51
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Qin A, Ran S, He T, Yin D, Xu Y. The Effects of Different Soil Component Couplings on the Methylation and Bioavailability of Mercury in Soil. TOXICS 2023; 11:942. [PMID: 37999594 PMCID: PMC10674802 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11110942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Soil composition can influence the chemical forms and bioavailability of soil mercury (Hg). However, previous studies have predominantly focused on the influence of individual components on the biogeochemical behavior of soil Hg, while the influence of various component interactions among several individual factors remain unclear. In this study, artificial soil was prepared by precisely regulating its components, and a controlled potted experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of various organic and inorganic constituents, as well as different soil textures resulting from their coupling, on soil Hg methylation and its bioavailability. Our findings show that inorganic components in the soils primarily exhibit adsorption and fixation effects on Hg, thereby reducing the accumulation of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in plants. It is noteworthy that iron sulfide simultaneously resulted in an increase in soil MeHg concentration (277%). Concentrations of THg and MeHg in soil with peat were lower in rice but greater in spinach. A correlation analysis indicated that the size of soil particles was a crucial factor affecting the accumulation of Hg in plants. Consequently, even though fulvic acid activated soil Hg, it significantly increased the proportion of soil particles smaller than 100.8 μm, thus inhibiting the accumulation of Hg in plants, particularly reducing the concentration of THg (93%) and MeHg (85%) in water spinach. These results demonstrate that the interaction of organic and inorganic components can influence the biogeochemical behavior of soil Hg not only through their chemical properties, but also by altering the soil texture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aming Qin
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Guizhou University, Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550025, China; (A.Q.); (S.R.); (D.Y.)
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Shu Ran
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Guizhou University, Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550025, China; (A.Q.); (S.R.); (D.Y.)
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Tianrong He
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Guizhou University, Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550025, China; (A.Q.); (S.R.); (D.Y.)
| | - Deliang Yin
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Guizhou University, Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550025, China; (A.Q.); (S.R.); (D.Y.)
| | - Yiyuan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China;
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52
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Kumar Chaudhary D, Bajagain R, Seo D, Hong Y, Han S. Depth-dependent microbial communities potentially mediating mercury methylation and various geochemical processes in anthropogenically affected sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 237:116888. [PMID: 37586452 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Metal contamination and other geochemical alterations affect microbial composition and functional activities, disturbing natural biogeochemical cycles. Therefore, it is essential to understand the influences of multi-metal and geochemical interactions on microbial communities. This work investigated the distributions of total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), and trace metals in the anthropogenically affected sediment. The microbial communities and functional genes profiles were further determined to explore their association with Hg-methylation and geochemical features. The levels of THg and MeHg in sediment cores ranged between 10 and 40 mg/kg and 0.01-0.16 mg/kg, respectively, with an increasing trend toward bottom horizons. The major metals present at all depths were Al, Fe, Mn, and Zn. The enrichment and contamination indices confirmed that the trace metals were highly enriched in the anthropogenically affected sediment. Various functional genes were detected in all strata, indicating the presence of active microbial metabolic processes. The microbial community profiles revealed that the phyla Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Bathyarchaeota, and Euryarchaeota, and the genera Thauera, Woeseia, Methanomethylovorans, and Methanosarcina were the dominant microbes. Correlating major taxa with geochemical variables inferred that sediment geochemistry substantially affects microbial community and biogeochemical cycles. Furthermore, archaeal methanogens and the bacterial phyla Chloroflexi and Firmicutes may play crucial roles in enhancing MeHg levels. Overall, these findings shed new light on the microbial communities potentially involved in Hg-methylation process and other biogeochemical cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj Kumar Chaudhary
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Rishikesh Bajagain
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - DongGyun Seo
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongseok Hong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seunghee Han
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
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53
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Burguera S, Sahu AK, Frontera A, Biswal HS, Bauza A. Spodium Bonds Involving Methylmercury and Ethylmercury in Proteins: Insights from X-ray Analysis and Computations. Inorg Chem 2023; 62:18524-18532. [PMID: 37902775 PMCID: PMC10647129 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.3c02716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the stability, directionality, and physical nature of Spodium bonds (SpBs, an attractive noncovalent force involving elements from group 12 and Lewis bases) between methylmercury (MeHg) and ethylmercury (EtHg) and amino acids (AAs) have been analyzed from both a structural (X-ray analysis) and theoretical (RI-MP2/def2-TZVP level of theory) point of view. More in detail, an inspection of the Protein Data Bank (PDB) reported evidence of noncovalent contacts between MeHg and EtHg molecules and electron-rich atoms (e.g., O atoms belonging to the protein backbone and S atoms from MET residues or the π-systems of aromatic AAs such as TYR or TRP). These results were rationalized through a computational study using MeHg coordinated to a thiolate group as a theoretical model and several neutral and charged electron-rich molecules (e.g., benzene, formamide, or chloride). The physical nature of the interaction was analyzed from electrostatics and orbital perspectives by performing molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) and natural bonding orbital (NBO) analyses. Lastly, the noncovalent interactions plot (NCIplot) technique was used to provide a qualitative view of the strength of the Hg SpBs and compare them to other ancillary interactions present in these systems as well as to shed light on the extension of the interaction in real space. We believe that the results derived from our study will be useful to those scientists devoted to protein engineering and bioinorganic chemistry as well as to expanding the current knowledge of SpBs among the chemical biology community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Burguera
- Department
of Chemistry, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. de Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Baleares, Spain
| | - Akshay Kumar Sahu
- School
of Chemical Sciences, National Institute
of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar 752050, India
- Training
School Complex, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Antonio Frontera
- Department
of Chemistry, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. de Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Baleares, Spain
| | - Himansu S. Biswal
- School
of Chemical Sciences, National Institute
of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar 752050, India
- Training
School Complex, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Antonio Bauza
- Department
of Chemistry, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. de Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Baleares, Spain
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54
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Baig MIR, Kadu P, Bawane P, Nakhate KT, Yele S, Ojha S, Goyal SN. Mechanisms of emerging resistance associated with non-antibiotic antimicrobial agents: a state-of-the-art review. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2023; 76:629-641. [PMID: 37605076 DOI: 10.1038/s41429-023-00649-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Although the development of resistance by microorganisms to antimicrobial drugs has been recognized as a global public health concern, the contribution of various non-antibiotic antimicrobial agents to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains largely neglected. The present review discusses various chemical substances and factors other than typical antibiotics, such as preservatives, disinfectants, biocides, heavy metals and improper chemical sterilization that contribute to the development of AMR. Furthermore, it encompasses the mechanisms like co-resistance and co-selection, horizontal gene transfer, changes in the composition and permeability of cell membrane, efflux pumps, transposons, biofilm formation and enzymatic degradation of antimicrobial chemicals which underlie the development of resistance to various non-antibiotic antimicrobial agents. In addition, the review addresses the resistance-associated changes that develops in microorganisms due to these agents, which ultimately contribute to the development of resistance to antibiotics. In order to prevent the indiscriminate use of chemical substances and create novel therapeutic agents to halt resistance development, a more holistic scientific approach might provide diversified views on crucial factors contributing to the persistence and spread of AMR. The review illustrates the common and less explored mechanisms contributing directly or indirectly to the development of AMR by non-antimicrobial agents that are commonly used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirza Ilyas Rahim Baig
- Department of Pharmaceutics, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400056, India
| | - Pramod Kadu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400056, India.
| | - Pradip Bawane
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule, Maharashtra, 424001, India
| | - Kartik T Nakhate
- Department of Pharmacology, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule, Maharashtra, 424001, India
| | - Santosh Yele
- Department of Pharmacognosy, SVKM's NMIMS, School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, Hyderabad, 509301, India
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameer N Goyal
- Department of Pharmacology, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule, Maharashtra, 424001, India
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55
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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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56
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Gao Y, Cheng H, Xiong B, Du H, Liu L, Imanaka T, Igarashi Y, Ma M, Wang D, Luo F. Biogeochemical transformation of mercury driven by microbes involved in anaerobic digestion of municipal wastewater. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 344:118640. [PMID: 37478720 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118640] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion (AD) with municipal wastewater contained heavy metal mercury (Hg) highly affects the utilization of activated sludge, and poses severe threat to the health of human beings. However, the biogeochemical transformation of Hg during AD remains unclear. Here, we investigated the biogeochemical transformation and environmental characteristics of Hg and the variations of dominant microbes during AD. The results showed that Hg(II) methylation is dominant in the early stage of AD, while methylmercury (MeHg) demethylation dominates in the later stage. Dissolved total Hg (DTHg) in the effluent sludge decreased with time, while THg levels enhanced to varying degrees at the final stage. Sulfate significant inhibits MeHg formation, reduces bioavailability of Hg(II) by microbes and thus inhibits Hg(II) methylation. Microbial community analysis reveals that strains in Methanosarcina and Aminobacterium from the class of Methanomicrobia, rather than Deltaproteobacteria, may be directly related to Hg(II) methylation and MeHg demethylation. Overall, this research provide insights into the biogeochemical transformation of Hg in the anaerobic digestion of municipal wastewater treatment. This work is beneficial for scientific treatment of municipal wastewater and effluent sludge, thus reducing the risk of MeHg to human beings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanqin Gao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biogenetics and Anaerobic Microecology, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Hao Cheng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biogenetics and Anaerobic Microecology, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Bingcai Xiong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biogenetics and Anaerobic Microecology, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Hongxia Du
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biogenetics and Anaerobic Microecology, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China.
| | - Lei Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biogenetics and Anaerobic Microecology, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Tadayuki Imanaka
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biogenetics and Anaerobic Microecology, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Yasuo Igarashi
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biogenetics and Anaerobic Microecology, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Ming Ma
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biogenetics and Anaerobic Microecology, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China; Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China.
