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Guo W, Liu M, Zhang Q, Deng Y, Chu Z, Qin H, Li Y, Liu YR, Zhang H, Zhang W, Tao S, Wang X. Warming-Induced Vegetation Greening May Aggravate Soil Mercury Levels Worldwide. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39140482 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c01923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Mercury, a neurotoxic substance, circulates globally, significantly stored in soils through atmospheric deposition and plant decay. Despite being deposited, mercury can be remobilized and released into the atmosphere and water, enhancing its global cycle. Recent research suggests that climate warming may amplify the remobilization of soil mercury, facilitating its incorporation into food webs that humans exploit. However, the potential geospatial feedback of soil mercury levels in response to warming remains unclear. By leveraging up-to-date soil measurements and observation-driven models, we determined the amount of mercury stored in global 0-100 cm soils to be 4.3 Tg (interquartile range: 2.5-6.3 Tg). Furthermore, our analysis indicates that warming likely aggravates global soil mercury levels, particularly in many temperate areas in East Asia, North Europe, and North America (>20 ng g-1 increase by 2100) due to warming-induced vegetation greening. Critically, observation-driven models raise the possibility that implementing ambitious mercury-emission-control schemes alone may be insufficient to counterbalance the positive feedback of soil mercury concentration, while process-based biogeochemical modeling demonstrates consistent patterns that reinforce this concern. These findings hold broad implications; for example, such feedback may catalyze mercury remobilization in land-ocean continuums and exacerbate human risks, stressing the necessity for continued reductions in greenhouse gas and mercury emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhe Guo
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Maodian Liu
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Qianru Zhang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Yidan Deng
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhaohan Chu
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Hehao Qin
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yangmingkai Li
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yu-Rong Liu
- College of Resources and Environment and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Haoran Zhang
- The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, U.K
| | - Wei Zhang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shu Tao
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xuejun Wang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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Lemaire J, Bustamante P, Shirley MH. Preliminary assessment of blood mercury contamination in four African crocodile species. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 190:108877. [PMID: 38981413 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108877] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Heavy metal contamination in the environment is an increasingly pervasive threat to the long-term persistence of wildlife. As high trophic level consumers, crocodylians are at substantial risk from bioaccumulation of mercury (Hg). Despite that they are generally well-studied and the focal species of many conservation efforts around the world, little is known about Hg contamination levels in most crocodylians. Here we preliminarily evaluate blood Hg contamination in four African species - Central African slender-snouted crocodile (Mecistops leptorhynchus), African dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis), West African crocodile (Crocodylus suchus), and Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) - from a diversity of sites and habitats across 5 different countries representing varying degrees of environmental pollution. All of our sampled crocodiles were Hg contaminated and, worryingly, these African crocodiles generally showed the highest levels of Hg contamination of any crocodylian species examined to date. Of most concern was that Hg concentrations were not only highest in M. leptorhynchus, the most threatened amongst our study species, but also in individuals sampled in what are believed to be some of the most remote and pristine natural areas left in Africa - Gabon's national parks. Our results underscore the need to better understand the impact of longstanding petroleum, mining, forestry, and agricultural industries on the entire aquatic food chain throughout much of Africa, including on the threatened species in these habitats and the human populations that depend on them for their subsistence and livelihoods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Lemaire
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Matthew H Shirley
- Project Mecistops, Sarasota, FL, USA; Global Forensics and Justice Center, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
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Zevallos-Aliaga D, De Graeve S, Obando-Chávez P, Vaccari NA, Gao Y, Peeters T, Guerra DG. Highly Sensitive Whole-Cell Mercury Biosensors for Environmental Monitoring. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:246. [PMID: 38785720 PMCID: PMC11117708 DOI: 10.3390/bios14050246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Whole-cell biosensors could serve as eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives for detecting potentially toxic bioavailable heavy metals in aquatic environments. However, they often fail to meet practical requirements due to an insufficient limit of detection (LOD) and high background noise. In this study, we designed a synthetic genetic circuit specifically tailored for detecting ionic mercury, which we applied to environmental samples collected from artisanal gold mining sites in Peru. We developed two distinct versions of the biosensor, each utilizing a different reporter protein: a fluorescent biosensor (Mer-RFP) and a colorimetric biosensor (Mer-Blue). Mer-RFP enabled real-time monitoring of the culture's response to mercury samples using a plate reader, whereas Mer-Blue was analysed for colour accumulation at the endpoint using a specially designed, low-cost camera setup for harvested cell pellets. Both biosensors exhibited negligible baseline expression of their respective reporter proteins and responded specifically to HgBr2 in pure water. Mer-RFP demonstrated a linear detection range from 1 nM to 1 μM, whereas Mer-Blue showed a linear range from 2 nM to 125 nM. Our biosensors successfully detected a high concentration of ionic mercury in the reaction bucket where artisanal miners produce a mercury-gold amalgam. However, they did not detect ionic mercury in the water from active mining ponds, indicating a concentration lower than 3.2 nM Hg2+-a result consistent with chemical analysis quantitation. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of Mer-Blue as a practical and affordable monitoring tool, highlighting its stability, reliance on simple visual colorimetry, and the possibility of sensitivity expansion to organic mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahlin Zevallos-Aliaga
- Laboratorio de Moléculas Individuales, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias e Ingeniería, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15102, Peru; (D.Z.-A.); (P.O.-C.); (N.A.V.)
| | - Stijn De Graeve
- Open BioLab Brussels, Erasmushogeschool Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 121, B-1090 Jette, Belgium
| | - Pamela Obando-Chávez
- Laboratorio de Moléculas Individuales, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias e Ingeniería, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15102, Peru; (D.Z.-A.); (P.O.-C.); (N.A.V.)
| | - Nicolás A. Vaccari
- Laboratorio de Moléculas Individuales, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias e Ingeniería, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15102, Peru; (D.Z.-A.); (P.O.-C.); (N.A.V.)
| | - Yue Gao
- Archaeology, Environmental Changes and Geo-Chemistry (AMGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Tom Peeters
- Open BioLab Brussels, Erasmushogeschool Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 121, B-1090 Jette, Belgium
| | - Daniel G. Guerra
- Laboratorio de Moléculas Individuales, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias e Ingeniería, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15102, Peru; (D.Z.-A.); (P.O.-C.); (N.A.V.)
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Liu X, Wang X, Wang D. Assessment of tree-ring mercury radial translocation and age effect in Masson pine: Implications for historical atmospheric mercury reconstruction. J Environ Sci (China) 2024; 138:266-276. [PMID: 38135394 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The tree ring has been regarded as an emerging archive to reconstruct historical atmospheric mercury (Hg) trends, but with the large knowledge gaps in the reliability. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated the Hg source, radial translocation and age effect of Masson pine (Pinus massoniana) tree ring at Mt. Jinyun in Chongqing, to assess the suitability of such tree ring as the archive of atmospheric Hg. Results showed that distinct variabilities among Masson pine tree-ring Hg concentration profiles. The Hg concentration significantly increased along with stem height (P < 0.05), indicating the Hg in tree rings mainly derived from foliage uptake atmospheric Hg. We found a distinct age effect that the tree ring of young trees had the higher Hg concentration. Besides, we used the advection-diffusion model to demonstrate how Hg concentration shifted by the advection or/and diffusion in tree rings. The modeling results showed that the advection induced radial translocation during the young growth period of tree was a plausible mechanism to result in the tree-ring Hg record largely different from the trend of anthropogenic Hg emissions in Chongqing. We finally suggest that in further Hg dendrochemistry, better discarding the tree-ring Hg profile of the young growth period to reduce impacts of the radial translocation and age effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Dingyong Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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5
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Singh A, Dhau J, Kumar R, Badru R, Kaushik A. Exploring the fluorescence properties of tellurium-containing molecules and their advanced applications. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:9816-9847. [PMID: 38497121 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp05740b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
This review article explores the fascinating realm of fluorescence using organochalcogen molecules, with a particular emphasis on tellurium (Te). The discussion encompasses the underlying mechanisms, structural motifs influencing fluorescence, and the applications of these intriguing phenomena. This review not only elucidates the current state of knowledge but also identifies avenues for future research, thereby serving as a valuable resource for researchers and enthusiasts in the field of fluorescence chemistry with a focus on Te-based molecules. By highlighting challenges and prospects, this review sparks a conversation on the transformative potential of Te-containing compounds across different fields, ranging from environmental solutions to healthcare and materials science applications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the distinct fluorescence behaviors exhibited by Te-containing compounds, contributing valuable insights to the evolving landscape of chalcogen-based fluorescence research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avtar Singh
- Research and Development, Molekule Group Inc., 3802 Spectrum Blvd., Tampa, Florida 33612, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Khalsa College, Anandpur Sahib, Punjab 140118, India
| | - Jaspreet Dhau
- Research and Development, Molekule Group Inc., 3802 Spectrum Blvd., Tampa, Florida 33612, USA.
| | - Rajeev Kumar
- Department of Environment Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Rahul Badru
- Department of Chemistry, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab 140406, India
| | - Ajeet Kaushik
- NanoBioTech Laboratory, Department of Environmental Engineering, Florida Polytechnic University, Lakeland, FL 33805, USA
- School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
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6
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An Y, Li B, Yu Y, Zhou Y, Yi J, Li L, Sun Y, Qiang Z, Liu Y, Wang P. A rapid and specific fluorescent probe based on aggregation-induced emission enhancement for mercury ion detection in living systems. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133331. [PMID: 38142657 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133331] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a harmful heavy metal that seriously threatens the environment and organisms. In this study, we combined the aggregation-induced emission mechanism and the advantages of peptides to design a novel tetraphenylene (TPE)-based peptide fluorescent probe, TPE-Cys-Pro-Gly-His (TPE-CPGH), in which the sulfhydryl group of Cys in the peptide chain and the imidazolium nitrogen provided by His were used to mimic the Hg2+ binding site of metalloproteins. The β-fold formed by Pro-Gly was used to promote the spatial coordination of the probe with Hg2+ and the formation of the coordination complex aggregates, these changes led to the "turn on" response to Hg2+. The detection of Hg2+ by TPE-CPGH not only showed high specificity and sensitivity (LOD=46.2 nM), but also had the advantages of fast response and applicability for detection over a wide pH range. Additionally, TPE-CPGH effectively detected Hg2+ in environmental samples, living cells and organisms due to its low cytotoxicity, high water solubility and cell membrane permeability. More interestingly, TPE-CPGH was also mitigated Hg2+ exposure-induced oxidative stress toxicity in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong An
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Gansu University Of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China; Gansu University Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine & Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Major Diseases, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China; Gansu Pharmaceutical Industry Innovation Research Institute, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Gansu Province Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
| | - Yongzhi Yu
- Department of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Gansu Province Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
| | - Yucen Zhou
- Gansu University Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine & Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Major Diseases, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
| | - Jianfeng Yi
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Gansu University Of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
| | - Lepeng Li
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Gansu University Of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
| | - Yongqiang Sun
- The First School of Clinical Medical, Gansu University Of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
| | - Zhengze Qiang
- Gansu Pharmaceutical Industry Innovation Research Institute, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China.
| | - Yongqi Liu
- Gansu University Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine & Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Major Diseases, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China.
| | - Peng Wang
- Chemical Synthesis and Pollution Control Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, PR China.
