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Eom S, Kim J, Jung E, Kwon SY, Hong Y, Lee M, Park JH, Han S. Effects of hydrologic regimes on the loading and spatiotemporal variation of mercury in the microtidal river estuary. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116602. [PMID: 38950512 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116602] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
The potential effect of hydrological conditions on distribution and loadings of Hg species was investigated in the microtidal Hyeongsan River Estuary (HRE). Dissolved Hg (DHg) and dissolved methylmercury (DMeHg) from the creek receiving industrial wastes were effectively settled to sediment during the post-typhoon period, while persistent input from the Hg-contaminated creek without settling was observed during the dry periods. The event-based mean approach was applied to explore the hydrological effects on the annual flux of Hg. The largest inputs of DHg and particulate Hg (PHg) were found in the Hg-contaminated creek, and DHg input was higher in the dry than wet periods whereas PHg input was higher in the wet than dry periods. In sediment, Hg and MeHg concentrations decreased after the typhoon, attributed to erosion of surface sediments. Overall, the HRE serves as an effective sink of Hg that reduces the degree of Hg contamination in coastal water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangwoo Eom
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihee Kim
- Center for Water Cycle Research, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunji Jung
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae Yun Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongseok Hong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University, Sejong Campus, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Mikyung Lee
- Water Environmental Engineering Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyoung Park
- Han River Environment Research Center, National Institute of Environment Research, Gyeonggi-do, 12585, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghee Han
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea; Research Center for Innovative Energy and Carbon Optimized Synthesis for Chemicals (Inn-ECOSysChem), Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Kim YG, Kwon SY, Washburn SJ, Hong Y, Han SH, Lee M, Park JH. Environmental forensics approach to source investigation in a mercury contaminated river: Insights from mercury stable isotopes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132559. [PMID: 37729710 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Environmental forensics approach was applied to assess the efficacy of mercury (Hg) stable isotopes for source screening and decision-making in the Hyeongsan River, South Korea. Four Hg contamination scenarios were identified- atmospheric Hg emissions from a steel manufacturing industry, upstream riverine Hg transport, and industrial Hg releases and historical landfill collapse from Gumu Creek. The absence of significant Hg isotope difference between the Hyeongsan River sediments (δ202Hg; -0.46 ± 0.17‰, Δ199Hg; -0.04 ± 0.06‰) and the Gumu Creek sediment (δ202Hg; -0.39 ± 0.26‰, Δ199Hg; -0.04 ± 0.03‰) confirm that Hg source is originated from Gumu Creek. The heterogeneous Hg distribution throughout Gumu Creek and statistically similar Hg isotope ratios between Gumu Creek and solid waste cores from the landfill suggests that the landfill collapse is the dominant source to the Hyeongsan-Gumu system. Present Hg releases is also possible given the elevated and matching Δ199Hg between some riverine sediments and wastewater sampled from the landfill. The ternary mixing model estimates that the landfill collapse and wastewater releases contribute 61 ± 25 % and 22 ± 11 %, and the regional background, reflecting terrestrial runoff using deep sediment cores, explain 17 ± 24 % of Hg to the riverine sediment. We suggest that Hg isotopes can be used for routine source screening in areas where Hg sources are unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Gwang Kim
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, South Korea
| | - Sae Yun Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, South Korea; Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-Ro, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon 21983, South Korea.
