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Li Z, Tong Y, Wu Z, Liao B, Liu G, Xia L, Liu C, Zhao L. Management strategies to reduce microbial mercury methylation in constructed wetlands: Potential routes and future challenges. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2025; 491:138009. [PMID: 40132266 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138009] [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: 12/26/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2025] [Accepted: 03/18/2025] [Indexed: 03/27/2025]
Abstract
Constructed wetlands (CWs) are widely recognized as the potential hotspots for producing highly toxic methylmercury (MeHg). This presents an obstacle to the widespread application of CWs. A comprehensive discussion on strategies to control mercury methylation in CWs is currently lacking. This review highlighted the potential impacts of differences in oxygen supply and consumption in various CWs, the characteristics of influent quality, the interactions between different substrates and mercury (including mercury adsorption, reduction), and plants on microbial mercury methylation in CWs. We also proposed the potential strategies for human intervention in regulating or controlling microbial mercury methylation in CWs, including oxygenation, nitrate inhibition, selection of substrates with high adsorption capacity, weak reducibility and low organic matter release, and plant management. Knowledge summarized in this review would help achieve a comprehensive understanding of various research gaps in previous studies and point out future research directions by focusing on CWs types, influent quality, substrates selection and plants management, to reduce the mercury methylation in CWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhike Li
- School of Environment and Resources, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621000, China; Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China.
| | - Yindong Tong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Zhengyu Wu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Bing Liao
- Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
| | - Guo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Synergetic Control and Joint Remediation for Soil & Water Pollution, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China.
| | - Lei Xia
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, Leuven 3001, Belgium
| | - Chang Liu
- School of Environment and Resources, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621000, China
| | - Li Zhao
- School of Environment and Resources, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621000, China
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Wang Q, Li R, Zhang X, Li T, Jin C, Zou W, Cao Z. Chlorination treatment actuated structural reconstitution and aggravated toxicity of molybdenum disulfide nanosheets to freshwater algae. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2025; 491:137919. [PMID: 40088668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137919] [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: 12/10/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2025] [Accepted: 03/10/2025] [Indexed: 03/17/2025]
Abstract
The extensive application of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets in various fields involving in water treatment inevitably results in their release into wastewater treatment plants, and eventually into aquatic environments following disinfection. However, little is known about the transformations and toxicity evolution of MoS2 during chlorination. This study discovered that MoS2 is unstable to NaClO exposure, and more soluble ions are released under UV/NaClO co-treatment due to the generation of •OH and chlorine radicals. Compared to NaClO alone, UV/NaClO treatment caused significant structural disorder and compositional alterations in MoS2 (oxidation and chlorine incorporation), reducing its colloidal stability and hydrophilicity. Relative to pristine MoS2, chlorinated MoS2 showed stronger toxic effects against algae, including strengthened envelopment, morphological shrinkage and inner membrane collapse. Chlorination clearly intensified the abiotic and biotic ROS-dependent oxidative stress of MoS2, leading to exacerbated cell growth (34.6 % at 10 μg/mL) and photosynthesis inhibition, and membrane damage. Metabolomics confirmed the aggravated toxicity of chlorinated MoS2 in terms of the down-regulation of carbohydrates, amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and TCA cycle. This study underlines the significant role of chlorination processes in modifying MoS2 ecotoxicity and proposes the necessity to systematically assess the risks of MoS2-based nanomaterials while developing water treatment processes accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory of Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Rui Li
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory of Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Xingli Zhang
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory of Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Tengfei Li
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory of Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Caixia Jin
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory of Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Wei Zou
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory of Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Zhiguo Cao
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory of Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China; Huanghuai Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China.
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3
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Li Y, Li H, Liang X, Lin G, Xu D, Gao Y, Zhu L, Zhao J. Crystalline phase regulates transformation and methylation of mercury sulfide nanoparticles in paddy systems. WATER RESEARCH 2025; 279:123496. [PMID: 40106862 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2025.123496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2025] [Revised: 02/28/2025] [Accepted: 03/12/2025] [Indexed: 03/22/2025]
Abstract
Mercury sulfide nanoparticles (HgSNPs) represent an important source of bioavailable mercury (Hg) for microbial methylation in paddy systems, depending on their size and crystalline phases. However, little is known about the phase compositions of HgSNPs in Hg-contaminated paddy fields with dynamically changed redox conditions, their transformation, and methylation potential. Applying transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and synchrotron radiation X-ray absorption spectroscopy (SR-XAS), we found β-HgSNPs as the predominant Hg species in newly contaminated areas, whereas α-HgSNPs dominated in paddies near mining areas. Subsequent incubation assays indicated minimal phase transformation between α-HgSNPs and β-HgSNPs in simulated paddy systems, suggesting their high stability under natural conditions. Compared to α-HgSNPs, β-HgSNPs exhibited a higher methylation potential, as evidenced by greater production of methylmercury (MeHg) and elevated levels of Sn(II)-reducible Hg(II), a proxy for bioavailable Hg. Further experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the higher bioavailability of β-HgSNPs is closely linked to their crystalline phases and higher atomic binding energy for Hg2+ adsorption, as compared to α-HgSNPs. This study, for the first time, unravels the significance of the crystalline phase in governing the bioavailability of HgSNPs in paddy fields and provides novel insights into the ecological risk of HgS in wetland-like ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyun Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ecology-Toxicological Effects & Control for Emerging Contaminants, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Information Atlas, College of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Putian University, Putian 351100, PR China; Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Hong Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Xujun Liang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China.
| | - Guoming Lin
- Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117557, Singapore
| | - Diandou Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Yuxi Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Lizhong Zhu
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Jiating Zhao
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China; CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China.
