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Floreani F, Acquavita A, Barago N, Klun K, Faganeli J, Covelli S. Gaseous Mercury Exchange from Water–Air Interface in Differently Impacted Freshwater Environments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19138149. [PMID: 35805807 PMCID: PMC9266016 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19138149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Gaseous exchanges of mercury (Hg) at the water–air interface in contaminated sites strongly influence its fate in the environment. In this study, diurnal gaseous Hg exchanges were seasonally evaluated by means of a floating flux chamber in two freshwater environments impacted by anthropogenic sources of Hg, specifically historical mining activity (Solkan Reservoir, Slovenia) and the chlor-alkali industry (Torviscosa dockyard, Italy), and in a pristine site, Cavazzo Lake (Italy). The highest fluxes (21.88 ± 11.55 ng m−2 h−1) were observed at Solkan, coupled with high dissolved gaseous mercury (DGM) and dissolved Hg (THgD) concentrations. Conversely, low vertical mixing and saltwater intrusion at Torviscosa limited Hg mobility through the water column, with higher Hg concentrations in the deep layer near the contaminated sediments. Consequently, both DGM and THgD in surface water were generally lower at Torviscosa than at Solkan, resulting in lower fluxes (19.01 ± 12.65 ng m−2 h−1). However, at this site, evasion may also be limited by high atmospheric Hg levels related to dispersion of emissions from the nearby chlor-alkali plant. Surprisingly, comparable fluxes (15.56 ± 12.78 ng m−2 h−1) and Hg levels in water were observed at Cavazzo, suggesting a previously unidentified Hg input (atmospheric depositions or local geology). Overall, at all sites the fluxes were higher in the summer and correlated to incident UV radiation and water temperature due to enhanced photo production and diffusivity of DGM, the concentrations of which roughly followed the same seasonal trend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Floreani
- Department of Mathematics & Geosciences, University of Trieste, Via Weiss 2, 34128 Trieste, Italy; (N.B.); (S.C.)
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 5, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Alessandro Acquavita
- ARPA FVG Regional Agency for Environmental Protection of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Via Cairoli 14, 33057 Palmanova, Italy;
| | - Nicolò Barago
- Department of Mathematics & Geosciences, University of Trieste, Via Weiss 2, 34128 Trieste, Italy; (N.B.); (S.C.)
| | - Katja Klun
- Marine Biology Station, National Institute of Biology, Fornace 41, 6330 Piran, Slovenia; (K.K.); (J.F.)
| | - Jadran Faganeli
- Marine Biology Station, National Institute of Biology, Fornace 41, 6330 Piran, Slovenia; (K.K.); (J.F.)
| | - Stefano Covelli
- Department of Mathematics & Geosciences, University of Trieste, Via Weiss 2, 34128 Trieste, Italy; (N.B.); (S.C.)
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Priyadarshanee M, Chatterjee S, Rath S, Dash HR, Das S. Cellular and genetic mechanism of bacterial mercury resistance and their role in biogeochemistry and bioremediation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 423:126985. [PMID: 34464861 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a highly toxic element that occurs at low concentrations in nature. However, various anthropogenic and natural sources contribute around 5000 to 8000 metric tons of Hg per year, rapidly deteriorating the environmental conditions. Mercury-resistant bacteria that possess the mer operon system have the potential for Hg bioremediation through volatilization from the contaminated milieus. Thus, bacterial mer operon plays a crucial role in Hg biogeochemistry and bioremediation by converting both reactive inorganic and organic forms of Hg to relatively inert, volatile, and monoatomic forms. Both the broad-spectrum and narrow-spectrum bacteria harbor many genes of mer operon with their unique definitive functions. The presence of mer genes or proteins can regulate the fate of Hg in the biogeochemical cycle in the environment. The efficiency of Hg transformation depends upon the nature and diversity of mer genes present in mercury-resistant bacteria. Additionally, the bacterial cellular mechanism of Hg resistance involves reduced Hg uptake, extracellular sequestration, and bioaccumulation. The presence of unique physiological properties in a specific group of mercury-resistant bacteria enhances their bioremediation capabilities. Many advanced biotechnological tools also can improve the bioremediation efficiency of mercury-resistant bacteria to achieve Hg bioremediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Priyadarshanee
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Ecology (LEnME), Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela 769 008, Odisha, India
| | - Shreosi Chatterjee
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Ecology (LEnME), Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela 769 008, Odisha, India
| | - Sonalin Rath
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Ecology (LEnME), Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela 769 008, Odisha, India
| | - Hirak R Dash
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Ecology (LEnME), Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela 769 008, Odisha, India
| | - Surajit Das
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Ecology (LEnME), Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela 769 008, Odisha, India.