| | - Dinyong Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
| | - Feng Luo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biogenetics and Anaerobic Microecology, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, PR China
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57
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Wu Q, Wang B, Hu H, Bravo AG, Bishop K, Bertilsson S, Meng B, Zhang H, Feng X. Sulfate-reduction and methanogenesis are coupled to Hg(II) and MeHg reduction in rice paddies. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132486. [PMID: 37690197 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132486] [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] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) produced in rice paddies is the main source of MeHg accumulation in rice, resulting in high risk of MeHg exposure to humans and wildlife. Net MeHg production is affected by Hg(II) reduction and MeHg demethylation, but it remains unclear to what extent these processes influence net MeHg production, as well as the role of the microbial guilds involved. We used isotopically labeled Hg species and specific microbial inhibitors in microcosm experiments to simultaneously investigate the rates of Hg(II) and MeHg transformations, as well as the key microbial guilds controlling these processes. Results showed that Hg(II) and MeHg reduction rate constants significantly decreased with addition of molybdate or BES, which inhibit sulfate-reduction and methanogenesis, respectively. This suggests that both sulfate-reduction and methanogenesis are important processes controlling Hg(II) and MeHg reduction in rice paddies. Meanwhile, up to 99% of MeHg demethylation was oxidative demethylation (OD) under the incubation conditions, suggesting that OD was the main MeHg degradative pathway in rice paddies. In addition, [202Hg(0)/Me202Hg] from the added 202Hg(NO3)2 was up to 13.9%, suggesting that Hg(II) reduction may constrain Hg(II) methylation in rice paddies at the abandoned Hg mining site. This study improves our understanding of Hg cycling pathways in rice paddies, and more specifically how reduction processes affect net MeHg production and related microbial metabolisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Baolin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Haiyan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
| | - Andrea G Bravo
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciencies del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona E08003, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Kevin Bishop
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala SE-75007, Sweden
| | - Stefan Bertilsson
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala SE-75007, Sweden
| | - Bo Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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58
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Xiang Y, Guo Y, Liu G, Liu Y, Song M, Shi J, Hu L, Yin Y, Cai Y, Jiang G. Direct Uptake and Intracellular Dissolution of HgS Nanoparticles: Evidence from a Bacterial Biosensor Approach. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:14994-15003. [PMID: 37755700 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Mercury sulfide nanoparticles (HgSNPs), which occur widely in oxic and anoxic environments, can be microbially converted to highly toxic methylmercury or volatile elemental mercury, but it remains challenging to assess their bioavailability. In this study, an Escherichia coli-based whole-cell fluorescent biosensor was developed to explore the bioavailability and microbial activation process of HgSNPs. Results show that HgSNPs (3.17 ± 0.96 nm) trigger a sharp increase in fluorescence intensity of the biosensor, with signal responses almost equal to that of ionic Hg (Hg(II)) within 10 h, indicating high bioavailability of HgSNP. The intracellular total Hg (THg) of cells exposed to HgSNPs (200 μg L-1) was 3.52-8.59-folds higher than that of cells exposed to Hg(II) (200 μg L-1), suggesting that intracellular HgSNPs were only partially dissolved. Speciation analysis using size-exclusion chromatography (SEC)-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) revealed that the bacterial filtrate was not responsible for HgSNP dissolution, suggesting that HgSNPs entered cells in nanoparticle form. Combined with fluorescence intensity and intracellular THg analysis, the intracellular HgSNP dissolution ratio was estimated at 22-29%. Overall, our findings highlight the rapid internalization and high intracellular dissolution ratio of HgSNPs by E. coli, and intracellular THg combined with biosensors could provide innovative tools to explore the microbial uptake and dissolution of HgSNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuping Xiang
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yingying Guo
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Guangliang Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
| | - Yanwei Liu
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Maoyong Song
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jianbo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Ligang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Yong Cai
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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59
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Liu C, Ning Y, Liu J. Geochemical mercury pools regulate diverse communities of hgcA microbes and MeHg levels in paddy soils. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 334:122172. [PMID: 37437760 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Rice paddies are unique artificial wetlands generating methylmercury (MeHg), a highly potent neurotoxin. However, the impact of diverse mercury (Hg) pools on the Hg-methylating communities during rice growth is unclear. This study investigates soil treated with five mercury forms (HgCl2, α-HgS, β-HgS, nano-HgS, and Hg-DOM) at two levels (5 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg). The results showed a varying abundance of sulphate-reducing bacteria, Geobacteraceae, methanogens, and hgcA microbes in the soils across rice grown under different mercury treatments and concentrations. Soils treated with HgCl2, nano-HgS and β-HgS had higher than average levels of hgcA-methanogen abundance, and the abundance significantly and positively correlated with MeHg concentration in all samples (p < 0.05). The shifting trends in Hg-methylating microbial structure following treatment with α-HgS, β-HgS, nano-HgS and Hg-DOM at both 5 and 50 mg/kg Hg levels were diverse compared with the control group. HgCl2 treatment showed contrasting trends in community distribution of Hg methylators at 5 and 50 mg/kg Hg levels during rice growth. Dissolved organic carbon, redox potential and sulphate levels significantly correlated with variation in the Hg-methylating microbial community structure and MeHg production in soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chutong Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; Key Laboratory of Functional Geomaterials in China Nonmetallic Minerals Industry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Yongqiang Ning
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; Key Laboratory of Functional Geomaterials in China Nonmetallic Minerals Industry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Jinling Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; Key Laboratory of Functional Geomaterials in China Nonmetallic Minerals Industry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China.
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60
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Li B, Jin X, Chan HM. Effects of low doses of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure on definitive endoderm cell differentiation in human embryonic stem cells. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:2625-2641. [PMID: 37612375 PMCID: PMC10475006 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03580-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Fetal development is one of the most sensitive windows to methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity. Laboratory and epidemiological studies have shown a dose-response relationship between fetal MeHg exposure and neuro performance in different life stages from infants to adults. In addition, MeHg exposure has been reported to be associated with disorders in endoderm-derived organs, such as morphological changes in liver cells and pancreatic cell dysfunctions. However, the mechanisms of the effects of MeHg on non-neuronal organs or systems, especially during the early development of endoderm-derived organs, remain unclear. Here we determined the effects of low concentrations of MeHg exposure during the differentiation of definitive endoderm (DE) cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). hESCs were exposed to MeHg (0, 10, 100, and 200 nM) that covers the range of Hg concentrations typically found in human maternal blood during DE cell induction. Transcriptomic analysis showed that sub-lethal doses of MeHg exposure could alter global gene expression patterns during hESC to DE cell differentiation, leading to increased expression of endodermal genes/proteins and the over-promotion of endodermal fate, mainly through disrupting calcium homeostasis and generating ROS. Bioinformatic analysis results suggested that MeHg exerts its developmental toxicity mainly by disrupting ribosome biogenesis during early cell lineage differentiation. This disruption could lead to aberrant growth or dysfunctions of the developing endoderm-derived organs, and it may be the underlying mechanism for the observed congenital diseases later in life. Based on the results, we proposed an adverse outcome pathway for the effects of MeHg exposure during human embryonic stem cells to definitive endoderm differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai Li
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Xiaolei Jin
- Regulatory Toxicology Research Division, Bureau of Chemical Safety, Food Directorate, HPFB, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
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Peterson BD, Poulin BA, Krabbenhoft DP, Tate MT, Baldwin AK, Naymik J, Gastelecutto N, McMahon KD. Metabolically diverse microorganisms mediate methylmercury formation under nitrate-reducing conditions in a dynamic hydroelectric reservoir. THE ISME JOURNAL 2023; 17:1705-1718. [PMID: 37495676 PMCID: PMC10504345 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-023-01482-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Brownlee Reservoir is a mercury (Hg)-impaired hydroelectric reservoir that exhibits dynamic hydrological and geochemical conditions and is located within the Hells Canyon Complex in Idaho, USA. Methylmercury (MeHg) contamination in fish is a concern in the reservoir. While MeHg production has historically been attributed to sulfate-reducing bacteria and methanogenic archaea, microorganisms carrying the hgcA gene are taxonomically and metabolically diverse and the major biogeochemical cycles driving mercury (Hg) methylation are not well understood. In this study, Hg speciation and redox-active compounds were measured throughout Brownlee Reservoir across the stratified period in four consecutive years (2016-2019) to identify the location where and redox conditions under which MeHg is produced. Metagenomic sequencing was performed on a subset of samples to characterize the microbial community with hgcA and identify possible links between biogeochemical cycles and MeHg production. Biogeochemical profiles suggested in situ water column Hg methylation was the major source of MeHg. These profiles, combined with genome-resolved metagenomics focused on hgcA-carrying microbes, indicated that MeHg production occurs in this system under nitrate- or manganese-reducing conditions, which were previously thought to preclude Hg-methylation. Using this multidisciplinary approach, we identified the cascading effects of interannual variability in hydrology on the redox status, microbial metabolic strategies, abundance and metabolic diversity of Hg methylators, and ultimately MeHg concentrations throughout the reservoir. This work expands the known conditions conducive to producing MeHg and suggests that the Hg-methylation mitigation efforts by nitrate or manganese amendment may be unsuccessful in some locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Peterson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| | - Brett A Poulin
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - David P Krabbenhoft
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Mercury Research Laboratory, Madison, WI, 53726, USA
| | - Michael T Tate
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Mercury Research Laboratory, Madison, WI, 53726, USA
| | - Austin K Baldwin
- U.S. Geological Survey, Idaho Water Science Center, Boise, ID, 83702, USA
| | | | | | - Katherine D McMahon
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
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62
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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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Liu M, Mason RP, Vlahos P, Whitney MM, Zhang Q, Warren JK, Wang X, Baumann Z. Riverine Discharge Fuels the Production of Methylmercury in a Large Temperate Estuary. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:13056-13066. [PMID: 37603456 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c00473] [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: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Estuaries are an important food source for the world's growing population, yet human health is at risk from elevated exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) via the consumption of estuarine fish. Moreover, the sources and cycling of MeHg in temperate estuarine ecosystems are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the seasonal and tidal patterns of mercury (Hg) forms in Long Island Sound (LIS), in a location where North Atlantic Ocean waters mix with the Connecticut River. We found that seasonal variations in Hg and MeHg in LIS followed the extent of riverine Hg delivery, while tides further exacerbated the remobilization of earlier deposited riverine Hg. The net production of MeHg near the river plume was significant compared to that in other locations and enhanced during high tide, possibly resulting from the enhanced microbial activity and organic carbon remineralization in the river plume. Statistical models, driven by our novel data, further support the hypothesis that the river-delivered organic matter and inorganic Hg drive net MeHg production in the estuarine water column. Our study sheds light on the significance of water column biogeochemical processes in temperate tidal estuaries in regulating MeHg levels and inspires new questions in our quest to understand MeHg sources and dynamics in coastal oceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maodian Liu
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Science, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Robert P Mason
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Penny Vlahos
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Michael M Whitney
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Qianru Zhang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Science, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Joseph K Warren
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Xuejun Wang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Science, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zofia Baumann
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
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64
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Ren Z, Jiang W, Sun N, Shi J, Zhang D, Zhang J, Wang Z, Yang J, Yu J, Lv Z. Responses of the structure and function of microbes in Yellow River Estuary sediments to different levels of mercury. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 190:106097. [PMID: 37441819 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The health and stability of the estuary of the Yellow River ecosystem have come under increasing pressure from land-based inputs of heavy metals. While it is known that heavy metals affect the function and health of the microbial community, there remains little knowledge on the responses of the microbial community to heavy metals, particularly highly toxic mercury. The research aimed to characterize the responses of the sediment microbial community of the estuary of the Yellow River to different levels of mercury stress. Estuary sediment samples were collected for microbial community analysis, measurement of mercury [including total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg)], and measurement of other physicochemical factors, including pH, total organic carbon (TOC), sulfide, iron ratio (Fe3+/Fe2+), ammonium salt (NH4+), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). The application of 16S rRNA sequencing identified 60 phyla of bacteria, dominated by Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes. Stations with higher THg or MeHg and lower microbial abundance and diversity were generally distributed further outside of the estuary. Besides mercury, the measured physicochemical factors had impacts on microbial diversities and distribution. Metagenomics assessment of three stations, representative of low, moderate, and high mercury concentrations and measured physicochemical factors, revealed the abundances and functions of predicted genes. The most abundant genes regulating the metabolic pathways were categorized as metabolic, environmental information processing, and genetic information processing, genes. At stations with high levels of mercury, the dominant genes were related to energy metabolism, signal transport, and membrane transport. Functional genes with a mercury-resistance function were generally in the mer system (merA, merC, merT, merR), alkylmercury lyase, and metal-transporting ATPase. These results offer insight into the microbial community structure of the sediments in the Yellow River Estuary and the microbial function of mercury resistance under mercury stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghua Ren
- Institute for Advanced Study of Coastal Ecology, Lu Dong University, Yantai, 264025, China.
| | - Wenliang Jiang
- Institute for Advanced Study of Coastal Ecology, Lu Dong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Na Sun
- MabPlex International Co. Ltd (Worldwide), Yantai, 265500, China
| | - Junfeng Shi
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261042, China
| | - Depu Zhang
- Institute of Marine Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Institute for Advanced Study of Coastal Ecology, Lu Dong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Zhikang Wang
- Institute for Advanced Study of Coastal Ecology, Lu Dong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Jisong Yang
- Institute for Advanced Study of Coastal Ecology, Lu Dong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Junbao Yu
- Institute for Advanced Study of Coastal Ecology, Lu Dong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Zhenbo Lv
- Institute for Advanced Study of Coastal Ecology, Lu Dong University, Yantai, 264025, China.