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Tong X, Hou SL, Yuan YX, Zhang ZH, Liu Y, Alvarez PJJ, Chen W, Zhang T. Sequestering Mercury in Cation Traps of Iron-Phosphate Framework via Isomorphous Substitution Minimizes Microbial Methylation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2025. [PMID: 40408547 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c11826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2025]
Abstract
A critical consideration for the design of mercury (Hg)-removal materials is preventing microbial methylation of accumulated Hg, a process that forms the highly neurotoxic and bioaccumulative methylmercury (MeHg) during material disposal or post in situ remediation. Inspired by how natural minerals incorporate Hg impurities within crystalline structures through isomorphous substitution, we design an iron-phosphate framework (NH4)Fe2(PO4)2(OH)·2H2O (denoted as NFP) for highly effective Hg sequestration. With its large quantities of negatively charged oxygen-rich channels, NFP effectively attracts Hg and physically entraps the ions by forming Hg-O coordination bonds. Thus, NFP renders fast kinetics and high capacity for Hg adsorption, ensuring extremely low Hg release and minimal microbial methylation potential. Regulating crystal facets decreases the ion exchange energy between NFP and Hg2+, further enhancing the effectiveness of NFP. Notably, mimicking natural mineral formation not only endows NFP with high environmental compatibility and versatility. This bionic design offers a new strategy for tackling environmental pollution while avoiding generating secondary problems of even greater health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Tong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Sheng-Li Hou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yu-Xin Yuan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Zhan-Hua Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yaqi Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Pedro J J Alvarez
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Rice WaTER Institute, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Wei Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China
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5
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Zhang J, Lei P, Zhong H, Zou N, Tsui MTK, Mitchell CPJ, Li C, Cai W, Meng H, He H, Dang F. Autochthonous DOM governs the occurrence and methylation of mercury-containing nanoparticles in urban river water: An integrated study of field investigations and laboratory experiments. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2025; 494:138666. [PMID: 40412326 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2025] [Revised: 05/10/2025] [Accepted: 05/17/2025] [Indexed: 05/27/2025]
Abstract
The methylation of mercury-containing nanoparticles (Hg-NPs) into neurotoxic methylmercury (MeHg) poses threats to wildlife and humans. However, how autochthonous dissolved organic matter (DOM) affects the occurrence and MeHg production of Hg-NPs remains poorly understood. In this study, the distribution of Hg-NPs and their interactions with autochthonous DOM in the Nanfei River, an urban river in eastern China, were systematically explored. Field investigations revealed that mass concentrations of Hg-NPs increased along the flow path, rising from 0.10 ± 0.06 to 0.91 ± 0.21 ng·L-1, and were positively correlated with MeHg levels (p < 0.001), indicating that Hg-NPs (predominantly < 60 nm in diameter) are bioavailable substrates for Hg methylation in the river. The spatial distribution of Hg-NPs was primarily driven by the increasing level and changing composition of DOM along the river, particularly by fractions with a higher degree of humification and higher molecular weight. Laboratory experiments showed that algae-derived DOM, which has a higher content of aromatic protein, was more effective in promoting Hg-NP formation and maintaining their net MeHg production than other DOM sources. These findings highlight the critical role of autochthonous DOM, particularly algae-derived DOM, in regulating the occurrence and methylation of Hg-NPs, providing new insights into MeHg risk prediction under algal blooms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Green Resource Recycling, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Pei Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Green Resource Recycling, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Materials Cycling and Pollution Control, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Huan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Green Resource Recycling, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Nan Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Green Resource Recycling, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Martin Tsz-Ki Tsui
- School of Life Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Carl P J Mitchell
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Scarborough, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Chengjun Li
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Weiping Cai
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Han Meng
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Huan He
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Fei Dang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
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6
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Li D, Li H, Liang X, Chen Q, Bai X, Zhu L, Gao Y, Zhao J. Hydroxyl radicals produced from oxidation of ferrous sulfides promote mobilization of mercuric sulfide in soil-water system. WATER RESEARCH 2025; 281:123625. [PMID: 40239326 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2025.123625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2025] [Accepted: 04/08/2025] [Indexed: 04/18/2025]
Abstract
Mercuric sulfide nanoparticles (HgS-NPs) are recognized as a significant source of bioavailable mercury in paddy fields. The factors influencing the mobilization and bioavailability of HgS-NPs formed in flooded or drained paddy field-like systems are complicated and remain unexplored to date. Here, we show that ferrous sulfide (FeS) as an important mineral substance plays a crucial role in the dissolution and transformation of HgS-NPs in overlying water or during the drainage stage, as well as their bioavailability toward rice. Specifically, we found that oxidation of FeS significantly enhances the dissolution of HgS-NPs, with the degree of activation intensified with increasing FeS concentrations. This activation was further evidenced to be driven by the generation of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) during FeS oxidation, leading to the release of Hg(Ⅱ). The enhanced dissolution of HgS-NPs increases its bioavailability, as verified by the augmented accumulation of Hg in rice upon FeS oxidation. This study underscores the overlooked yet important role of FeS in affecting the fate of HgS-NPs and offers valuable insights for pollution control of Hg-contaminated paddy fields and wetlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongrui Li
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hong Li
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China
| | - Xujun Liang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Qingliang Chen
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xu Bai
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lizhong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Pollution Control and Safety, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yuxi Gao
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Jiating Zhao
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; State Key Laboratory of Soil Pollution Control and Safety, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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7
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Xin Y, Huang C, Zeng J, Zhang W, Zhou Y, Xu Y, Huang Y. Biochemical mechanism underlying the synthesis of PbS nanoparticle and its in-situ photo effect on Shinella zoogloeoides PQ7. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2025; 482:136652. [PMID: 39591788 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.136652] [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: 10/21/2024] [Revised: 11/13/2024] [Accepted: 11/23/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024]
Abstract
Metal sulfide nanoparticles (NPs) with semiconductor potentials are valuable bioremediation end-products that attract great research interests. However, biochemical mechanisms underlying their biosynthesis and photo-effects remain elusive. In this study, we found that biofilm lifestyle remarkably improved lead resistance and PbS-NP biosynthesis in Shinella zoogloeoides PQ7. Surprisingly, biosynthesis of PbS-NP required more than cysteine and H2S production. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis indicated that PQ7 responded to lead stress by changing metabolic activities in ABC transporters, oxidative phosphorylation, EPS production, quorum sensing, protein de novo synthesis, flagella assembly and antioxidative reactions, etc. The elevated EPS production and quorum sensing gene expression echoed the favorable roles of biofilm formation in lead resistance. Biosynthesis of PbS-NP required proper oxygen supply, and was impeded by adding kanamycin or using yeast extract as the sole nutrient supply. Investigations on NAD/NADH, ATP, ROS and GSH productions indicated that biosynthesis of PbS-NP was corelated with cellular respiration, energy metabolism, and redox status. Finally, we proved that PbS-NP had the dose-dependent in-situ photo effect on PQ7's growth and ROS production. This is the first report that pinpoints the role of cellular respiration in PbS-NP biosynthesis, which is essential for further mechanism study and the development of bioremediation techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiding Xin
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Department of Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Department of Resources Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chentao Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Department of Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingkai Zeng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Department of Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Department of Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yinuo Zhou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Department of Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yining Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Department of Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yili Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Department of Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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Wang J, Zhang Y, Zhou L, Gao Y, Li K, Sun S. Multiple effects of carbon, sulfur and iron on microbial mercury methylation in black-odorous sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 263:120048. [PMID: 39313174 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.120048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Black-odorous sediments provide ideal conditions for microbial mercury methylation. However, the multiple effects of carbon, sulfur, and iron on the microbial methylmercury of mercury in black-odorous sediments remains unclear. In this study, we conducted mercury methylation experiments using sediments collected from organically contaminated water bodies, as well as black-odorous sediments simulated in the laboratory. The results showed that black-odorous sediments exhibit a high capacity for mercury methylation. By simulating the blackening and odorization process in sediments, it was confirmed that dissolved oxygen, organic matter and sulfide were the primary factors triggering the black-odorous phenomenon in sediments. Regarding the influence of key factors in sediments on methylmercury formation, the batch tests demonstrated that high concentrations of organics additions (above 200 mg/L) may reduce bacterial activity and weaken mercury methylation in sediments. Under five different iron-sulfur ratios, the concentrations of methylmercury in the black-odorous sediments showed an increasing trend, the ratio of 5.0 Fe/S exhibited the highest MeHg accumulation. The iron-sulfur ratio in the sediment had a significant effect on the mercury methylation process, which was mainly due to the competition between Fe2+ and Hg2+ for sulfide sites and the adsorption/coprecipitation of Hg2+ by FeS. These findings offer a potential avenue for further understanding and controlling mercury methylation, contributing to the mitigation of the potential threat of mercury pollution to the environment and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinting Wang
- School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Lean Zhou
- School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Yang Gao
- School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Shiquan Sun
- School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Dongting Lake Aquatic Eco-Environmental Control and Restoration of Hunan Province, Changsha, China.