| | - Spencer J Washburn
- Geosyntec Consultants, Inc., 100 Washington Ave. S, Suite 1590, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA
| | - Yongseok Hong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-Ro, Sejong City 30019, South Korea
| | - Seung Hee Han
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), 123 Cheomdangwagi-Ro, Buk-Gu, Gwangju 61005, South Korea
| | - Mikyung Lee
- Water Environmental Engineering Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, 42 Hwangyeong-Ro, Seo-Gu, Incheon 22689, South Korea
| | - Ji Hyoung Park
- Water Environmental Engineering Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, 42 Hwangyeong-Ro, Seo-Gu, Incheon 22689, South Korea
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3
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Kim YG, Kwon SY, Washburn SJ, Brooks SC, Yoon JW, Besnard L. Reconsidering mercury sources and exposure pathways to bivalves: Insights from mercury stable isotopes. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 248:120843. [PMID: 37976947 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Identifying mercury (Hg) sources and exposure pathways to bivalves, particularly in relation to sediment, is important for expanding the utility of bivalves as a monitoring organism for sediment quality. Here we use Hg isotope ratios to decipher Hg sources accumulated into bivalves by conducting field studies and in situ experiments. In the first part of this study, we characterized Hg isotope ratios in individual geochemical fractions of riverine sediment, contaminated by liquid Hg in South Korea (Hyeongsan River; HS). Asian clams (Corbicula fluminea) were then deployed at the contaminated sites to evaluate the isotopic turnover. Over the two-month period, the isotope ratios of the clams shifted toward the labile/exchangeable Hg pools (F1, F2 fractions) of the sediment. Conversely, in the control site where sediment Hg is low, we observed similar Hg isotope ratios between Asian clams and the samples of precipitation and dissolved phase of water column. In East Fork Poplar Creek, (Oak Ridge) U.S., Asian clams also displayed similar Hg isotope ratios with the dissolved phase of water column, which have undergone substantial in-stream processing or input from Hg-contaminated groundwater from the hyporheic zones and riparian tributary during high hydrologic flow seasons. Our study demonstrates that the dissolved Hg phases within the water column, whether originating via sediment diffusion or derived externally, act as the primary source and exposure pathways to bivalves. The results of our study also shed new light to the prior Hg isotope measurement in bivalves collected from estuarine, lake, and coastal systems, which showed significant isotopic deviation from bulk sediment. The fact that bivalves are sensitive to in situ and external dissolved Hg phases provides additional insight into the existing biomonitoring program, which uses bivalves as a bioindicator for sediment quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Gwang Kim
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae Yun Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea; Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-Ro, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea.
| | - Spencer J Washburn
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States
| | - Scott C Brooks
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States
| | - Ji Won Yoon
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Lucien Besnard
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
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4
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Kumar Chaudhary D, Bajagain R, Seo D, Hong Y, Han S. Depth-dependent microbial communities potentially mediating mercury methylation and various geochemical processes in anthropogenically affected sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 237:116888. [PMID: 37586452 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Metal contamination and other geochemical alterations affect microbial composition and functional activities, disturbing natural biogeochemical cycles. Therefore, it is essential to understand the influences of multi-metal and geochemical interactions on microbial communities. This work investigated the distributions of total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), and trace metals in the anthropogenically affected sediment. The microbial communities and functional genes profiles were further determined to explore their association with Hg-methylation and geochemical features. The levels of THg and MeHg in sediment cores ranged between 10 and 40 mg/kg and 0.01-0.16 mg/kg, respectively, with an increasing trend toward bottom horizons. The major metals present at all depths were Al, Fe, Mn, and Zn. The enrichment and contamination indices confirmed that the trace metals were highly enriched in the anthropogenically affected sediment. Various functional genes were detected in all strata, indicating the presence of active microbial metabolic processes. The microbial community profiles revealed that the phyla Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Bathyarchaeota, and Euryarchaeota, and the genera Thauera, Woeseia, Methanomethylovorans, and Methanosarcina were the dominant microbes. Correlating major taxa with geochemical variables inferred that sediment geochemistry substantially affects microbial community and biogeochemical cycles. Furthermore, archaeal methanogens and the bacterial phyla Chloroflexi and Firmicutes may play crucial roles in enhancing MeHg levels. Overall, these findings shed new light on the microbial communities potentially involved in Hg-methylation process and other biogeochemical cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj Kumar Chaudhary
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Rishikesh Bajagain
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - DongGyun Seo
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongseok Hong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seunghee Han
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
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5