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Cabrol L, Capo E, van Vliet DM, von Meijenfeldt FAB, Bertilsson S, Villanueva L, Sánchez-Andrea I, Björn E, G. Bravo A, Heimburger Boavida LE. Redox gradient shapes the abundance and diversity of mercury-methylating microorganisms along the water column of the Black Sea. mSystems 2023; 8:e0053723. [PMID: 37578240 PMCID: PMC10469668 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00537-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In the global context of seawater deoxygenation triggered by climate change and anthropogenic activities, changes in redox gradients impacting biogeochemical transformations of pollutants, such as mercury, become more likely. Being the largest anoxic basin worldwide, with high concentrations of the potent neurotoxic methylmercury (MeHg), the Black Sea is an ideal natural laboratory to provide new insights about the link between dissolved oxygen concentration and hgcAB gene-carrying (hgc+) microorganisms involved in the formation of MeHg. We combined geochemical and microbial approaches to assess the effect of vertical redox gradients on abundance, diversity, and metabolic potential of hgc+ microorganisms in the Black Sea water column. The abundance of hgcA genes [congruently estimated by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and metagenomics] correlated with MeHg concentration, both maximal in the upper part of the anoxic water. Besides the predominant Desulfobacterales, hgc+ microorganisms belonged to a unique assemblage of diverse-previously underappreciated-anaerobic fermenters from Anaerolineales, Phycisphaerae (characteristic of the anoxic and sulfidic zone), Kiritimatiellales, and Bacteroidales (characteristic of the suboxic zone). The metabolic versatility of Desulfobacterota differed from strict sulfate reduction in the anoxic water to reduction of various electron acceptors in the suboxic water. Linking microbial activity and contaminant concentration in environmental studies is rare due to the complexity of biological pathways. In this study, we disentangle the role of oxygen in shaping the distribution of Hg-methylating microorganisms consistently with MeHg concentration, and we highlight their taxonomic and metabolic niche partitioning across redox gradients, improving the prediction of the response of marine communities to the expansion of oxygen-deficient zones. IMPORTANCE Methylmercury (MeHg) is a neurotoxin detected at high concentrations in certain marine ecosystems, posing a threat to human health. MeHg production is mainly mediated by hgcAB gene-carrying (hgc+) microorganisms. Oxygen is one of the main factors controlling Hg methylation; however, its effect on the diversity and ecology of hgc+ microorganisms remains unknown. Under the current context of seawater deoxygenation, mercury cycling is expected to be disturbed. Here, we show the strong effect of oxygen gradients on the distribution of potential Hg methylators. In addition, we show for the first time the significant contribution of a unique assemblage of potential fermenters from Anaerolineales, Phycisphaerae, and Kiritimatiellales to Hg methylation, stratified in different redox niches along the Black Sea gradient. Our results considerably expand the known taxonomic diversity and ecological niches prone to the formation of MeHg and contribute to better apprehend the consequences of oxygen depletion in seawater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Cabrol
- Aix Marseille University, Univ. Toulon, CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO) UM 110, Marseille, France
- Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB), University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eric Capo
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institute of Marine Sciences, CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Daan M. van Vliet
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Wageningen Food and Biobased Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - F. A. Bastiaan von Meijenfeldt
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Texel, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan Bertilsson
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Laura Villanueva
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Texel, the Netherlands
- Faculty of Geosciences, Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Irene Sánchez-Andrea
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Erik Björn
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Andrea G. Bravo
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institute of Marine Sciences, CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lars-Eric Heimburger Boavida
- Aix Marseille University, Univ. Toulon, CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO) UM 110, Marseille, France
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López-González U, Riutort-Mayol G, Soler-Blasco R, Lozano M, Murcia M, Vioque J, Iriarte G, Ballester F, Llop S. Exposure to mercury among Spanish adolescents: Eleven years of follow-up. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116204. [PMID: 37211180 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116204] [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] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The toxic effects of mercury exposure on human health are a public health concern. The most important source of this exposure is the consumption of fish and marine mammals. This study aims to describe hair mercury concentrations and their evolution from birth until eleven years of age in adolescents from the INMA (Environment and Childhood) birth cohort study, and to assess the association of hair mercury concentrations at eleven years of age with sociodemographic and dietary factors. The sample comprised 338 adolescents from the sub-cohort of Valencia (in eastern Spain). Total mercury (THg) was measured in hair samples collected at 4, 9 and 11 years old and in cord blood at birth. The equivalent of hair for cord-blood THg concentrations was calculated. Fish consumption and other characteristics at 11 years old were collected through questionnaires. Multivariate linear regression models were conducted to explore the association between THg concentrations, fish consumption and covariates. The geometric mean of hair THg concentrations at 11 years of age was 0.86 μg/g (95%CI: 0.78-0.94) and 45.2% of the participants presented concentrations above the equivalent RfD proposed by the US EPA (1 μg/g). Consumption of fish such as swordfish, canned tuna and other large oily fish was associated with higher levels of hair mercury at 11 years of age. Swordfish had the highest effect with an increase of 125% in hair mercury (95%CI: 61.2-214.9%) given a 100 g/week increase in its consumption, and, taking into account the frequency of consumption, canned tuna was the main contributor to Hg exposure among our population. The hair THg concentrations at 11 years of age represented a reduction of around 69% with respect to that estimated at childbirth. Even though THg exposure shows a sustained decreasing trend, it can still be considered elevated. INMA birth cohort studies provide a longitudinal assessment of mercury exposure in a vulnerable population, its associated factors and temporal trends, and this information could be used to adjust recommendations about this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriel Riutort-Mayol
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Raquel Soler-Blasco
- Department of Nursing, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Lozano
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine Department, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mario Murcia
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Servei de Planificació I Avaluació de Polítiques de Salut, Conselleria de Sanitat Universal I Salut Pública, Generalitat Valenciana, Spain
| | - Jesús Vioque
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Alicante Institute of Health and Biomedical Research, University Miguel Hernandez (ISABIAL-UMH), Alicante, Spain
| | - Gorka Iriarte
- Public Health Laboratory in Alava, Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Ferran Ballester
- Department of Nursing, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sabrina Llop
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Guo P, Rennenberg H, Du H, Wang T, Gao L, Flemetakis E, Hänsch R, Ma M, Wang D. Bacterial assemblages imply methylmercury production at the rice-soil system. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108066. [PMID: 37399771 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108066] [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] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
The plant microbiota can affect plant health and fitness by promoting methylmercury (MeHg) production in paddy soil. Although most well-known mercury (Hg) methylators are observed in the soil, it remains unclear how rice rhizosphere assemblages alter MeHg production. Here, we used network analyses of microbial diversity to identify bulk soil (BS), rhizosphere (RS) and root bacterial networks during rice development at Hg gradients. Hg gradients greatly impacted the niche-sharing of taxa significantly relating to MeHg/THg, while plant development had little effect. In RS networks, Hg gradients increased the proportion of MeHg-related nodes in total nodes from 37.88% to 45.76%, but plant development enhanced from 48.59% to 50.41%. The module hub and connector in RS networks included taxa positively (Nitrososphaeracea, Vicinamibacteraceae and Oxalobacteraceae) and negatively (Gracilibacteraceae) correlating with MeHg/THg at the blooming stage. In BS networks, Deinococcaceae and Paludibacteraceae were positively related to MeHg/THg, and constituted the connector at the reviving stage and the module hub at the blooming stage. Soil with an Hg concentration of 30 mg kg-1 increased the complexity and connectivity of root microbial networks, although microbial community structure in roots was less affected by Hg gradients and plant development. As most frequent connector in root microbial networks, Desulfovibrionaceae did not significantly correlate with MeHg/THg, but was likely to play an important role in the response to Hg stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Guo
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Heinz Rennenberg
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongxia Du
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Bio-resource for Bioenergy, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lan Gao
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Emmanouil Flemetakis
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Robert Hänsch
- Institute for Plant Biology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Humboldtstraße 1, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ming Ma
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Bio-resource for Bioenergy, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Dingyong Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, College of Resources and Environment, Chongqing, China
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Zhang R, Aris-Brosou S, Storck V, Liu J, Abdelhafiz MA, Feng X, Meng B, Poulain AJ. Mining-impacted rice paddies select for Archaeal methylators and reveal a putative (Archaeal) regulator of mercury methylation. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:74. [PMID: 37454192 PMCID: PMC10349881 DOI: 10.1038/s43705-023-00277-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a microbially produced neurotoxin derived from inorganic mercury (Hg), which accumulation in rice represents a major health concern to humans. However, the microbial control of MeHg dynamics in the environment remains elusive. Here, leveraging three rice paddy fields with distinct concentrations of Hg (Total Hg (THg): 0.21-513 mg kg-1 dry wt. soil; MeHg: 1.21-6.82 ng g-1 dry wt. soil), we resorted to metagenomics to determine the microbial determinants involved in MeHg production under contrasted contamination settings. We show that Hg methylating Archaea, along with methane-cycling genes, were enriched in severely contaminated paddy soils. Metagenome-resolved Genomes of novel putative Hg methylators belonging to Nitrospinota (UBA7883), with poorly resolved taxonomy despite high completeness, showed evidence of facultative anaerobic metabolism and adaptations to fluctuating redox potential. Furthermore, we found evidence of environmental filtering effects that influenced the phylogenies of not only hgcA genes under different THg concentrations, but also of two housekeeping genes, rpoB and glnA, highlighting the need for further experimental validation of whether THg drives the evolution of hgcAB. Finally, assessment of the genomic environment surrounding hgcAB suggests that this gene pair may be regulated by an archaeal toxin-antitoxin (TA) system, instead of the more frequently found arsR-like genes in bacterial methylators. This suggests the presence of distinct hgcAB regulation systems in bacteria and archaea. Our results support the emerging role of Archaea in MeHg cycling under mining-impacted environments and shed light on the differential control of the expression of genes involved in MeHg formation between Archaea and Bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Stéphane Aris-Brosou
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Veronika Storck
- Department of Civil Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, QC, H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Jiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Mahmoud A Abdelhafiz
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Bo Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
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69
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Meyer L, Guyot S, Chalot M, Capelli N. The potential of microorganisms as biomonitoring and bioremediation tools for mercury-contaminated soils. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 262:115185. [PMID: 37385017 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) pollution is a global issue due to the high toxicity and wide dispersion of Hg around the world. Whether due to anthropogenic activities or natural processes, Hg emissions are steadily increasing, with very high levels in some regions, directly threatening human and ecosystem health. However, bacteria and fungi have evolved and adapted in response to Hg-induced stress and have developed tolerance mechanisms, notably based on the mer operon system that is involved in Hg uptake and biovolatilization via Hg reduction reactions. Other processes, such as bioaccumulation or extracellular sequestration, are involved in Hg resistance, and the study of contaminated soils has allowed the isolation of a number of microorganisms capable of these mechanisms, with strong potential for the implementation of bioremediation approaches. In addition to playing an important role in determining the fate of Hg in the biogeochemical cycle, these microorganisms can indeed be applied to reduce Hg concentrations or at least stabilize Hg for the remediation of polluted soils. Moreover, thanks to the development of biotechnological tools, bioremediation based on Hg-tolerant microorganisms can be optimized. Finally, these microorganisms are relevant candidates for biomonitoring, for example, through the engineering of biosensors, because the detection of Hg is a major issue in preserving the health of living beings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Meyer
- Chrono-environnement UMR 6249, Université de Franche-Comté CNRS, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - Stéphane Guyot
- Université de Bourgogne, Institut Agro, PAM UMR A 02.102, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Michel Chalot
- Chrono-environnement UMR 6249, Université de Franche-Comté CNRS, F-25000 Besançon, France; Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Nicolas Capelli
- Chrono-environnement UMR 6249, Université de Franche-Comté CNRS, F-25000 Besançon, France.