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Tetsopgang S. Estimation of mercury released into the environment from the uncontrolled dumping of broken medical thermometers in hospitals in Cameroon, Africa. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1332. [PMID: 37851148 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11956-6] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
The yearly mercury released into the environment from discarded broken thermometers was estimated through questionnaires submitted to medical personnel in two major cities, namely Yaounde and Bertoua, in Cameroon. Eighty-three medical personnel made up of 17 assistant nurses, 56 nurses + midwives and 10 physicians responded to have handled a total of 3216 units of thermometers made up of 85% Hg-added and 15% digital during consultations. Six hundred twenty-four units, all Hg-added and making about 19% of thermometers got broken during health consultations. This breakage led to the average annual disposal of 0.646 Kg of mercury. The mean rates of mercury release from broken thermometers were assessed to 0.056, 0.005 and 0, and 0.009, 0.002 and 0 Kg per year, respectively, for assistant nurses, nurses + midwives and physicians in bigger and smaller cities, respectively. Assistant nurses alone disposed of 73%, 27% by nurses + midwives, and none released by physicians for the total estimated of 222.52 Kg of mercury disposed of from broken thermometers by medical personnel in hospitals in Cameroon. Out of the total mercury estimated, 63.71% and 36.21% were disposed of by medical personnel in bigger and smaller cities, respectively. The circumstances of the accidental broken of these mercury-added thermometers will expose medical personnel, patients, and the public to this toxic chemical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Tetsopgang
- Association Institute of Total Environment (INTEV), P.O. Box 31314, Yaounde, Cameroon.
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Ci Z, Tang X, Shen W, Chen B. Gaseous mercury exchange between air and highly dynamic tidal flats: A laboratory incubation experiment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 335:122383. [PMID: 37586689 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122383] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Gaseous mercury (mainly elemental mercury, Hg(0)) exchange between air and Earth's surfaces is one of the most critical fluxes governing global Hg cycle. As an important and unique part of intertidal ecosystem, tidal flat is characterized by periodic inundation and exposure due to tidal cycle, generating varying hydrological, photochemical and biogeochemical processes. However, quantitative and mechanistic understanding of Hg(0) dynamics between air and exceptionally dynamic tide flats has remained limited to date. In this study, we select five representative tidal flat sediments from typical coastal habits of Chinese coastlines to perform laboratory incubation experiments for deciphering the effect of the interaction of tidal cycle and solar radiation on Hg(0) dynamics over tidal flats with different sediment compositions. We show that sediment Hg concentration, tidal cycle and solar radiation collectively modulate the air-surface Hg(0) exchange over tidal flats and highlight that the photochemistry dominates the Hg(0) production and emission over tidal flats. We find that the daytime inundation presents highest Hg(0) emission fluxes for Hg-poor sediment, but the daytime exposure is the hot moment of Hg(0) emission from Hg-rich sediments and substantially contributes to daily Hg(0) emission fluxes. In the treatment to mimic semidiurnal tide, the daily Hg(0) fluxes are positively correlated to sediment Hg concentrations. Combining our mechanistic insights on air-surface Hg(0) exchange over tidal flats and related data and knowledge reported by other studies, we discuss the implications of our study for field measurement and model development of Hg(0) dynamics over highly dynamic tidal flats. We conclude that the air-surface Hg(0) dynamics over tidal flats are extremely complex and highly variable, and a greater understanding the interactions between natural processes, human impacts and climate forcings will better constrain current and future Hg biogeochemical cycle in global tidal flats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijia Ci
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China.
| | - Xiong Tang
- Guangdong Eco-Engineering Polytechnic, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Wenjie Shen
- School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Geological Process and Mineral Resources Exploration, Zhuhai, 519082, China
| | - Baowei Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China
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Ci Z, Tang X, Shen W, Chen B. Mercury (Hg) in the "Skin" of the Ocean: Dissolved Gaseous Hg, Total Hg, and Hg Redox Chemistry in Sea Surface Microlayer and Implication for Air-Sea Hg Exchange. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:15037-15046. [PMID: 37766473 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05170] [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: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The sea surface microlayer (SML) is the uppermost ∼1000 μm of the surface of the ocean. With distinct physicochemical properties and position relative to the adjacent subsurface waters (SSWs), the ubiquitous distribution and high dynamics of the SML greatly regulate the global air-sea gas exchange and biogeochemistry. Mercury (Hg) redox chemistry in surface seawaters and air-sea exchange of gaseous Hg (mainly Hg(0)) fundamentally control the global oceanic Hg cycle. However, the occurrence and transformation of Hg in the SML have been poorly quantified. Here we optimize the traditional SML sampling system to make it more suitable for dissolved gaseous Hg (DGM, mainly Hg(0)) sampling. We then assess the temporal and spatial variability of DGM, total Hg, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and Hg redox chemistry in the SML and SSWs of diverse marine environments. Our data suggest a general DGM, total Hg, and DOC enrichment in the SML relative to the SSWs but with complex variability in time and space. The incubation experiments further reveal the complex characteristics of Hg redox chemistry between the SML and SSWs. We discuss important implications of the SML Hg cycle on air-sea Hg exchange and suggest wider investigations of the SML Hg cycle in the global hydrosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijia Ci
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Xiong Tang
- Guangdong Eco-Engineering Polytechnic, Guangzhou 510520, China
| | - Wenjie Shen
- School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Geological Process and Mineral Resources Exploration, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Baowei Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
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Ci Z, Yin Y, Shen W, Chen B. Non-conservative mixing behaviors of mercury in subterranean estuary: Coupling effect of hydrological and biogeochemical processes and implications for rapidly changing world. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 244:120455. [PMID: 37572463 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Coastal ecosystem is an important zone of mercury (Hg) storage and hotspot of neurotoxic methylmercury (MMHg) production and bioaccumulation. The releases of Hg from coastal aquifer or subterranean estuary (STE) via submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) to coastal waters provide an important source of Hg from land to seas. However, the transport and biogeochemical transformation of Hg in STEs are less quantified. In this study, we documented total Hg (THg) and MMHg dynamics in two distinct STEs (a sandflat at an open coast versus a mudflat at a bay) during two different seasons (December versus August) in the temperate coast of northern China, and further applied the salinity-based conservative mixing model (CMM) to quantify the coupling effect of hydrological and biogeochemical processes on STE Hg cycle. Our field data presented large variations of THg and MMHg concentrations and%MMHg/THg of groundwater and sediment in both STEs over time and space. The CMM results clearly displayed substantial divergences of dissolved THg and MMHg from salinity in groundwater between sites and seasons, and the concentration and percent deviations in the Hg-rich mudflat were significantly higher than those in the Hg-poor sandflat. Our findings indicate the non-conservative mixing behaviors of Hg along the groundwater flow paths of both STEs, and the Hg-rich intertidal zone could be hotspot for the production and source of dissolved THg and MMHg to coastal waters via SGD. Our results provide field evidence to highlight that the hydrological shifts and biogeochemical processes collectively drive complex transport and biogeochemical transformation of Hg in STEs. The non-conservative mixing behaviors of Hg in STEs also highlight that, for more accurately calculating SGD-derived Hg fluxes to coastal seas, we need to carefully select the groundwater zonation of STE to better represent the output endmember. Our findings also address that human activities and climate change will profoundly alter the Hg biogeochemical cycle and toxicology in global coastal aquifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijia Ci
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China.
| | - Yongguang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Wenjie Shen
- School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Geological Process and Mineral Resources Exploration, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Baowei Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
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Lemaire J. Using Crocodylians for monitoring mercury in the tropics. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 32:977-993. [PMID: 37815690 PMCID: PMC10622360 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-023-02703-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Mercury contamination is a widespread phenomenon that impacts ecosystems worldwide. Artisanal Small Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) activities are responsible for more than a third of atmospheric Hg emission. Due to Hg toxicity and its broad and elevated prevalence in the environment resulting from ASGM activities in the tropics, its biomonitoring is essential to better understand the availability of its methylmercury (MeHg) form in the environment. The Minamata Convention was ratified with the objective to "protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury compounds". Biomagnification of MeHg occurs through the trophic food web, where it biomagnifies and bioaccumulates in top predators. To monitor environmental MeHg contamination, studies have evaluated the use of living organisms; however, reptiles are among the least documented vertebrates regarding MeHg exposure. In this review we evaluate the use of crocodylians for Hg biomonitoring in tropical ecosystems. We found that out of the 28 crocodiles species, only 10 have been evaluated regarding Hg contamination. The remaining challenges when using this taxon for Hg biomonitoring are inconsistencies in the applied methodology (e.g., wet versus dry weight, tissues used, quantification method). However, due to their life history traits, crocodylians are particularly relevant for monitoring MeHg contamination in regions where ASGM activities occur. In conclusion and given their ecological and socio-economic importance, crocodylians are at great risk of MeHg contamination and are excellent bioindicators for tropical ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Lemaire
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
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12
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Ci Z, Tang X, Shen W, Chen B. Coastal streams and sewage outfalls: Hot spots of mercury discharge, pollution and cycling in nearshore environments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115536. [PMID: 37708606 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The coastal streams (CSs) and sewage outfalls (SOs) are widely distributed and direct anthropogenic stress on global coastal ecosystems. However, the CS/SO-associated mercury (Hg) discharge, pollution and cycle in nearshore environment are less quantified. Here, we report that total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MMHg) concentrations in waters of CSs (n = 8) and SOs (n = 15) of the northern China were ∼102 to 103 times of coastal surface waters and 10 to 102 times of major rivers in China and other regions. The CS/SO discharges resulted in the increase of total organic carbon (TOC) contents, THg and MMHg concentrations and TOC-normalized THg and MMHg concentrations in sediments of CS/SO-impacted coasts. The laboratory experiments further illustrated that the CS/SO-impacted sediments characterized with high potentials of dissolved THg and MMHg productions and releases. Our findings indicate that the layout optimization of SOs is able to reduce the Hg risk in coastal environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijia Ci
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China.
| | - Xiong Tang
- Guangdong Eco-Engineering Polytechnic, Guangzhou 510520, China
| | - Wenjie Shen
- School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Geological Process and Mineral Resources Exploration, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Baowei Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
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13
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Lin P, Lee PI, Ling MP. Probabilistic benefit-risk analysis of fish: Nutritional benefit versus methylmercury-contaminated risk. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115179. [PMID: 37352805 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
This paper carries out probabilistic approach to quantify the benefit-risk analysis for foods (BRAFO) of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and methylmercury (MeHg) for the people who eat the mercury-contaminated fish in Taiwan. We applied the hazard quotient (HQ) model to assess the risk of developmental neuropsychological impairment effect and the desirable dose index (DI) model to quantify the health benefits. Besides, we also applied the disability adjusted life years (DALY) model to assess the number of years lost by incidence of affected infants' intelligence quotient (IQ) and coronary heart disease (CHD) or Stroke for adult. The results of this study show that although the risk of cod and scad are higher, Taiwan residents do not need to reduce intake rate based on benefit considerations. Furthermore, according to the benefits of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), this study suggests that more intake of saury and salmon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinpin Lin
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Pei-I Lee
- Institute of Food Safety and Risk Assessment, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung City, Taiwan
| | - Min-Pei Ling
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung City, Taiwan.