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Gao Y, Wang Z, Zhang X, Wang C. Observation and estimation of mercury exchange fluxes from soil under different crop cultivars and planting densities in North China Plain. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 259:113833. [PMID: 31887599 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The emission of mercury (Hg) from cropland soil greatly affects the global Hg cycle. Combinations of different crop cultivars and planting densities will result in different light transmittance under canopies, which directly affects the solar and heat radiation flux received by the soil surface below crops. In turn, this might lead to differences in the soil-air total gaseous mercury (TGM) exchange under different cropping patterns. However, soil-air TGM exchange fluxes in croplands under differing canopies have been poorly investigated. Here, a one-year observation of TGM exchange flux was conducted for cropland soils covering five different crop cultivars and three planting densities in North China Plain using the dynamic flux chamber method. The results showed that light transmittance under the canopies was the key control on soil-air TGM exchange fluxes. High light transmittance can enhance soil TGM emission rates and increase the magnitude of diurnal variations in soil-air TGM exchange fluxes. Furthermore, we found that there were piecewise-function relationships (Peak function-constant equation) between light transmittance under the different canopies and the numbers of days after crop sowing. The soil-air TGM exchange fluxes showed a parabolic response to changes in light transmittance under the different canopies. A second-order model was established for the response relationship between soil-air TGM exchange flux and soil Hg concentration, total solar radiation above the canopy, and numbers of days after sowing. The estimated annual average soil-air TGM exchange flux was 5.46 ± 21.69 ng m-2 h-1 at corn-wheat rotation cropland with 30 cm row spacing using this second-order model. Our results might a data reference and a promising foundation for future model development of soil-air TGM exchange in croplands under different crop cultivars and planting densities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 18 Shuangqing Road, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhangwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 18 Shuangqing Road, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Xiaoshan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 18 Shuangqing Road, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunjie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 18 Shuangqing Road, Beijing 100085, China
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Klapstein SJ, O'Driscoll NJ. Methylmercury Biogeochemistry in Freshwater Ecosystems: A Review Focusing on DOM and Photodemethylation. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 100:14-25. [PMID: 29248954 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-017-2236-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Mercury contamination is a growing concern for freshwater food webs in ecosystems without point sources of mercury. Methylmercury (MeHg) is of particular concern, as this is the form of mercury that crosses the blood-brain barrier and is neurotoxic to organisms. Wetlands and benthic sediments have high organic content and low oxygen availability. Anaerobic bacteria drive the metabolic function in these ecosystems and subsequently can methylate mercury. The bioavailability of MeHg is controlled by physicochemical characteristics such as pH, binding affinities, and dissolved organic matter (DOM). Similarly, photodemethylation is influenced by similar characteristics and thereby the two processes should be studied in tandem. The degradation of MeHg through photochemistry is an effective destruction mechanism in freshwater lakes. This review will highlight the uncertainties and known effects of DOM on subsequent photoreactions that lead to the occurrence of mercury photodemethylation and reduction in mercury bioavailability in freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara J Klapstein
- Environmental Sciences Program, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada.