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Peng D, Lyu J, Song Z, Huang S, Zhang P, Gao J, Zhang Y. Mercury budgets in the suspended particulate matters of the Yangtze River. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 243:120390. [PMID: 37516080 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Riverine processes are crucial for the biogeochemical cycle of mercury (Hg). The Yangtze River, the largest river in East Asia, discharges a substantial amount of Hg into the East China Sea. However, the influencing factors of the Hg budget and its recent trends remain unclear. This study quantitatively analyzed the total Hg concentration (THg) in suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the Yangtze River and calculated the Hg budget in 2018 and 2021. The results showed that the total Hg concentrations varied substantially along the river, with concentrations ranging from 23 to 883 μg/kg in 2018 and 47 to 146 μg/kg in 2021. The average Hg flux to China Sea in 2018 and 2021 were approximately 10 Mg/yr, lower than in 2016 (48 Mg/yr). Over 70% of the SPM was trapped in the Three Gorges Dam (TGD), and 22 Mg/yr of Hg settled in the TGD in 2018 and 10 Mg/yr in 2021. Hg fluxes in the Yangtze River watershed were driven by various factors, including decreased industrial emissions, increased agriculture emissions, and decreased soil erosion flux. We found that in the upper reach of the Yangtze River changed from sink to source of Hg possibly due to the resuspension of sediments, which implies that the settled sediments could be a potential source of Hg for downstream. Overall, emission control policies may have had a positive impact on reducing Hg flux to the East China Sea from 2016 to 2021, but more efforts are needed to further reduce Hg emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Peng
- Nanjing University, School of Atmospheric Sciences, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China; Nanjing University, School of Geography and Ocean Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jixuan Lyu
- Nanjing University, School of Geography and Ocean Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhengcheng Song
- Nanjing University, School of Atmospheric Sciences, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shaojian Huang
- Nanjing University, School of Atmospheric Sciences, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Nanjing University, School of Atmospheric Sciences, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jianhua Gao
- Nanjing University, School of Geography and Ocean Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Yanxu Zhang
- Nanjing University, School of Atmospheric Sciences, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China; Frontiers Science Center for Critical Earth Material Cycling, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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6
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Liang Z, Chen T, Yang F, Li S, Zhang S, Guo H. Toxicity of chronic waterborne zinc exposure in the hepatopancreas of white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 309:136553. [PMID: 36155019 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Zinc (Zn) is necessary for the survival of aquatic organisms; nevertheless, the accumulation of Zn in excessive amounts may have toxic consequences. Few studies focusing on the biochemical, morphological, and transcriptional effects of aqueous Zn in Litopenaeus vannamei have been reported, and the underlying toxic mechanism remains largely unknown. The present study was performed to investigate the growth performance, morphological alterations, physiological changes, and transcriptional responses after Zn exposure at 0 (control), 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/L concentrations for 30 days in white shrimp L. vannamei hepatopancreas. The results found that survival rate (SR) and growth performance were significantly reduced in 1 mg/L Zn group. Significant structural damage and significant Zn accumulation in hepatopancreas were observed. The activities of trypsin and amylase (AMS), and the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) were attenuated, while the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were significantly increased after Zn exposure. Many differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained after Zn exposure, and the majority of these DEGs were downregulated. Ten DEGs involved in oxidative stress, immunological response, apoptosis, and other processes were selected for qRT-PCR validation and the expression profiles of these DEGs kept well consistent with the transcriptome data, which confirmed the accuracy and reliability of the transcriptome results. Subsequently, we screened 12 genes to examine the changes of expression in different concentrations in more detail. All the results implying that Zn exposure caused severe histopathological changes and increased Zn accumulation in hepatopancreas, altered immune, antioxidant and detoxifying response by regulating the gene expressions of related genes, and eventually might trigger apoptosis. These findings provide valuable information and a new perspective on the molecular toxicity of crustaceans in response to environmental heavy metal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Liang
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524025, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals & Key Laboratory of Control for Diseases of Aquatic Economic Animals of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Zhanjiang, 524025, PR China
| | - Tianci Chen
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524025, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals & Key Laboratory of Control for Diseases of Aquatic Economic Animals of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Zhanjiang, 524025, PR China
| | - Furong Yang
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524025, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals & Key Laboratory of Control for Diseases of Aquatic Economic Animals of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Zhanjiang, 524025, PR China
| | - Shuhong Li
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524025, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals & Key Laboratory of Control for Diseases of Aquatic Economic Animals of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Zhanjiang, 524025, PR China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524025, PR China; Key Laboratory of Aquatic, Livestock and Poultry Feed Science and Technology in South China, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhanjiang, 524025, PR China; Aquatic Animals Precision Nutrition and High Efficiency Feed Engineering Research Center of Guangdong Province, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Hui Guo
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524025, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals & Key Laboratory of Control for Diseases of Aquatic Economic Animals of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Zhanjiang, 524025, PR China.
