1
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Tennant JH, Cosentino BJ, Cleckner LB, Brubaker KM, Razavi NR. Methylmercury Concentrations More Strongly Associated With Trait Variation Than Food Web Position in Plethodontid Salamanders. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024. [PMID: 39031493 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Salamanders serve as bioindicators of mercury (Hg) in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats and are an important link in the food web between low-trophic prey and higher-trophic predators. We investigated the drivers of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure in three common plethodontid salamander species in New York State, USA, including comparisons among regions, habitat types (terrestrial and semiaquatic), and color morphs of Plethodon cinereus (striped and unstriped). Nonlethal tail samples were collected from one terrestrial species (P. cinereus) and two semiaquatic species (Eurycea bislineata and Desmognathus spp.) in the Adirondack Mountains (ADK) and the Finger Lakes National Forest (FLNF) regions. Samples were analyzed for MeHg and stable isotopes, including δ15N and δ13C which are proxies of trophic position and diet, respectively. Despite elevated biota Hg concentrations typically found in the ADK, salamander MeHg concentrations did not differ by region in the terrestrial species and one of the semiaquatic species. In addition, diet and trophic level did not explain MeHg exposure in salamanders. Semiaquatic salamanders exhibited higher MeHg concentrations than terrestrial salamanders in the FLNF only. Within species, only snout-vent length predicted MeHg concentrations in E. bislineata with few other variables significant as predictors of MeHg concentrations in path models. Among P. cinereus individuals in the FLNF, the striped morph had greater MeHg concentrations than the unstriped morph, and food web tracers were not different between morphs. Overall, New York State salamander Hg concentrations were elevated compared to other locations where these species are present. The present study establishes baseline Hg data in salamanders for future assessments of changes in Hg bioavailability to forests of New York State. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-13. © 2024 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremiah H Tennant
- Department of Environmental Biology, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Bradley J Cosentino
- Department of Biology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, New York, USA
| | - Lisa B Cleckner
- Department of Environmental Studies, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, New York, USA
- Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, New York, USA
| | - Kristen M Brubaker
- Department of Environmental Studies, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, New York, USA
| | - N Roxanna Razavi
- Department of Environmental Biology, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New York, USA
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2
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Rebolloso-Hernández CA, Vallejo-Pérez MR, Carrizales-Yáñez L, Garrigos-Lomelí GJ, Razo-Soto I, Diaz-Barriga F. Arsenic and mercury exposure in different insect trophic guilds from mercury mining areas in Mexico. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:422. [PMID: 38570386 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12571-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The exposure to arsenic and mercury in various insect trophic guilds from two mercury mining sites in Mexico was assessed. The two study sites were La Laja (LL) and La Soledad (LS) mines. Additionally, a reference site (LSR) was evaluated for LS. The terrestrial ecosystem was studied at LL, whereas both the terrestrial ecosystem and a stream called El Cedral (EC) were assessed at LS. The study sites are situated in the Biosphere Reserve Sierra Gorda (BRSG). Mercury vapor concentrations were measured with a portable analyzer, and concentrations of arsenic and mercury in environmental and biological samples were determined through atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Both pollutants were detected in all terrestrial ecosystem components (soil, air, leaves, flowers, and insects) from the two mines. The insect trophic guilds exposed included pollinivores, rhizophages, predators, coprophages, and necrophages. In LS, insects accumulated arsenic at levels 29 to 80 times higher than those found in specimens from LSR, and 10 to 46 times higher than those from LL. Similarly, mercury exposure in LS was 13 to 62 times higher than LSR, and 15 to 54 times higher than in LL. The analysis of insect exposure routes indicated potential exposure through air, soil, leaves, flowers, animal prey, carrion, and excrement. Water and sediment from EC exhibited high levels of arsenic and mercury compared to reference values, and predatory aquatic insects were exposed to both pollutants. In conclusion, insects from mercury mining sites in the BRSG are at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alberto Rebolloso-Hernández
- Programa Multidisciplinario de Posgrado en Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, 78000, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Moisés Roberto Vallejo-Pérez
- Programa Multidisciplinario de Posgrado en Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, 78000, San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
- CONAHCYT-Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, 78000, San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
| | - Leticia Carrizales-Yáñez
- Facultad de Medicina-Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, 78210, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Giulio Jordan Garrigos-Lomelí
- Licenciatura en Ciencias Ambientales-Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, 78210, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Israel Razo-Soto
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, 78210, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Fernando Diaz-Barriga
- División de Estudios Superiores para la Paz, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, 78210, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
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Luo K, Yuan W, Lu Z, Xiong Z, Lin CJ, Wang X, Feng X. Unveiling the Sources and Transfer of Mercury in Forest Bird Food Chains Using Techniques of Vivo-Nest Video Recording and Stable Isotopes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:6007-6018. [PMID: 38513264 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10972] [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: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Knowledge gaps in mercury (Hg) biomagnification in forest birds, especially in the most species-rich tropical and subtropical forests, limit our understanding of the ecological risks of Hg deposition to forest birds. This study aimed to quantify Hg bioaccumulation and transfer in the food chains of forest birds in a subtropical montane forest using a bird diet recorded by video and stable Hg isotope signals of biological and environmental samples. Results show that inorganic mercury (IHg) does not biomagnify along food chains, whereas methylmercury (MeHg) has trophic magnification factors of 7.4-8.1 for the basal resource-invertebrate-bird food chain. The video observations and MeHg mass balance model suggest that Niltava (Niltava sundara) nestlings ingest 78% of their MeHg from forest floor invertebrates, while Flycatcher (Eumyias thalassinus) nestlings ingest 59% from emergent aquatic invertebrates (which fly onto the canopy) and 40% from canopy invertebrates. The diet of Niltava nestlings contains 40% more MeHg than that of Flycatcher nestlings, resulting in a 60% higher MeHg concentration in their feather. Hg isotopic model shows that atmospheric Hg0 is the main Hg source in the forest bird food chains and contributes >68% in most organisms. However, three categories of canopy invertebrates receive ∼50% Hg from atmospheric Hg2+. Overall, we highlight the ecological risk of MeHg exposure for understory insectivorous birds caused by atmospheric Hg0 deposition and methylation on the forest floor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Zhiyun Lu
- Ailaoshan Station for Subtropical Forest Ecosystem Studies, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jingdong, Yunnan 676200, China
| | - Zichun Xiong
- Ailaoshan Station for Subtropical Forest Ecosystem Studies, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jingdong, Yunnan 676200, China
| | - Che-Jen Lin
- Center for Advances in Water and Air Quality, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas 77710, United States
| | - Xun Wang
- 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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Herring G, Tennant LB, Willacker JJ, Johnson M, Siegel RB, Polasik JS, Eagles-Smith CA. Wildfire burn severity and stream chemistry influence aquatic invertebrate and riparian avian mercury exposure in forested ecosystems. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 33:131-141. [PMID: 38381206 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-024-02730-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Terrestrial soils in forested landscapes represent some of the largest mercury (Hg) reserves globally. Wildfire can alter the storage and distribution of terrestrial-bound Hg via reemission to the atmosphere or mobilization in watersheds where it may become available for methylation and uptake into food webs. Using data associated with the 2007 Moonlight and Antelope Fires in California, we examined the long-term direct effects of wildfire burn severity on the distribution and magnitude of Hg concentrations in riparian food webs. Additionally, we quantified the cross-ecosystem transfer of Hg from aquatic invertebrate to riparian bird communities; and assessed the influence of biogeochemical, landscape variables, and ecological factors on Hg concentrations in aquatic and terrestrial food webs. Benthic macroinvertebrate methylmercury (MeHg) and riparian bird blood total mercury (THg) concentrations varied by 710- and 760-fold, respectively, and Hg concentrations were highest in predators. We found inconsistent relationships between Hg concentrations across and within taxa and guilds in response to stream chemical parameters and burn severity. Macroinvertebrate scraper MeHg concentrations were influenced by dissolved organic carbon (DOC); however, that relationship was moderated by burn severity (as burn severity increased the effect of DOC declined). Omnivorous bird Hg concentrations declined with increasing burn severity. Overall, taxa more linked to in situ energetic pathways may be more responsive to the biogeochemical processes that influence MeHg cycling. Remarkably, 8 years post-fire, we still observed evidence of burn severity influencing Hg concentrations within riparian food webs, illustrating its overarching role in altering the storage and redistribution of Hg and influencing biogeochemical processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garth Herring