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70
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Rodríguez-Viso P, Domene A, Sánchez A, Vélez D, Monedero V, Devesa V, Zúñiga M. Challenges and strategies for preventing intestinal damage associated to mercury dietary exposure. Toxicology 2023; 494:153580. [PMID: 37328091 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Food represents the major risk factor for exposure to mercury in most human populations. Therefore, passage through the gastrointestinal tract plays a fundamental role in its entry into the organism. Despite the intense research carried out on the toxicity of Hg, the effects at the intestinal level have received increased attention only recently. In this review we first provide a critical appraisal of the recent advances on the toxic effects of Hg at the intestinal epithelium. Next, dietary strategies aimed to diminish Hg bioavailability or modulate the epithelial and microbiota responses will be revised. Food components and additives, including probiotics, will be considered. Finally, limitations of current approaches to tackle this problem and future lines of research will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adrián Domene
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Paterna, Spain
| | - Alicia Sánchez
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Paterna, Spain
| | - Dinoraz Vélez
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Paterna, Spain
| | - Vicente Monedero
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Paterna, Spain
| | - Vicenta Devesa
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Paterna, Spain
| | - Manuel Zúñiga
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Paterna, Spain.
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71
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Rupa SA, Patwary MAM, Matin MM, Ghann WE, Uddin J, Kazi M. Interaction of mercury species with proteins: towards possible mechanism of mercurial toxicology. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2023; 12:355-368. [PMID: 37397928 PMCID: PMC10311172 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfad039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The nature of the binding of mercurials (organic and inorganic) and their subsequent transformations in biological systems is a matter of great debate as several different hypotheses have been proposed and none of them has been conclusively proven to explain the characteristics of Hg binding with the proteins. Thus, the chemical nature of Hg-protein binding through the possible transportation mechanism in living tissues is critically reviewed herein. Emphasis is given to the process of transportation, and binding of Hg species with selenol-containing biomolecules that are appealing for toxicological studies as well as the advancement of environmental and biological research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - William Emmanuel Ghann
- Center for Nanotechnology, Department of Natural Sciences, Coppin State University, Baltimore, MD 21216, USA
| | - Jamal Uddin
- Center for Nanotechnology, Department of Natural Sciences, Coppin State University, Baltimore, MD 21216, USA
| | - Mohsin Kazi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. BOX-2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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72
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Floreani F, Barago N, Klun K, Faganeli J, Covelli S. Dissolved gaseous mercury production and sea-air gaseous exchange in impacted coastal environments of the northern Adriatic Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023:121926. [PMID: 37268218 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The northern Adriatic Sea is well known for mercury (Hg) contamination mainly due to historical Hg mining which took place in Idrija (Slovenia). The formation of dissolved gaseous mercury (DGM) and its subsequent volatilisation can reduce the amount of Hg available in the water column. In this work, the diurnal patterns of both DGM production and gaseous Hg fluxes at the water-air interface were seasonally evaluated in two selected environments within this area, a highly Hg-impacted, confined fish farm (VN: Val Noghera, Italy) and an open coastal zone less impacted by Hg inputs (PR: Bay of Piran, Slovenia). A floating flux chamber coupled with real-time Hg0 analyser was used for flux estimation in parallel with DGM concentrations determination through in-field incubations. Substantial DGM production was observed at VN (range = 126.0-711.3 pg L-1) driven by both strong photoreduction and possibly dark biotic reduction, resulting in higher values in spring and summer and comparable concentrations throughout both day and night. Significantly lower DGM was observed at PR (range = 21.8-183.4 pg L-1). Surprisingly, comparable Hg0 fluxes were found at the two sites (range VN = 7.43-41.17 ng m-2 h-1, PR = 0-81.49 ng m-2 h-1), likely due to enhanced gaseous exchanges at PR thanks to high water turbulence and to the strong limitation of evasion at VN by water stagnation and expected high DGM oxidation in saltwater. Slight differences between the temporal variation of DGM and fluxes indicate that Hg evasion is more controlled by factors such as water temperature and mixing conditions than DGM concentrations alone. The relative low Hg losses through volatilisation at VN (2.4-4.6% of total Hg) further confirm that static conditions in saltwater environments negatively affect the ability of this process in reducing the amount of Hg retained in the water column, therefore potentially leading to a greater availability for methylation and trophic transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Floreani
- Department of Mathematics & Geosciences, University of Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34128, Trieste, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 5, 34127, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Nicolò Barago
- Department of Mathematics & Geosciences, University of Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34128, Trieste, Italy
| | - Katja Klun
- Marine Biology Station, National Institute of Biology, Fornace 41, 6330, Piran, Slovenia
| | - Jadran Faganeli
- Marine Biology Station, National Institute of Biology, Fornace 41, 6330, Piran, Slovenia
| | - Stefano Covelli
- Department of Mathematics & Geosciences, University of Trieste, Via E. Weiss 2, 34128, Trieste, Italy
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73
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Hao YY, Liu HW, Zhao J, Feng J, Hao X, Huang Q, Gu B, Liu YR. Plastispheres as hotspots of microbially-driven methylmercury production in paddy soils. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 457:131699. [PMID: 37270960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) as emerging contaminants have accumulated extensively in agricultural ecosystems and are known to exert important effects on biogeochemical processes. However, how MPs in paddy soils influence the conversion of mercury (Hg) to neurotoxic methylmercury (MeHg) remains poorly understood. Here, we evaluated the effects of MPs on Hg methylation and associated microbial communities in microcosms using two typical paddy soils in China (i.e., yellow and red soils). Results showed that the addition of MPs significantly increased MeHg production in both soils, which could be related to higher Hg methylation potential in the plastisphere than in the bulk soil. We found significant divergences in the community composition of Hg methylators between the plastisphere and the bulk soil. In addition, the plastisphere had higher proportions of Geobacterales in the yellow soil and Methanomicrobia in the red soil compared with the bulk soil, respectively; and plastisphere also had more densely connected microbial groups between non-Hg methylators and Hg methylators. These microbiota in the plastisphere are different from those in the bulk soil, which could partially account for their distinct MeHg production ability. Our findings suggest plastisphere as a unique biotope for MeHg production and provide new insights into the environment risks of MP accumulation in agricultural soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Yun Hao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hui-Wen Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jiating Zhao
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jiao Feng
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiuli Hao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qiaoyun Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Baohua Gu
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Yu-Rong Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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74
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Neti SS, Wang B, Iwig DF, Onderko EL, Booker SJ. Enzymatic Fluoromethylation Enabled by the S-Adenosylmethionine Analog Te-Adenosyl- L-(fluoromethyl)homotellurocysteine. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:905-914. [PMID: 37252363 PMCID: PMC10214534 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.2c01385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, and trifluoromethyl groups are present in numerous pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, where they play critical roles in the efficacy and metabolic stability of these molecules. Strategies for late-stage incorporation of fluorine-containing atoms in molecules have become an important area of organic and medicinal chemistry as well as synthetic biology. Herein, we describe the synthesis and use of Te-adenosyl-L-(fluoromethyl)homotellurocysteine (FMeTeSAM), a novel and biologically relevant fluoromethylating agent. FMeTeSAM is structurally and chemically related to the universal cellular methyl donor S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) and supports the robust transfer of fluoromethyl groups to oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and some carbon nucleophiles. FMeTeSAM is also used to fluoromethylate precursors to oxaline and daunorubicin, two complex natural products that exhibit antitumor properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syam Sundar Neti
- Department
of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Howard Hughes
Medical Institute, The Pennsylvania State
University, University
Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Bo Wang
- Department
of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Howard Hughes
Medical Institute, The Pennsylvania State
University, University
Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - David F. Iwig
- Department
of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Howard Hughes
Medical Institute, The Pennsylvania State
University, University
Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Elizabeth L. Onderko
- Department
of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Howard Hughes
Medical Institute, The Pennsylvania State
University, University
Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Squire J. Booker
- Department
of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Howard Hughes
Medical Institute, The Pennsylvania State
University, University
Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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75
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Wang T, Yang X, Li Z, Chen W, Wen X, He Y, Ma C, Yang Z, Zhang C. MeHg production in eutrophic lakes: Focusing on the roles of algal organic matter and iron-sulfur-phosphorus dynamics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 457:131682. [PMID: 37270963 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms by which eutrophication affects methylmercury (MeHg) production have not been comprehensively summarized, which hinders accurately predicting the MeHg risk in eutrophic lakes. In this review, we first discussed the effects of eutrophication on biogeochemical cycle of mercury (Hg). Special attentions were paid to the roles of algal organic matter (AOM) and iron (Fe)-sulfur (S)-phosphorus (P) dynamics in MeHg production. Finally, the suggestions for risk control of MeHg in eutrophic lakes were proposed. AOM can affect in situ Hg methylation by stimulating the abundance and activities of Hg methylating microorganisms and regulating Hg bioavailability, which are dependent on bacteria-strain and algae species, the molecular weight and composition of AOM as well as environmental conditions (e.g., light). Fe-S-P dynamics under eutrophication including sulfate reduction, FeS formation and P release could also play crucial but complicated roles in MeHg production, in which AOM may participate through influencing the dissolution and aggregation processes, structural order and surface properties of HgS nanoparticles (HgSNP). Future studies should pay more attention to the dynamics of AOM in responses to the changing environmental conditions (e.g., light penetration and redox fluctuations) and how such variations will subsequently affect MeHg production. The effects of Fe-S-P dynamics on MeHg production under eutrophication also deserve further investigations, especially the interactions between AOM and HgSNP. Remediation strategies with lower disturbance, greater stability and less cost like the technology of interfacial O2 nanobubbles are urgent to be explored. This review will deepen our understanding of the mechanisms of MeHg production in eutrophic lakes and provide theoretical guidance for its risk control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tantan Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Xu Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Zihao Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Wenhao Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Xin Wen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yubo He
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Chi Ma
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Zhongzhu Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Chang Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China.
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76
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Xie F, Yuan Q, Qie Y, Meng Y, Luan F. Capacity, stability and energy requirement of divalent mercury uptake by non-methylating/non-demethylating bacteria. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 450:131074. [PMID: 36848841 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) uptake by demethylating bacteria and inorganic divalent mercury [Hg(II)] uptake by methylating bacteria have been extensively investigated because uptake is the initial step of the intracellular Hg transformation. However, MeHg and Hg(II) uptake by non-methylating/non-demethylating bacteria is overlooked, which may play an important role in the biogeochemical cycling of mercury concerning their ubiquitous presence in the environment. Here we report that Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, a model strain of non-methylating/non-demethylating bacteria, can take up and immobilize MeHg and Hg(II) rapidly without intracellular transformation. In addition, when taken up into MR-1 cells, the intracellular MeHg and Hg(II) were proved to be hardly exported over time. In contrast, adsorbed mercury on cell surface was observed to be easily desorbed or remobilized. Moreover, inactivated MR-1 cells (starved and CCCP-treated) were still capable of taking up nonnegligible amounts of MeHg and Hg(II) over an extended period in the absence and presence of cysteine, suggesting that active metabolism may be not required for both MeHg and Hg(II) uptake. Our results provide an improved understanding of divalent mercury uptake by non-methylating/non-demethylating bacteria and highlight the possible broader involvement of these bacteria in mercury cycling in natural environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuyu Xie
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Qingke Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China
| | - Yukang Qie
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Ying Meng
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China.
| | - Fubo Luan
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China.