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9
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Wang Y, Kang Y, Dong J, Ma H, Guo Z, Wu H, Hu Z, Xie H, Zhang J. Synergetic effect of pyrrhotite and zero-valent iron on Hg(Ⅱ) removal in constructed wetland: Mechanisms of electron transfer and microbial reaction. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 480:136041. [PMID: 39368359 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.136041] [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: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 10/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/07/2024]
Abstract
Effective removal of mercury (Hg) from wastewater is significant due to its high toxicity, especially methylmercury (MeHg). Reducing of Hg(II) to Hg(0) in constructed wetlands (CWs) using iron-based materials is an effective strategy for preventing the formation of MeHg. However, the surface passivation of zero-valent iron (ZVI) limits its application. Herein, synergetic ZVI and pyrrhotite were utilized to enhance Hg removal in CWs. Results indicated that the removal of total Hg, dissolved Hg, and particulate Hg in CWs with ZVI and pyrrhotite were improved by 21.68 ± 0.76 %, 13.02 ± 0.88 %, and 22.27 ± 0.76 % compared to that with single ZVI or pyrrhotite. Pyrrhotite increased the surface corrosion of ZVI, thereby facilitating the process of iron reduction. The redox of iron promoted the generation of EPS, which could provide electrons for Hg(II) reduction. The sulfur also participates in electron transfer by driving the methylation of Hg and provides sulfides to form FeS-Hg complexes and HgS precipitation. The abundance of key enzymes that involved in iron reduction and Hg transformation was enhanced with the addition of ZVI and pyrrhotite. The synergetic of pyrrhotite and ZVI enhances the removal of Hg in CW, offering a promising technology for high-efficiency treatment of Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Wang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Yan Kang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China.
| | - Jiahao Dong
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Haoqin Ma
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Zizhang Guo
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Haiming Wu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Zhen Hu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Huijun Xie
- Shandong University Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China
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10
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Graca B, Rychter A, Bełdowska M, Wojdasiewicz A. Seasonality of mercury and its fractions in microplastics biofilms -comparison to natural biofilms, suspended particulate matter and bottom sediment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 948:174814. [PMID: 39032739 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Biofilms can enhance the sorption of heavy metals onto microplastic (MP) surfaces. However, most research in this field relies on laboratory experiments and neglects metal fractions and seasonal variations. Further studies of the metal/biofilm interaction in the aquatic environment are essential for assessing the ecological threat that MPs pose. The present study used in situ experiments in an environment conducive to biofouling (Vistula Lagoon, Baltic Sea). The objective was to investigate the sorption of mercury and its fractions (thermodesorption technique) in MP (polypropylene-PP, polystyrene-PS, polylactide-PLA) biofilms and natural matrices across three seasons. After one month of incubation, the Hg concentrations in MP and natural substratum (gravel grains-G) biofilms were similar (MP: 145 ± 45 ng/g d.w.; G: 132 ± 23 ng/g d.w.) and approximately twofold those of suspended particulate matter (SPM) (63 ± 27 ng/g d.w.). Hg concentrations in biofilms and sediments were similar, but labile fractions dominated in biofilms and stable fractions in sediments. Seasonal Hg concentrations in MP biofilms decreased over summer>winter>spring, with significant variation for mineral and loosely bound Hg fractions. Multiple regression analysis revealed that hydrochemical conditions and sediment resuspension played a crucial role in the observed variability. The influence of polymer type and morphology (pellets, fibres, aged MP) on Hg sorption in biofilms was visible only in high summer temperatures. In this season, PP fibres and aged PP pellets encouraged biofilm growth and the accumulation of labile Hg fractions. Additionally, high concentrations of mineral (stable and semi-labile) Hg fractions were found in expanded PS biofilms. These findings suggest that organisms that ingest MPs or feed on the biofilms are exposed to the adverse effects of Hg and the presence of MPs in aquatic ecosystems may facilitate the transfer of mercury within the food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bożena Graca
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland.
| | - Agata Rychter
- University of Applied Sciences in Elbląg, Ul. Wojska Polskiego 1, 82-300 Elbląg, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bełdowska
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Adriana Wojdasiewicz
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
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11
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Garcia-Arevalo I, Bérard JB, Bieser J, Le Faucheur S, Hubert C, Lacour T, Thomas B, Cossa D, Knoery J. Mercury Accumulation Pathways in a Model Marine Microalgae: Sorption, Uptake, and Partition Kinetics. ACS ES&T WATER 2024; 4:2826-2835. [PMID: 39021579 PMCID: PMC11251459 DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.3c00795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The accumulation of dissolved mercury (Hg) by phytoplankton is the largest concentration step along aquatic food chains. However, the cell uptake mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the marine haptophyteTisochrysis lutea, a model phytoplankton species, was examined for its interactions with picomolar levels of dissolved inorganic divalent Hg (iHg) and monomethyl Hg (MMHg). For both these Hg species, the study observed their successive sorption and internalization over time, yielding Hg partition coefficients as well as sorption, uptake, and release rates. These results were integrated into a time-dependent, three-compartment model for marine cellular Hg accumulation that included exposure medium, phycosphere, and internalized mercury. Assuming equilibria and pseudo-first-order kinetics between compartments, this study obtained transfer rates of Hg between compartments. The results provide insight into the phycosphere as an intermediate compartment for Hg species accumulation and quantify its role in the internalization of Hg. Ultimately, the new model and its parametrization were successfully applied to literature data showing Hg cellular accumulation in different groups of marine phytoplankton, lending confidence in its robustness and potential contributions to help model the uptake of Hg in the aquatic food web.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Johannes Bieser
- Institute
of Coastal Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Séverine Le Faucheur
- Université
de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, E2S-UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, 64000 Pau, France
| | - Clarisse Hubert
- IFREMER,
PHYTOX Physiology and Toxins of Microalgae, F-44300 Nantes, France
| | - Thomas Lacour
- IFREMER,
PHYTOX Physiology and Toxins of Microalgae, F-44300 Nantes, France
| | - Bastien Thomas
- IFREMER,
CCEM Contamination Chimique des Écosystèmes Marins, F-44300 Nantes, France
| | - Daniel Cossa
- Université
Grenoble Alpes, ISTerre, CS 40700, 38058 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Joël Knoery
- IFREMER,
CCEM Contamination Chimique des Écosystèmes Marins, F-44300 Nantes, France
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12
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Liu Z, Yang Q, Zhu P, Liu Y, Tong X, Cao T, Tomson MB, Alvarez PJJ, Zhang T, Chen W. Cr(VI) Reduction and Sequestration by FeS Nanoparticles Formed in situ as Aquifer Material Coating to Create a Regenerable Reactive Zone. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:7186-7195. [PMID: 38598770 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Remediation of large and dilute plumes of groundwater contaminated by oxidized pollutants such as chromate is a common and difficult challenge. Herein, we show that in situ formation of FeS nanoparticles (using dissolved Fe(II), S(-II), and natural organic matter as a nucleating template) results in uniform coating of aquifer material to create a regenerable reactive zone that mitigates Cr(VI) migration. Flow-through columns packed with quartz sand are amended first with an Fe2+ solution and then with a HS- solution to form a nano-FeS coating on the sand, which does not hinder permeability. This nano-FeS coating effectively reduces and immobilizes Cr(VI), forming Fe(III)-Cr(III) coprecipitates with negligible detachment from the sand grains. Preconditioning the sand with humic or fulvic acid (used as model natural organic matter (NOM)) further enhances Cr(VI) sequestration, as NOM provides additional binding sites of Fe2+ and mediates both nucleation and growth of FeS nanoparticles, as verified with spectroscopic and microscopic evidence. Reactivity can be easily replenished by repeating the procedures used to form the reactive coating. These findings demonstrate that such enhancement of attenuation capacity can be an effective option to mitigate Cr(VI) plume migration and exposure, particularly when tackling contaminant rebound post source remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhai Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Rd., Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qihong Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Rd., Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Panpan Zhu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Rd., Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yaqi Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Rd., Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xin Tong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Rd., Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Tianchi Cao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Rd., Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Mason B Tomson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Pedro J J Alvarez
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Tong Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Rd., Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Wei Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Rd., Tianjin 300350, China
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13
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Peng X, Yang Y, Yang S, Li L, Song L. Recent advance of microbial mercury methylation in the environment. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:235. [PMID: 38407657 PMCID: PMC10896945 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12967-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Methylmercury formation is mainly driven by microbial-mediated process. The mechanism of microbial mercury methylation has become a crucial research topic for understanding methylation in the environment. Pioneering studies of microbial mercury methylation are focusing on functional strain isolation, microbial community composition characterization, and mechanism elucidation in various environments. Therefore, the functional genes of microbial mercury methylation, global isolations of Hg methylation strains, and their methylation potential were systematically analyzed, and methylators in typical environments were extensively reviewed. The main drivers (key physicochemical factors and microbiota) of microbial mercury methylation were summarized and discussed. Though significant progress on the mechanism of the Hg microbial methylation has been explored in recent decade, it is still limited in several aspects, including (1) molecular biology techniques for identifying methylators; (2) characterization methods for mercury methylation potential; and (3) complex environmental properties (environmental factors, complex communities, etc.). Accordingly, strategies for studying the Hg microbial methylation mechanism were proposed. These strategies include the following: (1) the development of new molecular biology methods to characterize methylation potential; (2) treating the environment as a micro-ecosystem and studying them from a holistic perspective to clearly understand mercury methylation; (3) a more reasonable and sensitive inhibition test needs to be considered. KEY POINTS: • Global Hg microbial methylation is phylogenetically and functionally discussed. • The main drivers of microbial methylation are compared in various condition. • Future study of Hg microbial methylation is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuya Peng
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, No. 174, Shapingba Street, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, No. 174, Shapingba Street, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Shu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, No. 174, Shapingba Street, Chongqing, 400045, China.