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
| | - Lora B Tennant
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
- Nez Perce Tribe, Department of Fisheries Resource Management, Joseph, OR, 97846, USA
| | - James J Willacker
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Matthew Johnson
- National Park Service, Inventory & Monitoring Division, Southern Colorado Plateau Network, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001, USA
| | - Rodney B Siegel
- The Institute for Bird Populations, Petaluma, CA, 94953, USA
| | - Julia S Polasik
- The Institute for Bird Populations, Petaluma, CA, 94953, USA
- Teton Raptor Center, Wilson, WY, 83014, USA
| | - Collin A Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
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5
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Rebolloso Hernández CA, Vallejo Pérez MR, Razo Soto I, Díaz-Barriga Martínez F, Yáñez LC. Mercury entomotoxicology. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 311:136965. [PMID: 36280115 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136965] [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: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is an industrial pollutant of global concern. Currently entomofauna is disappearing and chemical pollution is one cause, however, it is unknown whether mercury is an additional threat. Therefore, it is necessary to know the entomotoxicology of mercury. The aim of the present work was to perform a comprehensive literature review on the entomotoxicology of mercury. The toxicokinetics and toxicity of mercury in insects, the participation of insects in the mercury cycle and the fact that this element is a threat to entomofauna are characterized. Insects can be exposed to mercury through ingestion, tracheal respiration, and gill respiration. Organic forms of mercury are better absorbed, bioaccumulated and distributed than inorganic forms. In addition, insects can biotransform mercury, for example, by methylating it. Metal elimination occurs through feces, eggs and exuvia. Toxicity molecular mechanisms include oxidative stress, enzymatic disruptions, alterations in the metabolism of neurotransmitters and proteins, genotoxicity, cell death and unbalances in the energetic state. Moreover, mercury affects lipid, germ, and gut cells, causes deformations, disturbs development, reproduction, behavior, and locomotion, besides to alters insect populations and communities. In terrestrial ecosystems, entomofauna participate in the mercury cycle by bioaccumulating mercury from soil and air, predating, being predated and decomposing organic matter. In aquatic ecosystems insects participate by accumulating mercury from water and sediment, predating, being predated and transporting it to terrestrial ecosystems when they emerge as winged adults. There are still information gaps that need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alberto Rebolloso Hernández
- Programa Multidisciplinario de Posgrado en Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avenida Manuel Nava No. 201, CP 78210, Zona Universitaria, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico.
| | - Moisés Roberto Vallejo Pérez
- CONACYT, Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y Tecnología (CIACYT), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avenida Sierra Leona No. 550, CP 78210, Colonia Lomas Segunda Sección, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
| | - Israel Razo Soto
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avenida Manuel Nava No. 304, CP 78210, Zona Universitaria, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
| | - Fernando Díaz-Barriga Martínez
- Facultad de Medicina-Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avenida Sierra Leona No. 550, CP 78210, Colonia Lomas Segunda Sección, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
| | - Leticia Carrizales Yáñez
- Facultad de Medicina-Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avenida Sierra Leona No. 550, CP 78210, Colonia Lomas Segunda Sección, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
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6
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Drummond LDO, Meire RO, Braga C, Rezende CED, Malm O, Cerqueira R. Trophic position, altitudinal distribution, and water dependence as determining factors for mercury concentrations in tropical montane anurans. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:151356. [PMID: 34728193 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151356] [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: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a widespread and toxic contaminant with potential for long-range atmospheric transport. Previous work has shown that temperate and subtropical montane ecosystems have great potential for deposition of this element. However, little information exists regarding Hg dynamics in tropical mountains. In present study, we evaluated the influence of altitudinal distribution, size, trophic position, and degree of water dependence on Hg concentration in amphibians. For this purpose, we determined the mercury concentration in topsoil and amphibian samples collected at 32 points distributed between 327 and 2181 m above sea level in Serra dos Órgãos, a mountainous complex located in southeastern Brazil. We analyzed the concentration of mercury in whole body samples of 200 individuals of 30 amphibian species. Trophic position of the specimens was estimated by nitrogen stable isotope (δ15N) composition in muscle tissues. We observed a positive relationship between elevation and Hg concentration in topsoil samples from rainforest sites. However, in samples from nebular forest and campos de altitude (highland grasslands) sites, the concentration of Hg was considered lower than expected by the trend in rainforest points, indicating that the vegetation structure plays an important role in the deposition of atmospheric mercury. Mercury concentration in amphibians varies according to the functional characteristics of the species and the environment in which the individual is inserted. Elevation, trophic level and water dependence explained at least some degree of variation in Hg concentration in amphibian tissues. Thus, this community-level analysis suggests that mountainous areas in the tropical region, as recorded for temperate and subtropical mountains, act as regional convergence and deposition sites for atmospheric mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro de Oliveira Drummond
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ CEP: 28013-602, Brazil; Laboratório de Vertebrados, Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, C.P. 68020, CEP: 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Ornellas Meire
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna-Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 21941-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Caryne Braga
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ CEP: 28013-602, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Eduardo de Rezende
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ CEP: 28013-602, Brazil.
| | - Olaf Malm
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna-Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 21941-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Rui Cerqueira
- Laboratório de Vertebrados, Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, C.P. 68020, CEP: 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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7
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Ma Y, Shang L, Hu H, Zhang W, Chen L, Zhou Z, Singh PB, Hu Y. Mercury distribution in the East Himalayas: Elevational patterns in soils and non-volant small mammals. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 288:117752. [PMID: 34284209 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), as a global pollutant, its contamination has been documented in environmental compartments of the Himalayan region. However, little research exists regarding to Hg accumulation in terrestrial wildlife, as well as its driving factors. In this study, surface soil and small mammals were collected in the Lebu Valley, East Himalayas of China, in order to measure the uptake of the long-distance transported Hg along an elevational gradient approximately from 2300 to 5000 m a.s.l. The soil Hg concentrations were measured and predicted mostly by vegetation type as well as soil organic matter, while the Hg in hair of small mammals (Muridae and Cricetidae) showed deeply influenced by soil Hg. Notably, combined with the field survey data, soil and hair Hg were both enhanced in low and mid-elevations, which overlapped the distribution ranges of a majority of mammals. Overall, this indicates that Hg contamination in low- and mid-elevations poses a potential threat to the top predators that consuming small mammals directly or indirectly. Furthermore, our data advances the understanding of Hg dynamics in remote, high mountain ecosystems and provides baseline data for biomonitoring for reduction of Hg emission globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanju Ma
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518005, China; School of Economics and Management, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210088, China
| | - Lihai Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Huijian Hu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- 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
| | - Lianghua Chen
- School of Economics and Management, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210088, China
| | - Zhixin Zhou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Paras Bikram Singh
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Yiming Hu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, China.
