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Mao L, Ren W, Tang Y, Liu X, He M, Sun K, Zhang BT, Lin C, Ouyang W. Comprehensive insight into mercury contamination in atmospheric, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems surrounding a typical antimony-coal mining district. J Hazard Mater 2024; 469:133880. [PMID: 38430592 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
This study comprehensively investigated mercury (Hg) contents of various environmental compartments in a typical antimony-coal mining area with intensive industrial activities over the past 120 years to analyze Hg environmental behaviors and evaluate Hg risks. The total mercury (THg) contents in river water, sediments, soils, PM10, dust falls, vegetables and corns were 1.16 ± 0.63 µg/L, 2.01 ± 1.64 mg/kg, 1.87 ± 3.88 mg/kg, 7.87 ± 18.68 ng/m3, 13.01 ± 14.53 mg/kg, 0.30 ± 0.34 mg/kg and 3.11 ± 0.51 µg/kg, respectively. The δ202Hg values in soils and dust falls were - 1.58 ∼ 0.12‰ and 0.25 ∼ 0.30‰, respectively. Environmental samples affected by industrial activities in the Xikuangshan (XKS) presented higher THg and δ202Hg values. Binary mixing model proved that atmospheric deposition with considerable Hg deposition flux (0.44 ∼ 6.40, 3.12 ± 2.20 mg/m2/y) in the XKS significantly contributed to Hg accumulations on surface soils. Compared with soils, sediments with more frequent paths and higher burst probabilities presented higher dynamic Hg risks. Children were faced higher health risk of multiple Hg exposure than adults. Furthermore, the health risk of THg by consuming leaf vegetables deserved more attention. These findings provided scientific basis for managing Hg contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Wenbo Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yang Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Ore Deposit Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 550081 Guiyang, China
| | - Xitao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Mengchang He
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Ke Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Bo-Tao Zhang
- College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Chunye Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Wei Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Advanced Interdisciplinary Institute of Environment and Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519087, China
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Kung HC, Wu CH, Huang BW, Chang-Chien GP, Mutuku JK, Lin WC. Mercury abatement in the environment: Insights from industrial emissions and fates in the environment. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28253. [PMID: 38571637 PMCID: PMC10987932 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Mercury's neurotoxic effects have prompted the development of advanced control and remediation methods to meet stringent measures for industries with high-mercury feedstocks. Industries with significant Hg emissions, including artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM)-789.2 Mg year-1, coal combustion-564.1 Mg year-1, waste combustion-316.1 Mg year-1, cement production-224.5 Mg year-1, and non-ferrous metals smelting-204.1 Mg year-1, use oxidants and adsorbents capture Hg from waste streams. Oxidizing agents such as O3, Cl2, HCl, CaBr2, CaCl2, and NH4Cl oxidize Hg0 to Hg2+ for easier adsorption. To functionalize adsorbents, carbonaceous ones use S, SO2, and Na2S, metal-based adsorbents use dimercaprol, and polymer-based adsorbents are grafted with acrylonitrile and hydroxylamine hydrochloride. Adsorption capacities span 0.2-85.6 mg g-1 for carbonaceous, 0.5-14.8 mg g-1 for metal-based, and 168.1-1216 mg g-1 for polymer-based adsorbents. Assessing Hg contamination in soils and sediments uses bioindicators and stable isotopes. Remediation approaches include heat treatment, chemical stabilization and immobilization, and phytoremediation techniques when contamination exceeds thresholds. Achieving a substantially Hg-free ecosystem remains a formidable challenge, chiefly due to the ASGM industry, policy gaps, and Hg persistence. Nevertheless, improvements in adsorbent technologies hold potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Chieh Kung
- Institute of Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsing Wu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
- Center for General Education, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung 833301, Taiwan
| | - Bo-Wun Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Institute of Mechatronic Engineering, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung City, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Guo-Ping Chang-Chien
- Institute of Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Super micro mass research and technology center, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Center for Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Justus Kavita Mutuku
- Institute of Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Super micro mass research and technology center, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Center for Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ching Lin
- Department of Neuroradiology, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, 84001, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, 84001, Taiwan