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14
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Basu N, Bastiansz A, Dórea JG, Fujimura M, Horvat M, Shroff E, Weihe P, Zastenskaya I. Our evolved understanding of the human health risks of mercury. AMBIO 2023; 52:877-896. [PMID: 36790578 PMCID: PMC10073381 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-023-01831-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a chemical of health concern worldwide that is now being acted upon through the Minamata Convention. Operationalizing the Convention and tracking its effectiveness requires empathy of the diversity and variation of mercury exposure and risk in populations worldwide. As part of the health plenary for the 15th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant (ICMGP), this review paper details how scientific understandings have evolved over time, from tragic poisoning events in the mid-twentieth century to important epidemiological studies in the late-twentieth century in the Seychelles and Faroe Islands, the Arctic and Amazon. Entering the twenty-first century, studies on diverse source-exposure scenarios (e.g., ASGM, amalgams, contaminated sites, cosmetics, electronic waste) from across global regions have expanded understandings and exemplified the need to consider socio-environmental variables and local contexts when conducting health studies. We conclude with perspectives on next steps for mercury health research in the post-Minamata Convention era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niladri Basu
- McGill University, 204 CINE Building, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9 Canada
| | - Ashley Bastiansz
- McGill University, 204 CINE Building, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9 Canada
| | - José G. Dórea
- Faculdade de Ciencias da Saude, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 70919-970 Brazil
| | - Masatake Fujimura
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, Minamata, Kumamoto 867-0008 Japan
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Emelyn Shroff
- Public Health Authority of Seychelles, Mont Fleuri, Mahe, Seychelles
| | - Pál Weihe
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, Sigmundargøta 5, 100 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Irina Zastenskaya
- WHO European Centre for Environment and Health, Platz Der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, Germany
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15
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Chen CY, Evers DC. Global mercury impact synthesis: Processes in the Southern Hemisphere. AMBIO 2023; 52:827-832. [PMID: 36917434 PMCID: PMC10073386 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-023-01842-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Celia Y. Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA
| | - David C. Evers
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA
- Biodiversity Research Institute, Portland, ME USA
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16
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Rowland FE, Muths E, Eagles-Smith CA, Stricker CA, Kraus JM, Harrington RA, Walters DM. Complex Life Histories Alter Patterns of Mercury Exposure and Accumulation in a Pond-Breeding Amphibian. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:4133-4142. [PMID: 36848500 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Quantifying how contaminants change across life cycles of species that undergo metamorphosis is critical to assessing organismal risk, particularly for consumers. Pond-breeding amphibians can dominate aquatic animal biomass as larvae and are terrestrial prey as juveniles and adults. Thus, amphibians can be vectors of mercury exposure in both aquatic and terrestrial food webs. However, it is still unclear how mercury concentrations are affected by exogenous (e.g., habitat or diet) vs endogenous factors (e.g., catabolism during hibernation) as amphibians undergo large diet shifts and periods of fasting during ontogeny. We measured total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), and isotopic compositions (δ 13C, δ15N) in boreal chorus frogs (Pseudacris maculata) across five life stages in two Colorado (USA) metapopulations. We found large differences in concentrations and percent MeHg (of THg) among life stages. Frog MeHg concentrations peaked during metamorphosis and hibernation coinciding with the most energetically demanding life cycle stages. Indeed, life history transitions involving periods of fasting coupled with high metabolic demands led to large increases in mercury concentrations. The endogenous processes of metamorphosis and hibernation resulted in MeHg bioamplification, thus decoupling it from the light isotopic proxies of diet and trophic position. These step changes are not often considered in conventional expectations of how MeHg concentrations within organisms are assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya E Rowland
- Columbia Environmental Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, Missouri 65201, United States
| | - Erin Muths
- Fort Collins Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins, Colorado 80526, United States
| | - Collin A Eagles-Smith
- Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Craig A Stricker
- Fort Collins Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins, Colorado 80526, United States
| | - Johanna M Kraus
- Columbia Environmental Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, Missouri 65201, United States
| | - Rachel A Harrington
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 8, Denver, Colorado 80202, United States
| | - David M Walters
- Columbia Environmental Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, Missouri 65201, United States
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17
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Rudershausen PJ, Cross FA, Runde BJ, Evans DW, Cope WG, Buckel JA. Total mercury, methylmercury, and selenium concentrations in blue marlin Makaira nigricans from a long-term dataset in the western north Atlantic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159947. [PMID: 36336054 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mercury in seafood is a neurotoxicant that threatens human health. Dynamic rates of mercury emission, re-emission, and atmospheric deposition warrant studies into mercury concentrations in fish because many are consumed by humans and can serve as sentinels of mercury levels in the environment. We modeled trends in total mercury content in an apex marine fish predator, Atlantic blue marlin Makaira nigricans, whose muscle tissues were opportunistically sampled from North Carolina (USA) sportfishing tournaments over a discontinuous time period: between 1975 and 77 and 1998-2021 (n = 148). The model-estimated influence of marlin weight on total mercury concentration was constant across years (shared slope) allowing for comparisons of weight-corrected mercury concentrations among years. Weight-corrected total mercury concentrations revealed an inter-decadal decline of approximately 45 % between the 1970s and late 1990s and then variable but relatively stable concentrations through 2021. The mean (SD) wet weight concentration of total mercury was 9.47 (4.11) from 1975 to 77 and 4.17 (2.61) from 2020 to 2021. Methylmercury and selenium were measured on a subset of fish to address questions related to human health and consumption. Methylmercury levels (mean = 0.72 μg/g) were much lower than total mercury (mean = 4.69 μg/g) indicating that total mercury is not a good proxy for methylmercury in Atlantic blue marlin. Selenium, examined as a Se:Hg molar ratio and as a selenium health benefit value (HBVSe), showed high protective value against mercury toxicity. Long-term trends in the concentration of mercury in blue marlin should continue to be monitored to determine whether policies to mitigate anthropogenic contributions to global mercury are achieving their intended goals and to provide information to inform safe human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Rudershausen
- North Carolina State University, Department of Applied Ecology, Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, 303 College Circle, Morehead City, NC 28557, USA.
| | - F A Cross
- NOAA, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 101 Pivers Island Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - B J Runde
- North Carolina State University, Department of Applied Ecology, Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, 303 College Circle, Morehead City, NC 28557, USA
| | - D W Evans
- NOAA, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 101 Pivers Island Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - W G Cope
- North Carolina State University, Department of Applied Ecology, Box 7617, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - J A Buckel
- North Carolina State University, Department of Applied Ecology, Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, 303 College Circle, Morehead City, NC 28557, USA
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18
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Sahoo PK, Dall'Agnol R, Simões Rolo de Deus SDC, Salomão GN, Felix Guimarães JT, Angelica RS, Ramos SJ, Furtado da Costa M, Oswaldo de Siqueira J. Mercury in multimedia system of Itacaiúnas Basin, Brazilian Amazon: An integrated approach to understand its distribution, origin, and ecological risk. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023:115107. [PMID: 36702190 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study presents the first integrated study on total Hg (THg) level in surface soil (SS), bottom soil (BS), stream sediments (SD), lake sediments (LS), stream water (SW), and lake water (LW) of Itacaiúnas River Watershed (IRW), Brazil, to investigate the source and distribution of Hg in different environmental media considering contrasts of geological domains and sub-basins, and its potential ecological and human risk. Hg content in most of the soils and sediments were above the upper crustal average values (56 μg/kg), however, when compared to the legal limits set by the Resolution CONAMA (Conselho Nacional de Meio Ambiente: soil 500 μg/kg; sediment 486 μg/kg), only 1 soil sample from Parauapebas sub-basin and 4 sediment samples from Violão Lake exceeded the limit. None of the SW and LW samples (<0.2 μg/L) are markedly contaminated by Hg. The SS and BS show similar contents and spatial distribution of Hg with higher contents being registered mostly in the Itacaiúnas and Parauapebas sub-basins, which are closely correlated with SD. This suggests that Hg levels are largely of geogenic origin and anthropogenic effect is highly limited. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) results show that Hg is strongly associated with total organic carbon (TOC), loss on ignition (LOI), and SO3, indicating organic matter as the main factor controlling the distribution of Hg and this is the major cause of accentuated Hg enrichment in lake sediments. The ecological risk index revealed a low pollution risk for most of the solid samples, except 11% LS and <1.5% SS and SD samples, which registered moderate risk. Health risk assessment indicated no adverse non-carcinogenic health effect on either adults and children in terms of Hg contamination. This information will be useful for Hg risk assessment in the Carajás region and future environmental research in this direction in the Amazonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prafulla Kumar Sahoo
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale (ITV), Rua Boaventura da Silva, 955, Belém, 66055-090, PA, Brazil; Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Central University of Punjab, V.P.O Ghudda, Bathinda, 151401, Punjab, India.