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8
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Ballabio C, Jiskra M, Osterwalder S, Borrelli P, Montanarella L, Panagos P. A spatial assessment of mercury content in the European Union topsoil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 769:144755. [PMID: 33736262 PMCID: PMC8024745 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Mapping of surface soil Hg concentrations, a priority pollutant, at continental scale is important in order to identify hotspots of soil Hg distribution (e.g. mining or industrial pollution) and identify factors that influence soil Hg concentrations (e.g. climate, soil properties, vegetation). Here we present soil Hg concentrations from the LUCAS topsoil (0-20 cm) survey including 21,591 samples from 26 European Union countries (one sample every ~200 km2). Deep Neural Network (DNN) learning models were used to map the European soil Hg distribution. DNN estimated a median Hg concentration of 38.3 μg kg-1 (2.6 to 84.7 μg kg-1) excluding contaminated sites. At continental scale, we found that soil Hg concentrations increased with latitude from south to north and with altitude. A GLMM revealed a correlation (R2 = 0.35) of soil Hg concentrations with vegetation activity, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and soil organic carbon content. This observation corroborates the importance of atmospheric Hg0 uptake by plants and the build-up of the soil Hg pool by litterfall over continental scales. The correlation of Hg concentrations with NDVI was amplified by higher soil organic matter content, known to stabilize Hg in soils through thiol bonds. We find a statistically significant relation between soil Hg levels and coal use in large power plants, proving that emissions from power plants are associated with higher mercury deposition in their proximity. In total 209 hotspots were identified, defined as the top percentile in Hg concentration (>422 μg kg-1). 87 sites (42% of all hotspots) were associated with known mining areas. The sources of the other hotspots could not be identified and may relate to unmined geogenic Hg or industrial pollution. The mapping effort in the framework of LUCAS can serve as a starting point to guide local and regional authorities in identifying Hg contamination hotspots in soils.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin Jiskra
- Environmental Geosciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Stefan Osterwalder
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IRD, Grenoble INP, IGE, Grenoble, France.
| | - Pasquale Borrelli
- Università degli Studi di Pavia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e dell'Ambiente, Pavia, Italy.
| | | | - Panos Panagos
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy.
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9
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Adams EM, Sauer AK, Lane O, Regan K, Evers DC. The effects of climate, habitat, and trophic position on methylmercury bioavailability for breeding New York songbirds. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 29:1843-1861. [PMID: 31865513 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-019-02151-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant that affects songbird populations across a variety of ecosystems following conversion to methylmercury (MeHg)-a form of Hg with high potential for bioaccumulation and bioavailability. The amount of bioavailable MeHg in an ecosystem is a function of the amount of total Hg present as well as Hg methylation rates, which vary across the landscape in space and time, and trophic transfer. Using songbirds as an indicator of MeHg bioavailability in terrestrial ecosystems, we evaluated the role of habitat, climate, and trophic level in dictating MeHg exposure risk across a variety of ecosystems. To achieve this objective, 2243 blood Hg samples were collected from 81 passerine and near-passerine species in New York State, USA, spanning 10 different sampling regions from Long Island to western New York. Using a general linear mixed modeling framework that accounted for regional variation in sampling species composition, we found that wetland habitat area within 100 m of capture location, 50-year average of summer maximum temperatures, and trophic position inferred using stable isotope analysis were all correlated with songbird blood Hg concentrations statewide. Moreover, these patterns had a large degree of spatial variability suggesting that the drivers of MeHg bioavailability differed significantly across the state. Mercury deposition, land cover, and climate are all expected to change throughout the northeastern United States in the coming decades. Terrestrial MeHg bioavailability will likely respond to these changes. Focused research and monitoring efforts will be critical to understand how exposure risk responds to global environmental change across the landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan M Adams
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Rd., Portland, ME, 04103, USA.
| | - Amy K Sauer
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Rd., Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Oksana Lane
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Rd., Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Kevin Regan
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Rd., Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Rd., Portland, ME, 04103, USA
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10
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Sauer AK, Driscoll CT, Evers DC, Adams EM, Yang Y. Mercury exposure in songbird communities along an elevational gradient on Whiteface Mountain, Adirondack Park (New York, USA). ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 29:1830-1842. [PMID: 32232628 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-020-02175-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a potent neurotoxin that biomagnifies within food webs. Adverse effects have been documented for avian species related to exposure of elevated Hg levels. High elevation, boreal forests generally receive higher atmospheric Hg deposition and regional studies have subsequently identified elevated blood Hg concentrations in songbird species inhabiting these montane habitats. The overall goal of this study was to investigate spatial and seasonal Hg exposure patterns in songbird species along an elevational gradient on Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondack Park of New York State. Songbird blood samples were collected from June-July in 2009 and 2010 along an elevational gradient at 13 study plots (450-1400 m) with a focus on Catharus thrushes, including the hermit thrush, Swainson's thrush, and Bicknell's thrush. The main results of this study documented: (1) an overall linear pattern of increasing blood Hg concentrations with increasing elevation, with additional analysis suggesting a nonlinear elevational pattern of increasing blood Hg concentrations to 1075 m, followed by decreasing concentrations thereafter, for all Catharus thrush species across the elevational gradient; and (2) an overall nonlinear seasonal pattern of increasing, followed by decreasing blood Hg concentrations across target species. Avian exposure patterns appear driven by elevated atmospheric Hg deposition and increased methylmercury bioavailability within high elevation habitats as compared with low elevation forests. Seasonal patterns are likely influenced by a combination of complex and dynamic variables related to dietary selection and annual molting cycles. Considering that few high elevation analyses have been conducted within the context of regional songbird research, this project complements the results from similar studies and highlights the need for further monitoring efforts to investigate environmental Hg contamination within avian communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy K Sauer
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA.
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA.
| | - Charles T Driscoll
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
| | - David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Evan M Adams
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Forest and Natural Resources Management, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
- Sierra Nevada Research Institute, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, 95340, USA
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Sauer AK, Driscoll CT, Evers DC, Adams EM, Yang Y. Mercury exposure in songbird communities within Sphagnum bog and upland forest ecosystems in the Adirondack Park (New York, USA). ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 29:1815-1829. [PMID: 32037482 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-019-02142-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a potent neurotoxin that biomagnifies within both aquatic and terrestrial food webs resulting in adverse physiological and reproductive effects on impacted wildlife populations, including songbird communities. Due to reducing conditions, wetland ecosystems promote the formation of methylmercury. Regional studies have documented elevated blood mercury concentrations in songbird species within these habitat types. The overall goal of this research was to examine spatial and seasonal patterns of Hg exposure for targeted songbird species within Sphagnum bog wetland systems and compare these patterns with adjacent upland forests in the Adirondack Park of New York State. Project sampling was conducted at study plots within four Sphagnum bog and associated upland forest sites from May - August during the 2008, 2009, and 2011 field seasons. The overall results documented: (1) blood Hg concentrations were elevated in songbird species inhabiting Sphagnum bog habitats as compared to nearby upland forest species; (2) target species within each habitat type exhibited consistent species-level patterns in blood Hg concentrations at each study site; and (3) no seasonal change in blood Hg concentrations within Sphagnum bog habitats was documented, but an increasing, followed by a decreasing seasonal pattern in mercury exposure was detected for upland forest species. Habitat type was demonstrated to influence avian Hg exposure levels. Moreover, Sphagnum bog ecosystems may be contributing to elevated Hg concentrations in biota within the surrounding environment. Seasonal patterns for blood Hg concentrations were found to vary between habitat type and are likely related to a combination of variables including habitat-driven Hg concentrations in prey items, seasonal dietary shifts, and annual molting cycles. This project emphasizes the importance of prioritizing future research efforts within identified high Hg habitat types, specifically wetland systems, to better characterize associated avian exposure levels, estimate the spatial extent of wetland systems on the surrounding environment, and identify locations of potential biological hotspots across the Adirondack Park.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy K Sauer
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA.
