1
|
Charrier J, Fort J, Tessier E, Asensio O, Guillou G, Grémillet D, Marsaudon V, Gentès S, Amouroux D. Mercury compound distribution and stable isotope composition in the different compartments of seabird eggs: The case of three species breeding in East Greenland. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 363:142857. [PMID: 39032730 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142857] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic contaminant of global concern and the impact on Arctic ecosystems, particularly in seabirds, is critical due to large-scale Hg transport towards polar regions and its biomagnification in marine trophic systems. While the adverse effects of Hg on reproductive processes in seabirds are established, the understanding of Hg maternal transfer pathways and their control on Hg reproductive toxicity is limited. The combination of Hg compounds speciation (inorganic mercury and monomethylmercury MMHg) and Hg stable isotope composition in the different egg compartments (yolk, albumen, membrane, and shell) before embryo development was investigated to provide information on (i) Hg maternal transfer mechanisms, (ii) influence of egg biochemical composition on Hg organotropism and (iii) proxies of inputs of Hg contamination. Eggs of three seabird species (the common eider, the black-legged kittiwake and the little auk) collected within the same breeding period (summer 2020) in East Greenland were investigated. For all seabirds, albumen and membrane, the most protein-rich compartments, were the most contaminated (from 1.2 to 2.7 μg g-1 for albumen and from 0.3 to 0.7 μg g-1 for membrane). In these two compartments, more than 82% of the total Hg amount was in the form of MMHg. Additionally, mass-dependent fractionation values (δ202Hg) were higher in albumen and membrane in the three species. This result was mainly due the organotropism of MMHg as influenced by the biochemical properties and chemical binding affinity of these proteinous compartments. Among the different egg compartments, individuals and species, mass-independent fractionation values were comparable (mean ± sd were 0.99 ± 0.11‰, 0.78 ± 0.11‰, 0.03 ± 0.05‰, 0.04 ± 0.10‰ for Δ199Hg, Δ201Hg, Δ200Hg and Δ204Hg, respectively). We conclude that initial MMHg accumulated in the three species originated from Arctic environmental reservoirs exhibiting similar and low photodemethylation extent. This result suggests a unique major source of MMHg in those ecosystems, potentially influenced by sea ice cover.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Charrier
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France.
| | - Jérôme Fort
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Emmanuel Tessier
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA - CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et la Matériaux (IPREM), 2 avenue P. Angot, 64053, Pau, France
| | - Océane Asensio
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA - CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et la Matériaux (IPREM), 2 avenue P. Angot, 64053, Pau, France
| | - Gaël Guillou
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - David Grémillet
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle & Evolutive (CEFE), UMR 5175 CNRS - Université de Montpellier, 1919 route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier 5, France; FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, University Ave N, Rondebosch, 7701, Cap Town, South Africa
| | - Valère Marsaudon
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle & Evolutive (CEFE), UMR 5175 CNRS - Université de Montpellier, 1919 route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier 5, France
| | - Sophie Gentès
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - David Amouroux
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA - CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et la Matériaux (IPREM), 2 avenue P. Angot, 64053, Pau, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li R, Yan J, Wang C, Yang S, Zhang L, Peng T, Zhu W, Li P, Zhang L, Feng X. Mercury sources, transport, and transformation in rainfall-runoff processes: Mercury isotope approach. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 261:122044. [PMID: 38972237 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.122044] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) in runoff water poses significant ecological risks to aquatic ecosystems that can affect organisms. However, accurately identifying the sources and transformation processes of Hg in runoff water is challenging due to complex natural conditions. This study provides a comprehensive investigation of Hg dynamics in water from rainfall to runoff. The Hg isotope fractionation in water was characterized, which allows accurate quantification of Hg sources, transport, and transformations in rainfall-runoff processes. Δ200Hg and corrected Δ199Hg values can serve as reliable tracers for identifying Hg sources in the runoff water and the variation of δ202Hg can be explained by Hg transformation processes. During runoff migration processes, Hg from rainfall is rapidly absorbed on the land surface, while terrestrial Hg entering the water by the dissolution process becomes the primary component of dissolved mercury (DHg). Besides the dissolution and adsorption, microbial Hg(II) reduction and demethylation of MeHg were dominant processes for DHg in the runoff water that flows through the rice paddies, while photochemical Hg(II) reduction was the dominant process for DHg in the runoff water with low water exchange rates. Particulate Hg (PHg) in runoff water is dominantly originated by the terrestrial material and derived from the dissolution and adsorption process. Tracking sources and transformations of Hg in runoff water during the rainfall-runoff process provides a basis for studying Hg pollution in larger water bodies under complex environmental factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruolan Li
- 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
| | - Junyao Yan
- 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
| | - Chuan 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
| | - Shaochen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; Puding Karst Ecosystem Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Puding 562100, China
| | - Tao Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; Puding Karst Ecosystem Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Puding 562100, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå SE-90183, Sweden
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
| | - Leiming Zhang
- Air Quality Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto M3H5T4, Canada
| | - 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
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang B, Pethybridge H, Sutton C, Virtue P, Li Y. Total mercury concentrations in Tasman Sea mesopelagic fish: Exploring biotic and abiotic drivers. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 206:116676. [PMID: 38991610 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116676] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Understanding mercury (Hg) concentrations in mesopelagic and mid-trophic fishes is important for assessing Hg accumulation in oceanic ecosystems and higher-order predators. This study measured total Hg (THg) concentrations in the whole body of 16 abundant mesopelagic fish species sampled in two distinct sites within the Tasman Sea. Across all species, total Hg concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 0.48 μg g-1 dry weight (0.01 to 0.15 μg g-1 wet weight). Total Hg concentrations varied with vertical migration patterns, with shallower migrators exhibiting higher THg. Females typically had statistically higher THg concentrations than males. Positive correlations between THg concentration and standard length were observed for some but not all species. At the community level, THg concentrations correlated positively with estimated trophic position and foraging habitat, as inferred by stable isotope values. These findings contribute to our understanding of Hg cycling in oceanic ecosystems and the potential for biomagnification in oceanic top-order predators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Zhang
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia; CSIRO Environment, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia.