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7
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Chaudhary DK, Karki HP, Bajagain R, Kim H, Rhee TS, Hong JK, Han S, Choi YG, Hong Y. Mercury and other trace elements distribution and profiling of microbial community in the surface sediments of East Siberian Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114319. [PMID: 36343547 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In this study, total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), various trace elements, and microbial communities were measured in surface sediments of the East Siberian Sea (ESS). The results showed that the average values of THg and MeHg were 58.8 ± 15.21 μg/kg and 0.50 ± 0.22 μg/kg, respectively. The notable levels of trace elements present in both surface sediment and porewater were Al, Fe, and Mn. The enrichment factor and geoaccumulation index analyses found that both natural phenomena and anthropogenic activities contributed to elevated concentrations of metals in the ESS. The redox proxy metals, pH, and SO42- were the major factors influencing the THg and MeHg distributions. Microbial profiles were substantially affected by metals and other abiotic factors. Proteobacteria and Thaumarchaeota were the most abundant phyla. Overall, the findings presented here facilitate the understanding of the current status of metal contamination, its influencing factors, and metal-microbiota-interactions in ESS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj Kumar Chaudhary
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Hem Prakash Karki
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Rishikesh Bajagain
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwansuk Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Siek Rhee
- Korea Polar Research Institute, 26 Songdomirae-ro, Incheon 21990, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Kuk Hong
- Korea Polar Research Institute, 26 Songdomirae-ro, Incheon 21990, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghee Han
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Gyun Choi
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon City, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongseok Hong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City 30019, Republic of Korea.
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8
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Jin DR, Lee M, Yang HJ, Kim S, Lee JS, Moon SD. Evaluation of metal contamination in brackish area sediments South Korea, using receiver operation characteristic curve. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114175. [PMID: 36215759 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Brackish areas are where freshwater and seawater meet and possess high geographical and biological importance. However, no unified evaluation method exists for brackish sediments. Therefore, this study applies both the fresh water-sediment quality guidelines (F-SQGs) and the marine-sediment quality guidelines (M-SQGs) to evaluate metal contamination in brackish areas of Korea. The predicted reliability was examined using a receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve. In the threshold effect level (TEL) evaluation of F-SQGs and M-SQGs, some metals (Cu, Zn, Hg, and Cd) showed significant differences according to guideline characteristics. The ROC curve showed that the predicted reliability of F-SQGs was 97.8 %, which was higher than M-SQGs (91.7 %). From the results of TEL evaluation and ROC curve prediction, F-SQGs are more suitable for the evaluation of brackish sediments in South Korea than M-SQGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dal Rae Jin
- Water Environmental Engineering Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Incheon 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Mikyung Lee
- Water Environmental Engineering Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Incheon 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Jong Yang
- Yeongsan River Environment Research Center, NIER, Gwangju 61011, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin Kim
- Nakdong River Environment Research Center, NIER, Daegu 43008, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Suk Lee
- NeoEnBiz Co., Institute of Environmental Safety and Protection, Bucheon 14523, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Dae Moon
- NeoEnBiz Co., Institute of Environmental Safety and Protection, Bucheon 14523, Republic of Korea.
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9
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Bailon MX, Chaudhary DK, Jeon C, Ok YS, Hong Y. Impact of sulfur-impregnated biochar amendment on microbial communities and mercury methylation in contaminated sediment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 438:129464. [PMID: 35999716 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
S-impregnation of biochar through elemental S streaming is known to increase its sorption performance against Hg and methyl mercury (MeHg). However, the effects of %S-loading on biochar's mechanism and sorption capacities for MeHg, and its consequent impact when used as an amendment material for Hg-contaminated sediments, are poorly understood, and thus, were investigated in this work. Our results showed that a minimum sulfur loading of 1% was the most effective in reducing MeHg levels in sediments. At higher %S-loading (3-20%), the reduction in surface area, pore blockage due to unreacted sulfur particles, and presence of poorly bound sulfur species resulted in lowered effectiveness for MeHg control. Increasing S-functionalization during impregnation shifted the sorption process of MeHg from Hg-O to Hg-S in S-impregnated biochar (BCS). Our 60-day slurry experiment showed a significant reduction in pore water THg (40-70%) and MeHg (30-55%), as well as sediment MeHg (50-60%) in biochar-amended sediments. The reduction in the bioavailable Hg resulted in lowered Hg methylation, as supported by the suppression of both the Fe- and SO42--reduction activities in the amended sediments. The microbial community structure in BCS-amended sediments showed a shift towards sulfur-consuming, iron-reducing, thiosulfate-oxidizing, and sulfate-reducing bacterial populations. At the genus level, the overall relative abundance of principal Hg methylators was also lower in the BCS treatment than in the unamended sediments. This study highlights the application of BCS as a promising strategy for remediation of Hg-contaminated sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Xavier Bailon
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City 30019, South Korea; Department of Science and Technology - Philippines, Philippine Science High School - Central Luzon Campus, Lily Hill, Clark Freeport Zone, Mabalacat City, Pampanga 2010, Philippines
| | - Dhiraj Kumar Chaudhary
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City 30019, South Korea
| | - Cheolho Jeon
- Research Center for Materials Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management Program & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yongseok Hong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City 30019, South Korea.