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada.
| | - Nelson J O'Driscoll
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
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Vudamala K, Chakraborty P, Sailaja BBV. An insight into mercury reduction process by humic substances in aqueous medium under dark condition. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:14499-14507. [PMID: 28447253 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-8979-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) reduction by humic substances (HS) in the aquatic medium under the dark condition is a poorly understood but important process in Hg biogeochemical cycling. In this study, an effort was made to provide a better understanding of Hg(II) reduction by well-characterized humic substances under dark condition. Reduction of Hg(II) by dissolved HS in aquatic systems increases with increasing Hg loading. However, Hg(II) reduction gradually decreases with the increasing total S content and oxygen containing functional groups in the dissolved HS under dark condition. Increasing major cation concentration decreases the rate of Hg(II) reduction in aquatic systems. High concentration of Ca2+ ion slows down the intermolecular electron transfer from HS to Hg(II) and inhibits the formation of Hg0 in absence of light. This study indicates that complexation of Hg(II) and HS is essential for Hg reduction under dark condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krushna Vudamala
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa, 403004, India
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Regier N, Beauvais-Flück R, Slaveykova VI, Cosio C. Elodea nuttallii exposure to mercury exposure under enhanced ultraviolet radiation: Effects on bioaccumulation, transcriptome, pigment content and oxidative stress. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2016; 180:218-226. [PMID: 27744139 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The hypothesis that increased UV radiation result in co-tolerance to Hg toxicity in aquatic plants was studied at the physiological and transcriptomic level in Elodea nuttallii. At the transcriptomic level, combined exposure to UV+Hg enhanced the stress response in comparison with single treatments, affecting the expression level of transcripts involved in energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, nutrition, and redox homeostasis. Single and combined UV and Hg treatments dysregulated different genes but with similar functions, suggesting a fine regulation of the plant to stresses triggered by Hg, UV and their combination but lack of co-tolerance. At the physiological level, UV+Hg treatment reduced chlorophyll content and depleted antioxidative compounds such as anthocyanin and GSH/GSSG in E. nuttallii. Nonetheless, combined exposure to UV+Hg resulted in about 30% reduction of Hg accumulation into shoots vs exposure to Hg alone, which was congruent with the level of expression of several transporter genes, as well as the UV effect on Hg bioavailability in water. The findings of the present work underlined the importance of performing experimentation under environmentally realistic conditions and to consider the interplay between contaminants and environmental variables such as light that might have confounding effects to better understand and anticipate the effects of multiple stressors in aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Regier
- Environmental Biogeochemistry and Ecotoxicology, Institute F.-A. Forel, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, 66 boulevard Carl-Vogt, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca Beauvais-Flück
- Environmental Biogeochemistry and Ecotoxicology, Institute F.-A. Forel, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, 66 boulevard Carl-Vogt, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vera I Slaveykova
- Environmental Biogeochemistry and Ecotoxicology, Institute F.-A. Forel, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, 66 boulevard Carl-Vogt, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Cosio
- Environmental Biogeochemistry and Ecotoxicology, Institute F.-A. Forel, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, 66 boulevard Carl-Vogt, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
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7
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Bełdowska M, Kobos J. Mercury concentration in phytoplankton in response to warming of an autumn - winter season. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 215:38-47. [PMID: 27176763 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Among other climate changes in the southern Baltic, there is a tendency towards warming, especially in autumn-winter. As a result, the ice cover on the coastal zone often fails to occur. This is conducive to the thriving of phytoplankton, in which metals, including mercury, can be accumulated. The dry deposition of atmospheric Hg during heating seasons is more intense than in non-heating seasons, owing to the combustion of fossil fuels for heating purposes. This has resulted in studies into the role of phytoplankton in the introduction of Hg into the first link of trophic chain, as a function of autumn and winter warming in the coastal zone of the lagoon. The studies were conducted at two stations in the coastal zone of the southern Baltic, in the Puck Lagoon, between December 2011 and May 2013. The obtained results show that, in the estuary region, the lack of ice cover can lead to a 30% increase and during an "extremely warm" autumn and winter an increase of up to three-fold in the mean annual Hg pool in phytoplankton (mass of Hg in phytoplankton per liter of seawater). The Hg content in phytoplankton was higher when Mesodinium rubrum was prevalent in the biomass, while the proportion of dinoflagellates was small.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Bełdowska
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Environmental Protection Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdansk, Av. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81 - 378 Gdynia, Poland.