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
| | - Lei Li
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, No. 174, Shapingba Street, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Liyan Song
- School of resources and environmental engineering, Anhui University, No 111 Jiulong Road, Economic and Technology Development Zone, Hefei, 230601, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Cao M, Yang D, Wang F, Zhou B, Chen H, Yuan R, Sun K. Extracellular polymeric substances altered the physicochemical properties of molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials to mitigate its toxicity to Chlorella vulgaris. NANOIMPACT 2023; 32:100485. [PMID: 37778438 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2023.100485] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Although the toxic effects of two-dimensional nanomaterials (2D-NMs) have been widely reported, the influence of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) on the environmental fate and risk of 2D-NMs in aquatic environments is largely unknown, and the processes and mechanisms involved remain to be revealed. Herein, we investigated the impact of EPS secreted by microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris)) on the environmental transformation and risk of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). We found that the attachment of EPS increased the thickness of MoS2 (from 2 nm to 5 nm), changed it from a monolayer sheet to a fuzzy multilayer structure, and promoted the formation of defects on MoS2. The blue-shift of the peak associated with the plasmon resonances in the 1 T phase and the generation of electron-hole pairs suggested that EPS altered the surface electronic structure of MoS2. EPS interacted mainly with the S atoms on the 1 T phase, and the attachment of EPS promoted the oxidation of MoS2. The reduction in hydrodynamic diameter (Dh) and the decrease in zeta potential indicated that EPS inhibited the agglomeration behavior of MoS2 and enhanced its dispersion and stability in aqueous media. Notably, EPS reduced the generation of free radicals (superoxide anion (•O2-), singlet oxygen (1O2), and hydroxyl radicals (•OH-)). Furthermore, EPS mitigated the toxicity of MoS2 to C. vulgaris, such as attenuated reduction in biomass and chlorophyll content. Compared to pristine MoS2, MoS2 + BG11 + EPS exhibited weaker oxidative stress, membrane damage and lipid peroxidation. The adsorption of EPS on MoS2 surface reduced the attachment sites of MoS2, making MoS2 less likely to be enriched on the cell surface. The findings have significant contribution for understanding the interactions between EPS and MoS2 in aquatic ecosystems, providing scientific guidance for risk assessment of 2D-NMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manman Cao
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, 19 Xinjiekouwai Street, 100875 Beijing, China
| | - Donghong Yang
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, 100083 Beijing, China
| | - Fei Wang
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, 19 Xinjiekouwai Street, 100875 Beijing, China.
| | - Beihai Zhou
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, 100083 Beijing, China
| | - Huilun Chen
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, 100083 Beijing, China
| | - Rongfang Yuan
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, 100083 Beijing, China
| | - Ke Sun
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, 19 Xinjiekouwai Street, 100875 Beijing, China
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15
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Wang T, Yang X, Li Z, Chen W, Wen X, He Y, Ma C, Yang Z, Zhang C. MeHg production in eutrophic lakes: Focusing on the roles of algal organic matter and iron-sulfur-phosphorus dynamics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 457:131682. [PMID: 37270963 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms by which eutrophication affects methylmercury (MeHg) production have not been comprehensively summarized, which hinders accurately predicting the MeHg risk in eutrophic lakes. In this review, we first discussed the effects of eutrophication on biogeochemical cycle of mercury (Hg). Special attentions were paid to the roles of algal organic matter (AOM) and iron (Fe)-sulfur (S)-phosphorus (P) dynamics in MeHg production. Finally, the suggestions for risk control of MeHg in eutrophic lakes were proposed. AOM can affect in situ Hg methylation by stimulating the abundance and activities of Hg methylating microorganisms and regulating Hg bioavailability, which are dependent on bacteria-strain and algae species, the molecular weight and composition of AOM as well as environmental conditions (e.g., light). Fe-S-P dynamics under eutrophication including sulfate reduction, FeS formation and P release could also play crucial but complicated roles in MeHg production, in which AOM may participate through influencing the dissolution and aggregation processes, structural order and surface properties of HgS nanoparticles (HgSNP). Future studies should pay more attention to the dynamics of AOM in responses to the changing environmental conditions (e.g., light penetration and redox fluctuations) and how such variations will subsequently affect MeHg production. The effects of Fe-S-P dynamics on MeHg production under eutrophication also deserve further investigations, especially the interactions between AOM and HgSNP. Remediation strategies with lower disturbance, greater stability and less cost like the technology of interfacial O2 nanobubbles are urgent to be explored. This review will deepen our understanding of the mechanisms of MeHg production in eutrophic lakes and provide theoretical guidance for its risk control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tantan Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Xu Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Zihao Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Wenhao Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Xin Wen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yubo He
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Chi Ma
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Zhongzhu Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Chang Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China.