| | | | | | - Patti Virtue
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia; CSIRO Environment, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Yunkai Li
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Eklöf K, von Brömssen C, Huser B, Åkerblom S, Augustaitis A, Veiteberg Braaten HF, de Wit HA, Dirnböck T, Elustondo D, Grandin U, Holubová A, Kleemola S, Krám P, Lundin L, Löfgren S, Markensten H, Moldan F, Pihl Karlsson G, Rönnback P, Valinia S, Vuorenmaa J. Trends in mercury, lead and cadmium concentrations in 27 European streams and rivers: 2000-2020. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 360:124761. [PMID: 39154885 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Temporal trends for concentrations of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were evaluated from year 2000-2020 in 20 (Hg), 23 (Pb) and 11 (Cd) watercourses in remote forest catchments in Europe. Decreasing trends were observed in 15% (Hg), 39% (Pb) and 45% (Cd) of the watercourses during the period of evaluation. Decreasing trends were mainly observed between 2000 and 2005 for Hg and between 2000 and 2015 for Pb and Cd. For the last five years of the studied time period (2015-2020), more watercourses showed significant increasing, rather than decreasing Hg, Pb and Cd trends. This was interpreted as a legacy effect of metals still retained in catchment soils. The overall negative trends during the earlier part of the study period were likely driven by declining deposition of metals over Europe, especially for Pb and Cd. Other changes related to metal transport and chemistry may have contributed to the observed trends as well, including recovery from acidification and the ongoing browning of surface waters at northern latitudes. Here we found that organic carbon could explain the seasonal variation in Hg and Pb, but was not related the interannual trends. This study highlights the need for long-term monitoring and robust statistical methods that can detect multidirectional, long-term change in water chemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karin Eklöf
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Claudia von Brömssen
- Department of Energy and Technology, Applied Statistics and Mathematics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Brian Huser
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Staffan Åkerblom
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Algirdas Augustaitis
- Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology, Agriculture Academy, Vytautas Magnus University, LT-53362, Kaunas dstr., Lithuania
| | | | - Heleen A de Wit
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Dirnböck
- Ecosystem Research and Environmental Information Management, Environment Agency Austria, Spittelauer Lände5, AT-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Elustondo
- University of Navarra, BIOMA Institute for Biodiversity and the Environment, Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ulf Grandin
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Adéla Holubová
- Air Quality Department, Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, Košetice Observatory, 394 24, Czech Republic
| | - Sirpa Kleemola
- Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, FI-00790, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pavel Krám
- Department of Environmental Geochemistry and Biogeochemistry, Czech Geological Survey, Klárov 3, CZ-11821, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lars Lundin
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Stefan Löfgren
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hampus Markensten
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Filip Moldan
- IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, P.O. Box 53021, SE-40014, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Pihl Karlsson
- IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, P.O. Box 53021, SE-40014, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Rönnback
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Salar Valinia
- Ensucon AB, Sankt Eriksgatan 63B, 11234, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jussi Vuorenmaa
- Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, FI-00790, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mignardi S, Tocci E, Medeghini L. Clam shell waste recycling and valorization for sustainable Hg remediation. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35375. [PMID: 39170423 PMCID: PMC11336571 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Shellfish aquaculture world production is constantly growing due to the increase in demand for seafood and reached over 18 million tons in 2022. The suitable management of the shell waste is one of the main environmental challenging issues as most of this waste is sent to landfills with emanation of foul odors, pathogens proliferation and reduction of available space. However, the conversion of this biowaste to new value-added materials could provide significant environmental and economic benefits. Clam shell waste was the starting material for the synthesis of hydroxyapatite (CSHAP) applied as an adsorbent for Hg2+ removal from aqueous solutions. Adsorption experiments were performed in batch using simulated wastewaters prepared from HgCl2 to investigate the effects of contact time and initial Hg2+ concentration on the removal process. Mineralogical composition, morphological features and elemental composition of CSHAP before and after the experiments were investigated by XRPD, SEM-EDS and FTIR analysis. The concentrations of Hg2+ and Ca2+ in the solutions were analyzed by ICP-AES. The adsorption kinetics of Hg2+ was simulated with the pseudo-first-order rate model, the pseudo-second order model and the intraparticle diffusion model. The results of the kinetics study showed that the Hg2+ adsorption followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics model and reached equilibrium within 40 min. The Langmuir model fitted the experimental results better than the Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevic isotherm models, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 65.8 mg/g which is generally higher than other waste-derived adsorbents used for the removal of Hg2+ ions from water. The removal mechanism includes rapid surface complexation on CSHAP grains, followed by a slow incorporation of the Hg2+ ions in the crystalline structure. The results of this study could contribute to delineate a new research direction for a more sustainable management of clam shell biowaste.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvano Mignardi
- Department of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
- CIABC, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Tocci
- Department of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Medeghini
- Department of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
- CIABC, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li Y, Tan L, Jin S, Xu H, Chen L, Kemp DB, Sinha A, Ma L, Huang C, Lawrence Edwards R, Cheng H. Mercury deposition in central China from the Last Glacial Maximum to the early Holocene recorded in an accurately-dated stalagmite. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2024:S2095-9273(24)00560-7. [PMID: 39174403 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2024.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Characterization of transport pathways and depositional changes in Mercury (Hg) and their connection to climatic and environmental changes on various time scales are crucial for better understanding the anthropogenic impacts on the global Hg cycle in the Anthropocene epoch. In this study, we examined Hg variations recorded in a stalagmite from central China, covering the period from 25.5 to 10.9 thousand years ago. Our data show a marked increase in Hg concentrations during the late Last Glacial Maximum, which coincided with the period of highest dust deposition on the Chinese Loess Plateau. Hg concentrations were lower during Heinrich events 1 and 2 and the Younger Dryas but higher during the Bølling-Allerød and the early Holocene. We suggest that regional dust load, which enhances atmospheric dry deposition of Hg, is the primary factor influencing Hg deposition in central China on glacial-interglacial timescales. On millennial-to-centennial timescales, climate also plays a significant role. Warmer and wetter conditions increase vegetation, litterfall, and soil/rock weathering, which in turn boost mineral dissolution and soil erosion in the vadose zone. These processes collectively result in higher Hg concentrations in the stalagmite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710061, China; Xi'an Institute for Innovative Earth Environment Research, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Liangcheng Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Simin Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology and Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Hai Xu
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Lüfan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - David B Kemp
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology and Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Ashish Sinha
- Department of Earth Science, California State University Dominguez Hills, Carson CA 90747, USA
| | - Le Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Chunju Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology and Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - R Lawrence Edwards
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis MN 55455, USA
| | - Hai Cheng
- Institute of Global Environmental Change, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lemaire J, Bustamante P, Shirley MH. Preliminary assessment of blood mercury contamination in four African crocodile species. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 190:108877. [PMID: 38981413 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Heavy metal contamination in the environment is an increasingly pervasive threat to the long-term persistence of wildlife. As high trophic level consumers, crocodylians are at substantial risk from bioaccumulation of mercury (Hg). Despite that they are generally well-studied and the focal species of many conservation efforts around the world, little is known about Hg contamination levels in most crocodylians. Here we preliminarily evaluate blood Hg contamination in four African species - Central African slender-snouted crocodile (Mecistops leptorhynchus), African dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis), West African crocodile (Crocodylus suchus), and Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) - from a diversity of sites and habitats across 5 different countries representing varying degrees of environmental pollution. All of our sampled crocodiles were Hg contaminated and, worryingly, these African crocodiles generally showed the highest levels of Hg contamination of any crocodylian species examined to date. Of most concern was that Hg concentrations were not only highest in M. leptorhynchus, the most threatened amongst our study species, but also in individuals sampled in what are believed to be some of the most remote and pristine natural areas left in Africa - Gabon's national parks. Our results underscore the need to better understand the impact of longstanding petroleum, mining, forestry, and agricultural industries on the entire aquatic food chain throughout much of Africa, including on the threatened species in these habitats and the human populations that depend on them for their subsistence and livelihoods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Lemaire