| | - Roberto Dall'Agnol
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale (ITV), Rua Boaventura da Silva, 955, Belém, 66055-090, PA, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Geologia e Geoquímica, Instituto de Geociências (IG), Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Rua Augusto Corrêa, 1, Belém, 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Rômulo Simões Angelica
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Geologia e Geoquímica, Instituto de Geociências (IG), Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Rua Augusto Corrêa, 1, Belém, 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Silvio Junio Ramos
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale (ITV), Rua Boaventura da Silva, 955, Belém, 66055-090, PA, Brazil
| | - Marlene Furtado da Costa
- VALE S/A, Gerência de Meio Ambiente Corredor Norte, Gerência de Meio Ambiente Ferrovia e Porto, Av. Dos Portugueses, 1001, Praia do Boqueirão, São Luis, 65085-580, MA, Brazil
| | - Jose Oswaldo de Siqueira
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale (ITV), Rua Boaventura da Silva, 955, Belém, 66055-090, PA, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Lavras - UFLA, Campus Universitario, CEP 37200-900, Lavras, MG, Brazil
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19
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Sola MCR, de Jesus RM, Nascimento MM, da Rocha GO, de Andrade JB. Occurrence of mercury in polychaete species (Annelida) and their associated sediments from an important Southern Atlantic Ocean Bay. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:157965. [PMID: 35952874 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, the Hg levels in freshly collected polychaete species and their associated sediments were evaluated from Todos os Santos Bay, Northeastern Brazil. Additionally, it was also measured the Hg distribution along the annelids' body parts (anterior region, abdomen, and posterior region). Total Hg concentration was as follows: 13.6-144 μg kg-1 (Scolelepis chilensis, deposit feeder), 8.2-122 μg kg-1 (Laeonereis acuta, deposit feeder), 95-612 μg kg-1 (Armandia agilis, deposit feeder); 96.6-206 μg kg-1 (Lumbrineris sp., carnivorous), 75.3-112 μg kg-1 (Goniada echinulate, carnivorous), and 115-198 μg kg-1 (Branchiomma sp., suspension feeder). In turn, Hg levels in sediments ranged from 2.77 ± 0.24 to 6.38 ± 0.15 μg kg-1. Hg concentrations found in polychaete soft tissues were higher than those found in the sediments. Specific habits, feeding behavior, trophic level, and stressful environmental conditions are the main factors affecting the Hg levels in the species studied. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF), contamination factor (CF), and ecological risk assessment (Er) were calculated. The BAF values were higher than 1 for all studied species, indicating Hg bioaccumulation in the annelids, but the low levels of CF e Er showed those Hg levels present low to no significant ecological risk for the biota and benthonic organisms living in the sediments. Finally, no statistically significant difference was observed for Hg concentration levels along the polychaete body parts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Claudia R Sola
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Energia e Ambiente - INCT, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil; Centro Interdisciplinar de Energia e Ambiente - CIEnAm, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Robson M de Jesus
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Energia e Ambiente - INCT, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil; Centro Interdisciplinar de Energia e Ambiente - CIEnAm, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Madson M Nascimento
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Energia e Ambiente - INCT, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil; Centro Interdisciplinar de Energia e Ambiente - CIEnAm, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Gisele O da Rocha
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Energia e Ambiente - INCT, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil; Centro Interdisciplinar de Energia e Ambiente - CIEnAm, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil; Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Jailson B de Andrade
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Energia e Ambiente - INCT, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil; Centro Interdisciplinar de Energia e Ambiente - CIEnAm, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil; Centro Universitário SENAI-CIMATEC, Av. Orlando Gomes, 1845 - Piatã, 41650-010 Salvador, BA, Brazil.
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20
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Monaci F, Ancora S, Paoli L, Loppi S, Wania F. Lichen transplants as indicators of gaseous elemental mercury concentrations. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 313:120189. [PMID: 36116569 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Lichens play an important role in the biogeochemical cycling of mercury (Hg) and are commonly used as indicators of Hg enrichment in remote and anthropogenically impacted environments. To assess their capacity for Hg uptake and accumulation, we determined the concentration of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) in air and the concentration of total Hg (THg) in transplanted thalli of two lichen species. Lichen transplants and passive air samplers (PASs) were concurrently deployed, side by side, at 10 sites within an abandoned mining area, characterized by large gradients in atmospheric Hg contamination. Highly variable time-weighted GEM concentrations determined by the PASs, ranging from 17 to 4,200 ng/m3, were mirrored by generally high Hg concentrations in transplanted thalli of both Xanthoria parietina (174-8,800 ng/g) and Evernia prunastri (143-5,500 ng/g). Hg concentrations in the two species co-varied linearly indicating about 60% greater Hg accumulation in X. parietina than in E. prunastri. Whereas Hg uptake in the fruticose E. prunastri increased linearly with GEM, a power law equation with a fractional exponent described the uptake in the foliose X. parietina. Extrapolating the relationships observed here to higher GEM levels yielded concentrations in lichen that agree very well with those measured in an earlier fumigation experiment performed under laboratory-controlled conditions. The uptake model of X. parietina was further verified by correctly estimating GEM concentrations from the THg measured in autochthonous thalli collected from the urban area adjacent to the mine site. Passive sampling can effectively provide time-weighted data of suitable spatial resolution to quantitatively describe GEM assimilation by lichens. Therefore, the combined use of passive sampling and lichen transplants can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the role of lichens, and potentially also of other cryptogams, in the deposition of atmospheric Hg to terrestrial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Monaci
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Stefania Ancora
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Luca Paoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Luca Ghini, 13, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Loppi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Frank Wania
- University of Toronto Scarborough, Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, 1065 Military Trail, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
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21
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Fuse M, Oda H, Noguchi H, Nakajima K. Detecting Illegal Intercountry Trade of Mercury Using Discrepancies in Mirrored Trade Data. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:13565-13572. [PMID: 36149366 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04327] [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: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing international movement to phase out mercury, mainly led by the Minamata Convention on Mercury, raises concerns about illegal intercountry trade, including smuggling. This study aims to detect the existence of illegal intercountry mercury trade under the social mercury phase-out movement, focusing on discrepancies in each country's trade statistics. To analyze the trends by year and country for discrepancies in intercountry mercury trade, an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was applied to the mirrored exports and imports from trade statistics of each country provided by the UN Comtrade. The year-based ICC analysis identified a tendency to reduce the detection of discrepancies in the reported mirrored exports and imports for mercury at the intercountry level under the recent mercury phase-out movement. Through an ICC analysis focusing on exporting and importing countries, the validity of the ICC analysis was verified as a way to detect illegal intercountry trade of mercury. Our analyses detecting the illegal trade of related countries contribute to the effectiveness evaluation and custom capacity building required in the Minamata Convention by offering a data-driven method to enable the effective detection of illegal mercury trade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Fuse
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8527, Japan
| | - Hiromu Oda
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8527, Japan
| | - Hiroki Noguchi
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8527, Japan
| | - Kenichi Nakajima
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
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22
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Lemaire J, Brischoux F, Marquis O, Mangione R, Caut S, Brault-Favrou M, Churlaud C, Bustamante P. Relationships between stable isotopes and trace element concentrations in the crocodilian community of French Guiana. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 837:155846. [PMID: 35561901 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155846] [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: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Trace elements in the blood of crocodilians and the factors that influence their concentrations are overall poorly documented. However, determination of influencing factors is crucial to assess the relevance of caimans as bioindicators of environmental contamination, and potential toxicological impact of trace elements on these reptiles. In the present study, we determined the concentrations of 14 trace elements (Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb, Mn, Ni, Se, V, and Zn) in the blood of four French Guiana caiman species (the Spectacled Caiman Caiman crocodilus [n = 34], the Black Caiman Melanosuchus niger [n = 25], the Dwarf Caiman Paleosuchus palpebrosus [n = 5] and the Smooth-fronted Caiman Paleosuchus trigonatus [n = 20]) from 8 different sites, and further investigated the influence of individual body size and stable isotopes as proxies of foraging habitat and trophic position on trace element concentrations. Trophic position was identified to be an important factor influencing trace element concentrations in the four caiman species and explained interspecific variations. These findings highlight the need to consider trophic ecology when crocodilians are used as bioindicators of trace element contamination in environmental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Lemaire
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France; Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France.
| | - François Brischoux
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France
| | - Oliver Marquis
- Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Parc Zoologique de Paris, 53 avenue de Saint Maurice, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Rosanna Mangione
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, CH-3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane Caut
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC), Departamento de Etologia y Conservation de La Biodiversidad - Estacion Biologica de Doñana - C/Americo Vespucio, S/n (Isla de La Cartuja), E-41092 Sevilla, Spain; ANIMAVEG Conservation, 58 Avenue Du Président Salvador Allende, F-94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Maud Brault-Favrou
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Carine Churlaud
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 rue Descartes, 75005 Paris, France
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23
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Atmospheric Modelling of Mercury in the Southern Hemisphere and Future Research Needs: A Review. ATMOSPHERE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos13081226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a toxic pollutant that can negatively impact the population’s health and the environment. The research on atmospheric mercury is of critical concern because of the diverse process that this pollutant suffers in the atmosphere as well as its deposition capacity, which can provoke diverse health issues. The Minamata Convention encourages the protection of the adverse effects of mercury, where research is a part of the strategies and atmospheric modelling plays a critical role in achieving the proposed aim. This paper reviews the study of modelling atmospheric mercury based on the southern hemisphere (SH). The article discusses diverse aspects focused on the SH such as the spatial distribution of mercury, its emissions projections, interhemispheric transport, and deposition. There has been a discrepancy between the observed and the simulated values, especially concerning the seasonality of gaseous elemental mercury and total gaseous mercury. Further, there is a lack of research about the emissions projections in the SH and mercury deposition, which generates uncertainty regarding future global scenarios. More studies on atmospheric mercury behaviour are imperative to better understand the SH’s mercury cycle.