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA.
| | - Charles T Driscoll
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
| | - David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Evan M Adams
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Forest and Natural Resources Management, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
- Sierra Nevada Research Institute, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, 95340, USA
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12
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DeSorbo CR, Burgess NM, Nye PE, Loukmas JJ, Brant HA, Burton MEH, Persico CP, Evers DC. Bald eagle mercury exposure varies with region and site elevation in New York, USA. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 29:1862-1876. [PMID: 31925622 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-019-02153-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater fish in several regions of New York State (NYS) are known to contain concentrations of mercury (Hg) associated with negative health effects in wildlife and humans. We collected blood and breast feathers from bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nestlings throughout NYS, with an emphasis on the Catskill region to determine their exposure to Hg. We assessed whether habitat type (lake or river), region (Delaware-Catskill region vs. rest of NY) or sample site elevation influenced Hg concentrations in bald eagle breast feathers using ANCOVA. The model was significant and accounted for 41% of the variability in log10 breast feather Hg concentrations. Mercury concentrations in nestling breast feathers were significantly greater in the Delaware-Catskill Region (geometric mean: 14.5 µg/g dw) than in the rest of NY (7.4 µg/g, dw), and greater at nests located at higher elevations. Habitat type (river vs. lake) did not have a significant influence on breast feather Hg concentrations. Geometric mean blood Hg concentrations were significantly greater in Catskill nestlings (0.78 µg/g ww) than in those from the rest of NY (0.32 µg/g). Mercury concentrations in nestling breast feathers and especially blood samples from the Delaware-Catskill region were generally greater than those reported for most populations sampled elsewhere, including areas associated with significant Hg pollution problems. Bald eagles can serve as valuable Hg bioindicators in aquatic ecosystems of NYS, particularly given their broad statewide distribution and their tendency to nest across all major watersheds and different habitat types.
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Affiliation(s)
- C R DeSorbo
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA.
| | - N M Burgess
- Environment & Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL, A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - P E Nye
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY, 12233-4753, USA
- 1926 Tarrytown Rd., Feura Bush, NY, 12067, USA
| | - J J Loukmas
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY, 12233-4753, USA
| | - H A Brant
- Savannah River National Laboratory, Aiken, SC, USA
| | - M E H Burton
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - C P Persico
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - D C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
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Rimmer CC, Lloyd JD, McFarland KP, Evers DC, Lane OP. Patterns of blood mercury variation in two long-distance migratory thrushes on Mount Mansfield, Vermont. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 29:1174-1182. [PMID: 31520201 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-019-02104-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We investigated mercury (Hg) blood concentrations in Bicknell's thrush (Catharus bicknelli) and Swainson's thrush (C. ustulatus), congeneric long-distance migratory songbirds, from 2000-2017 at a montane forest site in north-central Vermont. We analyzed variation in blood Hg of both species using mixed-effects models, incorporating atmospheric wet Hg deposition data from a nearby sampling location. Although Hg deposition varied among years and seasonally, we detected no temporal trend in either atmospheric deposition or blood Hg, nor evidence of a relationship between the two. Sampling date had the strongest effect on blood Hg concentration, which declined seasonally, followed by age and sex of the individual. The data did not support an effect of species. We believe that the absence of a clear relationship between local atmospheric deposition and thrush blood Hg concentrations suggests that Hg cycling dynamics, mechanisms of transfer, and timing of uptake by montane forest biota are complex and poorly understood. The blood Hg concentrations of ~0.07-0.1 μg/g we documented in Bicknell's and Swainson's thrush are below those found to negatively impact physiological or reproductive endpoints in other invertivorous terrestrial passerines. To better evaluate the validity of Bicknell's thrush as a bioindicator of MeHg availability in montane forest ecosystems, we recommend (1) effects-based investigations, (2) a more robust understanding of Hg and MeHg cycling, (3) more clear geospatial and temporal links between Hg deposition and biotic uptake, and (4) more thorough documentation of Hg burdens across the species' annual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John D Lloyd
- Vermont Center for Ecostudies, P.O. Box 420, Norwich, VT, 05055, USA
- American Wind Wildlife Institute, 1990 K Street NW, Suite 620, Washington, DC, 20006, USA
| | - Kent P McFarland
- Vermont Center for Ecostudies, P.O. Box 420, Norwich, VT, 05055, USA
| | - David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Oksana P Lane
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
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Stenhouse IJ, Adams EM, Phillips LM, Weidensaul S, McIntyre CL. A preliminary assessment of mercury in the feathers of migratory songbirds breeding in the North American subarctic. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 29:1221-1228. [PMID: 31531800 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-019-02105-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Passerines appear to have a greater sensitivity to mercury than other avian orders, and little data exists for mercury exposure in songbirds breeding at high latitudes. In this preliminary study, we examined mercury exposure in 12 migratory songbird species breeding in Denali National Park & Preserve, in subarctic interior Alaska. Overall, we analyzed 343 feather samples collected in 2015-2017 for their total mercury content. Mercury levels found in feathers indicates exposure during the period of feather growth, which we assume largely took place on the breeding ground. In this limited sample of songbird feathers, mercury concentrations ranged from near zero to 6.34 μg/g. Most species sampled showed relatively low mercury, but some individuals had high enough concentrations to be subject to adverse physiological and behavioral effects. There was an indication that mercury concentrations of breeding songbirds may vary by diet composition, with non-invertivorous species possibly tending towards lower mercury concentrations. Overall, however, the degree of mercury exposure observed was low for songbirds breeding in the subarctic. Further examination would prove useful in clarifying mercury exposure and ecological relationships in this under-studied region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - E M Adams
- Biodiversity Research Institute, Portland, ME, USA
| | - L M Phillips
- National Park Service, Denali National Park & Preserve, Denali Park, AK, USA
| | | | - C L McIntyre
- National Park Service, Denali National Park & Preserve, Fairbanks, AK, USA
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15
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Jackson AK, Eagles-Smith CA, Emery C. Spatial variation in aquatic invertebrate and riparian songbird mercury exposure across a river-reservoir system with a legacy of mercury contamination. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 29:1195-1204. [PMID: 31056730 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-019-02043-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) loading and methylation in aquatic systems causes a variety of deleterious effects for fish and wildlife populations. Relatively little research has focused on Hg movement into riparian food webs and how this is modulated by habitat characteristics. This study characterized differences in Hg exposure in aquatic invertebrates and riparian songbirds across a large portion of the Willamette River system in western Oregon, starting at a Hg-contaminated Superfund site in the headwaters (Black Butte Hg Mine) and including a reservoir known to methylate Hg (Cottage Grove Reservoir), all downstream reaches (Coast Fork and Willamette River) and off-channel wetland complexes (Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex). After accounting for year, date, and site differences in a mixed effects model, MeHg concentrations in aquatic invertebrates varied spatially among habitat categories and invertebrate orders. Similarly, THg in songbird blood varied by among habitat categories and bird species. The highest Hg concentrations occurred near the Hg mine, but Hg did not decline linearly with distance from the source of contamination. Birds were consistently elevated in Hg in habitats commonly associated with enhanced MeHg production, such as backwater or wetlands. We found a positive but weak correlation between aquatic invertebrate MeHg concentrations and songbird THg concentrations on a site-specific basis. Our findings suggest that Hg risk to riparian songbirds can extend beyond point-source contaminated areas, highlighting the importance of assessing exposure in surrounding habitats where methylmercury production may be elevated, such as reservoirs and wetlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson K Jackson
- Department of Environmental Studies, Purchase College SUNY, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY, 10577, USA.