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Matthew H Shirley
- Project Mecistops, Sarasota, FL, USA; Global Forensics and Justice Center, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dabiré BAM, Sako A. Comprehensive assessment of heavy metal pollution of agricultural soils impacted by the Kalsaka abandoned gold mine and artisanal gold mining in northern Burkina Faso. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:755. [PMID: 39031288 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12894-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
In this study, the environmental quality of agricultural soils around the Kalsaka abandoned gold mine was evaluated. A total of 117 samples including industrial mine wastes, topsoil, and control soil were collected in and around the mine, and their heavy metal concentrations were determined using ICP-MS after aqua regia digestion. Except for Zn, the average concentrations of the metals were higher in mine wastes and the agricultural soils than their average upper continental crust (UCC) counterpart, whereas those of Ag, As, and Hg exceeded the UCC in the control soils. The control soils had the lowest contaminations and the lowest pollution levels for all metals except for Hg. Based on the average concentrations and coefficients of variation, it can be concluded that Cr, Ni, and Zn abundance in the agricultural soils was controlled by natural factors, whereas that of Ag, As, Hg, Co, Cu, and Mn was mainly associated with mining. The absence of Hg in industrial mine wastes and its high contents in agricultural and control soils reflected the artisanal gold mining source of this metal. Thus, single and integrated pollution indices showed that ecological risk and toxicity are much higher when Hg is included in the index calculation, suggesting cumulative effects of industrial and artisanal gold mining on the agricultural soil quality. The results also showed that Hg and As are the pollutants of major concern in the Kalsaka abandoned gold mine. Because of its proximity to human settlements, the Kalsaka abandoned gold mine necessitates an immediate rehabilitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baonipouo Anselme Metoman Dabiré
- Laboratoire Géosciences et Environnement (LaGE), Département Des Sciences de La Terre, Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Aboubakar Sako
- Laboratoire Géosciences et Environnement (LaGE), Département Des Sciences de La Terre, Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
- UFR Sciences Appliquées et Technologie, Université Daniel Ouezzin COULIBALY, BP 139, Dédougou, Burkina Faso.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Janssen SE, Kotalik CJ, Willacker JJ, Tate MT, Pritz CMF, Nelson SJ, Krabbenhoft DP, Walters DM, Eagles-Smith CA. Geographic Drivers of Mercury Entry into Aquatic Food Webs Revealed by Mercury Stable Isotopes in Dragonfly Larvae. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58. [PMID: 39012137 PMCID: PMC11295128 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Atmospheric mercury (Hg) emissions and subsequent transport and deposition are major concerns within protected lands, including national parks, where Hg can bioaccumulate to levels detrimental to human and wildlife health. Despite this risk to biological resources, there is limited understanding of the relative importance of different Hg sources and delivery pathways within the protected regions. Here, we used Hg stable isotope measurements within a single aquatic bioindicator, dragonfly larvae, to determine if these tracers can resolve spatial patterns in Hg sources, delivery mechanisms, and aquatic cycling at a national scale. Mercury isotope values in dragonfly tissues varied among habitat types (e.g., lentic, lotic, and wetland) and geographic location. Photochemical-derived isotope fractionation was habitat-dependent and influenced by factors that impact light penetration directly or indirectly, including dissolved organic matter, canopy cover, and total phosphorus. Strong patterns for Δ200Hg emerged in the western United States, highlighting the relative importance of wet deposition sources in arid regions in contrast to dry deposition delivery in forested regions. This work demonstrates the efficacy of dragonfly larvae as biosentinels for Hg isotope studies due to their ubiquity across freshwater ecosystems and ability to track variation in Hg sources and processing attributed to small-scale habitat and large-scale regional patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Janssen
- US
Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, One Gifford Pinchot Drive,, Madison, Wisconsin 53726, United States
| | - Christopher J. Kotalik
- US
Geological Survey Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Rd, Columbia, Missouri 65201, United States
| | - James J. Willacker
- U.S.
Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Michael T. Tate
- US
Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, One Gifford Pinchot Drive,, Madison, Wisconsin 53726, United States
| | - Colleen M. Flanagan Pritz
- National
Park Service, Air Resources Division,
P.O. Box 25287, Denver, Colorado 80225, United States
| | - Sarah J. Nelson
- Appalachian
Mountain Club, 361 Route
16, Gorham, New Hampshire 03581, United States
| | - David P. Krabbenhoft
- US
Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, One Gifford Pinchot Drive,, Madison, Wisconsin 53726, United States
| | - David M. Walters
- US
Geological Survey Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Rd, Columbia, Missouri 65201, United States
| | - Collin A. Eagles-Smith
- U.S.
Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Garcia-Arevalo I, Bérard JB, Bieser J, Le Faucheur S, Hubert C, Lacour T, Thomas B, Cossa D, Knoery J. Mercury Accumulation Pathways in a Model Marine Microalgae: Sorption, Uptake, and Partition Kinetics. ACS ES&T WATER 2024; 4:2826-2835. [PMID: 39021579 PMCID: PMC11251459 DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.3c00795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The accumulation of dissolved mercury (Hg) by phytoplankton is the largest concentration step along aquatic food chains. However, the cell uptake mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the marine haptophyteTisochrysis lutea, a model phytoplankton species, was examined for its interactions with picomolar levels of dissolved inorganic divalent Hg (iHg) and monomethyl Hg (MMHg). For both these Hg species, the study observed their successive sorption and internalization over time, yielding Hg partition coefficients as well as sorption, uptake, and release rates. These results were integrated into a time-dependent, three-compartment model for marine cellular Hg accumulation that included exposure medium, phycosphere, and internalized mercury. Assuming equilibria and pseudo-first-order kinetics between compartments, this study obtained transfer rates of Hg between compartments. The results provide insight into the phycosphere as an intermediate compartment for Hg species accumulation and quantify its role in the internalization of Hg. Ultimately, the new model and its parametrization were successfully applied to literature data showing Hg cellular accumulation in different groups of marine phytoplankton, lending confidence in its robustness and potential contributions to help model the uptake of Hg in the aquatic food web.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Johannes Bieser
- Institute
of Coastal Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Séverine Le Faucheur
- Université
de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, E2S-UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, 64000 Pau, France
| | - Clarisse Hubert
- IFREMER,
PHYTOX Physiology and Toxins of Microalgae, F-44300 Nantes, France
| | - Thomas Lacour
- IFREMER,
PHYTOX Physiology and Toxins of Microalgae, F-44300 Nantes, France
| | - Bastien Thomas
- IFREMER,
CCEM Contamination Chimique des Écosystèmes Marins, F-44300 Nantes, France
| | - Daniel Cossa
- Université
Grenoble Alpes, ISTerre, CS 40700, 38058 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Joël Knoery
- IFREMER,
CCEM Contamination Chimique des Écosystèmes Marins, F-44300 Nantes, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jha AK, Kishore P, Chinnadurai S, Verma SK, Kumar R, Sreejith S, Sarika K. Heavy metals and trace minerals in commonly available shark species from North East Arabian Sea: A human health risk perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118979. [PMID: 38685303 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118979] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Shark is a seafood commodity that is a good source of minerals and accumulates heavy metals and trace elements through biomagnification, which can pose health risk if taken above the permissible limit. A study was conducted on commonly landed eleven shark species (Scoliodon laticaudus, Rhizopriodon oligolinx, Sphyrna lewini (CR), Carcharhinus macloti, Carcharinus limbatus, Carcharhinus amblyrhynchoides, Carcharhinus sorrah, Carcharinus falciformes(VU), Glaucostegus granulatus, Chiloscyllium arabicum, Loxodon macrorhinus) and analyzed for their heavy metal content, Hazard Index, Total Hazard Quotient, Metal Pollution Index, and also calculated the health risk associated with the consumption. Most of the heavy metals and trace minerals were found to be within the acceptable limit. The Targeted Hazard Quotient (THQ) and the Hazard Index (HI) of all the species except two were less than 1 (HI ≤ 1.0). The Metal Pollution Index (MPI) is showing either no impact or very low contamination. An overall study on hazard identification and health risk characterization in terms of heavy metals shows contamination of some heavy metals in sharks, but there is no potential human health risk associated with consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Kumar Jha
- Veraval Research Centre of ICAR-CIFT, Matyabhavan, Bhidia, Veraval, Gujarat, 362269, India.