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24
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Wang Y, Luo Z, Liu D, Li Y. Immobilization of mercury in tailings originating from the historical artisanal and small-scale gold mining using sodium polysulfide. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:56562-56578. [PMID: 35347614 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19569-1] [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: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A series of sodium polysulfides (SPSs) with different sulfur indexes was prepared as stabilizers to amend elemental mercury-contaminated artisanal small-scale gold mine (ASGM) tailings in Hubei, China, by controlling the molar ratio of sulfur and sodium sulfides as 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1 during the synthesis. XRD, XPS, and laser Raman spectroscopy all suggested that the synthesized SPSs were a mixture of multiple polysulfides, sulfur, sodium sulfides, and sodium thiosulfate. Based on toxicity characteristic leaching procedure test (TCLP), mercury stabilization efficiency of SPSs was evaluated and proved to be more superior than sulfur, sodium sulfide, and also calcium polysulfide, with an optimal stabilization efficiency of 97.16% at SPS/THg = 1:2, SPSs pH = initial pH, and liquid-to-solid ratio = 20:7. A pseudo-second-order kinetic model was able to interpret the stabilization kinetics and demonstrated that mercury stabilization rate increased with the sulfur index in the SPSs, but excess SPSs were potentially to inhibit the precipitation of mercury. Speciation analysis results determined with sequential extraction indicated that the unstable mercury, elemental mercury, and organic-bound mercury fractions decreased respectively by up to 88.6%, 53.5%, and 26.3%. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the mercury stabilization in the mine tailings amended with SPSs mainly occurs from the precipitation of the elemental mercury, and the organic mercury fraction reduction was correlated with the decrease of the unstable mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Zhiqiang Luo
- Yangtze Ecology and Environment Co. Ltd, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Danqing Liu
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Yilian Li
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
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25
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Pang Q, Gu J, Wang H, Zhang Y. Global Health Impact of Atmospheric Mercury Emissions from Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining. iScience 2022; 25:104881. [PMID: 36039300 PMCID: PMC9418800 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is the leading source of mercury (Hg), a global neurotoxin. Past research has focused on the health impacts on miners and nearby residents; here, we estimate the risk for global general populations by employing a comprehensive atmosphere-land-ocean-ecosystem and exposure-risk-valuation model framework. Our results suggest that ASGM sources contribute 12%, 10%, and 0.63% to the atmospheric Hg deposition, plankton methylmercury concentrations, and soil total Hg concentrations at present day, respectively, and cause 5.8×105 points of intelligence quotient decrements and 1,430 deaths for global general populations per year. The monetized global health impact of ASGM ($154 billion) is 1.5 times its local impact and accounts for half of the total revenue of ASGM ($319 billion). A major spatial decoupling between the health impact and economic gains is also revealed, suggesting that intervention measures such as awareness-raising, capacity-building, and technology transfer funded by the Global North are cost-effective. Contributions of ASGM to MeHg concentrations in different organisms are calculated The global health impact of atmospheric Hg from ASGM is first revealed The health impacts and economic gains of ASGM are compared Intervention measures for ASGM are proved to be cost-effective
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26
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Wang L, Yu L, Ge H, Bu Y, Sun M, Huang D, Wang S. A novel reversible dual-mode probe based on amorphous carbon nanodots for the detection of mercury ion and glutathione. Microchem J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2022.107181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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27
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Rodrigues YOS, Dórea JG, Landim PMB, Bernardi JVE, Monteiro LC, de Souza JPR, Pinto LDCM, Fernandes IO, de Souza JVV, Sousa AR, Sousa JDP, Maciel BLO, Delvico FMDS, de Souza JR. Mercury spatiality and mobilization in roadside soils adjacent to a savannah ecological reserve. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 205:112513. [PMID: 34902382 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112513] [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: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a persistent environmental pollutant of global concern. Recognized anthropic contributions to environmental Hg pollution include fuel fossil emissions, soil erosion, and industrial and mining activities. Environmental Hg that enters water bodies can be methylated before entering the food chain and contaminating man and wildlife. We used a kriging approach for sampling and X-ray crystallography to study the pressure of road-traffic Hg emissions on soil Hg concentrations in an ecological reserve (ESECAE) in Central Brazil' savannah. We took samples of organic (n = 144) and mineral (n = 144) layers from the road-side and from the undisturbed soils at 0.1, 1, and 2 km from traffic, inside the ESECAE. Overall, total mercury (THg) concentrations determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry were significantly higher in the organic layer than in the mineral layer. The mean soil THg in the organic and mineral layers was highest at the roadside (respectively 19.77 ± 12.01 and 16.18 ± 11.54 μg g-1), gradually decreasing with the distance from the road. At 2 km, the mean soil THg was 0.09 ± 0.30 and 0.029 ± 0.03 μg g-1, respectively, for the organic and mineral layers. X-ray crystallography showed mineralogical similarity of the sampled soils, indicating Hg externality, i.e, it did not originate from existing soil minerals. Co-kriging analysis (n = 288) confirmed Hg hotspots on the roadsides and a faster mobilization occurring up to a distance of 1 km for both layers. The soil reception and retention of traffic Hg emissions are mainly in the organic layer and can impact subsoil and adjacent areas. Thus, traffic soil-Hg pollution is limited to the road proximities; THg concentrations are high up to 100 m with an inflection point at 1 km.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ygor O S Rodrigues
- Geostatistics and Geodesy Laboratory, Faculty UnB Planaltina, University of Brasília, Planaltina, Distrito Federal, 73345-010, Brazil
| | - José G Dórea
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Asa Norte, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70919-970, Brazil
| | - P M B Landim
- Geomathematics Laboratory, São Paulo State University/UNESP, Rio Claro, São Paulo, 13506-700, Brazil
| | - José Vicente Elias Bernardi
- Geostatistics and Geodesy Laboratory, Faculty UnB Planaltina, University of Brasília, Planaltina, Distrito Federal, 73345-010, Brazil.
| | - Lucas Cabrera Monteiro
- Graduate Program in Ecology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Asa Norte, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - João Pedro Rudrigues de Souza
- Laboratory of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Brasília, Asa Norte, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Lilian de Castro Moraes Pinto
- Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Faculty UnB Planaltina, University of Brasília, Planaltina, Distrito Federal, 73345-010, Brazil
| | - Iara Oliveira Fernandes
- Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Faculty UnB Planaltina, University of Brasília, Planaltina, Distrito Federal, 73345-010, Brazil
| | - João Victor Villela de Souza
- Geostatistics and Geodesy Laboratory, Faculty UnB Planaltina, University of Brasília, Planaltina, Distrito Federal, 73345-010, Brazil
| | - Antônia Roberto Sousa
- Geostatistics and Geodesy Laboratory, Faculty UnB Planaltina, University of Brasília, Planaltina, Distrito Federal, 73345-010, Brazil
| | - Juruna de Paula Sousa
- Geostatistics and Geodesy Laboratory, Faculty UnB Planaltina, University of Brasília, Planaltina, Distrito Federal, 73345-010, Brazil
| | - Bruno Leandro Oliveira Maciel
- Geostatistics and Geodesy Laboratory, Faculty UnB Planaltina, University of Brasília, Planaltina, Distrito Federal, 73345-010, Brazil
| | | | - Jurandir Rodrigues de Souza
- Laboratory of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Brasília, Asa Norte, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70910-900, Brazil
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28
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Wang T, Obrist D. Inorganic and methylated mercury dynamics in estuarine water of a salt marsh in Massachusetts, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 294:118657. [PMID: 34890749 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Salt marsh estuaries serve as sources and sinks for nutrients and elements to and from estuarine water, which enhances and alleviates watershed fluxes to the coastal ocean. We assessed sources and sinks of mercury in the intertidal Plum Island Sound estuary in Massachusetts, the largest salt marsh estuary of New England, using 25-km spatial water sampling transects. Across all seasons, dissolved (FHg) and total (THg) mercury concentrations in estuarine water were highest and strongly enhanced in upper marshes (1.31 ± 0.20 ng L-1 and 6.56 ± 3.70 ng L-1, respectively), compared to riverine Hg concentrations (0.86 ± 0.17 ng L-1 and 0.88 ± 0.34 ng L-1, respectively). Mercury concentrations declined from upper to lower marshes and were lowest in ocean water (0.38 ± 0.10 ng L-1 and 0.56 ± 0.25 ng L-1, respectively). Conservative mixing models using river and ocean water as endmembers indicated that internal estuarine Hg sources strongly enhanced estuarine water Hg concentrations. For FHg, internal estuarine Hg contributions were estimated at 26 g yr-1 which enhanced Hg loads from riverine sources to the ocean by 44%. For THg, internal sources amounted to 251 g yr-1 and exceeded riverine sources six-fold. Proposed sources for internal estuarine mercury contributions include atmospheric deposition to the large estuarine surface area and sediment re-mobilization, although sediment Hg concentrations were low (average 23 ± 2 μg kg-1) typical of uncontaminated sediments. Soil mercury concentrations under vegetation, however, were ten times higher (average 200 ± 225 μg kg-1) than in intertidal sediments suggesting that high soil Hg accumulation might drive lateral export of Hg to the ocean. Spatial transects of methylated Hg (MeHg) showed no concentration enhancements in estuarine water and no indication of internal MeHg sources or formation. Initial mass balance considerations suggest that atmospheric deposition may either be in similar magnitude, or possibly exceed lateral tidal export which would be consistent with strong Hg accumulation observed in salt marsh soils sequestering Hg from current and past atmospheric deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- Department of Environmental, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA.
| | - Daniel Obrist
- Department of Environmental, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA.
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29
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Nguyen LSP, Nguyen KT, Griffith SM, Sheu GR, Yen MC, Chang SC, Lin NH. Multiscale Temporal Variations of Atmospheric Mercury Distinguished by the Hilbert-Huang Transform Analysis Reveals Multiple El Niño-Southern Oscillation Links. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:1423-1432. [PMID: 34961321 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric mercury (Hg) cycling is sensitive to climate-driven changes, but links with various teleconnections remain unestablished. Here, we revealed the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) influence on gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) concentrations recorded at a background station in East Asia using the Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT). The timing and magnitude of GEM intrinsic variations were clearly distinguished by ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), revealing the amplitude of the GEM concentration interannual variability (IAV) is greater than that for diurnal and seasonal variability. We show that changes in the annual cycle of GEM were modulated by significant IAVs at time scales of 2-7 years, highlighted by a robust GEM IAV-ENSO relationship of the associated intrinsic mode functions. With confirmation that ENSO modulates the GEM annual cycle, we then found that weaker GEM annual cycles may have resulted from El Niño-accelerated Hg evasion from the ocean. Furthermore, the relationship between ENSO and GEM is sensitive to extreme events (i.e., 2015-2016 El Niño), resulting in perturbation of the long-term trend and atmospheric Hg cycling. Future climate change will likely increase the number of extreme El Niño events and, hence, could alter atmospheric Hg cycling and influence the effectiveness evaluation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ly Sy Phu Nguyen
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, National Central University, Jhongli 320, Taiwan
- Faculty of Environment, University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
- Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
| | - Kien Trong Nguyen
- Faculty of Electronics Engineering, Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
| | - Stephen M Griffith
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, National Central University, Jhongli 320, Taiwan
| | - Guey-Rong Sheu
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, National Central University, Jhongli 320, Taiwan
- Center for Environmental Monitoring and Technology, National Central University, Jhongli 320, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Cheng Yen
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, National Central University, Jhongli 320, Taiwan
| | | | - Neng-Huei Lin
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, National Central University, Jhongli 320, Taiwan
- Center for Environmental Monitoring and Technology, National Central University, Jhongli 320, Taiwan
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30
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Proximity to Riparian Wetlands Increases Mercury Burden in Fish in the Upper St. Lawrence River. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Mercury deposited in the Upper St. Lawrence River watershed by atmospheric deposition accumulated in riparian wetlands and is at risk of remobilization due to water level fluctuations. To examine if riparian wetlands are a source of mercury to fish, 174 yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and 145 round gobies (Neogobius melanostomus) were collected in 2019 from eight wetland and seven non-wetland habitats throughout the Upper St. Lawrence River. Mercury levels were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in fish collected from wetlands than those collected from non-wetland habitats for both yellow perch and round goby. Perch had mercury concentrations of 74.5 ± 35.4 ng/g dry wt in wetlands compared to 59.9 ± 23.0 ng/g dry wt in non-wetlands. Goby had mercury concentrations of 55.4 ± 13.8 ng/g dry wt in wetlands and non-wetland concentrations of 41.0 ± 14.0 ng/g dry wt. Riparian wetlands are areas of elevated mercury methylation and mobilization in the Upper St. Lawrence River and consequences to predators should be considered from the perspective of both wildlife preservation as well as fish consumption advisories for public health concerns.