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, 104 Nash Hall, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
| | - Collin A Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Colleen Emery
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
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Wang X, Yuan W, Lin CJ, Luo J, Wang F, Feng X, Fu X, Liu C. Underestimated Sink of Atmospheric Mercury in a Deglaciated Forest Chronosequence. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:8083-8093. [PMID: 32510932 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c01667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) deposition through litterfall has been regarded as the main input of gaseous elemental mercury (Hg0) into forest ecosystems. We hypothesize that earlier studies largely underestimated this sink because the contribution of Hg0 uptake by moss and the downward transport to wood and throughfall is overlooked. To test the hypothesis, we investigated the Hg fluxes contributed via litterfall and throughfall, Hg pool sizes in moss covers and woody biomass as well as their isotopic signatures in a glacier-to-forest succession ecosystem of the Southeast Tibetan Plateau. Results show that Hg0 depositional uptake and pool sizes stored in moss and woody biomass increase rapidly with the time after glacier retreat. Using the flux data as input to a Hg isotopic mixing model, Hg deposition through litterfall accounts for 27-85% of the total accumulation rate of Hg0 in organic soils of glacial retreat over 20-90 years, revealing the presence of additional sources of Hg0 input. Atmospheric Hg0 accounts for 76 ± 24% in ground moss, 86 ± 15% in tree moss, 62-92% in above ground woody biomass (branch-bark-stem), and 44-83% in roots. The downward decreasing gradient of atmospheric Hg0 fractions from the above ground woody biomass to roots suggests a foliage-to-root Hg transport in vegetation after uptake. Additionally, 34-82% of atmospheric Hg0 in throughfall further amplifies the accumulation of Hg0 from atmospheric sources. We conclude that woody biomass, moss, and throughfall represent important Hg0 sinks in forest ecosystems. These previously unaccounted for sink terms significantly increase the previously estimated atmospheric Hg0 sink via litterfall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Wang
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Che-Jen Lin
- Center for Advances in Water and Air Quality, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas 77710, United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas 77710, United States
| | - Ji Luo
- Key Laboratory of Mountain Surface Processes and Ecological Regulation, Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Ministry of Water Conservancy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Feiyue Wang
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, and Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
- Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xian 710061, China
| | - Xuewu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
- Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xian 710061, China
| | - Chen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
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Sommar J, Osterwalder S, Zhu W. Recent advances in understanding and measurement of Hg in the environment: Surface-atmosphere exchange of gaseous elemental mercury (Hg 0). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 721:137648. [PMID: 32182462 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The atmosphere is the major transport pathway for distribution of mercury (Hg) globally. Gaseous elemental mercury (GEM, hereafter Hg0) is the predominant form in both anthropogenic and natural emissions. Evaluation of the efficacy of reductions in emissions set by the UN's Minamata Convention (UN-MC) is critically dependent on the knowledge of the dynamics of the global Hg cycle. Of these dynamics including e.g. red-ox reactions, methylation-demethylation and dry-wet deposition, poorly constrained atmosphere-surface Hg0 fluxes especially limit predictability of the timescales of its global biogeochemical cycle. This review focuses on Hg0 flux field observational studies, namely the theory, applications, strengths, and limitations of the various experimental methodologies applied to gauge the exchange flux and decipher active sub-processes. We present an in-depth review, a comprehensive literature synthesis, and methodological and instrumentation advances for terrestrial and marine Hg0 flux studies in recent years. In particular, we outline the theory of a wide range of measurement techniques and detail the operational protocols. Today, the most frequently used measurement techniques to determine the net Hg0 flux (>95% of the published flux data) are dynamic flux chambers for small-scale and micrometeorological approaches for large-scale measurements. Furthermore, top-down approaches based on Hg0 concentration measurements have been applied as tools to better constrain Hg emissions as an independent way to e.g. challenge emission inventories. This review is an up-dated, thoroughly revised edition of Sommar et al. 2013 (DOI: 10.1080/10643389.2012.671733). To the tabulation of >100 cited flux studies 1988-2009 given in the former publication, we have here listed corresponding studies published during the last decade with a few exceptions (2008-2019). During that decade, Hg stable isotope ratios of samples involved in atmosphere-terrestrial interaction is at hand and provide in combination with concentration and/or flux measurements novel constraints to quantitatively and qualitatively assess the bi-directional Hg0 flux. Recent efforts in the development of relaxed eddy accumulation and eddy covariance Hg0 flux methods bear the potential to facilitate long-term, ecosystem-scale flux measurements to reduce the prevailing large uncertainties in Hg0 flux estimates. Standardization of methods for Hg0 flux measurements is crucial to investigate how land-use change and how climate warming impact ecosystem-specific Hg0 sink-source characteristics and to validate frequently applied model parameterizations describing the regional and global scale Hg cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Sommar
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, China.
| | - Stefan Osterwalder
- Institut des Géosciences de l'Environnement, Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IRD, Grenoble INP, Grenoble, France
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
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Feng Z, Xiao T, Zhang G, Zhang L, Cui Y, Jiang Y. Mercury spatial distribution characteristics and its exposure of the endangered Jankowski's bunting. Ecol Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1703.12117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhili Feng
- Animal Scientific and Technological Institute Agricultural University of Jilin Changchun China
| | - Tingting Xiao
- School of Environment Northeast Normal University Changchun China
| | - Gang Zhang
- School of Environment Northeast Normal University Changchun China
- Institute of Grassland Science Northeast Normal University Changchun China
| | - Lishi Zhang
- Animal Scientific and Technological Institute Agricultural University of Jilin Changchun China
| | - Yufei Cui
- Animal Scientific and Technological Institute Agricultural University of Jilin Changchun China
| | - Yunlei Jiang
- Animal Scientific and Technological Institute Agricultural University of Jilin Changchun China
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Chételat J, Ackerman JT, Eagles-Smith CA, Hebert CE. Methylmercury exposure in wildlife: A review of the ecological and physiological processes affecting contaminant concentrations and their interpretation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 711:135117. [PMID: 31831233 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) can result in detrimental health effects in wildlife. With advances in ecological indicators and analytical techniques for measurement of MeHg in a variety of tissues, numerous processes have been identified that can influence MeHg concentrations in wildlife. This review presents a synthesis of theoretical principals and applied information for measuring MeHg exposure and interpreting MeHg concentrations in wildlife. Mercury concentrations in wildlife are the net result of ecological processes influencing dietary exposure combined with physiological processes that regulate assimilation, transformation, and elimination. Therefore, consideration of both physiological and ecological processes should be integrated when formulating biomonitoring strategies. Ecological indicators, particularly stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur, compound-specific stable isotopes, and fatty acids, can be effective tools to evaluate dietary MeHg exposure. Animal species differ in their physiological capacity for MeHg elimination, and animal tissues can be inert or physiologically active, act as sites of storage, transformation, or excretion of MeHg, and vary in the timing of MeHg exposure they represent. Biological influences such as age, sex, maternal transfer, and growth or fasting are also relevant for interpretation of tissue MeHg concentrations. Wildlife tissues that represent current or near-term bioaccumulation and in which MeHg is the predominant mercury species (such as blood and eggs) are most effective for biomonitoring ecosystems and understanding landscape drivers of MeHg exposure. Further research is suggested to critically evaluate the use of keratinized external tissues to measure MeHg bioaccumulation, particularly for less-well studied wildlife such as reptiles and terrestrial mammals. Suggested methods are provided to effectively use wildlife for quantifying patterns and drivers of MeHg bioaccumulation over time and space, as well as for assessing the potential risk and toxicological effects of MeHg on wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Chételat
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada.
