068979 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111402] [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: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
It is of great importance to elucidate the mechanism of mercury (Hg) migration in the forest litterfall so as to clearly understand global Hg deposition. However, it is still unclear for the migration and transformation of Hg in different forest litters during long-term decomposition. Therefore, the dynamics of total Hg (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), carbon, nitrogen, microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen in the litterfall of the evergreen broadleaf (EB) and mixed broadleaf-conifer (MBC) forests, southwest China were investigated, aiming to understand the migration characteristics of Hg in the two-year decomposing litterfall. Results showed that carbon decreased, while nitrogen accumulated slightly in the process of litterfall decomposition. THg levels in the second year of the EB and MBC forests decreased by 16.9% and 11.3%, while MeHg levels reduced by 141.4% and 210.7% respectively comparing with those in the first year. The total percentage of hydrochloric acid-soluble mercury (Hg-h) and water-soluble mercury (Hg-w) had a significant impact on the migration of THg and MeHg in the two forest stands. The C/N ratio in the EB forest bore a positive correlation with THg and MeHg levels, whereas that in the MBC forest was adverse. Besides, microbial biomass C and N were positively related with THg and MeHg levels in both the EB and MBC forests. It is proposed that THg and MeHg accumulation in the second year drastically decreased probably due to finite nutritional conditions, which implies that Hg accumulation risks alleviate with degradation time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Guang Yang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hongxia Du
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Bio-resource for Bioenergy, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Pan Guo
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Tao Sun
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Siwei An
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Dingyong Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Ming Ma
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Bio-resource for Bioenergy, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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11
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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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12
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Beaubien GB, Olson CI, Todd AC, Otter RR. The Spider Exposure Pathway and the Potential Risk to Arachnivorous Birds. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2020; 39:2314-2324. [PMID: 32790212 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
There is growing concern over the health of North American birds, with evidence suggesting substantial population declines. Spiders are prominent dietary items for many bird species and mediate the transfer of contaminants to arachnivorous birds that consume them. Few studies have investigated the potential risk the spider exposure pathway poses to these birds because most studies have focused on piscivores. In the present study, we developed new chronic and acute As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, Se, Zn, and MeHg spider-based avian wildlife values (SBAWVs) for multiple adult and nestling birds (primarily passerines) and then used the newly generated SBAWVs to characterize the risk to birds across 2 study areas: 1) 5 reaches in the southern Appalachian Mountains, an area with substantial mercury deposition but minimal anthropogenic impact, and 2) 4 reaches adjacent to the Emory River, an area impacted by the largest fly coal-ash spill in US history. We identified MeHg and Cu, Pb, Se, and Zn as contaminants of potential concern (COPC) at the Appalachian Mountain and Emory River study areas, respectively, based on dietary exposure of aquatic contaminants via riparian spiders. The identification of COPC at both study areas due to dietary spider exposure is notable not only because the spider exposure pathway has largely been uninvestigated at these sites but also because the aquatic systems in both areas have been studied extensively. Significant differences in MeHg concentrations were detected among spider taxa and suggest that the selection of spider taxa can impact risk characterization. These results indicate that the spider exposure pathway is important to consider when assessing potential risk, particularly for passerine birds. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2314-2324. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gale B Beaubien
- Molecular Biosciences, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA
| | - Connor I Olson
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Andrew C Todd
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ryan R Otter
- Molecular Biosciences, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA
- Data Science Institute, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA
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13
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Sheu GR, Gay DA, Schmeltz D, Olson M, Chang SC, Lin DW, Nguyen LSP. A New Monitoring Effort for Asia: The Asia Pacific Mercury Monitoring Network (APMMN). ATMOSPHERE 2020; 10:481. [PMID: 33005443 PMCID: PMC7526002 DOI: 10.3390/atmos10090481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Asia Pacific Mercury Monitoring Network (APMMN) cooperatively measures mercury in precipitation in a network of sites operating in Asia and the Western Pacific region. The network addresses significant data gaps in a region where mercury emission estimates are the highest globally, and available measurement data are limited. The reduction of mercury emissions under the Minamata Convention on Mercury also justifies the need for continent-wide and consistent observations that can help determine the magnitude of the problem and assess the efficacy of reductions over time. The APMMN's primary objectives are to monitor wet deposition and atmospheric concentrations of mercury and assist partners in developing their own monitoring capabilities. Network planning began in 2012 with wet deposition sampling starting in 2014. Currently, eight network sites measure mercury in precipitation following standardized procedures adapted from the National Atmospheric