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31
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Blanchfield PJ, Rudd JWM, Hrenchuk LE, Amyot M, Babiarz CL, Beaty KG, Bodaly RAD, Branfireun BA, Gilmour CC, Graydon JA, Hall BD, Harris RC, Heyes A, Hintelmann H, Hurley JP, Kelly CA, Krabbenhoft DP, Lindberg SE, Mason RP, Paterson MJ, Podemski CL, Sandilands KA, Southworth GR, St Louis VL, Tate LS, Tate MT. Experimental evidence for recovery of mercury-contaminated fish populations. Nature 2021; 601:74-78. [PMID: 34912113 PMCID: PMC8732272 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04222-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic releases of mercury (Hg)1-3 are a human health issue4 because the potent toxicant methylmercury (MeHg), formed primarily by microbial methylation of inorganic Hg in aquatic ecosystems, bioaccumulates to high concentrations in fish consumed by humans5,6. Predicting the efficacy of Hg pollution controls on fish MeHg concentrations is complex because many factors influence the production and bioaccumulation of MeHg7-9. Here we conducted a 15-year whole-ecosystem, single-factor experiment to determine the magnitude and timing of reductions in fish MeHg concentrations following reductions in Hg additions to a boreal lake and its watershed. During the seven-year addition phase, we applied enriched Hg isotopes to increase local Hg wet deposition rates fivefold. The Hg isotopes became increasingly incorporated into the food web as MeHg, predominantly from additions to the lake because most of those in the watershed remained there. Thereafter, isotopic additions were stopped, resulting in an approximately 100% reduction in Hg loading to the lake. The concentration of labelled MeHg quickly decreased by up to 91% in lower trophic level organisms, initiating rapid decreases of 38-76% of MeHg concentration in large-bodied fish populations in eight years. Although Hg loading from watersheds may not decline in step with lowering deposition rates, this experiment clearly demonstrates that any reduction in Hg loadings to lakes, whether from direct deposition or runoff, will have immediate benefits to fish consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Blanchfield
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater Institute, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. .,Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. .,IISD Experimental Lakes Area, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
| | - John W M Rudd
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater Institute, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,R&K Research, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lee E Hrenchuk
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater Institute, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,IISD Experimental Lakes Area, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Marc Amyot
- Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Christopher L Babiarz
- Environmental Chemistry and Technology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ken G Beaty
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater Institute, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - R A Drew Bodaly
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater Institute, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Brian A Branfireun
- Department of Biology, Biological and Geological Sciences Building, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Jennifer A Graydon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Britt D Hall
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Reed C Harris
- Reed Harris Environmental, Oakville, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew Heyes
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Solomons, MD, USA
| | - Holger Hintelmann
- Water Quality Center, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - James P Hurley
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Environmental Chemistry and Technology Program, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Carol A Kelly
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater Institute, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,R&K Research, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | | | - Robert P Mason
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Michael J Paterson
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater Institute, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,IISD Experimental Lakes Area, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Cheryl L Podemski
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater Institute, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ken A Sandilands
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater Institute, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,IISD Experimental Lakes Area, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Vincent L St Louis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lori S Tate
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater Institute, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI, USA
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32
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Lian P, Mou Z, Cooper CJ, Johnston RC, Brooks SC, Gu B, Govind N, Jonsson S, Parks JM. Mechanistic Investigation of Dimethylmercury Formation Mediated by a Sulfide Mineral Surface. J Phys Chem A 2021; 125:5397-5405. [PMID: 34114820 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.1c04014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) pollution is a global environmental problem. The abiotic formation of dimethylmercury (DMeHg) from monomethylmercury (MMeHg) may account for a large portion of DMeHg in oceans. Previous experimental work has shown that abiotic formation of DMeHg from MMeHg can be facilitated by reduced sulfur groups on sulfide mineral surfaces. In that work, a mechanism was proposed in which neighboring MMeHg moieties bound to sulfide sites on a mineral surface react through an SN2-type mechanism to form DMeHg and incorporate the remaining Hg atoms into the mineral surface. Here, we perform density functional theory calculations to explore the mechanisms of DMeHg formation on the 110 surface of a CdS(s) (hawleyite) nanoparticle. We show that coordination of MMeHg substituents to adjacent reduced sulfur groups protruding from the surface indeed facilitates DMeHg formation and that the reaction proceeds through direct transmethylation from one MMeHg substituent to another. Coordination of Hg by multiple S atoms provides a transition-state stabilization and activates a C-Hg bond for methyl transfer. In addition, solvation effects play an important role in the surface reconstruction of the nanoparticle and in decreasing the energetic barrier for DMeHg formation relative to the corresponding reaction in vacuo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Lian
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Zhongyu Mou
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Connor J Cooper
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Ryne C Johnston
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Scott C Brooks
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Baohua Gu
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Niranjan Govind
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - Sofi Jonsson
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jerry M Parks
- UT/ORNL Center for Molecular Biophysics, Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
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33
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Alkalinity of diverse water samples can be altered by mercury preservation and borosilicate vial storage. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9961. [PMID: 33976242 PMCID: PMC8113457 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89110-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We compared the effects of preservation and storage methods on total alkalinity (AT) of seawater, estuarine water, freshwater, and groundwater samples stored for 0–6 months. Water samples, untreated or treated with HgCl2, 0.45 µm filtration, or filtration plus HgCl2, were stored in polypropylene or borosilicate glass vials for 0, 1, or 6 months. Mean AT of samples treated with HgCl2 was reduced by as much as 49.1 µmol kg−1 (1.3%). Borosilicate glass elevated AT, possibly due to dissolving silicates. There was little change in AT of control and filtered samples stored in polypropylene, except for untreated groundwater (~ 4.1% reduction at 6 months). HgCl2 concentrations of 0.02–0.05% reduced the AT of fresh, estuarine, and ground water samples by as much as 35.5 µmol kg−1 after 1 month, but had little effect on the AT of seawater. Adding glucose as a carbon source for microbial growth resulted in no AT changes in 0.45 µm-filtered samples. We suggest water samples intended for AT analyses can be filtered to 0.45 µm, and stored in polypropylene vials at 4 °C for at least 6 months. Borosilicate glassware and HgCl2 can be avoided to prevent analytical uncertainties and reduce risks related to use of Hg2+.
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34
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Lemaire J, Marquis O, Bustamante P, Mangione R, Brischoux F. I got it from my mother: Inter-nest variation of mercury concentration in neonate Smooth-fronted Caiman (Paleosuchus trigonatus) suggests maternal transfer and possible phenotypical effects. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 194:110494. [PMID: 33220243 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The deleterious effects of mercury (Hg) contamination are well documented in humans and wildlife. Chronic exposure via diet and maternal transfer are two pathways which increase the toxicological risk for wild populations. However, few studies examined the physiological impact of Hg in crocodilians. We investigated the Hg contamination in neonate Smooth-fronted Caimans, Paleosuchus trigonatus, and the use of keratinized tissues and blood to evaluate maternal transfer. Between November 2017 and February 2020, we sampled 38 neonates from 4 distinct nests. Mercury concentration was measured in claws, scutes and total blood. Highest Hg concentrations were found in claws. Strong inter-nest variations (Hg ranging from 0.17 ± 0.02 to 0.66 ± 0.07 μg.g-1 dw) presumably reflect maternal transfer. Reduced body size in neonates characterized by elevated Hg concentrations suggests an influence of Hg during embryonic development. We emphasize the use of claws as an alternative to egg collection to investigate maternal transfer in crocodilians. Our results demonstrated the need of further investigation of the impact of Hg contamination in the first life stages of crocodilians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Lemaire
- Centre D'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, (CEBC) UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers en Bois, France; Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France.
| | - Olivier Marquis
- Muséum National D'Histoire Naturelle, Parc Zoologique de Paris, 53 Avenue de Saint Maurice, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 Rue Descartes, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Rosanna Mangione
- Haus des Meeres Aqua Terra Zoo GmbH, Fritz-Grünbaum Platz 1, 1060, Vienna, Austria
| | - François Brischoux
- Centre D'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, (CEBC) UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers en Bois, France
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Binkowski LJ, Fort J, Brault-Favrou M, Gallien F, Le Guillou G, Chastel O, Bustamante P. Foraging ecology drives mercury contamination in chick gulls from the English Channel. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 267:128622. [PMID: 33162157 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Although mercury (Hg) occurs naturally, human activity is currently the greatest source of release and the ocean receives Hg inputs by rivers and atmospheric deposition. Seabirds including chicks serve as valuable bioindicators of Hg contamination, reflecting local contamination around the colony. This study investigates the ecological drivers (trophic position and foraging habitat) influencing Hg concentrations in blood and feathers of chicks of three sympatric marine gull species. Chicks were sampled between 2015 and 2017 in the Seine Estuary, one of the most Hg contaminated rivers in Europe, and in the Normand-Breton Gulf (the Chausey Islands), 200 km west, as a reference site with limited contaminant inputs. The trophic status of the chicks was evaluated based on the relative abundance of stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N and δ34S). There was a tight correlation between Hg concentrations, as well as the abundance of stable isotopes, in blood and feathers. Great black-backed gull had the highest blood Hg concentrations of the species (1.80 ± 0.92 μg⋅g-1 dry weight (dw)); the Lesser black-backed gull had intermediate concentrations (0.61 ± 0.18 μg⋅g-1 dw); and the European herring gull had the lowest (0.37 ± 0.26 μg⋅g-1 dw). Individuals with the highest trophic position showed consistently the highest Hg concentrations. The positive relationship between Hg concentrations and the feeding habitat (marine vs terrestrial) indicated that the main source of Hg for gulls in the English Channel is marine prey. This exposure led to relatively high Hg concentrations in Great black-backed gull, which may produce toxic effects to individuals with potential consequences for their populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz J Binkowski
- Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Krakow, Podchorazych 2, 30-084 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Jérôme Fort
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Maud Brault-Favrou
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Fabrice Gallien
- Groupe Ornithologique Normand, 181 Rue d'Auge, 14000 Caen, France
| | | | - Olivier Chastel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 Rue Descartes, 75005 Paris, France
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Vyas G, Bhatt S, Paul P. Functionalized magnetic nanoparticles Fe3O4@SiO2@PTA (PTA = (2-pyrimidylthio)acetic acid) for efficient removal of mercury from water. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2020.125861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Analytical methods for mercury speciation, detection, and measurement in water, oil, and gas. Trends Analyt Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2020.116016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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von Schneidemesser E, Driscoll C, Rieder HE, Schiferl LD. How will air quality effects on human health, crops and ecosystems change in the future? PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2020; 378:20190330. [PMID: 32981439 PMCID: PMC7536027 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2019.0330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Future air quality will be driven by changes in air pollutant emissions, but also changes in climate. Here, we review the recent literature on future air quality scenarios and projected changes in effects on human health, crops and ecosystems. While there is overlap in the scenarios and models used for future projections of air quality and climate effects on human health and crops, similar efforts have not been widely conducted for ecosystems. Few studies have conducted joint assessments across more than one sector. Improvements in future air quality effects on human health are seen in emission reduction scenarios that are more ambitious than current legislation. Larger impacts result from changing particulate matter (PM) abundances than ozone burdens. Future global health burdens are dominated by changes in the Asian region. Expected future reductions in ozone outside of Asia will allow for increased crop production. Reductions in PM, although associated with much higher uncertainty, could offset some of this benefit. The responses of ecosystems to air pollution and climate change are long-term, complex, and interactive, and vary widely across biomes and over space and time. Air quality and climate policy should be linked or at least considered holistically, and managed as a multi-media problem. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Air quality, past present and future'.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles Driscoll
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Harald E. Rieder
- Institute of Meteorology and Climatology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Gregor-Mendel Strasse 33, 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - Luke D. Schiferl
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, Palisades, NY 10964, USA