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16
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Liu C, Zhang X, Chen C, Yin Y, Zhao G, Chen Y. Physiological Responses of Methanosarcina barkeri under Ammonia Stress at the Molecular Level: The Unignorable Lipid Reprogramming. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:3917-3929. [PMID: 36820857 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Acetotrophic methanogens' dysfunction in anaerobic digestion under ammonia pressure has been widely concerned. Lipids, the main cytomembrane structural biomolecules, normally play indispensable roles in guaranteeing cell functionality. However, no studies explored the effects of high ammonia on acetotrophic methanogens' lipids. Here, a high-throughput lipidomic interrogation deciphered lipid reprogramming in representative acetoclastic methanogen (Methanosarcina barkeri) upon high ammonia exposure. The results showed that high ammonia conspicuously reduced polyunsaturated lipids and longer-chain lipids, while accumulating lipids with shorter chains and/or more saturation. Also, the correlation network analysis visualized some sphingolipids as the most active participant in lipid-lipid communications, implying that the ammonia-induced enrichment in these sphingolipids triggered other lipid changes. In addition, we discovered the decreased integrity, elevated permeability, depolarization, and diminished fluidity of lipid-supported membranes under ammonia restraint, verifying the noxious ramifications of lipid abnormalities. Additional analysis revealed that high ammonia destabilized the structure of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) capable of protecting lipids, e.g., declining α-helix/(β-sheet + random coil) and 3-turn helix ratios. Furthermore, the abiotic impairment of critical EPS bonds, including C-OH, C═O-NH-, and S-S, and the biotic downregulation of functional proteins involved in transcription, translation, and EPS building blocks' supply were unraveled under ammonia stress and implied as the crucial mechanisms for EPS reshaping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xuemeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Chuang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yue Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Guohua Zhao
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yinguang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
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17
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Zhao L, Pan J, Ding Y, Cai S, Cai T, Chen L, Ji XM. Coupling continuous poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) synthesis with piperazine-contained wastewater treatment: Fermentation performance and microbial contamination deciphering. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 226:1523-1532. [PMID: 36455823 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.11.264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Open poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) fermentation is of great potential, and batch PHB synthesis with piperazine as the nitrogen switch has been realized. However, it is vital to explore the feasibility of continuous PHB fermentation with piperazine-contained wastewater remediation collaboratively. Here, an aerobic membrane bioreactor was constructed for consecutive PHB synthesis. The removal efficiency of piperazine decreased from 100 % to 82.6 % after three cycles, meanwhile, the PHB concentration was 0.39 g·L-1, 0.18 g·L-1, and undetected for each cycle. Microbial community analysis showed that Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, and Bacteroidota were the main contaminating microbes. Furthermore, three metagenome-assembled genomes related to Flavobacterium collumnare, Herbaspirillum aquaticum, and Microbacterium enclense were identified as the dominant contaminating strains. These microbes obtained nitrogenous substrates transformed by Paracoccus sp. TOH, such as amino acids and dissolved organic matter, as nutrient for accumulation. This study verified the practicability of coupling continuous PHB synthesis with industrial wastewater treatment and revealed the derivation mechanism of contaminating species, which could provide a reference for the targeted nitrogen release gene knockout of functional PHB fermentation chassis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leizhen Zhao
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Jiachen Pan
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yi Ding
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Shu Cai
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Tianming Cai
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Liwei Chen
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
| | - Xiao-Ming Ji
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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18
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Zhang Z, Zhao Z, Fang Q, Qiao R, Zhang T. Extracellular polymeric substances enhance dissolution and microbial methylation of mercury sulfide minerals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:44-55. [PMID: 36519494 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00394e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Due to the extremely low solubility, mercury sulfide minerals, as the major environmental mercury sinks, are generally considered to be inert mercury species with minimal bioavailability. Here, we demonstrate that extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), continuously secreted and released by anaerobic methylating bacteria, enhance the dissolution processes of cinnabar (α-HgS) minerals. The enhancing effects of EPS occur to a greater extent in the dissolution of nanoparticulate α-HgS compared to the bulk-scale counterpart. The released EPS-Hg(II) species are available for microbial methylation to produce bioaccumulative neurotoxin, methylmercury. This is probably due to the abundant aromatic proteins in EPS that strongly interact with surface Hg(II) via inner-sphere complexation as well as cation-π interaction. Our study discovers the potential environmental risks of "inert" mercury sulfide minerals in natural microbial habitats, particularly benthic biofilms with abundant microbial EPS, transformed to the severely toxic methylmercury. The mechanistic findings will facilitate an accurate understanding of the interactions between soft and transition metals and microorganism-derived organics, which may dictate the environmental fate and impact of these elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanhua Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China.
| | - Zhenyu Zhao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China.
| | - Qingxuan Fang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China.
| | - Ruohong Qiao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China.
| | - Tong Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China.
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19
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Barrouilhet S, Monperrus M, Tessier E, Khalfaoui-Hassani B, Guyoneaud R, Isaure MP, Goñi-Urriza M. Effect of exogenous and endogenous sulfide on the production and the export of methylmercury by sulfate-reducing bacteria. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:3835-3846. [PMID: 35953752 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22173-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant of environmental and health concern; its methylated form, methylmercury (MeHg), is a potent neurotoxin. Sulfur-containing molecules play a role in MeHg production by microorganisms. While sulfides are considered to limit Hg methylation, sulfate and cysteine were shown to favor this process. However, these two forms can be endogenously converted by microorganisms into sulfide. Here, we explore the effect of sulfide (produced by the cell or supplied exogenously) on Hg methylation. For this purpose, Pseudodesulfovibrio hydrargyri BerOc1 was cultivated in non-sulfidogenic conditions with addition of cysteine and sulfide as well as in sulfidogenic conditions. We report that Hg methylation depends on sulfide concentration in the culture and the sulfides produced by cysteine degradation or sulfate reduction could affect the Hg methylation pattern. Hg methylation was independent of hgcA expression. Interestingly, MeHg production was maximal at 0.1-0.5 mM of sulfides. Besides, a strong positive correlation between MeHg in the extracellular medium and the increase of sulfide concentrations was observed, suggesting a facilitated MeHg export with sulfide and/or higher desorption from the cell. We suggest that sulfides (exogenous or endogenous) play a key role in controlling mercury methylation and should be considered when investigating the impact of Hg in natural environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Barrouilhet
- Universite de Pau Et Des Pays de L'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM UMR 5254, Pau, France
| | - Mathilde Monperrus
- Universite de Pau Et Des Pays de L'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM UMR 5254, Anglet, France
| | - Emmanuel Tessier
- Universite de Pau Et Des Pays de L'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM UMR 5254, Pau, France
| | | | - Rémy Guyoneaud
- Universite de Pau Et Des Pays de L'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM UMR 5254, Pau, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Isaure
- Universite de Pau Et Des Pays de L'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM UMR 5254, Pau, France
| | - Marisol Goñi-Urriza
- Universite de Pau Et Des Pays de L'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM UMR 5254, Pau, France.
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20
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Ma JX, Wang YL, Chen C, Cao JT, Liu YM. Label-Free Electrochemiluminescent (ECL) Determination of Mercury (II) Based upon the Cation Exchange Reaction with Cadmium Sulfide Nanowires. ANAL LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00032719.2022.2149768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Xin Ma
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinyang Key Laboratory of Functional Nanomaterials for Bioanalysis, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
| | - Yu-Ling Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinyang Key Laboratory of Functional Nanomaterials for Bioanalysis, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biochemical Analysis, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Chen Chen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinyang Key Laboratory of Functional Nanomaterials for Bioanalysis, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
| | - Jun-Tao Cao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinyang Key Laboratory of Functional Nanomaterials for Bioanalysis, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
| | - Yan-Ming Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinyang Key Laboratory of Functional Nanomaterials for Bioanalysis, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
- College of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
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21
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Qiu Y, Zhang Z, Zhang T, Zhang P. Sulfide modifies physicochemical properties and mercury adsorption of microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 848:157802. [PMID: 35931169 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) tend to accumulate and undergo a sulfur weathering process that leads to significant surface changes in sulfur-rich anaerobic environments, such as sewage and wastewater treatment plants. Aged MPs can have a profound impact on environmental behaviors of various toxic pollutants, especially heavy metals. Although previous studies have investigated the adsorption characteristics of metal ions on MPs that are aged in aerobic environments, the sorptive interactions of sulfur-aged MPs in anaerobic environments with mercury, i.e., Hg(II), are largely unknown. In this study, laboratory investigations were conducted to study the sorptive behaviors of Hg(II) by six common MPs treated anaerobically in the presence of sulfide. Adsorption isotherms show that the sulfur aging process greatly enhances the MP sorption capacity of Hg(II). The mechanisms including changes in the specific surface area, electrostatic interactions, surface precipitation, and surface functional groups are responsible for the enhanced adsorption capacities of sulfur-aged MPs. The thiol group that forms on the MP surface plays a dominant role in enhancing the MP adsorption capacity of Hg(II), which is determined by the formation of unsaturated bonds in the molecular chains of MPs. Furthermore, the pathways of surface chemical transformation of MPs during sulfur aging have been proposed. This study promotes our understanding of the potential hazard of MPs as well as the fate and transport of heavy metals in the presence of aged MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Qiu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Rd., Tianjin 300350, China; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau
| | - Zhanhua Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Rd., Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Rd., Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau.