Deposition Program. The network also has a common regional analytical laboratory (Taiwan), and quality assurance and data flagging procedures, which ensure the network makes scientifically valid and consistent measurements. Results from our ongoing analytical and field quality assurance measurements show minimal contamination in the network and accurate analytical analyses. We are continuing to monitor a potential concentration and precipitation volume bias under certain conditions. The average mercury concentration in precipitation was 11.3 (+9.6) ng L-1 for 139 network samples in 2018. Concentrations for individual sites vary widely. Low averages compare to the low concentrations observed on the U.S. West Coast; while other sites have average concentrations similar to the high values reported from many urban areas in China. Future APMMN goals are to (1) foster new network partnerships, (2) continue to collect, quality assure, and distribute results on the APMMN website, (3) provide training and share best monitoring practices, and (4) establish a gaseous concentration network for estimating dry deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guey-Rong Sheu
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, National Central University, 300 Jhong-Da Rd, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
- Correspondence: or
| | - David A. Gay
- National Atmospheric Deposition Program, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, 465 Henry Mall, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Correspondence: or
| | - David Schmeltz
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Atmospheric Programs, Clean Air Markets Division, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, MC6204J, Washington, DC 20460, USA
| | - Mark Olson
- National Atmospheric Deposition Program, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, 465 Henry Mall, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | | | - Da-Wei Lin
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, National Central University, 300 Jhong-Da Rd, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
| | - Ly Sy Phu Nguyen
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, National Central University, 300 Jhong-Da Rd, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan
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14
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Rimmer CC, Lloyd JD, McFarland KP, Evers DC, Lane OP. Patterns of blood mercury variation in two long-distance migratory thrushes on Mount Mansfield, Vermont. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 29:1174-1182. [PMID: 31520201 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-019-02104-3] [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] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We investigated mercury (Hg) blood concentrations in Bicknell's thrush (Catharus bicknelli) and Swainson's thrush (C. ustulatus), congeneric long-distance migratory songbirds, from 2000-2017 at a montane forest site in north-central Vermont. We analyzed variation in blood Hg of both species using mixed-effects models, incorporating atmospheric wet Hg deposition data from a nearby sampling location. Although Hg deposition varied among years and seasonally, we detected no temporal trend in either atmospheric deposition or blood Hg, nor evidence of a relationship between the two. Sampling date had the strongest effect on blood Hg concentration, which declined seasonally, followed by age and sex of the individual. The data did not support an effect of species. We believe that the absence of a clear relationship between local atmospheric deposition and thrush blood Hg concentrations suggests that Hg cycling dynamics, mechanisms of transfer, and timing of uptake by montane forest biota are complex and poorly understood. The blood Hg concentrations of ~0.07-0.1 μg/g we documented in Bicknell's and Swainson's thrush are below those found to negatively impact physiological or reproductive endpoints in other invertivorous terrestrial passerines. To better evaluate the validity of Bicknell's thrush as a bioindicator of MeHg availability in montane forest ecosystems, we recommend (1) effects-based investigations, (2) a more robust understanding of Hg and MeHg cycling, (3) more clear geospatial and temporal links between Hg deposition and biotic uptake, and (4) more thorough documentation of Hg burdens across the species' annual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John D Lloyd
- Vermont Center for Ecostudies, P.O. Box 420, Norwich, VT, 05055, USA
- American Wind Wildlife Institute, 1990 K Street NW, Suite 620, Washington, DC, 20006, USA
| | - Kent P McFarland
- Vermont Center for Ecostudies, P.O. Box 420, Norwich, VT, 05055, USA
| | - David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Oksana P Lane
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
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15
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Lane O, Adams EM, Pau N, O'Brien KM, Regan K, Farina M, Schneider-Moran T, Zarudsky J. Long-term monitoring of mercury in adult saltmarsh sparrows breeding in Maine, Massachusetts and New York, USA 2000-2017. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 29:1148-1160. [PMID: 32124146 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-020-02180-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Here we report on the results of a long-term study of mercury exposure in a songbird species, the saltmarsh sparrow (Ammodramus caudacutus). We measured total mercury concentrations in blood (n = 840) and feathers (n = 560) of adult saltmarsh sparrows at six locations between 2000 and 2017: Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge (RCNWR) in Wells, Maine; Scarborough Marsh State Wildlife Management Area in Scarborough, Maine; Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island, Massachusetts; Pine Neck Preserve in Southampton, Long Island, New York; and North Cinder and North Green Sedge Islands off the coast of Long Island, New York. During the 12-17 year sampling periods, we found that mercury exposure differed by site and year but there was no consistent temporal trend across sites. Blood mercury concentrations declined only at RCNWR in Maine. We also found seasonal variation in blood mercury concentrations and a positive relationship between mercury concentrations of blood and innermost primary feather, but not between blood and tail feather.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Lane
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA.