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77
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Zhang L, Kang-Yun CS, Lu X, Chang J, Liang X, Pierce EM, Semrau JD, Gu B. Adsorption and intracellular uptake of mercuric mercury and methylmercury by methanotrophs and methylating bacteria. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 331:121790. [PMID: 37187279 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The cell surface adsorption and intracellular uptake of mercuric Hg(II) and methylmercury (MeHg) are important in determining the fate and transformation of Hg in the environment. However, current information is limited about their interactions with two important groups of microorganisms, i.e., methanotrophs and Hg(II)-methylating bacteria, in aquatic systems. This study investigated the adsorption and uptake dynamics of Hg(II) and MeHg by three strains of methanotrophs, Methylomonas sp. Strain EFPC3, Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b, and Methylococcus capsulatus Bath, and two Hg(II)-methylating bacteria, Pseudodesulfovibrio mercurii ND132 and Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA. Distinctive behaviors of these microorganisms towards Hg(II) and MeHg adsorption and intracellular uptake were observed. The methanotrophs generally took up 60-80% of inorganic Hg(II) inside cells after 24 h incubation, lower than methylating bacteria (>90%). Approximately 80-95% of MeHg was rapidly taken up by all the tested methanotrophs within 24 h. In contrast, after the same time, G. sulfurreducens PCA adsorbed 70% but took up <20% of MeHg, while P. mercurii ND132 only adsorbed 20% but took up negligible amounts of MeHg. These results suggest that microbial surface adsorption and intracellular uptake of Hg(II) and MeHg depend on the specific types of microbes and appear to be related to microbial physiology that requires further detailed investigation. Despite being incapable of methylating Hg(II), methanotrophs play important roles in immobilizing both Hg(II) and MeHg, potentially influencing their bioavailability and trophic transfer. Therefore, methanotrophs are not only important sinks for methane but also for Hg(II) and MeHg and can influence the global cycling of C and Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijie Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA.
| | - Christina S Kang-Yun
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Xia Lu
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Jin Chang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Xujun Liang
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Eric M Pierce
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Jeremy D Semrau
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Baohua Gu
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA; Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennesee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
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78
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Gutensohn M, Schaefer JK, Yunda E, Skyllberg U, Björn E. The Combined Effect of Hg(II) Speciation, Thiol Metabolism, and Cell Physiology on Methylmercury Formation by Geobacter sulfurreducens. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:7185-7195. [PMID: 37098211 PMCID: PMC10173453 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The chemical and biological factors controlling microbial formation of methylmercury (MeHg) are widely studied separately, but the combined effects of these factors are largely unknown. We examined how the chemical speciation of divalent, inorganic mercury (Hg(II)), as controlled by low-molecular-mass thiols, and cell physiology govern MeHg formation by Geobacter sulfurreducens. We compared MeHg formation with and without addition of exogenous cysteine (Cys) to experimental assays with varying nutrient and bacterial metabolite concentrations. Cysteine additions initially (0-2 h) enhanced MeHg formation by two mechanisms: (i) altering the Hg(II) partitioning from the cellular to the dissolved phase and/or (ii) shifting the chemical speciation of dissolved Hg(II) in favor of the Hg(Cys)2 complex. Nutrient additions increased MeHg formation by enhancing cell metabolism. These two effects were, however, not additive since cysteine was largely metabolized to penicillamine (PEN) over time at a rate that increased with nutrient addition. These processes shifted the speciation of dissolved Hg(II) from complexes with relatively high availability, Hg(Cys)2, to complexes with lower availability, Hg(PEN)2, for methylation. This thiol conversion by the cells thereby contributed to stalled MeHg formation after 2-6 h Hg(II) exposure. Overall, our results showed a complex influence of thiol metabolism on microbial MeHg formation and suggest that the conversion of cysteine to penicillamine may partly suppress MeHg formation in cysteine-rich environments like natural biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeffra K Schaefer
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, United States
| | - Elena Yunda
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE- 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ulf Skyllberg
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Erik Björn
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE- 90187 Umeå, Sweden
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79
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Sonke JE, Angot H, Zhang Y, Poulain A, Björn E, Schartup A. Global change effects on biogeochemical mercury cycling. AMBIO 2023; 52:853-876. [PMID: 36988895 PMCID: PMC10073400 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-023-01855-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Past and present anthropogenic mercury (Hg) release to ecosystems causes neurotoxicity and cardiovascular disease in humans with an estimated economic cost of $117 billion USD annually. Humans are primarily exposed to Hg via the consumption of contaminated freshwater and marine fish. The UNEP Minamata Convention on Hg aims to curb Hg release to the environment and is accompanied by global Hg monitoring efforts to track its success. The biogeochemical Hg cycle is a complex cascade of release, dispersal, transformation and bio-uptake processes that link Hg sources to Hg exposure. Global change interacts with the Hg cycle by impacting the physical, biogeochemical and ecological factors that control these processes. In this review we examine how global change such as biome shifts, deforestation, permafrost thaw or ocean stratification will alter Hg cycling and exposure. Based on past declines in Hg release and environmental levels, we expect that future policy impacts should be distinguishable from global change effects at the regional and global scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen E. Sonke
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, CNRS/IRD, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse 3, 14 ave Edouard Belin, 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Hélène Angot
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, Grenoble INP, IGE, 1025 rue de la piscine, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Yanxu Zhang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023 Jiangsu China
| | - Alexandre Poulain
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N6N5 Canada
| | - Erik Björn
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Amina Schartup
- Geosciences Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
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80
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Zhu C, Lv S, Zhao Q, Liu X, Wang Z, Zheng X, Zhou L, Wang Y. Seasonal variation in mercury and methylmercury production in vegetated sediment in the Dongtan wetlands of the Yangtze River Estuary, China. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 188:105999. [PMID: 37182325 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.105999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The seasonal cycling of mercury (Hg) in vegetated sediments in the Dongtan wetlands of the Yangtze River Estuary were determined, and microcosm incubation experiments were conducted to evaluate methylmercury (MeHg) production after Hg input. The results showed that the seasonal variations of total Hg and MeHg were very different. The enhanced activity of methylating bacteria could have been the main contributor to the elevated MeHg in the upper surface layer (0-12 cm), which was supported by the higher copy numbers of the hgcA gene in the surface sediment and the MeHg increase during sediment incubation following litterfall addition. Moreover, the incubation results showed that Hg addition greatly increased net MeHg production and that this increase remained under suboxic conditions, suggesting that the potential health risk of Hg in estuarine wetlands could exist for a long time under changing redox conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changle Zhu
- School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Shaoyang Lv
- School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Qing Zhao
- School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Xia Liu
- School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China; Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Zhigang Wang
- School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Xiangmin Zheng
- School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China; Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Limin Zhou
- School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China; Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China; Institute of Eco-Chongming, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Yongjie Wang
- School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China; Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China.
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81
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Yue F, Li Y, Zhang Y, Wang L, Li D, Wu P, Liu H, Lin L, Li D, Hu J, Xie Z. Elevated methylmercury in Antarctic surface seawater: The role of phytoplankton mass and sea ice. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 882:163646. [PMID: 37094685 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury is a neurotoxin that is biomagnified in marine food webs. Its distribution and biogeochemical cycle in Antarctic seas are still poorly understood due to scarce studies. Here, we report the total methylmercury profiles (up to 4000 m) in unfiltered seawater (MeHgT) from the Ross Sea to the Amundsen Sea. We found high MeHgT levels in oxic unfiltered surface seawater (upper 50 m depth) in these regions. It was characterized by an obviously higher maximum concentration level of MeHgT (up to 0.44 pmol/L, at a depth of 3.35 m), which is higher than other open seas (including the Arctic Ocean, the North Pacific Ocean and the equatorial Pacific), and a high MeHgT average concentration in the summer surface water (SSW, 0.16 ± 0.12 pmol/ L). Further analyses suggest that the high phytoplankton mass and sea-ice fraction are important drivers of the high MeHgT level that we observed in the surface water. For the influence of phytoplankton, the model simulation showed that the uptake of MeHg by phytoplankton would not fully explain the high levels of MeHgT, and we speculated that high phytoplankton mass may emit more particulate organic matter as microenvironments that can sustain Hg in-situ methylation by microorganisms. The presence of sea-ice may not only harbor a microbial source of MeHg to surface water but also trigger increased phytoplankton mass, facilitating elevation of MeHg in surface seawater. This study provides insight into the mechanisms that impact the content and distribution of MeHgT in the Southern Ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fange Yue
- Institute of Polar Environment & Anhui Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Yanbin Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Yanxu Zhang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Longquan Wang
- Institute of Polar Environment & Anhui Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Dan Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Peipei Wu
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Hongwei Liu
- Institute of Polar Environment & Anhui Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Lijin Lin
- College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Dong Li
- Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Ji Hu
- Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Zhouqing Xie
- Institute of Polar Environment & Anhui Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China.