| | - Justyna Kobos
- Department of Marine Biotechnology in the Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdansk, Av. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81 - 378 Gdynia, Poland
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Bubach D, Catán SP, Di Fonzo C, Dopchiz L, Arribére M, Ansaldo M. Elemental composition of Usnea sp lichen from Potter Peninsula, 25 de Mayo (King George) Island, Antarctica. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 210:238-245. [PMID: 26741560 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.11.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Several pollutants, which include metals, are present in the Antarctic atmosphere, snow, marine and terrestrial organisms. This work reports the elements incorporated by Usnea sp thalli in Potter Peninsula, 25 de Mayo (King George) Island, South Shetlands, Antarctica. Geological origin was analyzed as possible sources of elements. For this purpose, correlations were done using a geochemical tracer, principal component analysis and enrichment factors were computed. Lithophile elements from particulate matter were present in most of the sampling sites. Bromine, Se and Hg showed the highest enrichment factors suggesting other sources than the particulate matter. Mercury values found in Usnea sp were in the same range as those reported for Deception Island (South Shetlands) and remote areas from the Patagonia Andes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Bubach
- Laboratorio de Análisis por Activación Neutrónica, Centro Atómico Bariloche (CAB), Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Bustillo km 9.5, (8400) Bariloche, Argentina.
| | - Soledad Perez Catán
- Laboratorio de Análisis por Activación Neutrónica, Centro Atómico Bariloche (CAB), Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Bustillo km 9.5, (8400) Bariloche, Argentina.
| | - Carla Di Fonzo
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiología y Ecotoxicología, Instituto Antártico Argentino DNA, Cerrito 1248 (1010) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Laura Dopchiz
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiología y Ecotoxicología, Instituto Antártico Argentino DNA, Cerrito 1248 (1010) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Argentina JF Kennedy, Sarmiento 4562, (1197), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Maria Arribére
- Laboratorio de Análisis por Activación Neutrónica, Centro Atómico Bariloche (CAB), Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Av. Bustillo km 9.5, (8400) Bariloche, Argentina.
| | - Martin Ansaldo
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiología y Ecotoxicología, Instituto Antártico Argentino DNA, Cerrito 1248 (1010) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Argentina JF Kennedy, Sarmiento 4562, (1197), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Saniewska D, Bełdowska M, Bełdowski J, Saniewski M, Szubska M, Romanowski A, Falkowska L. The impact of land use and season on the riverine transport of mercury into the marine coastal zone. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2014; 186:7593-604. [PMID: 25085426 PMCID: PMC4183890 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-3950-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
In Mediterranean seas and coastal zones, rivers can be the main source of mercury (Hg). Catchment management therefore affects the load of Hg reaching the sea with surface runoff. The major freshwater inflows to the Baltic Sea consist of large rivers. However, their systems are complex and identification of factors affecting the outflow of Hg from its catchments is difficult. For this reason, a study into the impact of watershed land use and season on mercury biogeochemistry and transport in rivers was performed along two small rivers which may be considered typical of the southern Baltic region. Neither of these rivers are currently impacted by industrial effluents, thus allowing assessment of the influence of catchment terrain and season on Hg geochemistry. The study was performed between June 2008 and May 2009 at 13 sampling points situated at different terrain types within the catchments (forest, wetland, agriculture and urban). Hg analyses were conducted by CVAFS. Arable land erosion was found to be an important source of Hg to the aquatic system, similar to urban areas. Furthermore, inflows of untreated storm water discharge resulted in a fivefold increase of Hg concentration in the rivers. The highest Hg concentration in the urban runoff was observed with the greatest amount of precipitation during summer. Moderate rainfalls enhance the inflow of bioavailable dissolved mercury into water bodies. Despite the lack of industrial effluents entering the rivers directly, the sub-catchments with anthropogenic land use were important sources of Hg in the rivers. This was caused by elution of metal, deposited in soils over the past decades, into the rivers. The obtained results are especially important in the light of recent environmental conscience regulations, enforcing the decrease of pollution by Baltic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Saniewska
- Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdansk, Al. Pilsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bełdowska
- Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdansk, Al. Pilsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Jacek Bełdowski
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Powstancow Warszawy 55a, 81-712 Sopot, Poland
| | - Michał Saniewski