| | - Evan M Adams
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Nancy Pau
- USFWS, Parker River NWR, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA, 01950, USA
| | | | - Kevin Regan
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Michael Farina
- Town of Hempstead: Department of Conservation and Waterways, 1401 Lido Blvd, Point Lookout, NY, 11561, USA
| | - Tara Schneider-Moran
- Town of Hempstead: Department of Conservation and Waterways, 1401 Lido Blvd, Point Lookout, NY, 11561, USA
| | - John Zarudsky
- Town of Hempstead: Department of Conservation and Waterways, 1401 Lido Blvd, Point Lookout, NY, 11561, USA
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16
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Gómez-Armesto A, Méndez-López M, Pérez-Rodríguez P, Fernández-Calviño D, Arias-Estévez M, Nóvoa-Muñoz JC. Litterfall Hg deposition to an oak forest soil from southwestern Europe. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 269:110858. [PMID: 32561026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110858] [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: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Litterfall constitutes one of the main vectors for mercury (Hg) transfer to forested ecosystems, so we studied the deposition of Hg through senescent vegetation (oak leaves, twigs and miscellaneous) in a deciduous forest plot of Southwest Europe dominated by Quercus robur in 2015 and 2016. Total Hg concentrations increased in the following order: bole wood (1.4 μg kg-1) < bark (8.3 μg kg-1) < twigs (12.2 μg kg-1) < miscellaneous (36.0 μg kg-1) < oak leaves (39.3 μg kg-1) < mineral soil (42.4 μg kg-1) < Oi horizons (48.7 μg kg-1) < Oe + Oa horizons (71.6 μg kg-1). Mercury accumulation rates in oak leaves during the growing season were 0.15-0.18 μg kg-1 day-1. Mercury deposition fluxes were 26 and 21 μg m-2 yr-1 for 2015 and 2016, respectively, with oak leaves being the fraction that contributed the most. Mercury determination in litterfall sorted biomass fractions lead to a more accurate estimation of the total annual Hg deposition fluxes through litterfall. Higher Hg content was obtained for organic horizons (average of 60.2 μg kg-1) than for mineral soil (mean of 42.4 μg kg-1), but the soil Hg pool was higher in the latter. The results confirmed the necessity of taking into account the Hg pool in the deeper mineral soil layers as they accumulate substantial quantities of Hg associated to organic C and Al compounds, preventing its mobilization to other compartments of the terrestrial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gómez-Armesto
- Área de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade de Vigo, 32004, Ourense, Spain; Environmental Technology and Assessment Laboratory, Campus da Auga, Campus of Ourense, University of Vigo, 32004, Ourense, Spain.
| | - M Méndez-López
- Área de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade de Vigo, 32004, Ourense, Spain; Environmental Technology and Assessment Laboratory, Campus da Auga, Campus of Ourense, University of Vigo, 32004, Ourense, Spain
| | - P Pérez-Rodríguez
- Área de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade de Vigo, 32004, Ourense, Spain; Environmental Technology and Assessment Laboratory, Campus da Auga, Campus of Ourense, University of Vigo, 32004, Ourense, Spain
| | - D Fernández-Calviño
- Área de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade de Vigo, 32004, Ourense, Spain; Environmental Technology and Assessment Laboratory, Campus da Auga, Campus of Ourense, University of Vigo, 32004, Ourense, Spain
| | - M Arias-Estévez
- Área de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade de Vigo, 32004, Ourense, Spain; Environmental Technology and Assessment Laboratory, Campus da Auga, Campus of Ourense, University of Vigo, 32004, Ourense, Spain
| | - J C Nóvoa-Muñoz
- Área de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade de Vigo, 32004, Ourense, Spain; Environmental Technology and Assessment Laboratory, Campus da Auga, Campus of Ourense, University of Vigo, 32004, Ourense, Spain
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17
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Gerig BS, Janetski DJ, Chaloner DT, Lamberti GA. Contaminant Biotransport by Pacific Salmon in the Great Lakes. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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18
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Bishop K, Shanley JB, Riscassi A, de Wit HA, Eklöf K, Meng B, Mitchell C, Osterwalder S, Schuster PF, Webster J, Zhu W. Recent advances in understanding and measurement of mercury in the environment: Terrestrial Hg cycling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 721:137647. [PMID: 32197286 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This review documents recent advances in terrestrial mercury cycling. Terrestrial mercury (Hg) research has matured in some areas, and is developing rapidly in others. We summarize the state of the science circa 2010 as a starting point, and then present the advances during the last decade in three areas: land use, sulfate deposition, and climate change. The advances are presented in the framework of three Hg "gateways" to the terrestrial environment: inputs from the atmosphere, uptake in food, and runoff with surface water. Among the most notable advances: These and other advances reported here are of value in evaluating the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention on reducing environmental Hg exposure to humans and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Bishop
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7050, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | | | - Ami Riscassi
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400123, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4123, USA.
| | - Heleen A de Wit
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349, Norway.
| | - Karin Eklöf
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7050, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Bo Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, China.
| | - Carl Mitchell
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada.
| | - Stefan Osterwalder
- Institut des Géosciences de l'Environnement, Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IRD, Grenoble 18 INP, 38000 Grenoble, France.
| | - Paul F Schuster
- U.S. Geological Survey, 3215 Marine Street, Suite E-127, Boulder, CO 80303-1066, USA.
| | - Jackson Webster
- Department of Civil Engineering, California State University, 400 W. 1st Street, 21 95929-0930 Chico, CA, USA.
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183 Umeå, Sweden.