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Wang H, Bai X, Huang L, Hong F, Yuan W, Guo W. The spatial variation of hydrological conditions and their impact on wetland vegetation in connected floodplain wetlands: Dongting Lake Basin. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2024; 31:8483-8498. [PMID: 38177648 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31673-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Wetland vegetation plays a crucial role in wetland conservation policy formulation and global climate change research. This study analyzed remotely sensed images of West Dongting Lake (DTL) Wetland from 1994 to 2020. This wetland is one of the most important wetlands in the world. At the pixel scale, we applied the histogram comparison approach, the range variability analysis (RVA) method, and the structural equation model (SEM) to quantify spatial changes in the hydrological conditions of wetland lakes and the ecological effects of environmental factors (precipitation, temperature, nutrients, water coverage) on vegetation. We propose a climate (C) - hydrological status (S) - vegetation response (R) (CSR) framework to elucidate the propagation relationships between climate, hydrology, and wetland vegetation conditions. The study found that the hydrological degradation promotes the succession of vegetation into the lake, and the distribution is concentrated in the northern Yangtze River inflow area. And the extent of hydrological changes in the West DTL region reached 34.5% during the flood period. In addition, the post-dam period showed a high degree of hydro-ecological failure, accounting for 65% of the total. Within the wetland area, there was a significant negative correlation between water coverage nutrient levels and bare vegetation within the lake area. Nutrient levels were also significantly negatively correlated with wetland vegetation conditions. Rainfall and temperature influence wetland vegetation by affecting the condition of the water body. This research provides valuable insights into managing wetland water resources and ecological restoration under the influence of climate change and human activities and provides a basis for decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxiang Wang
- North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, 450045, China
| | - Xiangyu Bai
- North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, 450045, China
| | - Lintong Huang
- North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, 450045, China
| | - Fengtian Hong
- North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, 450045, China
| | - Weiqi Yuan
- North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, 450045, China
| | - Wenxian Guo
- North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, 450045, China.
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Peng D, Lyu J, Song Z, Huang S, Zhang P, Gao J, Zhang Y. Mercury budgets in the suspended particulate matters of the Yangtze River. Water Res 2023; 243:120390. [PMID: 37516080 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Riverine processes are crucial for the biogeochemical cycle of mercury (Hg). The Yangtze River, the largest river in East Asia, discharges a substantial amount of Hg into the East China Sea. However, the influencing factors of the Hg budget and its recent trends remain unclear. This study quantitatively analyzed the total Hg concentration (THg) in suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the Yangtze River and calculated the Hg budget in 2018 and 2021. The results showed that the total Hg concentrations varied substantially along the river, with concentrations ranging from 23 to 883 μg/kg in 2018 and 47 to 146 μg/kg in 2021. The average Hg flux to China Sea in 2018 and 2021 were approximately 10 Mg/yr, lower than in 2016 (48 Mg/yr). Over 70% of the SPM was trapped in the Three Gorges Dam (TGD), and 22 Mg/yr of Hg settled in the TGD in 2018 and 10 Mg/yr in 2021. Hg fluxes in the Yangtze River watershed were driven by various factors, including decreased industrial emissions, increased agriculture emissions, and decreased soil erosion flux. We found that in the upper reach of the Yangtze River changed from sink to source of Hg possibly due to the resuspension of sediments, which implies that the settled sediments could be a potential source of Hg for downstream. Overall, emission control policies may have had a positive impact on reducing Hg flux to the East China Sea from 2016 to 2021, but more efforts are needed to further reduce Hg emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Peng
- Nanjing University, School of Atmospheric Sciences, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China; Nanjing University, School of Geography and Ocean Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jixuan Lyu
- Nanjing University, School of Geography and Ocean Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhengcheng Song
- Nanjing University, School of Atmospheric Sciences, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shaojian Huang
- Nanjing University, School of Atmospheric Sciences, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Nanjing University, School of Atmospheric Sciences, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jianhua Gao
- Nanjing University, School of Geography and Ocean Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Yanxu Zhang
- Nanjing University, School of Atmospheric Sciences, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China; Frontiers Science Center for Critical Earth Material Cycling, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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