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10
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Chaudhary DK, Kim H, Reible D, Lee M, Kim S, Kim LH, Kim S, Hong Y. Seasonal trends of mercury bioaccumulation and assessment of toxic effects in Asian clams and microbial community from field study of estuarine sediment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113439. [PMID: 35537496 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated seasonal trends in bioaccumulation potential and toxic effects of mercury (Hg) in Asian clams (Corbicula fluminea) and microbial community. For this, a clam-exposure experiment was performed during summer, fall, and winter seasons in four different sites (HS1: control/clean site; HS2, HS3, and HS4: contaminated sites) of Hyeongsan River estuary, South Korea. Total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in whole sediments were highest at HS4 site during fall, sustained similar levels during winter, but decreased during summer. Unlike whole sediment, pore water reported higher levels in summer, and gradually declined during fall and winter. Asian clams from HS4 site collected during summer presented highest bioaccumulations of THg (521.52 μg/kg, dry weight) and MeHg (161.04 μg/kg, dry weight), which also correlated with the higher levels of Hg present in pore water in the same season. Moreover, biota-sediment-pore water accumulation factor (BSpAF) were comparatively greater in clams collected from HS2∼HS4 compared to HS1 sites, suggesting that porewater was a better indicator of accumulation of Hg. Upregulation of biomarker genes responsible for detoxifying process (gsts1), scavenging oxidative stress (cat), and protein reparation (hsp70 and hsp90) were observed in clams collected from HS2∼HS4. The overexpression of these biomarkers implied that Asian clams can be considered as promising warning tools for Hg-contamination. Both bacterial and metabolic diversities were negatively affected by higher levels of THg and MeHg. Phylum Proteobacteria was enriched in HS2∼HS4 compared to HS1. In contrast, phylum Bacteroidetes showed a reverse trend. The metabolic profile was highest in HS1 and lowest in HS4, revealing higher stress of Hg in HS4 site. Overall, the outcomes of this field study broaden the information on seasonal trends of bioaccumulation of Hg and its toxic effects. These findings may be helpful in Hg monitoring and management programs in other river systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj Kumar Chaudhary
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwansuk Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Danny Reible
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA, 79409
| | - Mikyung Lee
- Water Environmental Engineering Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Hwangyong-ro 42, Seogu, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunyoung Kim
- Water Environmental Engineering Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Hwangyong-ro 42, Seogu, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Lan Hee Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungpyo Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongseok Hong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Joe DJ, Choi MS, Um IK, Choi SH, Park SJ. Mercury contamination of sediments in an open coastal area of the Hupo Basin, East Sea, Korea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 182:113980. [PMID: 35932726 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) contamination in open coastal areas has attracted public concern regarding safe fish consumption and management of the coastal environment, especially in areas of accidental Hg spills on inland coasts. This study investigated the temporal and spatial distribution of Hg in sediments of Youngil Bay and the Hupo Basin, East Sea, Korea; it also discussed the sources and transport of anthropogenic Hg. Hg hot spots were found in the northern Hupo Basin (elevated by 2-3×) and the river mouth area in Youngil Bay (elevated by approximately 70×). The river mouth contamination resulted from the destruction of a dam impounding landfill waste, while the basin contamination was attributed to atmospheric deposition and Hg enrichment associated with increased organic carbon concentrations driven by high biological production in the coastal upwelling area. Spilled Hg was transported to open coastal areas up to 36.6°N.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Jin Joe
- Department of Marine Environmental Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Man Sik Choi
- Department of Marine Environmental Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.