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Gionfriddo CM, Wymore AM, Jones DS, Wilpiszeski RL, Lynes MM, Christensen GA, Soren A, Gilmour CC, Podar M, Elias DA. An Improved hgcAB Primer Set and Direct High-Throughput Sequencing Expand Hg-Methylator Diversity in Nature. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:541554. [PMID: 33123100 PMCID: PMC7573106 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.541554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The gene pair hgcAB is essential for microbial mercury methylation. Our understanding of its abundance and diversity in nature is rapidly evolving. In this study we developed a new broad-range primer set for hgcAB, plus an expanded hgcAB reference library, and used these to characterize Hg-methylating communities from diverse environments. We applied this new Hg-methylator database to assign taxonomy to hgcA sequences from clone, amplicon, and metagenomic datasets. We evaluated potential biases introduced in primer design, sequence length, and classification, and suggest best practices for studying Hg-methylator diversity. Our study confirms the emerging picture of an expanded diversity of HgcAB-encoding microbes in many types of ecosystems, with abundant putative mercury methylators Nitrospirae and Chloroflexi in several new environments including salt marsh and peat soils. Other common microbes encoding HgcAB included Phycisphaerae, Aminicenantes, Spirochaetes, and Elusimicrobia. Combined with high-throughput amplicon specific sequencing, the new primer set also indentified novel hgcAB sequences similar to Lentisphaerae, Bacteroidetes, Atribacteria, and candidate phyla WOR-3 and KSB1 bacteria. Gene abundance data also corroborate the important role of two "classic" groups of methylators (Deltaproteobacteria and Methanomicrobia) in many environments, but generally show a scarcity of hgcAB+ Firmicutes. The new primer set was developed to specifically target hgcAB sequences found in nature, reducing degeneracy and providing increased sensitivity while maintaining broad diversity capture. We evaluated mock communities to confirm primer improvements, including culture spikes to environmental samples with variable DNA extraction and PCR amplification efficiencies. For select sites, this new workflow was combined with direct high-throughput hgcAB sequencing. The hgcAB diversity generated by direct amplicon sequencing confirmed the potential for novel Hg-methylators previously identified using metagenomic screens. A new phylogenetic analysis using sequences from freshwater, saline, and terrestrial environments showed Deltaproteobacteria HgcA sequences generally clustered among themselves, while metagenome-resolved HgcA sequences in other phyla tended to cluster by environment, suggesting horizontal gene transfer into many clades. HgcA from marine metagenomes often formed distinct subtrees from those sequenced from freshwater ecosystems. Overall the majority of HgcA sequences branch from a cluster of HgcAB fused proteins related to Thermococci, Atribacteria (candidate division OP9), Aminicenantes (OP8), and Chloroflexi. The improved primer set and library, combined with direct amplicon sequencing, provide a significantly improved assessment of the abundance and diversity of hgcAB+ microbes in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M Gionfriddo
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
| | - Ann M Wymore
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
| | - Daniel S Jones
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States.,Department of Earth Sciences, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Regina L Wilpiszeski
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
| | - Mackenzie M Lynes
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
| | - Geoff A Christensen
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
| | - Ally Soren
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD, United States
| | | | - Mircea Podar
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
| | - Dwayne A Elias
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
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Basadi N, Ghanemi K, Nikpour Y. l-Cystine-functionalized graphene oxide nanosheets for effective extraction and preconcentration of mercury ions from environmental waters. CHEMICAL PAPERS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11696-020-01368-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Chalkidis A, Jampaiah D, Aryana A, Wood CD, Hartley PG, Sabri YM, Bhargava SK. Mercury-bearing wastes: Sources, policies and treatment technologies for mercury recovery and safe disposal. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 270:110945. [PMID: 32721358 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Due to the lenient environmental policies in developing economies, mercury-containing wastes are partly produced as a result of the employment of mercury in manufacturing and consumer products. Worldwide, the presence of mercury as an impurity in several industrial processes leads to significant amounts of contaminated waste. The Minamata Convention on Mercury dictates that mercury-containing wastes should be handled in an environmentally sound way according to the Basel Convention Technical Guidelines. Nevertheless, the management policies differ a great deal from one country to another because only a few deploy or can afford to deploy the required technology and facilities. In general, elemental mercury and mercury-bearing wastes should be stabilized and solidified before they are disposed of or permanently stored in specially engineered landfills and facilities, respectively. Prior to physicochemical treatment and depending on mercury's concentration, the contaminated waste may be thermally or chemically processed to reduce mercury's content to an acceptable level. The suitability of the treated waste for final disposal is then assessed by the application of standard leaching tests whose capacity to evaluate its long-term behavior is rather questionable. This review critically discusses the main methods employed for the recovery of mercury and the treatment of contaminated waste by analyzing representative examples from the industry. Furthermore, it gives a complete overview of all relevant issues by presenting the sources of mercury-bearing wastes, explaining the problems associated with the operation of conventional discharging facilities and providing an insight of the disposal policies adopted in selected geographical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Chalkidis
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia; Energy Business Unit, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Clayton South, VIC 3169, Australia
| | - Deshetti Jampaiah
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia.
| | - Amir Aryana
- Energy Business Unit, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), North Ryde, NSW 1670, Australia
| | - Colin D Wood
- Australian Resources Research Centre, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Kensington, WA 6152, Australia; Curtin Oil and Gas Innovation Centre (CUOGIC), Curtin University, Kensington, WA 6152, Australia
| | - Patrick G Hartley
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia; Energy Business Unit, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Clayton South, VIC 3169, Australia
| | - Ylias M Sabri
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Suresh K Bhargava
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia.
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Gerson JR, Walters DM, Eagles-Smith CA, Bernhardt ES, Brandt JE. Do Two Wrongs Make a Right? Persistent Uncertainties Regarding Environmental Selenium-Mercury Interactions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:9228-9234. [PMID: 32633495 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c01894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a pervasive environmental pollutant and contaminant of concern for both people and wildlife that has been a focus of environmental remediation efforts for decades. A growing body of literature has motivated calls for revising Hg consumption advisories to co-consider selenium (Se) levels in seafood and implies that remediating aquatic ecosystems with ecosystem-scale Se additions could be a robust solution to Hg contamination. Provided that elevated Se concentrations are also known toxicological threats to aquatic animals, we performed a literature search to evaluate the strength of evidence supporting three assertions underpinning the ameliorating benefits of Se: (1) dietary Se reduces MeHg toxicity in consumers; (2) environmental Se reduces Hg bioaccumulation and biomagnification in aquatic food webs; and (3) Se inhibits Hg bioavailability to, and/or methylmercury production by, microbial communities. Limited or ambiguous support for each criterion indicates that many scientific uncertainties and gaps remain regarding Se mediation of Hg behavior and toxicity in abiotic and biotic compartments. Significantly more information is needed to provide a strong scientific basis for modifying current fish consumption advisories on the basis of Se:Hg ratios or for applying Se amendments to remediate Hg-contaminated ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline R Gerson
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - David M Walters
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201, United States
| | - Collin A Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, Oregon 97330, United States
| | - Emily S Bernhardt
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Jessica E Brandt
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment & Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
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de Paula Gutiérrez BF, Agudelo CAR. Fish as bioindicators: coal and mercury pollution in Colombia's ecosystems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:27541-27562. [PMID: 32418107 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09159-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mining in Colombia affects 488,672 ha (298,391 in coal mining and 190,281 in gold mining). However, Colombia has insufficient studies on mining and its repercussions, which limits estimates of mining impacts on ecosystems and the human population. Due to the rise of mining activities in Colombia, the negative impacts generated by coal and Hg will also continue to increase. This review analyzes national information levels on coal and Hg in island/coastal/marine as well as freshwater ecosystems and human groups using fishery resources as a framework. This is because fish are the main source of animal protein in marine coastal-island and mainland communities. Here, 15 of 32 Colombian departments have records on total mercury (THg) in water, sediments, fish, and human communities. Around 205 ton/year of mercury is discharged into the ecosystem. In human hair for example (15.3 to 50.15 μg/g), mercury exceeds the international maximum levels allowed (ILA) and the national standard (5.0 μg/g). Mercury levels in freshwater fish show 3.3 μg/g of THg and levels in marine and coastal-island fish are 1.2 μg/g THg exceeding the ILA (0.5 μg/g) standard for fish that will be consumed. Carnivorous species have a THg between 0.04 and 2.55 μg/g suggesting bioaccumulation and magnification of heavy metals. These findings were then compared with available international information.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - César Augusto Ruiz Agudelo
- Doctoral Program in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability, Jorge Tadeo Lozano - Bogotá University, Carrera 4 # 22-61, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Eagles-Smith CA, Willacker JJ, Nelson SJ, Flanagan Pritz CM, Krabbenhoft DP, Chen CY, Ackerman JT, Grant EHC, Pilliod DS. A National-Scale Assessment of Mercury Bioaccumulation in United States National Parks Using Dragonfly Larvae As Biosentinels through a Citizen-Science Framework. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:8779-8790. [PMID: 32633494 PMCID: PMC7790342 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c01255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a national-scale assessment of mercury (Hg) bioaccumulation in aquatic ecosystems, using dragonfly larvae as biosentinels, by developing a citizen-science network to facilitate biological sampling. Implementing a carefully designed sampling methodology for citizen scientists, we developed an effective framework for a landscape-level inquiry that might otherwise be resource limited. We assessed the variation in dragonfly Hg concentrations across >450 sites spanning 100 United States National Park Service units and examined intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with the variation in Hg concentrations. Mercury concentrations ranged between 10.4 and 1411 ng/g dry weight across sites and varied among habitat types. Dragonfly total Hg (THg) concentrations were up to 1.8-fold higher in lotic habitats than in lentic habitats and 37% higher in waterbodies with abundant wetlands along their margins than those without wetlands. Mercury concentrations in dragonflies differed among families but were correlated (r2 > 0.80) with each other, enabling adjustment to a consistent family to facilitate spatial comparisons among sampling units. Dragonfly THg concentrations were positively correlated with THg concentrations in both fish and amphibians from the same locations, indicating that dragonfly larvae are effective indicators of Hg bioavailability in aquatic food webs. We used these relationships to develop an integrated impairment index of Hg risk to aquatic ecosytems and found that 12% of site-years exceeded high or severe benchmarks of fish, wildlife, or human health risk. Collectively, this continental-scale study demonstrates the utility of dragonfly larvae for estimating the potential mercury risk to fish and wildlife in aquatic ecosystems and provides a framework for engaging citizen science as a component of landscape Hg monitoring programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin A. Eagles-Smith
- United
States Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland
Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, Oregon 97330, United States
| | - James J. Willacker
- United
States Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland
Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, Oregon 97330, United States
| | - Sarah J. Nelson
- School
of Forest Resources, University of Maine, Orono, Maine 04469, United States
- Appalachian
Mountain Club, Gorham, New Hampshire 03581, United States
| | - Colleen M. Flanagan Pritz
- National
Park Service, Air Resources Division,
National Resource, Stewardship and Science Directorate, Lakewood, Colorado 80228, United States
| | - David P. Krabbenhoft
- United
States Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water
Science Center, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562, United States
| | - Celia Y. Chen
- Department
of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, United States
| | - Joshua T. Ackerman
- United
States Geological Survey, Western Ecological
Research Center, Dixon, California 95620, United States
| | - Evan H. Campbell Grant
- United
States Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife
Research Center, Turners Falls, Massachussetts 01376, United States
| | - David S. Pilliod
- United
States Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland
Ecosystem Science Center, Boise, Idaho 83706, United States
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George A, Shen B, Kang D, Yang J, Luo J. Emission control strategies of hazardous trace elements from coal-fired power plants in China. J Environ Sci (China) 2020; 93:66-90. [PMID: 32446461 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2020.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
China's energy dependents on coal due to the abundance and low cost of coal. Coal provides a secure and stable energy source in China. Over-dependence on coal results in the emission of Hazardous Trace Elements (HTEs) including selenium (Se), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), etc., from Coal-Fired Power Plants (CFPPs), which are the major toxic air pollutants causing widespread concern. For this reason, it is essential to provide a succinct analysis of the main HTEs emission control techniques while concurrently identifying the research prospects framework and specifying future research directions. The study herein reviews various techniques applied in China for the selected HTEs emission control, including the technical, institutional, policy, and regulatory aspects. The specific areas covered in this study include health effects, future coal production and consumption, the current situation of HTEs in Chinese coal, the chemistry of selected HTEs, control techniques, policies, and action plans safeguarding the emission control. The review emphasizes the fact that China must establish and promote efficient and clean ways to utilize coal in order to realize sustainable development. The principal conclusion is that cleaning coal technologies and fuel substitution should be great potential HTEs control technologies in China. Future research should focus on the simultaneous removal of HTEs, PM, SOx, and NOx in the complex flue gas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adwek George
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization and Pollution Control, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China; Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Mount Kenya University, Thika-Kenya.