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19
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Phu Nguyen LS, Zhang L, Lin DW, Lin NH, Sheu GR. Eight-year dry deposition of atmospheric mercury to a tropical high mountain background site downwind of the East Asian continent. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 255:113128. [PMID: 31521990 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric deposition, either dry or wet, has been identified as an important pathway of mercury (Hg) input to terrestrial and aquatic systems. Although East Asia is the major atmospheric Hg emission source region, very few studies have been conducted to quantify atmospheric Hg deposition in its downwind region. In this study, 8-year (2009-2016) atmospheric Hg dry deposition was reported at the Lulin Atmospheric Background Station (LABS), a high mountain forest site in central Taiwan. Dry deposition of speciated Hg was estimated using a bi-directional air-surface flux exchange model for gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) and dry deposition models for gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM) and particulate-bound mercury (PBM), making use of the monitored speciated atmospheric Hg concentrations. Annual total Hg dry deposition ranged from 51.9 to 84.9 μg m-2 yr-1, with a multi-year average of 66.1 μg m-2 yr-1. Among the three forms of atmospheric Hg, GEM was the main contributor to the total dry deposition, contributing about 77.8% to the total, due to the high density of forest canopy as well as the much higher concentration of GEM than GOM and PBM at LABS. Mercury dry deposition is higher in winter and spring than in summer and fall, partly due to the elevated Hg concentrations associated with air masses from East and Southeast Asia where with high atmospheric Hg emissions. The mean annual dry/wet deposition ratio of 2.8 at LABS indicated that Hg deposition to forest landscape was governed by dry rather than wet deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ly Sy Phu Nguyen
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, National Central University, Jhongli, 320, Taiwan
| | - Leiming Zhang
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Da-Wei Lin
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, National Central University, Jhongli, 320, Taiwan
| | - Neng-Huei Lin
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, National Central University, Jhongli, 320, Taiwan
| | - Guey-Rong Sheu
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, National Central University, Jhongli, 320, Taiwan.
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20
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Khan TR, Obrist D, Agnan Y, Selin NE, Perlinger JA. Atmosphere-terrestrial exchange of gaseous elemental mercury: parameterization improvement through direct comparison with measured ecosystem fluxes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2019; 21:1699-1712. [PMID: 31549133 DOI: 10.1039/c9em00341j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
To simulate global mercury (Hg) dynamics in chemical transport models (CTMs), surface-atmosphere exchange of gaseous elemental mercury, Hg0, is often parameterized based on resistance-based dry deposition schemes coupled with a re-emission function, mainly from soils. Despite extensive use of this approach, direct evaluations of this implementation against field observations of net Hg0 exchange are lacking. In this study, we evaluate an existing net exchange parameterization (referred to here as the base model) by comparing modeled fluxes of Hg0 to fluxes measured in the field using micrometeorological techniques. Comparisons were performed in two terrestrial ecosystems: a grassland site in Switzerland and an Arctic tundra site in Alaska, U.S., each including summer and winter seasons. The base model included the dry deposition and soil re-emission parameterizations from Zhang et al. (2003) and the global CTM GEOS-Chem, respectively. Comparisons of modeled and measured Hg0 fluxes showed large discrepancies, particularly in the summer months when the base model overestimated daytime net deposition by approximately 9 and 2 ng m-2 h-1 at the grassland and tundra sites, respectively. In addition, the base model was unable to capture a measured nighttime net Hg0 deposition and wintertime deposition. We conducted a series of sensitivity analyses and recommend that Hg simulations using CTMs: (i) reduce stomatal uptake of Hg0 over grassland and tundra in models by a factor 5-7; (ii) increase nighttime net Hg0 deposition, e.g., by increasing ground and cuticular uptake by reducing the respective resistance terms by factors of 3-4 and 2-4, respectively; and (iii) implement a new soil re-emission parameterization to produce larger daytime emissions and lower nighttime emissions. We also compared leaf Hg0 uptake over the growing season estimated by the dry deposition model against foliar Hg measurements, which revealed good agreement with the measured leaf Hg concentrations after adjusting the base model as suggested above. We conclude that the use of resistance-based models combined with the new soil re-emission flux parameterization is able to reproduce observed diel and seasonal patterns of Hg0 exchange in these ecosystems. This approach can be used to improve model parameterizations for other ecosystems if flux measurements become available.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R Khan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA.
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21
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Olson CI, Beaubien GB, Sims JL, Otter RR. Mercury Accumulation in Millipedes (Narceus spp.) Living Adjacent to a Southern Appalachian Mountain Stream (USA). BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 103:528-532. [PMID: 31240376 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-019-02664-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Millipedes are among the most important processors of leaf litter in temperate forests. Through consumption of leaf litter, millipedes may be exposed to mercury that accumulates in leaf tissues prior to senescence. To investigate mercury uptake in millipedes, Narceus spp. were collected from a remote site in the southern Appalachian Mountains, an area known to receive high mercury deposition. Additionally, aquatic primary consumers (larval caddisflies and stoneflies), brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were collected from the same site for comparisons of mercury concentrations and percent methylmercury. Bioaccumulation factors for millipedes were 18.5 and 20.2 for total and methylmercury, respectively. At this site, the mean THg concentration in millipedes was ~ 10 × greater than both brook trout and rainbow trout and ~ 200 × greater than that of aquatic primary consumers. Millipede THg concentrations ranged from 222 to 1620 ng/g ww in an area where EPA fish consumption criteria (300 ng/g MeHg in fish tissue, ww) were not exceeded. The mean percent methylmercury in millipedes was 1.4%, suggesting these animals were accumulating large quantities of inorganic mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor I Olson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA.