| | - In Kwon Um
- Petroleum and Marine Research Division, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, Daejeon 34132, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Hu Choi
- Department of Marine Environmental Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - So Jung Park
- Department of Marine Environmental Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
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Chaudhary DK, Kim KH, Lee M, Kim H, Hong Y. Insights into Bacterial Community Structure and Metabolic Diversity of Mercury-Contaminated Sediments from Hyeongsan River, Pohang, South Korea. Curr Microbiol 2022; 79:156. [PMID: 35397046 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-022-02847-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the bacterial community structure and metabolic diversity and their relationship with Hg and other environmental variables in sediments collected from different locations (HSR-1-HSR-6) in the Hyeongsan River estuary in South Korea. The results showed that the highest total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations were in HSR-2, with values of 4585.3 µg/kg and 13.4 µg/kg, respectively. The lowest THg (31.9 µg/kg) and MeHg (0.1 µg/kg) concentrations were found in HSR-1. Sulfate and organic matter (OM) were more influential environmental variables, revealing a positive association with THg and MeHg and negatively affecting bacterial and metabolic diversities. Bacterial and metabolic diversities were also negatively impacted by the THg and MeHg concentrations. Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were abundantly distributed in all the sediments. The dominance of Proteobacteria was upscaled in all the heavily Hg-contaminated sites (HSR-2-HSR-6), and it was the only phylum that showed a significant positive correlation with THg, MeHg, and OM. The genera Sulfurovum and Sulfurimonas were abundantly observed in sites with high Hg contamination, whereas Congregibacter, Gaetbulibacter, Ilumatobacter, Methylotenera, Nevskia, and Sediminibacter were only detected in low Hg-contaminated sites (HSR-1). The community-level physiological profile data showed the highest (1.0) average well color development (AWCD) value in HSR-1 and the lowest (0.45) AWCD value in HSR-2. Overall, these results demonstrated the inhibitory effects of THg, MeHg, and other environmental variables on microbial communities and metabolic diversity. These findings broaden the current knowledge on the dynamics of bacterial and metabolic diversities in Hg-contaminated sediments and might be useful in the management of Hg pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj Kumar Chaudhary
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong, 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hee Kim
- Water Environmental Engineering Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Hwangyong-ro 42, Seogu, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Mikyung Lee
- Water Environmental Engineering Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research, Hwangyong-ro 42, Seogu, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwansuk Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong, 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongseok Hong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong, 30019, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Bailon MX, Park M, Solis KL, Na Y, Chaudhary DK, Kim S, Hong Y. Reduction in mercury bioavailability to Asian clams (Corbicula fluminea) and changes in bacterial communities in sediments with activated carbon amendment. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 291:132700. [PMID: 34710454 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Activated carbon (AC) amendment is considered as one of the alternatives for managing and remediating mercury (Hg) contaminated sediments because of its high sorptive capacity and potential to immobilize the contaminant. For this study, the underlying mechanisms that control the reduction of Hg bioavailability in AC-amended estuarine sediments were investigated in box microcosm set-ups with 28-day Asian clam bioassay experiments. The application of diffusive gradients in thin film technique (DGT) revealed that the total mercury and methylmercury levels in sediment pore water decreased by 60%-75% in 1%-3% AC-amended sediments. This decrease subsequently led to a linear reduction in the Hg body burden in Asian clams, even at 1% sorbent mixing. These observations implied that AC amendment reduced the net flux of Hg into the pore water and overlying water, resulting in reduced Hg bioaccumulation in benthic organisms. The addition of AC to sediment also led to reduced dissolved organic carbon and several biogeochemical indicators (HS-, Mn, and Fe) in the pore water. Furthermore, the 16 S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing analysis revealed noticeable alterations in the microbial communities after AC amendment. The predominant phylum was Firmicutes in control sediment, Bacteroidetes in 1% AC-amended sediment, and Proteobacteria in both 2% and 3% AC-amended sediment samples. The genera-level analysis showed that the relative abundance of the Hg-methylators decreased as the level of AC amendment increased. These observations suggested that AC amendment decreased Hg bioavailability not only by physicochemical sorption but also by changing geochemical species and shifting the microbial community composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Xavier Bailon
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, South Korea; Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Science High School - Central Luzon Campus, Lily Hill, Clark Freeport Zone, Mabalacat City, Pampanga, 2010, Philippines
| | - Minoh Park
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, South Korea
| | - Kurt Louis Solis
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, South Korea
| | - Yeong Na
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, South Korea
| | - Dhiraj Kumar Chaudhary
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, South Korea
| | - Sungpyo Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, South Korea
| | - Yongseok Hong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, South Korea.