| | - Pankaj Kishore
- Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, ICAR-CIFT, Matsyapuri, Willingdon Island, Cochin, 682029, India
| | | | - Sumit Kumar Verma
- Veraval Research Centre of ICAR-CIFT, Matyabhavan, Bhidia, Veraval, Gujarat, 362269, India
| | - Rajan Kumar
- Veraval Regional Station of ICAR-CMFRI, Matyabhavan, Bhidia, Veraval, Gujarat, 362269, India
| | - S Sreejith
- Veraval Research Centre of ICAR-CIFT, Matyabhavan, Bhidia, Veraval, Gujarat, 362269, India
| | - K Sarika
- Veraval Research Centre of ICAR-CIFT, Matyabhavan, Bhidia, Veraval, Gujarat, 362269, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Monteiro LC, Vieira LCG, Bernardi JVE, Recktenvald MCNDN, Nery AFDC, Fernandes IO, de Miranda VL, da Rocha DMS, de Almeida R, Bastos WR. Mercury distribution, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification in riparian ecosystems from a neotropical savanna floodplain, Araguaia River, central Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118906. [PMID: 38609069 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Litterfall is the main source of dry deposition of mercury (Hg) into the soil in forest ecosystems. The accumulation of Hg in soil and litter suggests the possibility of transfer to terrestrial invertebrates through environmental exposure or ingestion of plant tissues. We quantified total mercury (THg) concentrations in two soil layers (organic: 0-0.2 m; mineral: 0.8-1 m), litter, fresh leaves, and terrestrial invertebrates of the Araguaia River floodplain, aiming to evaluate the THg distribution among terrestrial compartments, bioaccumulation in invertebrates, and the factors influencing THg concentrations in soil and invertebrates. The mean THg concentrations were significantly different between the compartments evaluated, being higher in organic soil compared to mineral soil, and higher in litter compared to mineral soil and fresh leaves. Soil organic matter content was positively related to THg concentration in this compartment. The order Araneae showed significantly higher Hg concentrations among the most abundant invertebrate taxa. The higher Hg concentrations in Araneae were positively influenced by the concentrations determined in litter and individuals of the order Hymenoptera, confirming the process of biomagnification in the terrestrial trophic chain. In contrast, the THg concentrations in Coleoptera, Orthoptera and Hymenoptera were not significantly related to the concentrations determined in the soil, litter and fresh leaves. Our results showed the importance of organic matter for the immobilization of THg in the soil and indicated the process of biomagnification in the terrestrial food web, providing insights for future studies on the environmental distribution of Hg in floodplains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Cabrera Monteiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas Ambientais e Limnológicas, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, Brazil; Laboratório de Geoestatística e Geodésia, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, Brazil.
| | - Ludgero Cardoso Galli Vieira
- Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas Ambientais e Limnológicas, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, Brazil
| | - José Vicente Elias Bernardi
- Laboratório de Geoestatística e Geodésia, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, Brazil
| | | | | | - Iara Oliveira Fernandes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Lima de Miranda
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | | | - Ronaldo de Almeida
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Evers DC, Ackerman JT, Åkerblom S, Bally D, Basu N, Bishop K, Bodin N, Braaten HFV, Burton MEH, Bustamante P, Chen C, Chételat J, Christian L, Dietz R, Drevnick P, Eagles-Smith C, Fernandez LE, Hammerschlag N, Harmelin-Vivien M, Harte A, Krümmel EM, Brito JL, Medina G, Barrios Rodriguez CA, Stenhouse I, Sunderland E, Takeuchi A, Tear T, Vega C, Wilson S, Wu P. Global mercury concentrations in biota: their use as a basis for a global biomonitoring framework. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 33:325-396. [PMID: 38683471 PMCID: PMC11213816 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-024-02747-x] [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: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
An important provision of the Minamata Convention on Mercury is to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the adopted measures and its implementation. Here, we describe for the first time currently available biotic mercury (Hg) data on a global scale to improve the understanding of global efforts to reduce the impact of Hg pollution on people and the environment. Data from the peer-reviewed literature were compiled in the Global Biotic Mercury Synthesis (GBMS) database (>550,000 data points). These data provide a foundation for establishing a biomonitoring framework needed to track Hg concentrations in biota globally. We describe Hg exposure in the taxa identified by the Minamata Convention: fish, sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals. Based on the GBMS database, Hg concentrations are presented at relevant geographic scales for continents and oceanic basins. We identify some effective regional templates for monitoring methylmercury (MeHg) availability in the environment, but overall illustrate that there is a general lack of regional biomonitoring initiatives around the world, especially in Africa, Australia, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and South Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Temporal trend data for Hg in biota are generally limited. Ecologically sensitive sites (where biota have above average MeHg tissue concentrations) have been identified throughout the world. Efforts to model and quantify ecosystem sensitivity locally, regionally, and globally could help establish effective and efficient biomonitoring programs. We present a framework for a global Hg biomonitoring network that includes a three-step continental and oceanic approach to integrate existing biomonitoring efforts and prioritize filling regional data gaps linked with key Hg sources. We describe a standardized approach that builds on an evidence-based evaluation to assess the Minamata Convention's progress to reduce the impact of global Hg pollution on people and the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA.