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82
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Li Y, Dai SS, Zhao J, Hu ZC, Liu Q, Feng J, Huang Q, Gao Y, Liu YR. Amendments of nitrogen and sulfur mitigate carbon-promoting effect on microbial mercury methylation in paddy soils. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 448:130983. [PMID: 36860084 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The imbalance of nutrient elements in paddy soil could affect biogeochemical processes; however, how the key elements input influence microbially-driven conversion of mercury (Hg) to neurotoxic methylmercury (MeHg) remains virtually unknown. Herein, we conducted a series of microcosm experiments to explore the effects of certain species of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) on microbial MeHg production in two typical paddy soils (yellow and black soil). Results showed that the addition of C alone into the soils increased MeHg production approximately 2-13 times in the yellow and black soils; while the combined addition of N and C mitigated the C- promoting effect significantly. Added S also had a buffering effect on C-facilitated MeHg production in the yellow soil despite the extent being lower than that of N addition, whereas this effect was not obvious for the black soil. MeHg production was positively correlated with the abundance of Deltaproteobactera-hgcA in both soils, and the changes in MeHg production were related to the shifts of Hg methylating community resulting from C, N, and S imbalance. We further found that the changes in the proportions of dominant Hg methylators such as Geobacter and some unclassified groups could contribute to the variations in MeHg production under different treatments. Moreover, the enhanced microbial syntrophy with adding N and S might contribute to the reduced C-promoting effect on MeHg production. This study has important implications for better understanding of microbes-driven Hg conversion in paddies and wetlands with nutrient elements input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyun Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ecology-Toxicological Effects & Control for Emerging Contaminants, College of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Putian University, Putian 351100, China
| | - Shu-Shen Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jiating Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Zhi-Cheng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jiao Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qiaoyun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yuxi Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu-Rong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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83
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Zhang J, Li C, Tang W, Wu M, Chen M, He H, Lei P, Zhong H. Mercury in wetlands over 60 years: Research progress and emerging trends. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 869:161862. [PMID: 36716881 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161862] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Wetlands are considered the hotspots for mercury (Hg) biogeochemistry, garnering global attention. Therefore, it is important to review the research progress in this field and predict future frontiers. To achieve that, we conducted a literature analysis by collecting 15,813 publications about Hg in wetlands from the Web of Science Core Collection. The focus of wetland Hg research has changed dramatically over time: 1) In the initial stage (i.e., 1959-1990), research mainly focused on investigating the sources and contents of Hg in wetland environments and fish. 2) For the next 20 years (i.e., 1991-2010), Hg transformation (e.g., Hg reduction and methylation) and environmental factors that affect Hg bioaccumulation have attracted extensive attention. 3) In the recent years of 2011-2022, hot topics in Hg study include microbial Hg methylators, Hg bioavailability, methylmercury (MeHg) demethylation, Hg stable isotope, and Hg cycling in paddy fields. Finally, we put forward future research priorities, i.e., 1) clarifying the primary factors controlling MeHg production, 2) uncovering the MeHg demethylation process, 3) elucidating MeHg bioaccumulation process to better predict its risk, and 4) recognizing the role of wetlands in Hg circulation. This research shows a comprehensive knowledge map for wetland Hg research and suggests avenues for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chengjun Li
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wenli Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mengjie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mingying Chen
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Huan He
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Pei Lei
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Huan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Environmental and Life Science Program (EnLS), Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
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84
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Zhang L, Yin Y, Sun Y, Liang X, Graham DE, Pierce EM, Löffler FE, Gu B. Inhibition of Methylmercury and Methane Formation by Nitrous Oxide in Arctic Tundra Soil Microcosms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:5655-5665. [PMID: 36976621 PMCID: PMC10100821 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Climate warming causes permafrost thaw predicted to increase toxic methylmercury (MeHg) and greenhouse gas [i.e., methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrous oxide (N2O)] formation. A microcosm incubation study with Arctic tundra soil over 145 days demonstrates that N2O at 0.1 and 1 mM markedly inhibited microbial MeHg formation, methanogenesis, and sulfate reduction, while it slightly promoted CO2 production. Microbial community analyses indicate that N2O decreased the relative abundances of methanogenic archaea and microbial clades implicated in sulfate reduction and MeHg formation. Following depletion of N2O, both MeHg formation and sulfate reduction rapidly resumed, whereas CH4 production remained low, suggesting that N2O affected susceptible microbial guilds differently. MeHg formation strongly coincided with sulfate reduction, supporting prior reports linking sulfate-reducing bacteria to MeHg formation in the Arctic soil. This research highlights complex biogeochemical interactions in governing MeHg and CH4 formation and lays the foundation for future mechanistic studies for improved predictive understanding of MeHg and greenhouse gas fluxes from thawing permafrost ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijie Zhang
- Environmental
Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
- Department
of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
| | - Yongchao Yin
- Biosciences
Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
- Center
for Environmental Biotechnology, University
of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
- Department
of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Yanchen Sun
- Center
for Environmental Biotechnology, University
of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Xujun Liang
- Environmental
Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - David E. Graham
- Biosciences
Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Eric M. Pierce
- Environmental
Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Frank E. Löffler
- Biosciences
Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
- Center
for Environmental Biotechnology, University
of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
- Department
of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
- Department
of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Baohua Gu
- Environmental
Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
- Department
of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
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85
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Zhang S, Li B, Chen Y, Zhu M, Pedersen JA, Gu B, Wang Z, Li H, Liu J, Zhou XQ, Hao YY, Jiang H, Liu F, Liu YR, Yin H. Methylmercury Degradation by Trivalent Manganese. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:5988-5998. [PMID: 36995950 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c00532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a potent neurotoxin and has great adverse health impacts on humans. Organisms and sunlight-mediated demethylation are well-known detoxification pathways of MeHg, yet whether abiotic environmental components contribute to MeHg degradation remains poorly known. Here, we report that MeHg can be degraded by trivalent manganese (Mn(III)), a naturally occurring and widespread oxidant. We found that 28 ± 4% MeHg could be degraded by Mn(III) located on synthesized Mn dioxide (MnO2-x) surfaces during the reaction of 0.91 μg·L-1 MeHg and 5 g·L-1 mineral at an initial pH of 6.0 for 12 h in 10 mM NaNO3 at 25 °C. The presence of low-molecular-weight organic acids (e.g., oxalate and citrate) substantially enhances MeHg degradation by MnO2-x via the formation of soluble Mn(III)-ligand complexes, leading to the cleavage of the carbon-Hg bond. MeHg can also be degraded by reactions with Mn(III)-pyrophosphate complexes, with apparent degradation rate constants comparable to those by biotic and photolytic degradation. Thiol ligands (cysteine and glutathione) show negligible effects on MeHg demethylation by Mn(III). This research demonstrates potential roles of Mn(III) in degrading MeHg in natural environments, which may be further explored for remediating heavily polluted soils and engineered systems containing MeHg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtse River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China
- Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Henan Police College, Zhengzhou 450046, P.R. China
| | - Baohui Li
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtse River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China
| | - Yi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtse River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China
| | - Mengqiang Zhu
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, Wyoming 82071, United States
| | - Joel A Pedersen
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Baohua Gu
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Zimeng Wang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Jinling Liu
- School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Quan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtse River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China
| | - Yun-Yun Hao
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtse River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China
| | - Hong Jiang
- College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China
| | - Fan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtse River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Rong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtse River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China
| | - Hui Yin
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtse River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China
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86
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Chen Y, Guo Y, Liu Y, Xiang Y, Liu G, Zhang Q, Yin Y, Cai Y, Jiang G. Advances in bacterial whole-cell biosensors for the detection of bioavailable mercury: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 868:161709. [PMID: 36682565 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) and its organic compounds, especially monomethylmercury (MeHg), cause major damage to the ecosystem and human health. In surface water or sediments, microorganisms play a crucial role in the methylation and demethylation of Hg. Given that Hg transformation processes are intracellular reactions, accurate assessment of the bioavailability of Hg(II)/MeHg in the environment, particularly for microorganisms, is of major importance. Compared with traditional analytical methods, bacterial whole-cell biosensors (BWCBs) provide a more accurate, convenient, and cost-effective strategy to assess the environmental risks of Hg(II)/MeHg. This Review summarizes recent progress in the application of BWCBs in the detection of bioavailable Hg(II)/MeHg, providing insight on current challenges and strategies. The principle and components of BWCBs for Hg(II)/MeHg bioavailability analysis are introduced. Furthermore, the impact of water chemical factors on the bioavailability of Hg is discussed as are future perspectives of BWCBs in bioavailable Hg analysis and optimization of BWCBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueqian Chen
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yingying Guo
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yanwei Liu
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yuping Xiang
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Guangliang Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States of America
| | - Qinghua Zhang
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China; Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Yong Cai
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States of America
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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87
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Singh AD, Khanna K, Kour J, Dhiman S, Bhardwaj T, Devi K, Sharma N, Kumar P, Kapoor N, Sharma P, Arora P, Sharma A, Bhardwaj R. Critical review on biogeochemical dynamics of mercury (Hg) and its abatement strategies. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 319:137917. [PMID: 36706814 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is among the naturally occurring heavy metal with elemental, organic, and inorganic distributions in the environment. Being considered a global pollutant, high pools of Hg-emissions ranging from >6000 to 8000 Mg Hg/year get accumulated by the natural and anthropogenic activities in the atmosphere. These toxicants have high persistence, toxicity, and widespread contamination in the soil, water, and air resources. Hg accumulation inside the plant parts amplifies the traces of toxic elements in the linking food chains, leads to Hg exposure to humans, and acts as a potential genotoxic, neurotoxic and carcinogenic entity. However, excessive Hg levels are equally toxic to the plant system and severely disrupt the physiological and metabolic processes in plants. Thus, a plausible link between Hg-concentration and its biogeochemical behavior is highly imperative to analyze the plant-soil interactions. Therefore, it is requisite to bring these toxic contaminants in between the acceptable limits to safeguard the environment. Plants efficiently incorporate or absorb the bioavailable Hg from the soil thus a constructive understanding of Hg uptake, translocation/sequestration involving specific heavy metal transporters, and detoxification mechanisms are drawn. Whereas recent investigations in biological remediation of Hg provide insights into the potential associations between the plants and microbes. Furthermore, intense research on Hg-induced antioxidants, protein networks, metabolic mechanisms, and signaling pathways is required to understand these bioremediations techniques. This review sheds light on the mercury (Hg) sources, pollution, biogeochemical cycles, its uptake, translocation, and detoxification methods with respect to its molecular approaches in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Dev Singh
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India.
| | - Kanika Khanna
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Jaspreet Kour
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Shalini Dhiman
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Tamanna Bhardwaj
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Kamini Devi
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Neerja Sharma
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Pardeep Kumar
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Nitika Kapoor
- P.G. Department of Botany, Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar, Punjab, India
| | - Priyanka Sharma
- School of Bioengineering Sciences and Research, MIT-ADT University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Priya Arora
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Anket Sharma
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Renu Bhardwaj
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India.
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88
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Du H, Gu X, Johs A, Yin X, Spano T, Wang D, Pierce EM, Gu B. Sonochemical oxidation and stabilization of liquid elemental mercury in water and soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 445:130589. [PMID: 37055993 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Over 3000 mercury (Hg)-contaminated sites worldwide contain liquid metallic Hg [Hg(0)l] representing a continuous source of elemental Hg(0) in the environment through volatilization and solubilization in water. Currently, there are few effective treatment technologies available to remove or sequester Hg(0)l in situ. We investigated sonochemical treatments coupled with complexing agents, polysulfide and sulfide, in oxidizing Hg(0)l and stabilizing Hg in water, soil and quartz sand. Results indicate that sonication is highly effective in breaking up and oxidizing liquid Hg(0)l beads via acoustic cavitation, particularly in the presence of polysulfide. Without complexing agents, sonication caused only minor oxidation of Hg(0)l but increased headspace gaseous Hg(0)g and dissolved Hg(0)aq in water. However, the presence of polysulfide essentially stopped Hg(0) volatilization and solubilization. As a charged polymer, polysulfide was more effective than sulfide in oxidizing Hg(0)l and subsequently stabilizing the precipitated metacinnabar (β-HgS) nanocrystals. Sonochemical treatments with sulfide yielded incomplete oxidation of Hg(0)l, likely resulting from the formation of HgS coatings on the dispersed µm-size Hg(0)l bead surfaces. Sonication with polysulfide also resulted in rapid oxidation of Hg(0)l and precipitation of HgS in quartz sand and in the Hg(0)l-contaminated soil. This research indicates that sonochemical treatment with polysulfide could be an effective means in rapidly converting Hg(0)l to insoluble HgS precipitates in water and sediments, thereby preventing its further emission and release to the environment. We suggest that future studies are performed to confirm its technical feasibility and treatment efficacy for remediation applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Du
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China; Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States
| | - Xin Gu
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States
| | - Alexander Johs
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States
| | - Xiangping Yin
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States
| | - Tyler Spano
- Nuclear Nonproliferation Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States
| | - Dingyong Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Eric M Pierce
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States
| | - Baohua Gu
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States; Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States.
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89
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Ye M, Xiang Y, Gong J, Wang X, Mao Z, Liu Z. Monitoring Hg 2+ and MeHg + poisoning in living body with an activatable near-infrared II fluorescence probe. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 445:130612. [PMID: 37056002 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130612] [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] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Noninvasively imaging mercury poisoning in living organisms is critical to understanding its toxicity and treatments. Especially, simultaneous fluorescence imaging of Hg2+ and MeHg+in vivo is helpful to disclose the mysteries of mercury poisoning. The key limitation for mercury imaging in vivo is the low imaging signal-to-background ratio (SBR) and limited imaging depth, which may result in unreliable detection results. Here, we designed and prepared a near-infrared II (NIR II) emissive probe, NIR-Rh-MS, leveraging the "spirolactam ring-open" tactic of xanthene dyes for in situ visualization of mercury toxicity in mice. The probe produces a marked fluorescence signal at 1015 nm and displays good linear responses to Hg2+ and MeHg+ with excellent sensitivity, respectively. The penetration experiments elucidate that the activated NIR-II fluorescence signal of the probe penetrates to a depth of up to 7 mm in simulated tissues. Impressively, the probe can monitor the toxicity of Hg2+ in mouse livers and the accumulation of MeHg+ in mouse brains via intravital NIR-II imaging for the first time. Thus, we believe that detecting Hg2+ and MeHg+ in different organs with a single NIR-II fluorescence probe in mice would assuredly advance the toxicologic study of mercury poisoning in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miantai Ye
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yunhui Xiang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jiankang Gong
- College of Health Science and Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- College of Health Science and Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Zhiqiang Mao
- College of Health Science and Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China.
| | - Zhihong Liu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; College of Health Science and Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China.