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA.
| | - Gale B Beaubien
- Molecular Biosciences, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA
| | - Jaylen L Sims
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76706, USA
| | - Ryan R Otter
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA
- Molecular Biosciences, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA
- Data Science Institute, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA
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22
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Navrátil T, Nováková T, Roll M, Shanley JB, Kopáček J, Rohovec J, Kaňa J, Cudlín P. Decreasing litterfall mercury deposition in central European coniferous forests and effects of bark beetle infestation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 682:213-225. [PMID: 31121348 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated a 14-year trend (2003-2017) in mercury (Hg) concentrations and fluxes in six litterfall categories (needles, bark, twigs, cones, lichen, and a mixture of unidentified fragments) at six research plots situated in two central European unmanaged mountain forest stands, dominated by mature Norway spruce. One of the stands (catchment of Plešné Lake, PL) was infested by bark beetle and all mature spruces died at three of four research plots during the study. One PL plot and two plots in the second stand (catchment of Čertovo Lake, CT) were intact and used as a control. At the intact plots, the litterfall Hg deposition averaged 45 and 32 μg/m2/year in the PL and CT catchments, respectively, while bulk precipitation Hg deposition was an order of magnitude lower (2.6 μg/m2/year). In the individual litter categories, Hg concentrations averaged 223, 195, 126, 81, 79 and 30 μg/kg in lichen, unidentified fragments, bark, twigs, needles and cones, respectively. As a result of decreasing European Hg emissions, Hg concentrations in most litter categories decreased from 2003 to 2017. Consequently, the litter-associated Hg flux to the forest floor decreased from 66 to 23 μg/m2/year during 2003-2017. The litterfall mass fluxes exhibited no trends at the intact plots. In contrast, the litter-associated Hg flux increased 5-fold after tree dieback due to elevated litterfall, averaging 218 μg/m2/year Hg at the PL infested plots during 2004-2009. The relative contribution of individual litter categories to the total Hg flux shifted from needle to bark and twig dominance. Starting in 2010, Hg flux decreased to pre-disturbance levels for the following decade. The tree mortality in the PL catchment provided a unique opportunity to evaluate changes in litter-associated Hg fluxes to the forest floor during and after natural tree dieback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Navrátil
- Institute of Geology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 269, 165 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Tereza Nováková
- Institute of Geology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 269, 165 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Roll
- Institute of Geology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 269, 165 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic; Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 43 Praha 2, Czech Republic
| | | | - Jiří Kopáček
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Rohovec
- Institute of Geology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 269, 165 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Kaňa
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Cudlín
- Global Change Research Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Poříčí 3b, 60 300 Brno, Czech Republic
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Xu H, Zhu Y, Wang L, Lin CJ, Jang C, Zhou Q, Yu B, Wang S, Xing J, Yu L. Source contribution analysis of mercury deposition using an enhanced CALPUFF-Hg in the central Pearl River Delta, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 250:1032-1043. [PMID: 31085469 PMCID: PMC7654097 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric mercury (Hg) poses human health and ecological risks once deposited and bio-accumulated through food chains. Source contribution analysis of Hg deposition is essential to formulating emission control strategies to alleviate the adverse impact of Hg release from anthropogenic sources. In this study, a Hg version of California Puff Dispersion Modeling (denoted as CALPUFF-Hg) system with added Hg environmental processes was implemented to simulate the Hg concentration and deposition in the central region of the Pearl River Delta (cPRD) at 1 km × 1 km resolution. The contributions of eight source sectors to Hg deposition were evaluated. Model results indicated that the emission from cement production was the largest contributor to Hg deposition, accounting for 13.0%, followed by coal-fired power plants (6.5%), non-ferrous metal smelting (5.4%), iron and steel production (3.5%), and municipal solid waste incineration (3.4%). The point sources that released a higher fraction of gaseous oxidized mercury, such as cement production and municipal solid waste incineration, were the most significant contributors to local deposition. In this intensive industrialized region, large point sources contributed 67-94% of total Hg deposition of 6 receptors which were the nearest grid-cells from top five Hg emitters of the domain and the largest municipal solid waste incinerator in Guangzhou. Based on the source apportionment results, cement production and the rapidly growing municipal solid waste incineration are identified as priority sectors for Hg emission control in the cPRD region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment and Pollution Control, College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yun Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment and Pollution Control, College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Long Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment and Pollution Control, College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Che-Jen Lin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX, 77710, USA
| | - Carey Jang
- US EPA, Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards, Res Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA