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA, 95620, USA
| | | | - Dominique Bally
- African Center for Environmental Health, BP 826 Cidex 03, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Nil Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kevin Bishop
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Upsalla, Sweden
| | - Nathalie Bodin
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development Seychelles Fishing Authority, Victoria, Seychelles
| | | | - Mark E H Burton
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Celia Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - John Chételat
- Environment and Cliamte Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Linroy Christian
- Department of Analytical Services, Dunbars, Friars Hill, St John, Antigua and Barbuda
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Paul Drevnick
- Teck American Incorporated, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Collin Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Luis E Fernandez
- Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability and Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 29106, USA
- Centro de Innovación Científica Amazonica (CINCIA), Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, Peru
| | - Neil Hammerschlag
- Shark Research Foundation Inc, 29 Wideview Lane, Boutiliers Point, NS, B3Z 0M9, Canada
| | - Mireille Harmelin-Vivien
- Aix-Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS/INSU/IRD, Institut Méditerranéen d'Océanologie (MIO), UM 110, Campus de Luminy, case 901, 13288, Marseille, cedex 09, France
| | - Agustin Harte
- Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Chem. des Anémones 15, 1219, Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eva M Krümmel
- Inuit Circumpolar Council-Canada, Ottawa, Canada and ScienTissiME Inc, Barry's Bay, ON, Canada
| | - José Lailson Brito
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Sao Francisco Xavier, 524, Sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Medina
- Director of Basel Convention Coordinating Centre, Stockholm Convention Regional Centre for Latin America and the Caribbean, Hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Iain Stenhouse
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Elsie Sunderland
- Harvard University, Pierce Hall 127, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Akinori Takeuchi
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, Health and Environmental Risk Division, 16-2 Onogawa Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Tim Tear
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Claudia Vega
- Centro de Innovaccion Cientifica Amazonica (CINCIA), Jiron Ucayali 750, Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, 17001, Peru
| | - Simon Wilson
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) Secretariat, N-9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Pianpian Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Christian LD, Burton MEH, Mohammed A, Nelson W, Shah TA, Bertide-Josiah L, Yurek HG, Evers DC. An evaluation of fish and invertebrate mercury concentrations in the Caribbean Region. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 33:397-414. [PMID: 38836941 PMCID: PMC11213769 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-024-02754-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Mercury is a ubiquitous pollutant of global concern but the threat of exposure is not homogenously distributed at local, regional, or global scales. The primary route of human exposure to mercury is through consumption of aquatic foods, which are culturally and economically important in the wider Caribbean Region, especially for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). We compiled more than 1600 samples of 108 unique species of fish and aquatic invertebrates collected between 2005 and 2023 from eleven countries or territories in the wider Caribbean Region. There was wide variability in total mercury concentrations with 55% of samples below the 0.23 µg/g wet weight (ww) guideline from the U.S. FDA/EPA (2022) for 2 or 3 weekly servings and 26% exceeding the 0.46 µg/g ww guideline consistent with adverse effects on human health from continual consumption, particularly for sensitive populations. Significant relationships were found between total mercury concentrations and taxonomic family, sampling country, fish length, and trophic level. The data analyzed here support the need for further sampling with concrete geospatial data to better understand patterns and mechanisms in mercury concentrations and allow for more informed decision making on the consumption of fish and invertebrates from the wider Caribbean Region as well as supporting efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of national, regional, and international mercury policies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linroy D Christian
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda.
| | | | - Azad Mohammed
- The University of The West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Wendy Nelson
- Institute of Marine Affairs, Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago
| | | | - Laël Bertide-Josiah
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Landis JD, Obrist D, Zhou J, Renshaw CE, McDowell WH, Nytch CJ, Palucis MC, Del Vecchio J, Montano Lopez F, Taylor VF. Quantifying soil accumulation of atmospheric mercury using fallout radionuclide chronometry. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5430. [PMID: 38926366 PMCID: PMC11208417 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49789-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Soils are a principal global reservoir of mercury (Hg), a neurotoxic pollutant that is accumulating through anthropogenic emissions to the atmosphere and subsequent deposition to terrestrial ecosystems. The fate of Hg in global soils remains uncertain, however, particularly to what degree Hg is re-emitted back to the atmosphere as gaseous elemental mercury (GEM). Here we use fallout radionuclide (FRN) chronometry to directly measure Hg accumulation rates in soils. By comparing these rates with measured atmospheric fluxes in a mass balance approach, we show that representative Arctic, boreal, temperate, and tropical soils are quantitatively efficient at retaining anthropogenic Hg. Potential for significant GEM re-emission appears limited to a minority of coniferous soils, calling into question global models that assume strong re-emission of legacy Hg from soils. FRN chronometry poses a powerful tool to reconstruct terrestrial Hg accumulation across larger spatial scales than previously possible, while offering insights into the susceptibility of Hg mobilization from different soil environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D Landis
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA.
| | - Daniel Obrist
- Department of Environmental, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA
- Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Jun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Carl E Renshaw
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - William H McDowell
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
- Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Christopher J Nytch
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras, San Juan, PR, 00925, USA
| | - Marisa C Palucis
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | | | | | - Vivien F Taylor
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhang K, Pu Q, Liu J, Hao Z, Zhang L, Zhang L, Fu X, Meng B, Feng X. Using Mercury Stable Isotopes to Quantify Directional Soil-Atmosphere Hg(0) Exchanges in Rice Paddy Ecosystems: Implications for Hg(0) Emissions to the Atmosphere from Land Surfaces. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:11053-11062. [PMID: 38867369 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Gaseous elemental mercury [Hg(0)] emissions from soils constitute a large fraction of global total Hg(0) emissions. Existing studies do not distinguish biotic- and abiotic-mediated emissions and focus only on photoreduction mediated emissions, resulting in an underestimation of soil Hg(0) emissions into the atmosphere. In this study, directional mercury (Hg) reduction pathways in paddy soils were identified using Hg isotopes. Results showed significantly different isotopic compositions of Hg(0) between those produced from photoreduction (δ202Hg = -0.80 ± 0.67‰, Δ199Hg = -0.38 ± 0.18‰), microbial reduction (δ202Hg = -2.18 ± 0.25‰, Δ199Hg = 0.29 ± 0.38‰), and abiotic dark reduction (δ202Hg = -2.31 ± 0.25‰, Δ199Hg = 0.50 ± 0.22‰). Hg(0) exchange fluxes between the atmosphere and the paddy soils were dominated by emissions, with the average flux ranging from 2.2 ± 5.7 to 16.8 ± 21.7 ng m-2 h-1 during different sampling periods. Using an isotopic signature-based ternary mixing model, we revealed that photoreduction is the most important contributor to Hg(0) emissions from paddy soils. Albeit lower, microbial and abiotic dark reduction contributed up to 36 ± 22 and 25 ± 15%, respectively, to Hg(0) emissions on the 110th day. These novel findings can help improve future estimation of soil Hg(0) emissions from rice paddy ecosystems, which involve complex biotic-, abiotic-, and photoreduction processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun 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
| | - Qiang Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Zhengdong Hao
- 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
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Reutilization, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Leiming Zhang
- Air Quality Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T4, Canada
| | - Xuewu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Bo Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - 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
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Arrighi S, Franceschini F, Petrini R, Fornasaro S, Ghezzi L. The Legacy of Hg Contamination in a Past Mining Area (Tuscany, Italy): Hg Speciation and Health Risk Assessment. TOXICS 2024; 12:436. [PMID: 38922116 PMCID: PMC11209415 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12060436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
The mercury cell manufacturing process, which has been extensively used in chlor-alkali plants to produce chlorine and caustic soda by electrolysis, represents a major source of Hg environmental pollution. At Saline di Volterra (Tuscany, Italy), solution mining by pumping water into halite deposits was applied to produce brines for a mercury-cell chlor-alkali plant. The Hg-contaminated, exhausted brines were pumped back at depth into the rock salt field in order to renew the available resources. Activities ceased in 1994, following the leakage dispersion of highly contaminated Hg(0)-bearing brines into the environment. The mercury content in the soil, measured during a survey conducted in 2000, reached 334 mg/kg, highlighting diffuse contamination in the floodplain. By 2009, the Hg concentration had generally decreased and was mostly confined to the topsoil layer. In order to evaluate the present Hg soil pollution, a geochemical survey was carried out in 2023, almost thirty years after the contamination event. The obtained data indicated the occurrence of legacy Hg, which reached 25.5 mg/kg in some soil samples. Speciation analysis for the most contaminated soil revealed that Hg(0) represented about 17.3% of the total Hg and that water-soluble and organic Hg fractions were negligible. These results suggest that the originally released metallic mercury has volatilized and likely oxidized, becoming practically immobile in the soil. A risk assessment, performed by applying Hg speciation analysis, indicated that the mercury in the soil does not carry a risk of non-cancerous effects for different exposure routes in case of subsequent use of the site and that the formerly contaminated area can now be converted into a leisure area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Arrighi
- Department of Earth Science, University of Pisa, Via S. Maria 53, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (S.A.); (R.P.); (L.G.)