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90
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Zhang CJ, Liu YR, Cha G, Liu Y, Zhou XQ, Lu Z, Pan J, Cai M, Li M. Potential for mercury methylation by Asgard archaea in mangrove sediments. THE ISME JOURNAL 2023; 17:478-485. [PMID: 36639538 PMCID: PMC9938162 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-023-01360-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a potent neurotoxin that bioaccumulates along food chains. The conversion of MeHg from mercury (Hg) is mediated by a variety of anaerobic microorganisms carrying hgcAB genes. Mangrove sediments are potential hotspots of microbial Hg methylation; however, the microorganisms responsible for Hg methylation are poorly understood. Here, we conducted metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses to investigate the diversity and distribution of putative microbial Hg-methylators in mangrove ecosystems. The highest hgcA abundance and expression occurred in surface sediments in Shenzhen, where the highest MeHg concentration was also observed. We reconstructed 157 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) carrying hgcA and identified several putative novel Hg-methylators, including one Asgard archaea (Lokiarchaeota). Further analysis of MAGs revealed that Deltaproteobacteria, Euryarchaeota, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, and Lokiarchaeota were the most abundant and active Hg-methylating groups, implying their crucial role in MeHg production. By screening publicly available MAGs, 104 additional Asgard MAGs carrying hgcA genes were identified from a wide range of coast, marine, permafrost, and lake sediments. Protein homology modelling predicts that Lokiarchaeota HgcAB proteins contained the highly conserved amino acid sequences and folding structures required for Hg methylation. Phylogenetic tree revealed that hgcA genes from Asgard clustered with fused hgcAB genes, indicating a transitional stage of Asgard hgcA genes. Our findings thus suggest that Asgard archaea are potential novel Hg-methylating microorganisms and play an important role in hgcA evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui-Jing Zhang
- Archaeal Biology Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu-Rong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070, Wuhan, China
| | - Guihong Cha
- Key Laboratory of Development and Application of Rural Renewable Energy, Biogas Institute of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Archaeal Biology Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xin-Quan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhongyi Lu
- Archaeal Biology Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jie Pan
- Archaeal Biology Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mingwei Cai
- Archaeal Biology Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
- Chemical Biology Institute, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Meng Li
- Archaeal Biology Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China.
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91
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Diverse Methylmercury (MeHg) Producers and Degraders Inhabit Acid Mine Drainage Sediments, but Few Taxa Correlate with MeHg Accumulation. mSystems 2023; 8:e0073622. [PMID: 36507660 PMCID: PMC9948709 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00736-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a notorious neurotoxin, and its production and degradation in the environment are mainly driven by microorganisms. A variety of microbial MeHg producers carrying the gene pair hgcAB and degraders carrying the merB gene have been separately reported in recent studies. However, surprisingly little attention has been paid to the simultaneous investigation of the diversities of microbial MeHg producers and degraders in a given habitat, and no studies have been performed to explore to what extent these two contrasting microbial groups correlate with MeHg accumulation in the habitat of interest. Here, we collected 86 acid mine drainage (AMD) sediments from an area spanning approximately 500,000 km2 in southern China and profiled the sediment-borne putative MeHg producers and degraders using genome-resolved metagenomics. 46 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) containing hgcAB and 93 MAGs containing merB were obtained, including those from various taxa without previously known MeHg-metabolizing microorganisms. These diverse MeHg-metabolizing MAGs were formed largely via multiple independent horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events. The putative MeHg producers from Deltaproteobacteria and Firmicutes as well as MeHg degraders from Acidithiobacillia were closely correlated with MeHg accumulation in the sediments. Furthermore, these three taxa, in combination with two abiotic factors, explained over 60% of the variance in MeHg accumulation. Most of the members of these taxa were characterized by their metabolic potential for nitrogen fixation and copper tolerance. Overall, these findings improve our understanding of the ecology of MeHg-metabolizing microorganisms and likely have implications for the development of management strategies for the reduction of MeHg accumulation in the AMD sediments. IMPORTANCE Microorganisms are the main drivers of MeHg production and degradation in the environment. However, little attention has been paid to the simultaneous investigation of the diversities of microbial MeHg producers and degraders in a given habitat. We used genome-resolved metagenomics to reveal the vast phylogenetic and metabolic diversities of putative MeHg producers and degraders in AMD sediments. Our results show that the diversity of MeHg-metabolizing microorganisms (particularly MeHg degraders) in AMD sediments is much higher than was previously recognized. Via multiple linear regression analysis, we identified both microbial and abiotic factors affecting MeHg accumulation in AMD sediments. Despite their great diversity, only a few taxa of MeHg-metabolizing microorganisms were closely correlated with MeHg accumulation. This work underscores the importance of using genome-resolved metagenomics to survey MeHg-metabolizing microorganisms and provides a framework for the illumination of the microbial basis of MeHg accumulation via the characterization of physicochemical properties, MeHg-metabolizing microorganisms, and the correlations between them.
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92
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Guo Y, Xiang Y, Liu G, Chen Y, Liu Y, Song M, Li Y, Shi J, Hu L, Yin Y, Cai Y, Jiang G. "Trojan Horse" Type Internalization Increases the Bioavailability of Mercury Sulfide Nanoparticles and Methylation after Intracellular Dissolution. ACS NANO 2023; 17:1925-1934. [PMID: 36688800 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c05657] [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: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Mercury sulfide nanoparticles (HgSNP), as natural metal-containing nanoparticles, are the dominant Hg species in anoxic zones. Although the microbial Hg methylation of HgSNP has been previously reported, the importance of this process in Hg methylation has yet to be clarified due to the lack of knowledge on the internalization and transformation of HgSNP. Here, we investigated the internalization and transformation of HgSNP in microbial methylator Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA through total Hg analysis and different Hg species quantification in medium and cytoplasm. We found that the microbial uptake of HgSNP, via a passive diffusion pathway, was significantly higher than that of the Hg2+-dissolved organic matter (Hg2+-DOM) complex. Internalized HgSNP were dissolved to Hg2+ in cytoplasm with a maximal dissolution of 41%, suggesting a "Trojan horse" mechanism. The intracellular Hg2+ from HgSNP exposure at the initial stage (8 h) was higher than that in Hg2+-DOM group, which led to higher methylation of HgSNP. Furthermore, no differences in methylmercury (MeHg) production from HgSNP were observed between the hgcAB gene knockout (ΔhgcAB) and wild-type strains, suggesting that HgSNP methylation may occur through HgcAB-independent pathways. Considering the possibility of a broad range of hgcAB-lacking microbes serving as methylators for HgSNP and the ubiquity of HgSNP in anoxic environments, this study highlights the importance of HgSNP internalization and methylation in MeHg production and demonstrates the necessity of understanding the assimilation and transformation of nutrient and toxic metal nanoparticles in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Guo
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10085, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10085, China
| | - Yuping Xiang
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10085, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10085, China
| | - Guangliang Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
| | - Ying Chen
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10085, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yanwei Liu
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10085, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10085, China
| | - Maoyong Song
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10085, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10085, China
| | - Yanbin Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Jianbo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10085, China
| | - Ligang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10085, China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10085, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yong Cai
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10085, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10085, China
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10085, China
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93
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Wilman B, Bełdowska M, Rychter A, Kornijów R. Different pathways of accumulation and elimination of neurotoxicant Hg and its forms in the clam Atlantic rangia (Rangia cuneata). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:160018. [PMID: 36356744 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160018] [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] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is one of the most hazardous environmental pollutants, negatively affecting the ecosystem. The pathways of Hg elimination are well recognized in organisms from higher trophic levels compared to invertebrates such as clams. The aim of this study was to identify pathways of Hg accumulation in an alien species clams: Rangia cuneata, which represented an unrecognized source of Hg into the trophic chain of the southern Baltic Sea. An important aspect of this study was to determine Hg detoxification processes based on physiological state and biometric parameters of the atlatntic rangia. Special consideration was given to the role of shell in this process and the form of Hg in which it occurred. The study was also considered in terms of geographical changes in the Hg concentration in clams and the factors involved. Sex did not determine the concentration of Hg and its fraction in clams soft tissue and shell. Clams detoxified xenobiotic effectively in summer when their metabolism was accelerated. As a result, clams grew faster in warmer water than they accumulated Hg. In addition, this process was intensified by their reproduction. The mass of accumulated mercury was higher in the shell mass than in the body mass in summer. Transfer of Hg from the body to the shell depended on the forms Hg, mostly HgS. Geographical changes in the mercury concentration in clams was related to the form of Hg in the sediment. In areas where were more fines sediment fraction and organic matter accumulated in the sediment, mercury was present in a less bioavailable form, which caused that clams had lower Hg concentrations in their body. With assumption that in the future, due to its increasingly frequent occurrence, atlatntic rangia will become more common component of fish diet, a smaller load of toxic mercury will be introduced to the marine trophic chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartłomiej Wilman
- Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdańsk, Al. Pilsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Bełdowska
- Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdańsk, Al. Pilsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Agata Rychter
- Univerity of Applied Sciences in Elbląg, Wojska Polskiego 1, 82-300 Elbląg, Poland
| | - Ryszard Kornijów
- Department of Fisheries Oceanography and Marine Ecology, National Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kołłątaja 1, 81-332 Gdynia, Poland
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94
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Capo E, Cosio C, Gascón Díez E, Loizeau JL, Mendes E, Adatte T, Franzenburg S, Bravo AG. Anaerobic mercury methylators inhabit sinking particles of oxic water columns. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 229:119368. [PMID: 36459894 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119368] [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] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Increased concentration of mercury, particularly methylmercury, in the environment is a worldwide concern because of its toxicity in severely exposed humans. Although the formation of methylmercury in oxic water columns has been previously suggested, there is no evidence of the presence of microorganisms able to perform this process, using the hgcAB gene pair (hgc+ microorganisms), in such environments. Here we show the prevalence of hgc+ microorganisms in sinking particles of the oxic water column of Lake Geneva (Switzerland and France) and its anoxic bottom sediments. Compared to anoxic sediments, sinking particles found in oxic waters exhibited relatively high proportion of hgc+genes taxonomically assigned to Firmicutes. In contrast hgc+members from Nitrospirae, Chloroflexota and PVC superphylum were prevalent in anoxic sediment while hgc+ Desulfobacterota were found in both environments. Altogether, the description of the diversity of putative mercury methylators in the oxic water column expand our understanding on MeHg formation in aquatic environments and at a global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Capo
- Departament de Biologia Marina i Oceanografia, Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC, Pg Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003, Spain
| | - Claudia Cosio
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, UMR-I 02 INERIS-URCA-ULH SEBIO, Reims, France.
| | - Elena Gascón Díez
- Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, and Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva 1205, Switzerland; Direction générale de la santé, Secteur des produits chimiques, République et Canton de Genève, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Luc Loizeau
- Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, and Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva 1205, Switzerland
| | - Elsa Mendes
- Departament de Biologia Marina i Oceanografia, Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC, Pg Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003, Spain
| | - Thierry Adatte
- ISTE, Institut des Sciences de la Terre, Université de Lausanne, GEOPOLIS, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sören Franzenburg
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Andrea G Bravo
- Departament de Biologia Marina i Oceanografia, Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC, Pg Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003, Spain.