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14
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Jung S, Kwon SY, Hong Y, Yin R, Motta LC. Isotope investigation of mercury sources in a creek impacted by multiple anthropogenic activities. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 282:130947. [PMID: 34119733 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130947] [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: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
To investigate mercury (Hg) sources responsible for contamination at Gumu Creek in South Korea, Hg concentration (THg) and Hg isotope ratios were measured in the soil and sediment of Gumu Creek and the samples from a hazardous waste landfill (HWL). The THg ranged between 0.29-327 mg kg-1 and 9.5-414 mg kg-1 in the soil and sediment, respectively, reflecting heterogeneous distribution and elevated levels across the entire Gumu Creek. Without the soil with the lowest THg (0.30 ± 0.01 mg kg-1, n = 3), the δ202Hg (-0.83 to -0.18‰) and Δ199Hg (-0.24 to 0.01‰) of the sediment and soil of Gumu Creek were within the ranges of the HWL samples (δ202Hg; -1.29 to -0.38‰, Δ199Hg; -0.31 to 0.01‰). The comparison with the literature reporting sediment Hg isotope ratios impacted by various anthropogenic Hg sources revealed a presence of diverse Hg sources at Gumu Creek, including commercial liquid Hg, phenyl-Hg, and fly ash, consistent with the types of waste deposited within the HWL. Using commercial liquid Hg, fly ash, and the soil with the lowest THg as end-members, the ternary mixing model yielded 25-88% and 12-57% contributions from commercial liquid Hg and fly ash to the Gumu Creek sediment, respectively. The results of our study suggest that Hg isotope ratios are an effective tool for screening potential Hg sources at sites where the distribution of Hg is heterogeneous and multiple anthropogenic activities exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saebom Jung
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, 37673, South Korea
| | - Sae Yun Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, 37673, South Korea; Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-Ro, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 21983, South Korea.
| | - Yongseok Hong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University, 2511 Sejong-Ro, Sejong City, 30019, South Korea
| | - Runsheng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Ore Deposit Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 550081, Guiyang, China
| | - Laura C Motta
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, 37673, South Korea
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15
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Nguyen VH, Seon JY, Qasim GH, Fareed H, Hong Y, Han S. Applying the diffusive gradient in thin films method to assess soil mercury bioavailability to the earthworm Eisenia fetida. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:39840-39852. [PMID: 33765261 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13344-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the critical soil characteristics affecting mercury (Hg) bioavailability to the earthworm Eisenia fetida using the diffusive gradient in thin films (DGT) method. The soil samples were collected from a tributary of the Hyeongsan River contaminated with industrial waste and landfill leachates called Gumu Creek. The Hg concentration in the soil had a range of 0.33-170 μg g-1 (average 33 ± 56 μg g-1), and the Hg concentration of earthworms incubated in the soils was 0.83-11 μg g-1 (average 2.9 ± 3.2 μg g-1). When correlation analysis was used to detect the key variables among the soil properties related to Hg accumulation in the soils, earthworms, and resins, the water-holding capacity, which is covaried with the organic matter content, was determined to be a primary factor in increasing Hg accumulation in the soils, earthworms, and resins. However, the experimentally determined earthworm bioaccumulation factor and the DGT accumulation factor were negatively affected by the water-holding capacity. Therefore, the water-holding capacity played a dual role in the Gumu Creek deposits: increasing the soil Hg concentration and decreasing Hg bioavailability and leachability. Further, the DGT-Hg flux was positively correlated with the Hg concentration in earthworms (r = 0.93). Although the earthworm accumulation of Hg is not processed by passive diffusion, this study proves that the DGT method is promising for predicting soil Hg bioavailability to the earthworm E. fetida, and the water-holding capacity simultaneously regulates Hg availability to the DGT and the earthworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viet Huu Nguyen
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Young Seon
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
- HAEYANG ENERGY Co., 59, Sonjae-ro 287, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ghulam Hussain Qasim
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Hasan Fareed
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongseok Hong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, Sejong-si, 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghee Han
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea.
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16
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An SA, Hong S, Lee J, Cha J, Lee S, Moon HB, Giesy JP, Khim JS. Identification of potential toxicants in sediments from an industrialized area in Pohang, South Korea: Application of a cell viability assay of microalgae using flow cytometry. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 405:124230. [PMID: 33092888 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Potential toxicants in sediments collected from an industrialized bay of Korea were identified by use of effect-directed analysis (EDA). Three marine microalgal bioassays (Dunaliella tertiolecta, Isochrysis galbana, and Phaeodactylum tricornutum) with diverse endpoints were employed. Initial screening of raw organic extracts of sediments indicated large variations among locations and species in a traditional endpoint "inhibition of growth". After fractionation, inhibition of growths increased significantly, particularly in some fractions containing aromatics with log KOW 5-6 (F2.6). While viabilities of cells were adversely affected in more fractions, including F2.6-F2.7 (log KOW 5-7) and F3.5-F3.6 (log KOW 4-6). Among the several endpoints of viability, esterase activity seemed to be more sensitive, followed by integrity of cell membranes, chlorophyll a, cell size, and intracellular complexity. Instrumental analyses indicated that toxicities to microalgae observed in F2.7 could not be fully explained by target PAHs. Full-scan screening analysis using GC-QTOFMS identified 58 compounds in F2.7 with matching scores ≥90%. Based on toxic potencies for these compounds predicted by ECOSAR, several causative agents, including 1-phenylpyrene, dibenz[a,c]anthracene, and picene were suggested. Overall, viability of microalgae provided sensitive and high-resolution toxicity screening of samples into integrative assessment of sediment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Ah An
- Department of Ocean Environmental Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongjin Hong
- Department of Ocean Environmental Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.