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA 95620, United States
| | - Collin A Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, United States
| | - Craig E Hebert
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada
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20
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Wang X, Yuan W, Feng X, Wang D, Luo J. Moss facilitating mercury, lead and cadmium enhanced accumulation in organic soils over glacial erratic at Mt. Gongga, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 254:112974. [PMID: 31376600 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.112974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Moss is usually as an initial colonizer in alpine glacier retreated regions. We hypothesized that moss can significantly facilitate the toxic metals accumulation in alpine ecosystems based on its strong ability of absorption and the role in soil development. Hence, we investigated the trace element pool sizes and enrichment factors, especially for mercury (Hg) by using the Hg isotopic compositions to determine the source contributions in a moss-dominated ecosystem over glacial erratic in Eastern Tibetan Plateau. Results show that Hg, lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are highly enriched in organic soils. Specifically, Cd concentration is 5-20 times higher than the safety limit of the acid soil (pH ≤ 5.5) in China. Atmospheric depositions dominantly contribute to the Pb and Cd sources in organic soils, and followed by the moraine particles influences. The lowering pH in organic soils increasing with glacial retreated time results in the desorption of Cd in organic soils. Atmospheric Hg0 uptake by moss predominantly contributes to the Hg sources in organic soils. The average Pb accumulation rate over last 125-year is about 5.6 ± 1.0 mg m-2 yr-1, and for Cd is 0.4 ± 0.1 mg m-2 yr-1, and for Hg0 is 27.6 ± 3.2 μg m-2 yr-1. These elevated accumulation rates are caused by the high moss biomass and elevated atmospheric Hg, Pb and Cd pollution levels in China and neighbouring regions. Our study indicates that the moss not only as the bioindicator, but also plays an important role in the hazardous metal biogeochemical cycling in alpine regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- 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.
| | - Dingyong Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Ji Luo
- Key Laboratory of Mountain Surface Processes and Ecological Regulation, Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Ministry of Water Conservancy, Chengdu, 610041, China
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21
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Rodenhouse NL, Lowe WH, Gebauer RLE, McFarland KP, Bank MS. Mercury bioaccumulation in temperate forest food webs associated with headwater streams. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 665:1125-1134. [PMID: 30893744 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The soils and food webs associated with mid to high elevation, forested, headwater streams in northeastern North America are potential hotspots for mercury (Hg) methylation and bioaccumulation, but are not well studied. Our goals were to quantify total Hg (THg) and methyl Hg (MeHg) concentrations in soils and terrestrial food webs associated with headwater streams of northern hardwood forests to identify predictors of small-scale spatial variation in Hg bioaccumulation. We sampled soil characteristics that promote Hg methylation including pH, sulfur and calcium content, and organic matter. To assess spatial variation, we sampled at high (~700 m asl) and mid elevations (~500 m asl), both adjacent to (<1 m) and away from (>75 m) three replicate headwater streams in each of two watersheds of the White Mountains region, New Hampshire, USA. Soils of these forested watersheds differed significantly in pH and the content of calcium, sulfur, organic matter and THg. Conditions for methylation were more favorable in the upland forest sites compared to streamside sites. Significant bioaccumulation of THg occurred in all measured components of the food web, including insects, spiders, salamanders, and birds. Trophic position, as determined by δ15N, was the best predictor of both THg and MeHg bioaccumulation across the sampled taxa and was also a better predictor than spatial location. However, the degree of bioaccumulation at which MeHg significantly affects animal behavior, reproduction or survival is unknown for most taxa in terrestrial habitats, particularly for invertebrates. These findings show that Hg methylation and bioaccumulation is not limited to areas traditionally classified as wetlands or to areas with exceptionally high THg inputs, but that it is a widespread and important phenomenon in the moist deciduous forests of eastern North America.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Winsor H Lowe
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | | | | | - Michael S Bank
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA; Institute of Marine Research, Postboks 1870, Nordnes 5817, Bergen, Norway
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DeSorbo CR, Burgess NM, Todd CS, Evers DC, Bodaly RA, Massey BH, Mierzykowski SE, Persico CP, Gray RB, Hanson WE, Meattey DE, Regan KJ. Mercury concentrations in bald eagles across an impacted watershed in Maine, USA. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 627:1515-1527. [PMID: 30857113 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) exposure was evaluated in bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in the lower Penobscot River watershed (PRW) in Maine to assess whether Hg discharges from a chlor-alkali plant (HoltraChem) influenced Hg concentrations in nestling tissues. Mean Hg concentrations in nestling blood and breast feathers sampled in marine and estuarine areas potentially contaminated with Hg from HoltraChem (the potential Hg impact zone) were significantly greater than those from reference sites spanning the Maine coast. To place Hg exposure in the potential Hg impact zone into a broader context, Hg exposure in bald eagle nestlings from four habitat types in the PRW was assessed. Mercury concentrations varied significantly across habitat types within the PRW, generally following the pattern: marine=estuarine<freshwater river<lake. While findings suggest that Hg inputs from HoltraChem elevated Hg concentrations in eagles in the potential Hg impact zone, those Hg concentrations were still significantly lower than those of nestlings raised in freshwater river and lake habitats in the PRW and elsewhere in Maine not contaminated by HoltraChem. Breast feathers had 31% higher statistical power to detect Hg differences among habitat types compared to nestling blood, demonstrating their higher value in biomonitoring efforts. Nestling tissue Hg concentrations in the PRW were within the range of reported Hg values for bald eagles, but were generally higher than most population comparisons within habitats. Mercury concentrations in lake-nesting bald eagles in the PRW were impacted primarily by inputs from atmospheric deposition, and Hg exposure in nestlings associated with this habitat type in the PRW often had similar or higher Hg exposure than those associated with point sources elsewhere. Mercury concentrations in bald eagle nestlings and a small sample of adults in our study commonly exceeded levels associated with adverse health effects in other bird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- C R DeSorbo
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Rd, Portland, ME 04103, United States.
| | - N M Burgess
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce St., Mt. Pearl, NL A1N 4T3, Canada.
| | - C S Todd
- Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 650 State Street, Bangor, ME 04401, United States.
| | - D C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Rd, Portland, ME 04103, United States.
| | - R A Bodaly
- Penobscot River Mercury Study, 115 Oystercatcher Place, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2W5, Canada
| | - B H Massey
- University of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental Conservation, 160 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, MA 01003-9285, United States
| | - S E Mierzykowski
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 17 Godfrey Drive, Suite 2, Orono, ME 04473, United States
| | - C P Persico
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Rd, Portland, ME 04103, United States.
| | - R B Gray
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Rd, Portland, ME 04103, United States
| | - W E Hanson
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Rd, Portland, ME 04103, United States.
| | - D E Meattey
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Rd, Portland, ME 04103, United States.
| | - K J Regan
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Rd, Portland, ME 04103, United States.