| | - Qin Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment and Pollution Control, College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Guangzhou Environmental Monitoring Centre, Guangzhou, 51000, China
| | - Shuxiao Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jia Xing
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Lian Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment and Pollution Control, College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, 510006, China
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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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Zhang H, Nizzetto L, Feng X, Borgå K, Sommar J, Fu X, Zhang H, Zhang G, Larssen T. Assessing Air-Surface Exchange and Fate of Mercury in a Subtropical Forest Using a Novel Passive Exchange-Meter Device. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:4869-4879. [PMID: 30990312 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b06343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A novel passive exchange meter (EM) device was developed to assess air-surface exchange and leaching of Hg in a forest floor. Flux measurements were carried out in a subtropical forest ecosystem during a full year. Over 40% of the Hg fixed in fresh forest litter was remobilized in less than 60 days in warm and humid conditions as a response to rapid turnover of labile organic matter (OM). A two-block experiment including understory and clearing showed that losses of Hg covaried with seasonal conditions and was significantly affected by forest coverage. The process controlling the bulk loss of total Hg from the litter was volatilization, which typically represented 76-96% of the loss processes (Floss). The Floss ranges were 520-1370 and 165-942 ng m-2 d-1 in the understory and clearing, respectively. On a yearly basis, deposition of airborne Hg exceeded total losses by a factor of 2.5 in the clearing and 1.5 in the understory. The vegetation litter in this subtropical forest therefore represented a net sink of atmospheric Hg. This study provided a novel approach to Hg air-soil exchange measurements and further insights on the link between Hg remobilization and OM turnover along with its environmental drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry , Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 99 Lincheng West Road , Guiyang , 550081 , China
| | - Luca Nizzetto
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research , NO-0349 Oslo , Norway
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment , Masaryk University , 601 77 Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry , Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 99 Lincheng West Road , Guiyang , 550081 , China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change , Xi'an , 710061 , China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , 100049 , China
| | - Katrine Borgå
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research , NO-0349 Oslo , Norway
- Department of Biosciences , University of Oslo , NO-0316 Oslo , Norway
| | - Jonas Sommar
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry , Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 99 Lincheng West Road , Guiyang , 550081 , China
| | - Xuewu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry , Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 99 Lincheng West Road , Guiyang , 550081 , China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change , Xi'an , 710061 , China
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry , Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 99 Lincheng West Road , Guiyang , 550081 , China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change , Xi'an , 710061 , China
| | - Gan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry , Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Guangzhou , 510640 , China
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26
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Olson CI, Beaubien GB, McKinney AD, Otter RR. Identifying contaminants of potential concern in remote headwater streams of Tennessee's Appalachian Mountains. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 191:176. [PMID: 30788643 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7305-7] [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: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The susceptibility of Tennessee's Appalachian Mountains to anthropogenic stressors has remained largely uninvestigated likely due to a lack of known point source contamination. However, a growing body of scientific evidence suggests that depositional inputs can lead to concerning levels of contamination, even in remote areas. To investigate potential concerns, water quality parameters, contaminants in water (nitrogen, TSS, and metals), and contaminants in eastern brook trout (mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], organochlorine [OC] pesticides, dioxins, furans, and phthalates) were measured in four Appalachian Mountain streams from 2015 to 2017. Concentrations were compared to literature and/or model-derived (e.g., biotic ligand model) threshold values to determine whether levels exceeded those acceptable for stream health. Dioxins and furans were detectable in fish tissue at all sites with an average 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodinbenzodioxin toxicity equivalence (TEQ) of 0.0015 ng/kg. Concentrations of PCBs, phthalates, and organochlorine pesticides were never above analytical quantitation limits, although several OC pesticides (e.g., alpha-chlordane) were detectable in fish. Aluminum concentrations in water were found at levels shown previously to cause mortality in brook trout during acidic rain events. The average whole-body methylmercury concentrations in fish among sites were 0.037 ± 0.003 μg/kg and were on average 75 ± 2% of total mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor I Olson
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA
| | - Gale B Beaubien
- Molecular Biosciences, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA
| | | | - Ryan R Otter
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA.
- Molecular Biosciences, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA.