| | - Fabrizio Franceschini
- Environmental Protection Agency of Tuscany (ARPAT), Via Vittorio Veneto, 56127 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Riccardo Petrini
- Department of Earth Science, University of Pisa, Via S. Maria 53, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (S.A.); (R.P.); (L.G.)
| | - Silvia Fornasaro
- Department of Earth Science, University of Pisa, Via S. Maria 53, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (S.A.); (R.P.); (L.G.)
| | - Lisa Ghezzi
- Department of Earth Science, University of Pisa, Via S. Maria 53, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (S.A.); (R.P.); (L.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Emamverdian A, Khalofah A, Pehlivan N, Li Y, Chen M, Liu G. Iron nanoparticles in combination with other conventional Fe sources remediate mercury toxicity-affected plants and soils by nutrient accumulation in bamboo species. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 278:116431. [PMID: 38718730 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The issue of mercury (Hg) toxicity has recently been identified as a significant environmental concern, with the potential to impede plant growth in forested and agricultural areas. Conversely, recent reports have indicated that Fe, may play a role in alleviating HM toxicity in plants. Therefore, this study's objective is to examine the potential of iron nanoparticles (Fe NPs) and various sources of Fe, particularly iron sulfate (Fe SO4 or Fe S) and iron-ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (Fe - EDTA or Fe C), either individually or in combination, to mitigate the toxic effects of Hg on Pleioblastus pygmaeus. Involved mechanisms in the reduction of Hg toxicity in one-year bamboo species by Fe NPs, and by various Fe sources were introduced by a controlled greenhouse experiment. While 80 mg/L Hg significantly reduced plant growth and biomass (shoot dry weight (36%), root dry weight (31%), and shoot length (31%) and plant tolerance (34%) in comparison with control treatments, 60 mg/L Fe NPs and conventional sources of Fe increased proline accumulation (32%), antioxidant metabolism (21%), polyamines (114%), photosynthetic pigments (59%), as well as root dry weight (25%), and shoot dry weight (22%), and shoot length (22%). Fe NPs, Fe S, and Fe C in plant systems substantially enhanced tolerance to Hg toxicity (23%). This improvement was attributed to increased leaf-relative water content (39%), enhanced nutrient availability (50%), improved antioxidant capacity (34%), and reduced Hg translocation (6%) and accumulation (31%) in plant organs. Applying Fe NPs alone or in conjunction with a mixture of Fe C and Fe S can most efficiently improve bamboo plants' tolerance to Hg toxicity. The highest efficiency in increasing biochemical and physiological indexes under Hg, was related to the treatments of Fe NPs as well as Fe NPs + FeS + FeC. Thus, Fe NPs and other Fe sources might be effective options to remove toxicity from plants and soil. The future perspective may help establish mechanisms to regulate environmental toxicity and human health progressions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abolghassem Emamverdian
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; Bamboo Research Institute, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Ahlam Khalofah
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Necla Pehlivan
- Department of Biology, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize 53100, Turkiye
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Moxian Chen
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| | - Guohua Liu
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; Bamboo Research Institute, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ackerman JT, Peterson SH, Herzog MP, Yee JL. Methylmercury Effects on Birds: A Review, Meta-Analysis, and Development of Toxicity Reference Values for Injury Assessment Based on Tissue Residues and Diet. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024; 43:1195-1241. [PMID: 38682592 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Birds are used as bioindicators of environmental mercury (Hg) contamination, and toxicity reference values are needed for injury assessments. We conducted a comprehensive review, summarized data from 168 studies, performed a series of Bayesian hierarchical meta-analyses, and developed new toxicity reference values for the effects of methylmercury (MeHg) on birds using a benchmark dose analysis framework. Lethal and sublethal effects of MeHg on birds were categorized into nine biologically relevant endpoint categories and three age classes. Effective Hg concentrations where there was a 10% reduction (EC10) in the production of juvenile offspring (0.55 µg/g wet wt adult blood-equivalent Hg concentrations, 80% credible interval: [0.33, 0.85]), histology endpoints (0.49 [0.15, 0.96] and 0.61 [0.09, 2.48]), and biochemical markers (0.77 [<0.25, 2.12] and 0.57 [0.35, 0.92]) were substantially lower than those for survival (2.97 [2.10, 4.73] and 5.24 [3.30, 9.55]) and behavior (6.23 [1.84, >13.42] and 3.11 [2.10, 4.64]) of juveniles and adults, respectively. Within the egg age class, survival was the most sensitive endpoint (EC10 = 2.02 µg/g wet wt adult blood-equivalent Hg concentrations [1.39, 2.94] or 1.17 µg/g fresh wet wt egg-equivalent Hg concentrations [0.80, 1.70]). Body morphology was not particularly sensitive to Hg. We developed toxicity reference values using a combined survival and reproduction endpoints category for juveniles, because juveniles were more sensitive to Hg toxicity than eggs or adults. Adult blood-equivalent Hg concentrations (µg/g wet wt) and egg-equivalent Hg concentrations (µg/g fresh wet wt) caused low injury to birds (EC1) at 0.09 [0.04, 0.17] and 0.04 [0.01, 0.08], moderate injury (EC5) at 0.6 [0.37, 0.84] and 0.3 [0.17, 0.44], high injury (EC10) at 1.3 [0.94, 1.89] and 0.7 [0.49, 1.02], and severe injury (EC20) at 3.2 [2.24, 4.78] and 1.8 [1.28, 2.79], respectively. Maternal dietary Hg (µg/g dry wt) caused low injury to juveniles at 0.16 [0.05, 0.38], moderate injury at 0.6 [0.29, 1.03], high injury at 1.1 [0.63, 1.87], and severe injury at 2.4 [1.42, 4.13]. We found few substantial differences in Hg toxicity among avian taxonomic orders, including for controlled laboratory studies that injected Hg into eggs. Our results can be used to quantify injury to birds caused by Hg pollution. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1195-1241. Published 2024. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua T Ackerman
- US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, Dixon, California, USA
| | - Sarah H Peterson
- US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, Dixon, California, USA
| | - Mark P Herzog
- US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, Dixon, California, USA
| | - Julie L Yee
- US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Santa Cruz Field Station, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lawruk-Desjardins C, Storck V, Ponton DE, Amyot M, Walsh DA. A genome catalogue of mercury-methylating bacteria and archaea from sediments of a boreal river facing human disturbances. Environ Microbiol 2024; 26:e16669. [PMID: 38922750 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Methyl mercury, a toxic compound, is produced by anaerobic microbes and magnifies in aquatic food webs, affecting the health of animals and humans. The exploration of mercury methylators based on genomes is still limited, especially in the context of river ecosystems. To address this knowledge gap, we developed a genome catalogue of potential mercury-methylating microorganisms. This was based on the presence of hgcAB from the sediments of a river affected by two run-of-river hydroelectric dams, logging activities and a wildfire. Through the use of genome-resolved metagenomics, we discovered a unique and diverse group of mercury methylators. These were dominated by members of the metabolically versatile Bacteroidota and were particularly rich in microbes that ferment butyrate. By comparing the diversity and abundance of mercury methylators between sites subjected to different disturbances, we found that ongoing disturbances, such as the input of organic matter related to logging activities, were particularly conducive to the establishment of a mercury-methylating niche. Finally, to gain a deeper understanding of the environmental factors that shape the diversity of mercury methylators, we compared the mercury-methylating genome catalogue with the broader microbial community. The results suggest that mercury methylators respond to environmental conditions in a manner similar to the overall microbial community. Therefore, it is crucial to interpret the diversity and abundance of mercury methylators within their specific ecological context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Veronika Storck