| | - Junghyun Lee
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences & Research Institute of Oceanography, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyun Cha
- Department of Ocean Environmental Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunggyu Lee
- Department of Marine Science and Convergence Engineering, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Bang Moon
- Department of Marine Science and Convergence Engineering, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - John P Giesy
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences & Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N5B3, Canada; Department of Environmental Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76706, United States
| | - Jong Seong Khim
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences & Research Institute of Oceanography, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Han YS, Kim SH, Chon CM, Kwon S, Kim JG, Choi HW, Ahn JS. Effect of FeS on mercury behavior in mercury-contaminated stream sediment: A case study of Pohang Gumu Creek in South Korea. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 393:122373. [PMID: 32126425 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated mercury contamination with respect to the sediment characteristics in Gumu Creek near the Pohang Industrial Complex, South Korea. The contaminated sediment had high levels of Hg, exceeding 250 mg Hg/kg sediment at the sampling position, and high concentrations of iron, sulfur, and organic carbon under extreme anaerobic conditions. The anoxic condition of the sediment produced large amounts of FeS. Hg L3-edge EXAFS analysis revealed that FeS controlled the Hg species in the sediment mainly as β-HgS like precipitation or Hg-S complexation. We also speculated that the presence of FeS induced the abiotic reduction of Hg(II) to Hg(0) and consequently suppressed the formation of highly toxic methylated mercury species. The results obtained in this study are mostly consistent with those reported in previous studies of geochemical reactions of FeS in controlling Hg(II) under pure FeS mineral systems under laboratory scenarios. This study demonstrates that the laboratory controlled reaction scenarios can explain the field behavior of Hg in the contaminated anoxic sediment of the Gumu Creek site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Soo Han
- Geologic Environment Division, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, Daejeon, 34132, Republic of Korea
| | - Seol-Hee Kim
- Geologic Environment Division, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, Daejeon, 34132, Republic of Korea; Division of Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul-Min Chon
- Geologic Environment Division, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, Daejeon, 34132, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyeon Kwon
- Department of Earth System Sciences, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Gon Kim
- Geologic Environment Division, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, Daejeon, 34132, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Woo Choi
- Geology Division, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, Daejeon, 34132, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Sung Ahn
- Geologic Environment Division, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, Daejeon, 34132, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Automated liquid–liquid extraction procedure for the photometric determination of nanogram levels of Hg(II) in soil and sediment extracts. Microchem J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2020.104978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Raj D, Maiti SK. Sources, toxicity, and remediation of mercury: an essence review. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 191:566. [PMID: 31418123 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7743-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a pollutant that poses a global threat, and it was listed as one of the ten leading 'chemicals of concern' by the World Health Organization in 2017. The review aims to summarize the sources of Hg, its combined effects on the ecosystem, and its remediation in the environment. The flow of Hg from coal to fly ash (FA), soil, and plants has become a serious concern. Hg chemically binds to sulphur-containing components in coal during coal formation. Coal combustion in thermal power plants is the major anthropogenic source of Hg in the environment. Hg is taken up by plant roots from contaminated soil and transferred to the stem and aerial parts. Through bioaccumulation in the plant system, Hg moves into the food chain, resulting in potential health and ecological risks. The world average Hg concentrations reported in coal and FA are 0.01-1 and 0.62 mg/kg, respectively. The mass of Hg accumulated globally in the soil is estimated to be 250-1000 Gg. Several techniques have been applied to remove or minimize elevated levels of Hg from FA, soil, and water (soil washing, selective catalytic reduction, wet flue gas desulphurization, stabilization, adsorption, thermal treatment, electro-remediation, and phytoremediation). Adsorbents such as activated carbon and carbon nanotubes have been used for Hg removal. The application of phytoremediation techniques has been proven as a promising approach in the removal of Hg from contaminated soil. Plant species such as Brassica juncea are potential candidates for Hg removal from soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deep Raj
- Ecological Restoration Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, Jharkhand, 826 004, India
| | - Subodh Kumar Maiti
- Ecological Restoration Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, Jharkhand, 826 004, India.
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