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22
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Lei P, Zou N, Liu Y, Cai W, Wu M, Tang W, Zhong H. Understanding the risks of mercury sulfide nanoparticles in the environment: Formation, presence, and environmental behaviors. J Environ Sci (China) 2022; 119:78-92. [PMID: 35934468 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) could be microbially methylated to the bioaccumulative neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg), raising health concerns. Understanding the methylation of various Hg species is thus critical in predicting the MeHg risk. Among the known Hg species, mercury sulfide (HgS) is the largest Hg reservoir in the lithosphere and has long been considered to be highly inert. However, with advances in the analytical methods of nanoparticles, HgS nanoparticles (HgS NPs) have recently been detected in various environmental matrices or organisms. Furthermore, pioneering laboratory studies have reported the high bioavailability of HgS NPs. The formation, presence, and transformation (e.g., methylation) of HgS NPs are intricately related to several environmental factors, especially dissolved organic matter (DOM). The complexity of the behavior of HgS NPs and the heterogeneity of DOM prevent us from comprehensively understanding and predicting the risk of HgS NPs. To reveal the role of HgS NPs in Hg biogeochemical cycling, research needs should focus on the following aspects: the formation pathways, the presence, and the environmental behaviors of HgS NPs impacted by the dominant influential factor of DOM. We thus summarized the latest progress in these aspects and proposed future research priorities, e.g., developing the detection techniques of HgS NPs and probing HgS NPs in various matrices, further exploring the interactions between DOM and HgS NPs. Besides, as most of the previous studies were conducted in laboratories, our current knowledge should be further refreshed through field observations, which would help to gain better insights into predicting the Hg risks in natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Nan Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yujiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Weiping Cai
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mengjie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wenli Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Huan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Environmental and Life Sciences Program (EnLS), Trent University, Peterborough Ontario, K9L 0G2, Canada.
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23
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Liu W, Worms IAM, Jakšić Ž, Slaveykova VI. Aquatic organisms modulate the bioreactivity of engineered nanoparticles: focus on biomolecular corona. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:933186. [PMID: 36060121 PMCID: PMC9437328 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.933186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The increased use of nanoparticle (NP)-enabled materials in everyday-life products have raised concerns about their environmental implications and safety. This motivated the extensive research in nanoecotoxicology showing the possibility that NPs could cause harm to the aquatic organisms if present at high concentrations. By contrast, studies dealing with influence that organisms could exert on the fate and thus effects of NPs are still very rare. Drawing on the existing up-to-date knowledge we critically discuss the formation of biomolecular corona as one of the mechanisms by which organisms exerted control on the NPs fate in the aquatic and biotic environments. We focused the formation of corona by exogeneous and endogenous biomolecules and illustrated the discussion with the specific example of phytoplankton and aquatic invertebrate species. We highlighted the necessity to incorporate the concept of biomolecular corona within more general framework considering the feedback of aquatic organisms and the control they exert in shaping the fate and impact of NPs in the aquatic and biological environment. In our view such broader perspective will contribute to get novel insights into the drivers of environmental transformations of NPs and their mechanisms, which are important in environmental risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, Environmental Biogeochemistry and Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Sciences, Earth and Environment Sciences, University of Geneva, Uni Carl Vogt, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle A. M. Worms
- Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, Environmental Biogeochemistry and Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Sciences, Earth and Environment Sciences, University of Geneva, Uni Carl Vogt, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Željko Jakšić
- Center for Marine Research Rovinj, Institute Ruđer Bošković, Rovinj, Croatia
| | - Vera I. Slaveykova
- Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, Environmental Biogeochemistry and Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Sciences, Earth and Environment Sciences, University of Geneva, Uni Carl Vogt, Geneva, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Vera I. Slaveykova,
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24
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Xiang Y, Liu G, Yin Y, Cai Y. Binding characteristics of Hg(II) with extracellular polymeric substances: implications for Hg(II) reactivity within periphyton. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:60459-60471. [PMID: 35426017 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19875-8] [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: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Periphyton contains extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), yet little is known about how periphyton EPS affect the speciation and mobility of mercury (Hg(II)) in aquatic systems. This study extracted and characterized EPS from periphyton in Florida Everglades, and explored its role in Hg(II) binding and speciation using multiple approaches. Results from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that colloidal and capsular EPS were primarily comprised of proteins, polysaccharides, phospholipids, and nucleic acids. Ultrafiltration experiments demonstrated that 77 ± 7.7% and 65 ± 5.5% of Hg(II) in EPS solution could be transformed into colloidal and capsular EPS-bound forms. Three-dimensional excitation emission fluorescence spectra (3D-EEMs) showed that the binding constants (Kb) between colloidal/capsular EPS and Hg(II) were 3.47×103 and 2.62×103 L·mol-1. Together with 3D-EEMs and FTIR, it was found that the protein-like and polysaccharide-like substances in EPS contributed to Hg(II) binding. For colloidal EPS, COO- was the most preferred Hg(II) binding group, while C-N, C-O-C, and C-OH were the most preferred ones in capsular EPS. Using the stannous-reducible Hg approach, it was found that EPS significantly decreased the reactive Hg(II). Overall, this study demonstrated that EPS from periphyton are important organic ligands for Hg(II) complexation, which may further affect the migration and reactivity of Hg(II) in aquatic environment. These observations could improve our understanding of Hg(II) methylation and accumulation within periphyton in aquatic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuping Xiang
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th ST, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Guangliang Liu
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th ST, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Yongguang Yin
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Yong Cai
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th ST, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
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25
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Jiang C, Liu S, Zhang T, Liu Q, Alvarez PJJ, Chen W. Current Methods and Prospects for Analysis and Characterization of Nanomaterials in the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:7426-7447. [PMID: 35584364 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c08011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Analysis and characterization of naturally occurring and engineered nanomaterials in the environment are critical for understanding their environmental behaviors and defining real exposure scenarios for environmental risk assessment. However, this is challenging primarily due to the low concentration, structural heterogeneity, and dynamic transformation of nanomaterials in complex environmental matrices. In this critical review, we first summarize sample pretreatment methods developed for separation and preconcentration of nanomaterials from environmental samples, including natural waters, wastewater, soils, sediments, and biological media. Then, we review the state-of-the-art microscopic, spectroscopic, mass spectrometric, electrochemical, and size-fractionation methods for determination of mass and number abundance, as well as the morphological, compositional, and structural properties of nanomaterials, with discussion on their advantages and limitations. Despite recent advances in detecting and characterizing nanomaterials in the environment, challenges remain to improve the analytical sensitivity and resolution and to expand the method applications. It is important to develop methods for simultaneous determination of multifaceted nanomaterial properties for in situ analysis and characterization of nanomaterials under dynamic environmental conditions and for detection of nanoscale contaminants of emerging concern (e.g., nanoplastics and biological nanoparticles), which will greatly facilitate the standardization of nanomaterial analysis and characterization methods for environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanjia Jiang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Rd., Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Songlin Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Rd., Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Rd., Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Pedro J J Alvarez
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Wei Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Rd., Tianjin 300350, China
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26
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Stenzler BR, Zhang R, Semrau JD, DiSpirito AA, Poulain AJ. Diffusion of H 2 S from anaerobic thiolated ligand biodegradation rapidly generated bioavailable mercury. Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:3212-3228. [PMID: 35621051 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a potent neurotoxin that biomagnifies through food webs and which production depends on anaerobic microbial uptake of inorganic mercury (Hg) species. One outstanding knowledge gap in understanding Hg methylation is the nature of bioavailable Hg species. It has become increasingly obvious that Hg bioavailability is spatially diverse and temporally dynamic but current models are built on single thiolated ligand systems, mostly omitting ligand exchanges and interactions, or the inclusion of dissolved gaseous phases. In this study, we used a whole-cell anaerobic biosensor to determine the role of a mixture of thiolated ligands on Hg bioavailability. Serendipitously, we discovered how the diffusion of trace amounts of exogenous biogenic H2 S, originating from anaerobic microbial ligand degradation, can alter Hg speciation - away from H2 S production site - to form bioavailable species. Regardless of its origins, H2 S stands as a mobile mediator of microbial Hg metabolism, connecting spatially separated microbial communities. At a larger scale, global planetary changes are expected to accelerate the production and mobilization of H2 S and Hg, possibly leading to increased production of the potent neurotoxin; this work provides mechanistic insights into the importance of co-managing biogeochemical cycle disruptions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R Stenzler