| | - Boxiong Shen
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization and Pollution Control, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China.
| | - Dongrui Kang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization and Pollution Control, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiancheng Yang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization and Pollution Control, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiangze Luo
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization and Pollution Control, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
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Bank MS. The mercury science-policy interface: History, evolution and progress of the Minamata Convention. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 722:137832. [PMID: 32208250 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) pollution is an important environmental and public health issue that has garnered significant interest from policy makers and the global regulatory community. Consumption of seafood is the primary mechanism of methyl Hg (MeHg) exposure in humans, globally, and marine fish represent an important linkage between atmospheric dynamics, aquatic biogeochemistry and trophic transfer of this highly neurotoxic and easily assimilated form of Hg. Hg policies and management are highly interdisciplinary and at their foundation are relatively well established scientific principles related to Hg methylation, MeHg cycling and bioaccumulation, and subsequent trophic transfer to humans; however, certain fine-scale aspects of these processes remain poorly understood. After several years of intergovernmental negotiations the Minamata Convention on Mercury (MCM) entered into force in August 2017. Anthropogenic releases (water) and emissions (air) of Hg, human exposure, and environmental health are of considerable importance within the framework and policies outlined in the MCM. Additionally, the overall risk of Hg from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is considered a significant source of human exposure and commonly occurs in low and middle income countries, where miners use elemental Hg to extract gold from ore. Here I outline the history, evolution and progress of the MCM as it relates to the science-policy interface and offer a brief synthesis of the state of Hg science in the context of modeling, temporal assessments of Hg trends and global environmental change and ecosystem sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Bank
- Department of Contaminants and Biohazards, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway; Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.
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Sommar J, Osterwalder S, Zhu W. Recent advances in understanding and measurement of Hg in the environment: Surface-atmosphere exchange of gaseous elemental mercury (Hg 0). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 721:137648. [PMID: 32182462 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The atmosphere is the major transport pathway for distribution of mercury (Hg) globally. Gaseous elemental mercury (GEM, hereafter Hg0) is the predominant form in both anthropogenic and natural emissions. Evaluation of the efficacy of reductions in emissions set by the UN's Minamata Convention (UN-MC) is critically dependent on the knowledge of the dynamics of the global Hg cycle. Of these dynamics including e.g. red-ox reactions, methylation-demethylation and dry-wet deposition, poorly constrained atmosphere-surface Hg0 fluxes especially limit predictability of the timescales of its global biogeochemical cycle. This review focuses on Hg0 flux field observational studies, namely the theory, applications, strengths, and limitations of the various experimental methodologies applied to gauge the exchange flux and decipher active sub-processes. We present an in-depth review, a comprehensive literature synthesis, and methodological and instrumentation advances for terrestrial and marine Hg0 flux studies in recent years. In particular, we outline the theory of a wide range of measurement techniques and detail the operational protocols. Today, the most frequently used measurement techniques to determine the net Hg0 flux (>95% of the published flux data) are dynamic flux chambers for small-scale and micrometeorological approaches for large-scale measurements. Furthermore, top-down approaches based on Hg0 concentration measurements have been applied as tools to better constrain Hg emissions as an independent way to e.g. challenge emission inventories. This review is an up-dated, thoroughly revised edition of Sommar et al. 2013 (DOI: 10.1080/10643389.2012.671733). To the tabulation of >100 cited flux studies 1988-2009 given in the former publication, we have here listed corresponding studies published during the last decade with a few exceptions (2008-2019). During that decade, Hg stable isotope ratios of samples involved in atmosphere-terrestrial interaction is at hand and provide in combination with concentration and/or flux measurements novel constraints to quantitatively and qualitatively assess the bi-directional Hg0 flux. Recent efforts in the development of relaxed eddy accumulation and eddy covariance Hg0 flux methods bear the potential to facilitate long-term, ecosystem-scale flux measurements to reduce the prevailing large uncertainties in Hg0 flux estimates. Standardization of methods for Hg0 flux measurements is crucial to investigate how land-use change and how climate warming impact ecosystem-specific Hg0 sink-source characteristics and to validate frequently applied model parameterizations describing the regional and global scale Hg cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Sommar
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, China.
| | - Stefan Osterwalder
- Institut des Géosciences de l'Environnement, Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IRD, Grenoble INP, Grenoble, France
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
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Mei J, Sun P, Wang C, Zhang Q, Hu Q, Yang S. Significant Enhancement of Gaseous Elemental Mercury Recovery from Coal-Fired Flue Gas by Phosphomolybdic Acid Grafting on Sulfurated γ-Fe 2O 3: Performance and Mechanism. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:1992-2001. [PMID: 31894980 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b06736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The existing technologies to control Hg emissions from coal-fired power plants can be improved to achieve the centralized control of Hg0 emissions, which continue to pose a risk of Hg exposure to human populations. In this work, MoSx@γ-Fe2O3, formed by the sulfuration of phosphomolybdic acid (HPMo)-grafted γ-Fe2O3, was developed as a magnetic and regenerable sorbent to recover gaseous Hg0 from coal-fired flue gas as a cobenefit to the use of wet electrostatic precipitators. The thermal stability of γ-Fe2O3 was notably enhanced by HPMo grafting; thus, the magnetization of MoSx@γ-Fe2O3 hardly decreased during the application. The kinetic analysis indicates that the chemical adsorption of gaseous Hg0 was mainly dependent on the amounts of surface S22- and surface adsorption sites. Although the amount of S22- on sulfurated γ-Fe2O3 decreased after HPMo grafting, the amount of surface adsorption sites significantly increased due to the formation of a layered MoSx structure on the surface. Therefore, the ability of sulfurated γ-Fe2O3 to capture Hg0 was improved considerably after HPMo grafting. Furthermore, low concentrations of gaseous Hg0 in coal-fired flue gas can be gradually enriched by at least 1000 times by MoSx@γ-Fe2O3, which facilitates the recovery and centralized control of gaseous Hg0 in flue gas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Mei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, School of Environment and Civil Engineering , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , P. R. China
| | - Pengxiang Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, School of Environment and Civil Engineering , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , P. R. China
| | - Chang Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, School of Environment and Civil Engineering , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , P. R. China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, School of Environment and Civil Engineering , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , P. R. China
| | - Qixing Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, School of Environment and Civil Engineering , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , P. R. China
| | - Shijian Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, School of Environment and Civil Engineering , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , P. R. China
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Chalkidis A, Jampaiah D, Hartley PG, Sabri YM, Bhargava SK. Mercury in natural gas streams: A review of materials and processes for abatement and remediation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 382:121036. [PMID: 31473516 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The role of natural gas in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and advancing renewable energy resource integration is undoubtedly critical. With the progress of hydrocarbons exploration and production, the target zones become deeper and the possibility of mercury contamination increases. This impacts on the industry from health and safety risks, due to corrosion and contamination of equipment, to catalyst poisoning and toxicity through emissions to the environment. Especially mercury embrittlement, being a significant problem in LNG plants using aluminum cryogenic heat exchangers, has led to catastrophic plant incidents worldwide. The aim of this review is to critically discuss the conventional and alternative materials as well as the processes employed for mercury removal during gas processing. Moreover, comments on studies examining the geological occurrence of mercury species are included, the latest developments regarding the detection, sampling and measurement are presented and updated information with respect to mercury speciation and solubility is displayed. Clean up and passivation techniques as well as disposal methods for mercury-containing waste are also explained. Most importantly, the environmental as well as the health and safety implications are addressed, and areas that require further research are pinpointed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Chalkidis
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia; CSIRO Energy, Private Bag 10, Clayton South, VIC, 3169, Australia
| | - Deshetti Jampaiah
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Patrick G Hartley
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia; CSIRO Energy, Private Bag 10, Clayton South, VIC, 3169, Australia
| | - Ylias M Sabri
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia.
| | - Suresh K Bhargava
- Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia.
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Mathew M, Aravindakumar CT, Aravind UK. Unravelling the fibrillation mechanism of ovalbumin in the presence of mercury at its isoelectric pH. RSC Adv 2020; 10:16415-16421. [PMID: 35498851 PMCID: PMC9052921 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra10655c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The intriguing resemblances of amyloid fibrils and spider silk in protein aggregation diseases have instigated the exploration of identical structural features if any in their oligomeric pathways. The serpin group protein, ovalbumin, on defolding in HgCl2 shares commonness to the micellar pathway of spidroins for their aggregation in response to a pH trigger. The structural feature changes from monomer to worm like fibril with a shift in the primary protein pH to slightly acidic pH (4.5), and then proceeds through a secondary nucleation pathway to ‘hillock’ and ‘hydra’ like protofibrils rich in β-sheet and random coil conformers upon exposure to mercury. The findings are backed by atomic force microscopy, confocal Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence measurements. Unlocking such structural features can favorably assist in the design of therapeutics. Mercuric chloride triggered ovalbumin aggregation pathway and its resemblance to Nephila clavipes.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjumol Mathew
- Advanced Centre of Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development
- Mahatma Gandhi University
- Kottayam-686 560
- India
| | - Charuvila T. Aravindakumar
- School of Environmental Sciences
- Inter University Instrumentation Centre
- Mahatma Gandhi University
- Kottayam-686 560
- India
| | - Usha K. Aravind
- School of Environmental Studies
- Cochin University of Science and Technology
- Kochi-682022
- India
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