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Département de sciences biologiques, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dominic E Ponton
- Département de sciences biologiques, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marc Amyot
- Département de sciences biologiques, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - David A Walsh
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Pilote M, Houle D, Gagnon C, Couture S, Dastoor A, Ryjkov A. Key factors influencing Hg levels and trends in unperturbed oligotrophic temperate and boreal lakes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124232. [PMID: 38823549 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic metal that presents a major risk to ecosystems, biota, human health, and remains a priority concern. In temperate and boreal lakes Hg and methylmercury (MMHg) are expected to vary as a function of atmospheric Hg deposition, lake water chemistry, catchment characteristics and climate variables. The aim of this study was to quantify Hg and MMHg in unperturbed oligotrophic lakes and to identify the factors controlling their distribution. We first hypothesized that lake Hg (and MMHg to lesser extent) spatial variations are linked to atmospheric deposition, catchment characteristics, and terrestrial exportation of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). We secondly examined if lake Hg concentrations have followed the decrease in atmospheric Hg emission observed between the mid-1990s to the end-2010s. We found that overall, atmospheric Hg has little impact on lake Hg and MMHg concentrations, which are both primarily influenced by DOC input originating from the forest catchment. The relationship between DOC and Hg differed between the spring and the fall, with a Hg-to-DOC ratio twice as high in spring. This seems related to snowmelt input of Hg (with a relatively reduced input of DOC) or the internal lake build-up of Hg during the ice-covered period. Of the 10 lakes intensively visited over a 20-year period, only 3 showed significant lake Hg decreases despite significant negative trends in atmospheric Hg concentrations, suggesting a lag between atmospheric and surface water temporal trends. Overall, terrestrial catchments retain around 80% of atmospheric Hg implying that large Hg pools have been built up in soils in the last decades. As such, the reduction of atmospheric Hg alone will not necessarily result in Hg decreases in lakes, since the Hg concentrations may be modulated by DOC export trends and catchment characteristics. This stresses the need to improve our understanding of the processes governing Hg transfers from catchments into lakes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Pilote
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Water Science and Technology, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, 105 McGill Street, Montreal, Qc, H2Y 2E7, Canada.
| | - D Houle
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Water Science and Technology, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, 105 McGill Street, Montreal, Qc, H2Y 2E7, Canada
| | - C Gagnon
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Water Science and Technology, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, 105 McGill Street, Montreal, Qc, H2Y 2E7, Canada
| | - S Couture
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Water Science and Technology, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, 105 McGill Street, Montreal, Qc, H2Y 2E7, Canada
| | - A Dastoor
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Atmospheric Science and Technology, Air Quality Research Division, 2121 route Transcanadienne, Dorval, Qc, H9P 1J3, Canada
| | - A Ryjkov
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Atmospheric Science and Technology, Air Quality Research Division, 2121 route Transcanadienne, Dorval, Qc, H9P 1J3, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yuan T, Huang S, Zhang P, Song Z, Ge J, Miao X, Wang Y, Pang Q, Peng D, Wu P, Shao J, Zhang P, Wang Y, Guo H, Guo W, Zhang Y. Potential decoupling of CO 2 and Hg uptake process by global vegetation in the 21st century. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4490. [PMID: 38802424 PMCID: PMC11130250 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48849-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), a potent neurotoxin posing risks to human health, is cycled through vegetation uptake, which is susceptible to climate change impacts. However, the extent and pattern of these impacts are largely unknown, obstructing predictions of Hg's fate in terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we evaluate the effects of climate change on vegetation elemental Hg [Hg(0)] uptake using a state-of-the-art global terrestrial Hg model (CLM5-Hg) that incorporates plant physiology. In a business-as-usual scenario, the terrestrial Hg(0) sink is predicted to decrease by 1870 Mg yr-1 in 2100, that is ~60% lower than the present-day condition. We find a potential decoupling between the trends of CO2 assimilation and Hg(0) uptake process by vegetation in the 21st century, caused by the decreased stomatal conductance with increasing CO2. This implies a substantial influx of Hg into aquatic ecosystems, posing an elevated threat that warrants consideration during the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Yuan
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shaojian Huang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengcheng Song
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Critical Earth Material Cycling, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Atmospheric and Earth System Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Ge
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Atmospheric and Earth System Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Miao
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yujuan Wang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiaotong Pang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dong Peng
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peipei Wu
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junjiong Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, College of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peipei Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Yabo Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weidong Guo
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanxu Zhang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- Frontiers Science Center for Critical Earth Material Cycling, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Atmospheric and Earth System Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Li X, Hu D, Du J, He L. Understanding mercury accumulation in mosses of two subalpine forests in China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134266. [PMID: 38626682 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
The role of forest ecosystems in the global mercury (Hg) biogeochemical cycle is widely recognized; however, using litterfall as a surrogate to assess the Hg sink function of forests encounters limitations. We investigated the accumulation characteristics and influencing factors of Hg in mosses from two remote subalpine forests in southwestern China. The results indicated that there was high Hg accumulation in subalpine forest mosses, with average concentrations of 82 ± 49 ng g-1 for total mercury (THg) and 1.3 ± 0.8 ng g-1 for methylmercury (MeHg). We demonstrated that the accumulation capacity of Hg in mosses was significantly dependent on species and substrates (micro-habitats), the mosses on tree trunks exhibited significantly elevated Hg accumulation levels (THg 132 ± 56 ng g-1, MeHg 1.6 ± 0.2 ng g-1) compared to mosses in other substrates. The surface morphologies and biochemical components of leaf (phyllidia), such as cation exchange capacity (CEC), pectin, uronic acid, and metallothionein, play a crucial role in the accumulation of Hg by mosses. These findings provide valuable insights into Hg accumulation in forest mosses. Suggesting that the contribution of mosses Hg accumulation should be considered when assessing atmospheric Hg sinks of forests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Normal University, No. 1819, Chenglong Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610101, China.