- Biology Department, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Rui Zhang
- Biology Department, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jeremy D Semrau
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alan A DiSpirito
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Alexandre J Poulain
- Biology Department, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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27
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Yang P, Jiang T, Cong Z, Liu G, Guo Y, Liu Y, Shi J, Hu L, Yin Y, Cai Y, Jiang G. Loss and Increase of the Electron Exchange Capacity of Natural Organic Matter during Its Reduction and Reoxidation: The Role of Quinone and Nonquinone Moieties. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:6744-6753. [PMID: 35522821 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c08927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Redox-active quinone and nonquinone moieties represent the electron exchange capacity (EEC) of natural organic matter (NOM), playing an important role in the electron transfer link of microbes and transformation of contaminants/metal minerals. However, the corresponding transformation of quinone/phenol and their respective influence on the EECs during reduction and reoxidation remain poorly characterized. Besides, it is still controversial whether nonquinones donate or accept electrons. Herein, we demonstrated that reoxidation of NOM after reduction can form new phenolic/quinone moieties, thus increasing the EEC. The assessment for the EEC, including the electron-donating capacity (EDC) and electron-accepting capacity (EAC), of nonquinones reflects the contribution of sulfur-containing moieties with considerable EDCs and EACs. In contrast, nitrogen-containing moieties donate negligible electrons even at Eh = +0.73 V. The contributions of both thiol and amine moieties to the EEC are greatly affected by adjacent functional groups. Meanwhile, aldehydes/ketones did not display an EAC during the electron transfer process of NOM. Furthermore, substantially increased EDC at Eh from +0.61 to +0.73 V could not be fully explained using thiol and phenolic moieties, suggesting the contribution of unknown moieties with high oxidation potential. The overall findings suggest that the roles of new quinones/phenol (derived from the addition of oxygen to condensed aromatic/lignin-like components) during redox dynamic cycling and thiol species should be considered in assessing the electron transfer processes of NOM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peijie Yang
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Zhiyuan Cong
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Guangliang Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
| | - Yingying Guo
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yanwei Liu
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jianbo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ligang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yong Cai
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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28
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Kolhe N, Damle E, Pradhan A, Zinjarde S. A comprehensive assessment of Yarrowia lipolytica and its interactions with metals: Current updates and future prospective. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 59:107967. [PMID: 35489656 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.107967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The non-conventional yeast Yarrowia lipolytica has been popular as a model system for understanding biological processes such as dimorphism and lipid accumulation. The organism can efficiently utilize hydrophobic substrates (hydrocarbons and triglycerides) thereby rendering it relevant in bioremediation of oil polluted environments. The current review focuses on the interactions of this fungus with metal pollutants and its potential application in bioremediation of metal contaminated locales. This fungus is intrinsically equipped with a variety of physiological and biochemical features that enable it to tide over stress conditions induced by the presence of metals. Production of enzymes such as phosphatases, reductases and superoxide dismutases are worth a special mention. In the presence of metals, levels of inherently produced metal binding proteins (metallothioneins) and the pigment melanin are seen to be elevated. Morphological alterations with respect to biofilm formation and dimorphic transition from yeast to mycelial form are also induced by certain metals. The biomass of Y. lipolytica is inherently important as a biosorbent and cell surface modification, process optimization or whole cell immobilization techniques have aided in improving this capability. In the presence of metals such as mercury, cadmium, copper and uranium, the culture forms nanoparticulate deposits. In addition, on account of its intrinsic reductive ability, Y. lipolytica is being exploited for synthesizing nanoparticles of gold, silver, cadmium and selenium with applications as antimicrobial compounds, location agents for bioimaging and as feed supplements. This versatile organism thus has great potential in interacting with various metals and addressing problems related to their pollutant status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilesh Kolhe
- Department of Biotechnology (with jointly merged Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology), Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India
| | - Eeshan Damle
- Department of Biotechnology (with jointly merged Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology), Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India
| | - Aditya Pradhan
- Department of Biotechnology (with jointly merged Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology), Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India
| | - Smita Zinjarde
- Department of Biotechnology (with jointly merged Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology), Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India.
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29
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Yu H, Yan X, Weng W, Xu S, Xu G, Gu T, Guan X, Liu S, Chen P, Wu Y, Xiao F, Wang C, Shu L, Wu B, Qiu D, He Z, Yan Q. Extracellular proteins of Desulfovibrio vulgaris as adsorbents and redox shuttles promote biomineralization of antimony. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 426:127795. [PMID: 34801311 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Biomineralization is the key process governing the biogeochemical cycling of multivalent metals in the environment. Although some sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are recently recognized to respire metal ions, the role of their extracellular proteins in the immobilization and redox transformation of antimony (Sb) remains elusive. Here, a model strain Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough (DvH) was used to study microbial extracellular proteins of functions and possible mechanisms in Sb(V) biomineralization. We found that the functional groups (N-H, CO, O-CO, NH2-R and RCOH/RCNH2) of extracellular proteins could adsorb and fix Sb(V) through electrostatic attraction and chelation. DvH could rapidly reduce Sb(V) adsorbed on the cell surface and form amorphous nanometer-sized stibnite and/or antimony trioxide, respectively with sulfur and oxygen. Proteomic analysis indicated that some extracellular proteins involved in electron transfer increased significantly (p < 0.05) at 1.8 mM Sb(V). The upregulated flavoproteins could serve as a redox shuttle to transfer electrons from c-type cytochrome networks to reduce Sb(V). Also, the upregulated extracellular proteins involved in sulfur reduction, amino acid transport and protein synthesis processes, and the downregulated flagellar proteins would contribute to a better adaption under 1.8 mM Sb(V). This study advances our understanding of how microbial extracellular proteins promote Sb biomineralization in DvH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang Yu
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xizhe Yan
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wanlin Weng
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Sihan Xu
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guizhi Xu
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Tianyuan Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Xiaotong Guan
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shengwei Liu
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Pubo Chen
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yongjie Wu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Water Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Guangzhou 510530, PR China
| | - Fanshu Xiao
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Longfei Shu
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Bo Wu
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Dongru Qiu
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhili He
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; College of Agronomy, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Qingyun Yan
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Wang J, Dai J, Chen G, Jiang F. Role of sulfur biogeochemical cycle in mercury methylation in estuarine sediments: A review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 423:126964. [PMID: 34523493 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Estuaries are sinks for mercury, in which the most toxic mercury form, neurotoxic methylmercury (MeHg), is produced by mercury methylators and accumulates in estuarine sediments. In the same area, the microbial sulfur cycle is triggered by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), which is considered as the main mercury methylator. In this review, we analyzed the sulfur and mercury speciation in sediments from 70 estuaries globally. Abundant mercury and sulfur species were found in the global estuarine sediments. Up to 727 μg THg/g dw and 880 ng MeHg/g dw were found in estuarine sediments, showing the serious risk of mercury to aquatic ecological systems. Significant correlations between sulfur and MeHg concentrations were discovered. Especially, the porewater sulfate concentration positively correlated to MeHg production. The sulfur cycle affects MeHg formation via activating mercury methylator activities and limiting mercury bioavailability, leading to promote or inhibit MeHg formation at different sulfur speciation concentrations. These results suggest that sulfur biogeochemical cycle plays an important role in mercury methylation in estuarine sediments, and the effect of the sulfur cycle on mercury methylation deserves to be further explored in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinting Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Technology Lab, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control and Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ji Dai