- Maritime Branch, Institute of Meteorology and Water Management, National Research Institute, ul. Waszyngtona 42, 81-342 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Marta Szubska
- Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdansk, Al. Pilsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Powstancow Warszawy 55a, 81-712 Sopot, Poland
| | - Andrzej Romanowski
- Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdansk, Al. Pilsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
- Maritime Institute, ul. Długi Targ , 80-830 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Lucyna Falkowska
- Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdansk, Al. Pilsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
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Saniewska D, Bełdowska M, Bełdowski J, Jędruch A, Saniewski M, Falkowska L. Mercury loads into the sea associated with extreme flood. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2014; 191:93-100. [PMID: 24816201 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Floods are an important factor determining riverine pollution loads, including toxic mercury (Hg). The impact of the Vistula River flood in 2010, which was the biggest one recorded in 160 years and its influence on marine environment was studied. Mercury concentration was analyzed in river and sea water, suspended matter, phytoplankton and sea surface sediment. Flood and gulf water contained several times higher concentration of Hg (exceeded reference values safe for aquatic organisms) than before or after the flood. In 2010 the Vistula introduced into the Baltic ca. 1576 kg of Hg, of which 75% can be attributed to the flood water. Increase of water temperature, decrease of oxygen content contended increasing of dissolved mercury concentration, which was transported far into the Baltic. This phenomenon led to an increase of Hg concentration in phytoplankton and during many months in surface sediments. It is a potential threat to marine organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Saniewska
- Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdańsk, Av. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bełdowska
- Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdańsk, Av. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland.
| | - Jacek Bełdowski
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Science, Sopot, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Jędruch
- Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdańsk, Av. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Michał Saniewski
- Institute of Meteorology and Water Management - National Research Institute, Maritime Branch, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Lucyna Falkowska
- Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdańsk, Av. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
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11
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He F, Zheng W, Liang L, Gu B. Mercury photolytic transformation affected by low-molecular-weight natural organics in water. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 416:429-435. [PMID: 22225824 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.11.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Revised: 11/23/2011] [Accepted: 11/29/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Mechanisms by which dissolved organic matter (DOM) mediates the photochemical reduction of Hg(II) in aquatic ecosystems are not fully understood, owing to the heterogeneous nature and complex structural properties of DOM. In this work, naturally occurring aromatic compounds including salicylic, 4-hydrobenzoic, anthranilic, 4-aminobenzoic, and phthalic acid were systematically studied as surrogates for DOM in order to gain an improved mechanistic understanding of these compounds in the photoreduction of Hg(II) in water. We show that the photoreduction rates of Hg(II) are influenced not only by the substituent functional groups such as -OH, -NH(2) and -COOH on the benzene ring, but also the positioning of these functional groups on the ring structure. The Hg(II) photoreduction rate decreases in the order anthranilic acid>salicylic acid>phthalic acid according to the presence of the -NH(2), -OH, -COOH functional groups on benzoic acid. The substitution position of the functional groups affects reduction rates in the order anthranilic acid>4-aminobenzoic acid and salicylic acid>4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Reduction rates correlate strongly with ultraviolet (UV) absorption of these compounds and their concentrations, suggesting that the formation of organic free radicals during photolysis of these compounds is responsible for Hg(II) photoreduction. These results provide insight into the role of low-molecular-weight organic compounds and possibly DOM in Hg photoredox transformation and may thus have important implications for understanding Hg geochemical cycling in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng He
- Environmental Science Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, USA
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12