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95
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Park J, Cho H, Han S, An SU, Choi A, Lee H, Hyun JH. Impacts of the invasive Spartina anglica on C-S-Hg cycles and Hg(II) methylating microbial communities revealed by hgcA gene analysis in intertidal sediment of the Han River estuary, Yellow Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 187:114498. [PMID: 36603235 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114498] [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: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the impact of invasive vegetation on mercury cycles, and identified microorganisms directly related to Hg(II) methylation using hgcA gene in vegetated mud flats (VMF) inhabited by native Suaeda japonica (SJ) and invasive Spartina anglica (SA), and unvegetated mud flats (UMF) in Ganghwa intertidal sediments. Sulfate reduction rate (SRR) and rate constants of Hg(II) methylation (Km) and methyl-Hg demethylation (Kd) were consistently greater in VMF than in UMF, specifically 1.5, 2 and 11.7 times higher, respectively, for SA. Both Km and Kd were significantly correlated with SRR and the abundance of sulfate-reducing bacteria. These results indicate that the rhizosphere of invasive SA provides a hotspot for Hg dynamics coupled with sulfate reduction. HgcA gene analysis revealed that Hg(II)-methylators were dominated by Deltaproteobacteria, Chloroflexi and Euryarchaeota, comprising 37.9%, 35.8%, and 6.5% of total hgcA gene sequences, respectively, which implies that coastal sediments harbor diverse Hg(II)-methylating microorganisms that previously underrepresented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisu Park
- Department of Marine Sciences and Convergent Technology, Hanyang University (ERICA Campus), 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do 15588, South Korea
| | - Hyeyoun Cho
- Department of Marine Sciences and Convergent Technology, Hanyang University (ERICA Campus), 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do 15588, South Korea
| | - Seunghee Han
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, 123 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61005, South Korea
| | - Sung-Uk An
- Department of Marine Sciences and Convergent Technology, Hanyang University (ERICA Campus), 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do 15588, South Korea; Korean Institute of Ocean Science & Technology (KIOST), 385 Haeyang-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan Metropolitan City 49111, South Korea
| | - Ayeon Choi
- Department of Marine Sciences and Convergent Technology, Hanyang University (ERICA Campus), 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do 15588, South Korea; Korean Institute of Ocean Science & Technology (KIOST), 385 Haeyang-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan Metropolitan City 49111, South Korea
| | - Hyeonji Lee
- Department of Marine Sciences and Convergent Technology, Hanyang University (ERICA Campus), 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do 15588, South Korea
| | - Jung-Ho Hyun
- Department of Marine Sciences and Convergent Technology, Hanyang University (ERICA Campus), 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do 15588, South Korea.
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96
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Zhang D, Liu H, Wang S, Liu Y, Ji H. Wheat bran fermented by Lactobacillus regulated the bacteria-fungi composition and reduced fecal heavy metals concentrations in growing pigs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159828. [PMID: 36368386 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159828] [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: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Lactobacillus fermentation can increase the value of wheat bran, but the benefits of fermented wheat bran for pig production are poorly understood. We evaluated the phenolic acid content of wheat bran fermented with Lactobacillus. The bacterial and fungal compositions, short-chain fatty acids, and heavy metals concentrations in the feces of growing pigs were determined, and the correlations between the bacterial and fungal compositions and short-chain fatty acid and heavy metals concentrations were also assessed. The concentrations of phenolic acids (caffeic acid, catechinic acid, and gallic acid) were higher in fermented bran than in control wheat bran. The diversity of feces bacterial species was significantly higher, whereas the diversity of fungi was lower in fermented wheat bran treatment than those in the control group, and pigs consuming fermented and control wheat bran with different bacterial and fungal compositions had different growth rates. The abundance of genera in fungi that were less abundant in the fermented group samples than in the control samples (including Wallemia, Trichosporon, Candida, Aspergillus, and unclassified_f__Microascaceae) was positively correlated with heavy metals concentrations in pig feces, and the abundances of these fungi were negatively correlated with caffeic acid, catechinic acid, and gallic acid concentrations. Metagenomic function predictions indicated that larger amounts of secondary metabolites were synthesized in the fermented group than in the control group. The results provide new insights into the roles of bacterial-fungal interactions in the growth and decreasing environmental pollution of pigs consuming fermented wheat bran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyan Zhang
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Sixin Wang
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Yajuan Liu
- Mountainous Area Research Institute of Hebei Province, Hebei Agricultural University, China
| | - Haifeng Ji
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China.
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97
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Hu H, Gao Y, Yu H, Xiao H, Chen S, Tan W, Tang J, Xi B. Mechanisms and biological effects of organic amendments on mercury speciation in soil-rice systems: A review. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 251:114516. [PMID: 36628877 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) pollution is a well-recognized global environmental and health issue and exhibits distinctive persistence, neurotoxicity, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification effects. As the largest global Hg reservoir, the Hg cumulatively stored in soils has reached as high as 250-1000 Gg. Even more concerning is that global soil-rice systems distributed in many countries have become central to the global Hg cycle because they are both a major food source for more than 3 billion people worldwide and the central bridge linking atmospheric and soil Hg circulation. In this review, we discuss the form distribution, transformation, and bioavailability of Hg in soil-rice systems by focusing on the Hg methylation and demethylation pathways and distribution, uptake, and accumulation in rice plants and the effects of Hg on the community structure and ecological functions of microorganisms in soil-rice systems. In addition, we clarify the mechanisms through which commonly used humus and biochar organic amendments influence Hg and its environmental effects in soil-rice systems. The review also elaborates on the advantages of sulfur-modified biochars and their critical role in controlling Hg migration and bioavailability in soils. Finally, we provide key information about Hg pollution in soil-rice systems, which is of great significance for developing appropriate strategies and mitigation planning to limit Hg bioconcentration in rice crops and achieving key global sustainable development goals, such as the guarantee of food security and the promotion of sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualing Hu
- Technical Centre for Soil, Agriculture and Rural Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing 100012, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Yiman Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Hanxia Yu
- School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Haoyan Xiao
- School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Shuhe Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Wenbing Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Jun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Beidou Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
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98
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Eight Unexpected Selenoprotein Families in Organometallic Biochemistry in Clostridium difficile, in ABC Transport, and in Methylmercury Biosynthesis. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0025922. [PMID: 36598231 PMCID: PMC9879109 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00259-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The bioinformatics of a nine-gene locus, designated selenocysteine-assisted organometallic (SAO), was investigated after identifying six new selenoprotein families and constructing hidden Markov models (HMMs) that find and annotate members of those families. Four are selenoproteins in most SAO loci, including Clostridium difficile. They include two ABC transporter subunits, namely, permease SaoP, with selenocysteine (U) at the channel-gating position, and substrate-binding subunit SaoB. Cytosolic selenoproteins include SaoL, homologous to MerB organomercurial lyases from mercury resistance loci, and SaoT, related to thioredoxins. SaoL, SaoB, and surface protein SaoC (an occasional selenoprotein) share an unusual CU dipeptide motif, which is something rare in selenoproteins but found in selenoprotein variants of mercury resistance transporter subunit MerT. A nonselenoprotein, SaoE, shares homology with Cu/Zn efflux and arsenical efflux pumps. The organization of the SAO system suggests substrate interaction with surface-exposed selenoproteins, followed by import, metabolism that may cleave a carbon-to-heavy metal bond, and finally metal efflux. A novel type of mercury resistance is possible, but SAO instead may support fermentative metabolism, with selenocysteine-mediated formation of organometallic intermediates, followed by import, degradation, and metal efflux. Phylogenetic profiling shows SOA loci consistently co-occur with Stickland fermentation markers but even more consistently with 8Fe-9S cofactor-type double-cubane proteins. Hypothesizing that the SAO system forms organometallic intermediates, we investigated the known methylmercury formation protein families HgcA and HgcB. Both families contained overlooked selenoproteins. Most HgcAs have a CU motif N terminal to their previously accepted start sites. Seeking additional rare and overlooked selenoproteins may help reveal more cryptic aspects of microbial biochemistry. IMPORTANCE This work adds 8 novel prokaryotic selenoproteins to the 80 or so families previously known. It describes the SAO (selenocysteine-assisted organometallic) locus, with the most selenoproteins of any known system. The rare CU motif recurs throughout, suggesting the formation and degradation of organometallic compounds. That suggestion triggered a reexamination of HgcA and HcgB, which are methylmercury formation proteins that can adversely impact food safety. Both are selenoproteins, once corrected, with HgcA again showing a CU motif. The SAO system is plausibly a mercury resistance locus for selenium-dependent anaerobes. But instead, it may exploit heavy metals as cofactors in organometallic intermediate-forming pathways that circumvent high activation energies and facilitate the breakdown of otherwise poorly accessible nutrients. SAO could provide an edge that helps Clostridium difficile, an important pathogen, establish disease.
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99
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Gut as the target tissue of mercury and the extraintestinal effects. Toxicology 2023; 484:153396. [PMID: 36521575 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is harmful to the environment and human health. The gut plays important roles as the biological, chemical, mechanical, and immune barriers in animals and human beings. It has been known that Hg can be absorbed and methylated/demethylated in the gut, on the other hand, the impacts of Hg to the gut (especially the gut microbiota) is less studied. This review paper summarizes the impacts of inorganic Hg (IHg) and methyl Hg (MeHg) on gut barriers and the extraintestinal effects (damage to other organs such as the liver and brain). Both IHg and MeHg were found to cause intestinal microbial disorders, abnormal metabolites production, tight junction damage, and immune responses in the gut. The damage to the gut also contributed to the extraintestinal effects like the hepatotoxicity by IHg and the neurotoxicity by MeHg. In all, it is proposed that the gut should be considered as an important target tissue of Hg exposure, and the regulation of gut microbiota may have the potential for the prevention and control of the toxicity of Hg.
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100
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Yang L, Yang G, Wang J, Xiong B, Guo P, Wang T, Du H, Ma M, Wang D. Seasonal changes in total mercury and methylmercury in subtropical decomposing litter correspond to the abundances of nitrogen-fixing and methylmercury-degrading bacteria. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 442:130064. [PMID: 36182885 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130064] [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: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has found total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) levels increase with litterfall decay, thus suggesting litterfall decomposition plays an essential role in the biogeochemical transformation of mercury (Hg). However, it remains unclear how Hg accumulates in the decaying litter, how bacterial taxa networks vary and what roles various microorganisms play during litterfall decomposition, especially nitrogen (N)-fixing, MeHg-degrading and Hg-methylating microbes. Here, we demonstrated as degradation proceeded, a gradually-complex network evolved for litterfall bacteria for the subtropical mixed broadleaf-conifer (MBC) forest, whereas a relatively static network existed for the evergreen broadleaf (EB) forest. N-fixing and MeHg-degrading bacteria dominated throughout litterfall decomposition process, with relative abundances of N-fixing genera and nifH copies maximum and relative abundances of MeHg-degrading bacteria and merAB copies minimum in summer. Hence, N-fixing bacteria likely mediate THg increase in the decomposing litterfall, while MeHg enhancement may be regulated by aerobic MeHg-degrading microbes which can transform MeHg to inorganic divalent Hg (Hg2+) or further to elemental Hg (Hg0). Together, this work elucidates variations of N-fixing and MeHg-degrading microbes in decaying litterfall and their relationships with Hg accumulation, providing novel insights into understanding the biogeochemical cycle of Hg in the forest ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Yang
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jueying Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Bio-resource for Bioenergy, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Bingcai Xiong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Bio-resource for Bioenergy, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Pan Guo
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hongxia Du
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Bio-resource for Bioenergy, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Ming Ma
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Bio-resource for Bioenergy, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Dingyong Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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