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Technology Lab, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control and Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Guanghao Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Technology Lab, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control and Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Cai W, Wang Y, Feng Y, Liu P, Dong S, Meng B, Gong H, Dang F. Extraction and Quantification of Nanoparticulate Mercury in Natural Soils. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:1763-1770. [PMID: 35005907 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c07039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticulate mercury (Hg-NPs) are ubiquitous in nature. However, the lack of data on their concentration in soils impedes reliable risk assessments. This is due to the analytical difficulties resulting from low ambient Hg concentrations and background interferences of heterogeneous soil components. Here, coupled to single particle inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (spICP-MS), a standardized protocol was developed for extraction and quantification of Hg-NPs in natural soils with a wide range of properties. High particle number-, particle mass-, and total mass-based recoveries were obtained for spiked HgS-NPs (74-120%). Indigenous Hg-NPs across soils were within 107-1011 NPs g-1, corresponding to 3-40% of total Hg on a mass basis. Metacinnabar was the primary Hg species in extracted samples from the Wanshan mercury mining site, as characterized by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. In agreement with the spICP-MS analysis, electron microscopy revealed comparable size distribution for nanoparticles larger than 27 nm. These indigenous Hg-NPs contributed to 5-65% of the measured methylmercury in soils. This work paves the way for experimental determinations of indigenous Hg-NPs in natural soils, which is critical to understand the biogeochemical cycling of mercury and thereby the methylation processes governing the public exposure to methylmercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiping Cai
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yujun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu Feng
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Peng Liu
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Shuofei Dong
- Agilent Technologies Co., Ltd (China), Beijing 100102, China
| | - Bo Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Hua Gong
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Fei Dang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Liu J, Lu B, Poulain AJ, Zhang R, Zhang T, Feng X, Meng B. The underappreciated role of natural organic matter bond Hg(II) and nanoparticulate HgS as substrates for methylation in paddy soils across a Hg concentration gradient. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 292:118321. [PMID: 34634402 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Rice consumption is the major pathway for human methylmercury (MeHg) exposure in inland China, especially in mercury (Hg) contaminated regions. MeHg production, a microbially driven process, depends on both the chemical speciation of inorganic divalent mercury, Hg(II), that determines Hg bioavailability for methylation. Studies have shown that Hg(II) speciation in contaminated paddy soils is mostly controlled by natural organic matter and sulfide levels, which are typically thought to limit Hg mobility and bioavailability. Yet, high levels of MeHg are found in rice, calling for reconsideration of the nature of Hg species bioavailable to methylators in paddy soils. Here, we conducted incubation experiments using a multi-isotope tracer technique including 198Hg(NO3)2, natural organic matter bond Hg(II) (NOM-199Hg(II)), ferrous sulfide sorbed Hg(II) (≡FeS-200Hg(II)), and nanoparticulate mercuric sulfide (nano-202HgS), to investigate the relative importance of geochemically diverse yet relevant Hg(II) species on Hg methylation in paddy soils across a Hg concentration gradient. We show that methylation rates for all Hg(II) species tested decreased with increasing Hg concentrations, and that methylation rates using NOM-199Hg(II) and nano-202HgS as substrates were similar or greater than rates obtained using the labile 198Hg(NO3)2 substrate. ≡FeS-200Hg(II) yielded the lowest methylation rate in all sites, and thus the formation of FeS is likely a sink for labile 198Hg(NO3)2 in sulfide-rich paddy soils. Moreover, the variability in the methylation data for a given site (1 to 5-fold variation depending on the Hg species) was smaller than what was observed across the Hg concentration gradient (103-104 fold variation between sites). These findings emphasize that at broad spatial scales, site-specific characteristics, such as microbial community structure, need to be taken into consideration, alongside the nature of the Hg substrate available for methylation, to determine net MeHg production. This study highlights the importance of developing site-specific strategies for remediating Hg pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Benqi Lu
- 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
| | - Alexandre J Poulain
- Biology Department, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Rui Zhang
- Biology Department, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Tong Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, 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, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Bo Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
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Zou W, Wan Z, Zhao C, Zhang G, Zhang X, Zhou Q. Impact of algal extracellular polymeric substances on the environmental fate and risk of molybdenum disulfide in aqueous media. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 205:117708. [PMID: 34600228 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) poses great potential in water treatment as a popular transition metal dichalcogenide, arousing considerable concern regarding its fates and risk in aquatic environments. This study revealed that the interplay with extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of freshwater algae significantly changed the properties and toxicity of MoS2 to aquatic fish. The predominant binding of aromatic compounds, polysaccharides, and carboxyl-rich proteins in EPS on the 1T polymorph of MoS2 via hydrophilic effects and the preferential adsorption of carboxylic groups contributed to morphological alterations, structural disorders (band gap and phase alterations), and the attenuated aggregation of MoS2 in aqueous solutions. Electron charge transfer and n-π* interactions with EPS decreased the catalytic activity of MoS2 by inhibiting its capability of generating reactive intermediates. The dissolution of MoS2 slowed down after interacting with EPS (from 0.089 to 0.045 mg/L per day) owing to rapid initial oxidation (i.e., forming Mo-O bond) and carbon grafting. Notably, the morphological and structural alterations after EPS binding alleviated the toxicity (e.g., malformation and oxidative stress) of MoS2 to infantile zebrafish. Our findings provide insights into the environmental fate and risk of MoS2 by ubiquitous EPS in natural waters, serving as valuable information while developing water treatment processes accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zou
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, International Joint Laboratory on Key Techniques in Water Treatment, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Zepeng Wan
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, International Joint Laboratory on Key Techniques in Water Treatment, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Chenxu Zhao
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, International Joint Laboratory on Key Techniques in Water Treatment, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Guoqing Zhang
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, International Joint Laboratory on Key Techniques in Water Treatment, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Xingli Zhang
- School of Environment, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, International Joint Laboratory on Key Techniques in Water Treatment, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Qixing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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Xu J, Bland GD, Gu Y, Ziaei H, Xiao X, Deonarine A, Reible D, Bireta P, Hoelen TP, Lowry GV. Impacts of Sediment Particle Grain Size and Mercury Speciation on Mercury Bioavailability Potential. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:12393-12402. [PMID: 34505768 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Particle-specific properties, including size and chemical speciation, affect the reactivity of mercury (Hg) in natural systems (e.g., dissolution or methylation). Here, terrestrial, river, and marine sediments were size-fractionated and characterized to correlate particle-specific properties of Hg-bearing solids with their bioavailability potential and measured biomethylation. Marine sediments contained ∼20-50% of the total Hg in the <0.5 μm size fraction, compared to only 0.5 and 3.0% in this size fraction for terrestrial and river sediments, respectively. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) analysis indicated that metacinnabar (β-HgS) was the main mercury species in a marine sediment, whereas organic Hg-thiol (Hg(SR)2) was the main mercury species in a terrestrial sediment. Single-particle inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis of the marine sediment suggests that half of the Hg in the <0.5 μm size fraction existed as individual nanoparticles, which were β-HgS based on XAS analyses. Glutathione-extractable mercury was higher for samples containing Hg(SR)2 species than β-HgS species and correlated well with the amount of Hg biomethylation. This particle-scale understanding of how Hg speciation and particle size affect mercury bioavailability potential helps explain the heterogeneity in Hg methylation in natural sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Xu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Garret D Bland
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Yuan Gu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Hasti Ziaei
- Department of Civil, Environmental, & Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Xiaoyue Xiao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Amrika Deonarine
- Department of Civil, Environmental, & Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Danny Reible
- Department of Civil, Environmental, & Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Paul Bireta
- Chevron Technical Center (a Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Division), San Ramon, California 94583, United States
| | - Thomas P Hoelen
- Chevron Technical Center (a Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Division), San Ramon, California 94583, United States
| | - Gregory V Lowry
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
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