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Obrist D, Kirk JL, Zhang L, Sunderland EM, Jiskra M, Selin NE. A review of global environmental mercury processes in response to human and natural perturbations: Changes of emissions, climate, and land use. AMBIO 2018; 47:116-140. [PMID: 29388126 PMCID: PMC5794683 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-017-1004-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 339] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
We review recent progress in our understanding of the global cycling of mercury (Hg), including best estimates of Hg concentrations and pool sizes in major environmental compartments and exchange processes within and between these reservoirs. Recent advances include the availability of new global datasets covering areas of the world where environmental Hg data were previously lacking; integration of these data into global and regional models is continually improving estimates of global Hg cycling. New analytical techniques, such as Hg stable isotope characterization, provide novel constraints of sources and transformation processes. The major global Hg reservoirs that are, and continue to be, affected by anthropogenic activities include the atmosphere (4.4-5.3 Gt), terrestrial environments (particularly soils: 250-1000 Gg), and aquatic ecosystems (e.g., oceans: 270-450 Gg). Declines in anthropogenic Hg emissions between 1990 and 2010 have led to declines in atmospheric Hg0 concentrations and HgII wet deposition in Europe and the US (- 1.5 to - 2.2% per year). Smaller atmospheric Hg0 declines (- 0.2% per year) have been reported in high northern latitudes, but not in the southern hemisphere, while increasing atmospheric Hg loads are still reported in East Asia. New observations and updated models now suggest high concentrations of oxidized HgII in the tropical and subtropical free troposphere where deep convection can scavenge these HgII reservoirs. As a result, up to 50% of total global wet HgII deposition has been predicted to occur to tropical oceans. Ocean Hg0 evasion is a large source of present-day atmospheric Hg (approximately 2900 Mg/year; range 1900-4200 Mg/year). Enhanced seawater Hg0 levels suggest enhanced Hg0 ocean evasion in the intertropical convergence zone, which may be linked to high HgII deposition. Estimates of gaseous Hg0 emissions to the atmosphere over land, long considered a critical Hg source, have been revised downward, and most terrestrial environments now are considered net sinks of atmospheric Hg due to substantial Hg uptake by plants. Litterfall deposition by plants is now estimated at 1020-1230 Mg/year globally. Stable isotope analysis and direct flux measurements provide evidence that in many ecosystems Hg0 deposition via plant inputs dominates, accounting for 57-94% of Hg in soils. Of global aquatic Hg releases, around 50% are estimated to occur in China and India, where Hg drains into the West Pacific and North Indian Oceans. A first inventory of global freshwater Hg suggests that inland freshwater Hg releases may be dominated by artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM; approximately 880 Mg/year), industrial and wastewater releases (220 Mg/year), and terrestrial mobilization (170-300 Mg/year). For pelagic ocean regions, the dominant source of Hg is atmospheric deposition; an exception is the Arctic Ocean, where riverine and coastal erosion is likely the dominant source. Ocean water Hg concentrations in the North Atlantic appear to have declined during the last several decades but have increased since the mid-1980s in the Pacific due to enhanced atmospheric deposition from the Asian continent. Finally, we provide examples of ongoing and anticipated changes in Hg cycling due to emission, climate, and land use changes. It is anticipated that future emissions changes will be strongly dependent on ASGM, as well as energy use scenarios and technology requirements implemented under the Minamata Convention. We predict that land use and climate change impacts on Hg cycling will be large and inherently linked to changes in ecosystem function and global atmospheric and ocean circulations. Our ability to predict multiple and simultaneous changes in future Hg global cycling and human exposure is rapidly developing but requires further enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Obrist
- Department of Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, One University Ave, Lowell, MA 01854 USA
| | - Jane L. Kirk
- Environment and Climate Change, Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7P 2X3 Canada
| | - Lei Zhang
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023 Jiangsu China
| | - Elsie M. Sunderland
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
| | - Martin Jiskra
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, GET-CNRS, CNRS – OMP, 14 Avenue Edouard Belin, 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Noelle E. Selin
- Institute for Data, Systems, and Society and Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
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Wang X, Luo J, Yin R, Yuan W, Lin CJ, Sommar J, Feng X, Wang H, Lin C. Using Mercury Isotopes To Understand Mercury Accumulation in the Montane Forest Floor of the Eastern Tibetan Plateau. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:801-809. [PMID: 27951639 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b03806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Mercury accumulation in montane forested areas plays an important role in global Hg cycling. In this study, we measured stable Hg isotopes in soil and litter samples to understand Hg accumulation on the forest floor along the eastern fringe of the Tibetan Plateau (TP). The low atmospheric Hg inputs lead to the small Hg pool size (23 ± 9 mg m-2 in 0-60 cm soil horizon), up to 1 order of magnitude lower than those found at sites in Southwest China, North America, and Europe. The slightly negative Δ199Hg (-0.12 to -0.05‰) in the litter at low elevations (3100 to 3600 m) suggests an influence of local anthropogenic emissions, whereas the more significant negative Δ199Hg (-0.38 to -0.15‰) at high elevations (3700 to 4300 m) indicates impact from long-range transport. Hg input from litter is more important than wet deposition to Hg accumulation on the forest floor, as evidenced by the negative Δ199Hg found in the surface soil samples. Correlation analyses of Δ199Hg versus total carbon and leaf area index suggest that litter biomass production is a predominant factor in atmospheric Hg inputs to the forest floor. Precipitation and temperature show indirect effects on Hg accumulation by influencing litter biomass production in the eastern TP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Wang
- 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
| | - Ji Luo
- Key Laboratory of Mountain Surface Processes and Ecological Regulation, Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Ministry of Water Conservancy , Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Runsheng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Ore Deposit Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Guiyang 550081, China
- Environmental Chemistry and Technology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States
| | - Wei Yuan
- 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
| | - Che-Jen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Guiyang 550081, China
- Center for Advances in Water and Air Quality, Lamar University , Beaumont, Texas 77710, United States
| | - Jonas Sommar
- 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
| | - Haiming Wang
- Key Laboratory of Mountain Surface Processes and Ecological Regulation, Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Ministry of Water Conservancy , Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Cynthia Lin
- The McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin , Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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25
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Bargagli R. Moss and lichen biomonitoring of atmospheric mercury: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 572:216-231. [PMID: 27501421 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.07.202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Long-range transport and residence time of elemental Hg (Hg°) in air promote global dispersion and deposition in remote ecosystems. Many biotic and abiotic factors contribute to the photoreduction and phytovolatilization of Hg from terrestrial ecosystems, and the assessment of deposition and volatilization fluxes is very challenging. Mosses and lichens are widespread in nature and constitute the dominant vegetation in alpine and polar ecosystems. This review surveys the results of Hg biomonitoring with cryptogams in areas with different Hg sources and deposition processes. Lichen and moss ecophysiology, and factors affecting Hg uptake and bioaccumulation are discussed. Although some laboratory experiments indicate a linear accumulation of Hg in cryptogams exposed to Hg°, without any significant release, in nature the Hg accumulated in cryptogams is in a dynamic equilibrium with Hg in air and decreases when organisms are transplanted to clean environments. Mercury concentrations in mosses and lichens have often been used to estimate concentrations and deposition fluxes of atmospheric Hg; however, Hg° exchanges between cryptogams and air, and the time necessary for mosses and lichens to equilibrate elemental composition with changing atmospheric chemistry, preclude reliable estimates. Biological processes of Hg uptake and exchange with air cannot be reproduced by mechanical collectors, and comparisons between Hg concentrations in biomonitors and those in atmospheric deposition are scarcely reliable. However, the Hg biomonitoring with mosses and lichens is easy and cheap and allows to locate "hot spots" of natural or anthropogenic emissions and to assess spatio-temporal changes in Hg deposition patterns. Climate change is affecting the global Hg cycle through the melting of sea-ice in coastal Polar Regions, and modifying Hg sequestration in mountain ecosystems. Despite limitations, large-scale monitoring of Hg with mosses and lichens may be used as a tool to evaluate the impact of global processes in remote ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bargagli
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, Siena, Italy
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26
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Zhou J, Wang Z, Sun T, Zhang H, Zhang X. Mercury in terrestrial forested systems with highly elevated mercury deposition in southwestern China: The risk to insects and potential release from wildfires. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 212:188-196. [PMID: 26845366 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/01/2016] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Forests are considered a pool of mercury in the global mercury cycle. However, few studies have investigated the distribution of mercury in the forested systems in China. Tieshanping forest catchment in southwest China was impacted by mercury emissions from industrial activities and coal combustions. Our work studied mercury content in atmosphere, soil, vegetation and insect with a view to estimating the potential for mercury release during forest fires. Results of the present study showed that total gaseous mercury (TGM) was highly elevated and the annual mean concentration was 3.51 ± 1.39 ng m(-2). Of the vegetation tissues, the mercury concentration follows the order of leaf/needle > root > bark > branch > bole wood for each species. Total ecosystem mercury pool was 103.5 mg m(-2) and about 99.4% of the mercury resides in soil layers (0-40 cm). The remaining 0.6% (0.50 mg m(-2)) of mercury was stored in biomass. The large mercury stocks in the forest ecosystem pose a serious threat for large pluses to the atmospheric mercury during potential wildfires and additional ecological stress to forest insect: dung beetles, cicada and longicorn, with mercury concentration of 1983 ± 446, 49 ± 38 and 7 ± 5 ng g(-1), respectively. Hence, the results obtained in the present study has implications for global estimates of mercury storage in forests, risks to forest insect and potential release to the atmosphere during wildfires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhou
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhangwei Wang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Ting Sun
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoshan Zhang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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Blackwell BD, Driscoll CT. Using foliar and forest floor mercury concentrations to assess spatial patterns of mercury deposition. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2015; 202:126-134. [PMID: 25818092 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated spatial patterns of mercury (Hg) deposition through analysis of foliage and forest floor samples from 45 sites across Adirondack Park, NY. Species-specific differences in foliar Hg were evident with the lowest concentrations found in first-year conifer needles and highest concentrations found in black cherry (Prunus serotina). For foliage and forest floor samples, latitude and longitude were negatively correlated with Hg concentrations, likely because of proximity to emission sources, while elevation was positively correlated with Hg concentrations. Elemental analysis showed moderately strong, positive correlations between Hg and nitrogen concentrations. The spatial pattern of Hg deposition across the Adirondacks is similar to patterns of other contaminants that originate largely from combustion sources such as nitrogen and sulfur. The results of this study suggest foliage can be used to assess spatial patterns of Hg deposition in small regions or areas of varied topography where current Hg deposition models are too coarse to predict deposition accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley D Blackwell
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA.