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27
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Giang A, Song S, Muntean M, Janssens-Maenhout G, Harvey A, Berg E, Selin NE. Understanding factors influencing the detection of mercury policies in modelled Laurentian Great Lakes wet deposition. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2018; 20:1373-1389. [PMID: 30247491 DOI: 10.1039/c8em00268a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We used chemical transport modelling to better understand the extent to which policy-related anthropogenic mercury emissions changes (a policy signal) can be statistically detected in wet deposition measurements in the Great Lakes region on the subdecadal scale, given sources of noise. In our modelling experiment, we consider hypothetical regional (North American) and global (rest of the world) policy changes, consistent with existing policy efforts (Δglobal = -18%; Δregional = -30%) that divide an eight-year period. The magnitude of statistically significant (p < 0.1) pre- and post-policy period wet deposition differences, holding all else constant except for the policy change, ranges from -0.3 to -2.0% for the regional policy and -0.8 to -2.7% for the global policy. We then introduce sources of noise-trends and variability in factors that are exogenous to the policy action-and evaluate the extent to which the policy signals can still be detected. For instance, technology-related variability in emissions magnitude and speciation can shift the magnitude of differences between periods, in some cases dampening the policy effect. We have found that the interannual variability in meteorology has the largest effect of the sources of noise considered, driving deposition differences between periods to ±20%, exceeding the magnitude of the policy signal. However, our simulations suggest that gaseous elemental mercury concentration may be more robust to this meteorological variability in this region, and a stronger indicator of local/regional emissions changes. These results highlight the potential challenges of detecting statistically significant policy-related changes in Great Lakes wet deposition within the subdecadal scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Giang
- Institute for Data, Systems and Society, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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Outridge PM, Mason RP, Wang F, Guerrero S, Heimbürger-Boavida LE. Updated Global and Oceanic Mercury Budgets for the United Nations Global Mercury Assessment 2018. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:11466-11477. [PMID: 30226054 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b01246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In support of international efforts to reduce mercury (Hg) exposure in humans and wildlife, this paper reviews the literature concerning global Hg emissions, cycling and fate, and presents revised global and oceanic Hg budgets for the 2018 United Nations Global Mercury Assessment. We assessed two competing scenarios about the impacts of 16th - late 19th century New World silver (Ag) mining, which may be the largest human source of atmospheric Hg in history. Consideration of Ag ore geochemistry, historical documents on Hg use, and comparison of the scenarios against atmospheric Hg patterns in environmental archives, strongly support a "low mining emission" scenario. Building upon this scenario and other published work, the revised global budget estimates human activities including recycled legacy emissions have increased current atmospheric Hg concentrations by about 450% above natural levels (prevailing before 1450 AD). Current anthropogenic emissions to air are 2.5 ± 0.5 kt/y. The increase in atmospheric Hg concentrations has driven a ∼ 300% average increase in deposition, and a 230% increase in surface marine waters. Deeper marine waters show increases of only 12-25%. The overall increase in Hg in surface organic soils (∼15%) is small due to the large mass of natural Hg already present from rock weathering, but this figure varies regionally. Specific research recommendations are made to reduce uncertainties, particularly through improved understanding of fundamental processes of the Hg cycle, and continued improvements in emissions inventories from large natural and anthropogenic sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Outridge
- Geological Survey of Canada , Natural Resources Canada , 601 Booth St. , Ottawa , Ontario K1A 0E8 , Canada
- Center for Earth Observation Science and Department of Environment and Geography , University of Manitoba , Winnipeg , Manitoba R3T 2N2 , Canada
| | - R P Mason
- Department of Marine Sciences , University of Connecticut , 1080 Shennecossett Road , Groton , Connecticut 06340 , United States
| | - F Wang
- Center for Earth Observation Science and Department of Environment and Geography , University of Manitoba , Winnipeg , Manitoba R3T 2N2 , Canada
| | - S Guerrero
- Universidad Metropolitana, Autopista Caracas Guarenas , Caracas 1073 , Venezuela
| | - L E Heimbürger-Boavida
- Aix Marseille Université , CNRS/INSU, Université de Toulon, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO) UM 110, 13288 , Marseille , France
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Perlinger JA, Urban NR, Giang A, Selin NE, Hendricks AN, Zhang H, Kumar A, Wu S, Gagnon VS, Gorman HS, Norman ES. Responses of deposition and bioaccumulation in the Great Lakes region to policy and other large-scale drivers of mercury emissions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2018; 20:195-209. [PMID: 29360116 DOI: 10.1039/c7em00547d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) emissions pose a global problem that requires global cooperation for a solution. However, neither emissions nor regulations are uniform world-wide, and hence the impacts of regulations are also likely to vary regionally. We report here an approach to model the effectiveness of regulations at different scales (local, regional, global) in reducing Hg deposition and fish Hg concentrations in the Laurentian Great Lakes (GL) region. The potential effects of global change on deposition are also modeled. We focus on one of the most vulnerable communities within the region, an Indigenous tribe in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (UP) with a high fish consumption rate. For the GL region, elements of global change (climate, biomass burning, land use) are projected to have modest impacts (<5% change from the year 2000) on Hg deposition. For this region, our estimate of the effects of elimination of anthropogenic emissions is a 70% decrease in deposition, while our minimal regulation scenario increases emissions by 35%. Existing policies have the potential to reduce deposition by 20% with most of the reduction attributable to U.S. policies. Local policies within the Great Lakes region show little effect, and global policy as embedded in the Minamata Convention is projected to decrease deposition by approximately 2.8%. Even within the GL region, effects of policy are not uniform; areas close to emission sources (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania) experience larger decreases in deposition than other areas including Michigan's UP. The UP landscape is highly sensitive to Hg deposition, with nearly 80% of lakes estimated to be impaired. Sensitivity to mercury is caused primarily by the region's abundant wetlands. None of the modeled policy scenarios are projected to reduce fish Hg concentrations to the target that would be safe for the local tribe. Regions like Michigan's UP that are highly sensitive to mercury deposition and that will see little reduction in deposition due to regulations require more aggressive policies to reduce emissions to achieve recovery. We highlight scientific uncertainties that continue to limit our ability to accurately predict fish Hg changes over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Perlinger
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA.
| | - N R Urban
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA.
| | - A Giang
- Institute for Data, Systems, and Society, Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - N E Selin
- Institute for Data, Systems, and Society, Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - A N Hendricks
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA.