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Quinones JL, Carpi A. An investigation of the kinetic processes influencing mercury emissions from sand and soil samples of varying thickness. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2011; 40:647-652. [PMID: 21520771 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2010.0327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Mercury flux from HgCl2-treated sand and untreated soil samples of varying thickness (0.5-15 mm) were measured in dark and light under a Teflon dynamic flux chamber. Mean emissions over a 5.5-d sampling period showed an increase with depth for sand samples between 0.5 and 2 mm, but increasing depth above 2 mm had no effect. First-order kinetic models showed strong goodness of fit to the data and explained a high degree ofvariability in the emissions profile of all sand samples (R = 0.70-0.98). Soil samples showed an initial emissions peak that was not correlated with depth, suggesting a very shallow process at work. However, longer-term "baseline" emissions, measured as mean emissions between days 4.5 and 5.5, did show a relationship with depth. First-order kinetic models showed good fit for soil samples up to 4 mm thick (R2 = 0.66-0.91); however, thicker samples did not show a consistent fit to first- or second-order kinetic models (1 degree R2 = 0.00-0.46; 2 degree R2 = 0.00-0.54). The data suggest that mercury emissions from soil samples may follow a multicomponent model for which more
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason L Quinones
- Dep. of Sciences, John Jay College, The City Univ. of New York, 445 West 59th St., New York, NY 10019, USA
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Saniewska D, Beldowska M, Beldowski J, Saniewski M, Kwaśniak J, Falkowska L. Distribution of mercury in different environmental compartments in the aquatic ecosystem of the coastal zone of the Southern Baltic Sea. J Environ Sci (China) 2010; 22:1144-50. [PMID: 21179950 DOI: 10.1016/s1001-0742(09)60230-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterize mercury (Hg) contamination in the coastal waters of the Southern Baltic Sea, and to investigate transformations of Hg in the initial links of the marine food chain. Concentrations of Hg in water, particulate matter, plankton and macrophytes at various stations in the coastal zone (a bay with restricted water exchange, near an industrial city, river mouths, and the open sea) were measured in 2006-2008. Hg concentrations observed in the Southern Baltic varied greatly, showing the highest average values in all environmental compartments near the river mouths. In shallow, sheltered parts of the gulf, where water exchange is restricted, Hg concentrations in the water and in macrophytes were elevated relative to those in the coastal zone of the deeper part of the bay and in the open Baltic. Distance to the river mouth, terrestrial runoff, and quantity and quality of organic matter were more important than seasonal variations in controlling Hg and HgSPM concentrations in water samples. Mercury concentrations in the surface microlayer at the air/sea interface were over 10 times higher than those in the bulk surface water. Concentrations of Hg in macrophytes in the winter were significantly higher than those in the warm seasons (spring, summer, autumn). This was probably the combined effect of higher availability of Hg in porewaters and leaf growth inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Saniewska
- Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdansk, Al. Pilsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland.
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Perera CO, Yen GM. Functional Properties of Carotenoids in Human Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD PROPERTIES 2007. [DOI: 10.1080/10942910601045271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Zepp RG, Erickson DJ, Paul ND, Sulzberger B. Interactive effects of solar UV radiation and climate change on biogeochemical cycling. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2007; 6:286-300. [PMID: 17344963 DOI: 10.1039/b700021a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
This report assesses research on the interactions of UV radiation (280-400 nm) and global climate change with global biogeochemical cycles at the Earth's surface. The effects of UV-B (280-315 nm), which are dependent on the stratospheric ozone layer, on biogeochemical cycles are often linked to concurrent exposure to UV-A radiation (315-400 nm), which is influenced by global climate change. These interactions involving UV radiation (the combination of UV-B and UV-A) are central to the prediction and evaluation of future Earth environmental conditions. There is increasing evidence that elevated UV-B radiation has significant effects on the terrestrial biosphere with implications for the cycling of carbon, nitrogen and other elements. The cycling of carbon and inorganic nutrients such as nitrogen can be affected by UV-B-mediated changes in communities of soil organisms, probably due to the effects of UV-B radiation on plant root exudation and/or the chemistry of dead plant material falling to the soil. In arid environments direct photodegradation can play a major role in the decay of plant litter, and UV-B radiation is responsible for a significant part of this photodegradation. UV-B radiation strongly influences aquatic carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and metals cycling that affect a wide range of life processes. UV-B radiation changes the biological availability of dissolved organic matter to microorganisms, and accelerates its transformation into dissolved inorganic carbon and nitrogen, including carbon dioxide and ammonium. The coloured part of dissolved organic matter (CDOM) controls the penetration of UV radiation into water bodies, but CDOM is also photodegraded by solar UV radiation. Changes in CDOM influence the penetration of UV radiation into