| | - Charles T Driscoll
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
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Richardson JB, Görres JH, Jackson BP, Friedland AJ. Trace Metals and Metalloids in Forest Soils and Exotic Earthworms in Northern New England, USA. SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY 2015; 85:190-198. [PMID: 25883392 PMCID: PMC4395857 DOI: 10.1016/j.soilbio.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Trace metals and metalloids (TMM) in forest soils and invasive earthworms were studied at 9 uncontaminated sites in northern New England, USA. Essential (Cu, Mo, Ni, Zn, Se) and toxic (As, Cd, Pb, Hg and U) TMM concentrations (mg kg-1) and pools (mg m-2) were quantified for organic horizons (forest floor), mineral soils and earthworm tissues. Essential TMM tissue concentrations were greatest for mineral soil-feeding earthworm Octolasion cyaneum. Toxic TMM tissue concentrations were highest for organic horizon-feeding earthworms Dendobaena octaedra, Aporrectodea rosea and Amynthas agrestis. Most earthworm species had attained tissue concentrations of Pb, Hg and Se potentially hazardous to predators. Bioaccumulation factors were Cd > Se > Hg > Zn > Pb > U > 1.0 > Cu > As > Mo > Ni. Only Cd, Se Hg and Zn were considered strongly bioaccumulated by earthworms because their average bioaccumulation factors were significantly greater than 1.0. Differences in bioaccumulation did not appear to be caused by soil concentrations as earthworm TMM tissue concentrations were poorly correlated with TMM soil concentrations. Instead, TMM bioaccumulation appears to be species and site dependent. The invasive Amynthas agrestis had the greatest tissue TMM pools, due to its large body mass and high abundance at our stands. We observed that TMM tissue pools in earthworms were comparable or exceeded organic horizon TMM pools; earthworm tissue pools of Cd were up 12 times greater than in the organic horizon. Thus, exotic earthworms may represent an unaccounted portion and flux of TMM in forests of the northeastern US. Our results highlight the importance of earthworms in TMM cycling in northern forests and warrant more research into their impact across the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- J B Richardson
- Environmental Studies Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755 USA ; Department of Earth Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755 USA
| | - J H Görres
- Department of Plant & Soil Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405 USA
| | - B P Jackson
- Department of Earth Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755 USA
| | - A J Friedland
- Environmental Studies Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755 USA
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Blackwell BD, Driscoll CT. Deposition of Mercury in Forests along a Montane Elevation Gradient. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:5363-70. [PMID: 25822871 DOI: 10.1021/es505928w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric mercury (Hg) deposition varies along elevation gradients and is influenced by both orographic and biological factors. We quantified total Hg deposition over a 2 year period at 24 forest sites at Whiteface Mountain, NY, USA, that ranged from 450 to 1450 m above sea level and covered three distinct forest types: deciduous/hardwood forest (14.1 μg/m2-yr), spruce/fir forest (33.8 μg/m2-yr), and stunted growth alpine/fir forest (44.0 μg/m2-yr). Atmospheric Hg deposition increased with elevation, with the dominant deposition pathways shifting from litterfall in low-elevation hardwoods to throughfall in midelevation spruce/fir to cloudwater in high-elevation alpine forest. Soil Hg concentrations (ranging from 69 to 416 ng/g for the Oi/Oe and 72 to 598 ng/g for the Oa horizons) were correlated with total Hg deposition, but the weakness of the correlations suggests that additional factors such as climate and tree species also contribute to soil Hg accumulation. Meteorological conditions influenced Hg deposition pathways, as cloudwater Hg diminished in 2010 (dry conditions) compared to 2009 (wet conditions). However, the dry conditions in 2010 led to increased Hg dry deposition and subsequent significant increases in throughfall Hg fluxes compared to 2009. These findings suggest that elevation, forest characteristics, and meteorological conditions are all important drivers of atmospheric Hg deposition to montane forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley D Blackwell
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
| | - Charles T Driscoll
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States
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Jackson AK, Evers DC, Adams EM, Cristol DA, Eagles-Smith C, Edmonds ST, Gray CE, Hoskins B, Lane OP, Sauer A, Tear T. Songbirds as sentinels of mercury in terrestrial habitats of eastern North America. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2015; 24:453-67. [PMID: 25492585 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-014-1394-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a globally distributed environmental contaminant with a variety of deleterious effects in fish, wildlife, and humans. Breeding songbirds may be useful sentinels for Hg across diverse habitats because they can be effectively sampled, have well-defined and small territories, and can integrate pollutant exposure over time and space. We analyzed blood total Hg concentrations from 8,446 individuals of 102 species of songbirds, sampled on their breeding territories across 161 sites in eastern North America [geometric mean Hg concentration = 0.25 μg/g wet weight (ww), range <0.01-14.60 μg/g ww]. Our records span an important time period-the decade leading up to implementation of the USEPA Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, which will reduce Hg emissions from coal-fired power plants by over 90 %. Mixed-effects modeling indicated that habitat, foraging guild, and age were important predictors of blood Hg concentrations across species and sites. Blood Hg concentrations in adult invertebrate-eating songbirds were consistently higher in wetland habitats (freshwater or estuarine) than upland forests. Generally, adults exhibited higher blood Hg concentrations than juveniles within each habitat type. We used model results to examine species-specific differences in blood Hg concentrations during this time period, identifying potential Hg sentinels in each region and habitat type. Our results present the most comprehensive assessment of blood Hg concentrations in eastern songbirds to date, and thereby provide a valuable framework for designing and evaluating risk assessment schemes using sentinel songbird species in the time after implementation of the new atmospheric Hg standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson K Jackson
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA,
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