| | - H Zhang
- Geological and Mining Engineering and Science Department, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
| | - A Kumar
- Geological and Mining Engineering and Science Department, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
| | - S Wu
- Geological and Mining Engineering and Science Department, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
| | - V S Gagnon
- Social Sciences Department, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
| | - H S Gorman
- Social Sciences Department, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
| | - E S Norman
- Native Environmental Science Department, Northwest Indian College, Bellingham, WA 98226, USA
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30
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Spatial Patterns and Temporal Changes in Atmospheric-Mercury Deposition for the Midwestern USA, 2001–2016. ATMOSPHERE 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos9010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Jensen AM, Scanlon TM, Riscassi AL. Emerging investigator series: the effect of wildfire on streamwater mercury and organic carbon in a forested watershed in the southeastern United States. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2017; 19:1505-1517. [PMID: 29147694 DOI: 10.1039/c7em00419b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Wildfires alter forested ecosystems, which include large stores of mercury (Hg) and organic carbon, two compounds that are closely linked in vegetation, soils, and streamwater. Studies have shown that wildfires release elevated levels of mercury to the atmosphere which can be locally redeposited and leave charred organic material (vegetation and litter) on the soil surface. Both can contribute to the elevated mobilization of Hg into lakes and streams. However, no studies have conducted a detailed examination of hydrological transport of Hg following a wildfire. This study investigates the coupled transport of mercury and carbon at Twomile Run, a headwater stream located in the forested mountains of Shenandoah National Park, in the year following a low-severity wildfire. Weekly baseflow samples and bi-hourly high-flow storm samples were analyzed for dissolved and particulate mercury (HgD and HgP, respectively), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), UV absorbance at 254 nm (UV254, surrogate for DOC quantity and character), and total suspended solids (TSS), and were compared with identical measurements taken from a nearby unburned watershed. For all flow conditions sampled at the burned site (which did not include the 2 months following the fire), streamwater HgD and DOC concentrations, and corresponding UV254, were similar to the unburned system. TSS concentrations varied between sites but overall differences were relatively small in magnitude and likely attributable to site differences rather than fire effects. Notably, the HgP per unit of TSS at the burned site was an order of magnitude higher than the unburned site (2.66 and 0.13 ng HgP per mg TSS, respectively) for 8 months following the fire, resulting in elevated HgP concentrations for the range of flow conditions, after which there was a rapid return to non-disturbed conditions. Streamwater total Hg fluxes roughly doubled (0.55 to 1.04 μg m-2 yr-1) as a consequence of the fire, indicating that in addition to changing atmospheric and terrestrial Hg cycling, fires can rapidly and significantly alter the streamwater Hg which has implication for downstream ecosystems. These findings are particularly relevant as the occurrence and severity of wildfires are expected to increase in the mid-latitudes in response to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Jensen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, 291 McCormick Road, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA.
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Pacyna AD, Martínez CZ, Miguélez D, Jiguet F, Polkowska Ż, Wojczulanis-Jakubas K. Mercury contamination, a potential threat to the globally endangered aquatic warbler Acrocephalus paludicola. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:26478-26484. [PMID: 28948474 PMCID: PMC5719796 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0201-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) contamination is considered a global concern for humans and wildlife, and although the number of studies dealing with that issue continues to increase, some taxonomic groups such as small passerine birds are largely understudied. In this paper, concentration of mercury in the aquatic warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola) feathers, a globally threatened passerine species, was examined. The concentration differences between two ages and sexes were investigated. The comparison of feathers taken on autumn migrants of two age categories act as a comparison of the species' exposure within the two different areas (European breeding or African wintering grounds). The average Hg concentration for all sampled individuals [2.32 μg/g dw (range 0.38-12.76)] is relatively high, compared with values found in other passerine species. An age difference was found, with first-year individuals displaying higher mercury concentrations than adults. This indicates that birds are exposed to mercury pollution during the breeding season, i.e., in the continental floodplains of eastern Europe. The average Hg concentration in feathers grown on the breeding grounds was 3.88 ± 2.59 μg/g dw, closer to the critical value of 5 μg/g dw, which is considered to impair the health of individuals. The findings suggest that mercury pollution may constitute a threat so far neglected for the endangered aquatic warbler.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Dorota Pacyna
- Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza St., 80-233, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Carlos Zumalacárregui Martínez
- Fundación Global Nature, Corro Postigo, 1, 34337, Fuentes de Nava, Palencia, Spain
- Iberian Ringing Group (GIA-León), C/ Daoiz y Velarde, 49 Bajo, 24006, León, Spain
| | - David Miguélez
- Iberian Ringing Group (GIA-León), C/ Daoiz y Velarde, 49 Bajo, 24006, León, Spain
- Department of Biodiversity and Environmental Management, University of León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Frédéric Jiguet
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation, UMR 7204 MNHN-CNRS-UPMC-Sorbonne Universités, CP 135, 43 Rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Żaneta Polkowska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza St., 80-233, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Wojczulanis-Jakubas
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Vertebrate Ecology and Zoology, University of Gdańsk, ul. Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
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