water bodies with major consequences for aquatic biogeochemical processes. Changes in aquatic primary productivity and decomposition due to climate-related changes in circulation and nutrient supply occur concurrently with exposure to increased UV-B radiation, and have synergistic effects on the penetration of light into aquatic ecosystems. Future changes in climate will enhance stratification of lakes and the ocean, which will intensify photodegradation of CDOM by UV radiation. The resultant increase in the transparency of water bodies may increase UV-B effects on aquatic biogeochemistry in the surface layer. Changing solar UV radiation and climate also interact to influence exchanges of trace gases, such as halocarbons (e.g., methyl bromide) which influence ozone depletion, and sulfur gases (e.g., dimethylsulfide) that oxidize to produce sulfate aerosols that cool the marine atmosphere. UV radiation affects the biological availability of iron, copper and other trace metals in aquatic environments thus potentially affecting metal toxicity and the growth of phytoplankton and other microorganisms that are involved in carbon and nitrogen cycling. Future changes in ecosystem distribution due to alterations in the physical and chemical climate interact with ozone-modulated changes in UV-B radiation. These interactions between the effects of climate change and UV-B radiation on biogeochemical cycles in terrestrial and aquatic systems may partially offset the beneficial effects of an ozone recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- R G Zepp
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Exposure Research Laboratory, 960 College Station Road, Athens, Georgia 30605-2700, USA
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Wong CSC, Duzgoren-Aydin NS, Aydin A, Wong MH. Sources and trends of environmental mercury emissions in Asia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2006; 368:649-62. [PMID: 16405972 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2005.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2005] [Revised: 11/14/2005] [Accepted: 11/15/2005] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
This paper focuses on environmental mercury emissions in Asia and elaborates its probable trend in the future and associated implications given the anticipated socioeconomic outlook and other macro-environmental factors. Among the various regions, Asia has become the largest contributor of anthropogenic atmospheric Hg, responsible for over half of the global emission. In the next few decades, a significant increase in anthropogenic Hg emissions in Asia is likely owing to rapid economic and industrial development, unless drastic measures are taken. In particular, the dominance of Asia in some Hg-emitting industries, such as coal combustion, steel production and gold mining, provokes a serious environmental concern over their potential contributions of incidental Hg in the region. Moreover, the increasing prevalence of electrical and electronic manufacturing industry as a user and a contributor of Hg in Asia is also worrying. Specifically, disposal of obsolete electrical and electronic wastes represents a phenomenon increasingly encountered in Asia. In addition to escalating anthropogenic Hg emissions in Asia, associated environmental and health implications may also exacerbate in the region for the probable effects of a unique combination of climatic (e.g. subtropical climate), environmental (e.g. acid rain) and socioeconomic factors (e.g. high population density). Hence, much effort is still needed to understand the role of Asia in global Hg cycle and associated environmental and health effects in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coby S C Wong
- Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, PR China.
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Kraemer LD, Berner JE, Furgal CM. The potential impact of climate on human exposure to contaminants in the Arctic. Int J Circumpolar Health 2006; 64:498-508. [PMID: 16440612 DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v64i5.18031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Many northern indigenous populations are exposed to elevated concentrations of contaminants through traditional food and many of these contaminants come from regions exterior to the Arctic. Global contaminant pathways include the atmosphere, ocean currents, and river outflow, all of which are affected by climate. In addition to these pathways, precipitation, animal availability, UV radiation, cryosphere degradation and human industrial activities in the North are also affected by climate change. The processes governing contaminant behaviour in both the physical and biological environment are complex and therefore, in order to understand how climate change will affect the exposure of northern people to contaminants, we must have a better understanding of the processes that influence how contaminants behave in the Arctic environment. Furthermore, to predict changes in contaminant levels, we need to first have a good understanding of current contaminant levels in the Arctic environment, biota and human populations. For this reason, it is critical that both spatial and temporal trends in contaminant levels are monitored in the environment, biota and human populations from all the Arctic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa D Kraemer
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique-Eau, Terre, Environnement, Université du Québec, Québec, Canada.
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