| | - Dan Hu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Normal University, No. 1819, Chenglong Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610101, China.
| | - Jie Du
- Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area Administration, Zhangzha, Jiuzhaigou, Sichuan 623402, China.
| | - Lei He
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Normal University, No. 1819, Chenglong Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610101, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhao S, Terada A, Nakashima M, Komai T, Riya S, Hosomi M, Hou H. Elemental mercury production from contaminated riparian soil suspensions under air and nitrogen bubbling conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:32407-32415. [PMID: 38652186 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33384-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The dynamic change of redox conditions is a key factor in emission of elemental mercury (Hg0) from riparian soils. The objective of this study was to elucidate the influences of redox conditions on Hg0 emission from riparian soils. Soil suspension experiments were conducted to measure Hg0 emission from five Hg-contaminated soil samples in two redox conditions (i.e., treated with air or with N2). In four of the five samples, Hg0 emission was higher in air treatment than on N2 treatment. Remaining one soil, which has higher organic matter than other soils, showed no distinct difference in Hg0 production between air and N2 treatment. In soil suspensions subject to N2 treatment, the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and Fe2+ concentrations were 3.38- to 1.34-fold and 1.44- to 2.28-fold higher than those in air treatment, respectively. Positive correlations were also found between the DOC and Fe2+ (r = 0.911, p < 0.01) and Hg2+ (r = 0.815, p < 0.01) concentrations in soil solutions, suggesting Fe2+ formation led to the release of DOC, which bound to Hg2+ in the soil and, in turn, limited the availability of Hg2+ for reduction to Hg0 in N2 treatment. On the other hand, for remaining one soil, more Hg2+ might be adsorbed onto the DOM in the air treatment, resulted in the inhibition of Hg0 production in air treatment. These results imply that the organic matter is important to prevent Hg0 production by changing redox condition. Further study is needed to prove the role of organic matter in the production of Hg0.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuting Zhao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-Cho, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Akihiko Terada
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-Cho, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Makoto Nakashima
- Disaster Risk Reduction and Environment SBU, Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd, Shinjuku Front Tower 14F, 2-21-1 Kita-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 169-0074, Japan
| | - Takeshi Komai
- Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, 6-6-20 Aramaki-Aoba, Aoba-Ward, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan
| | - Shohei Riya
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-Cho, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan.
| | - Masaaki Hosomi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-Cho, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Hong Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Science, Beijing, 100000, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Navrátil T, Rohovec J, Nováková T, Roll M, Cudlín P, Oulehle F. Quarter century of mercury litterfall at a coniferous forest responding to climate change, Central Europe. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:34936-34952. [PMID: 38717703 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33555-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
This work evaluated the 25-year-long trends (1994-2018) in mercury (Hg) concentrations and fluxes in spruce litterfall at a forest research plot Načetín (NAC) recovering from acidic deposition in the Ore Mountains, Czech Republic. The mean litterfall Hg deposition averaged 51 ± 18 µg m-2 year-1, which has been the highest litterfall Hg deposition reported up to date on the European continent. In contrast, the wet deposition (2017-2019) was an order of magnitude lower averaging at 2.5 ± 1.5 µg m-2 year-1. All the spruce litterfall components bark, twigs, needles, cones, and a mixture of unidentified fragments had elevated mean Hg concentrations relative to background sites averaging 256 ± 77, 234 ± 62, 119 ± 23, 95 ± 14, and 44 ± 15 µg kg-1, respectively. Elevated litterfall Hg deposition and concentrations were attributed to the nearby local Hg emission source-coal-fired power plants. Temporally, the decrease of Czech Hg emissions since the 1990s was reflected by the decreasing trend of Hg concentrations in litterfall bark, cones, and twigs, while in needles and other material, Hg increased but insignificantly. Total litterfall ratios of Hg/C, Hg/N, and Hg/S were lower than those in soil O horizons averaging at 0.23 ± 0.04, 9.5 ± 2.0, and 170 ± 37 μg g-1, respectively. Since the beginning of monitoring, total litterfall Hg/C exhibited no trend, Hg/N decreased, and Hg/S increased. The litterfall biomass deposition averaging at 469 ± 176 g m-2 year-1 increased through time resulting in an increased Hg litterfall deposition at NAC by 1.1 µg m-2 year-1 despite the decreases in Czech Hg emissions. Peaks of annual litterfall Hg deposition up to 96 µg m-2 year-1 at NAC during the 25 years of monitoring resulted from weather extremes such as rime-snow accumulation, wind gusts, droughts, and insect infestation, which all significantly affected the annual biomass deposition. Based on our observations, further increases in biomass and litterfall Hg deposition rates can be expected due to the onset of bark beetle infestation and the increasing number of droughts caused by climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Navrátil
- Institute of Geology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 269, 165 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Rohovec
- Institute of Geology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 269, 165 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Nováková
- Institute of Geology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 269, 165 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Roll
- Institute of Geology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 269, 165 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Cudlín
- Global Change Research Institute, Czech Academy of Sciences, Poříčí 3B, 60 300, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Oulehle
- Global Change Research Institute, Czech Academy of Sciences, Poříčí 3B, 60 300, Brno, Czech Republic
- Czech Geological Survey, Klárov 3, 118 21, Prague 1, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Mestanza-Ramón C, Jiménez-Oyola S, Cedeño-Laje J, Villamar Marazita K, Gavilanes Montoya AV, Castillo Vizuete DD, Mora-Silva D, Carrera Almendáriz LS, Logroño-Naranjo S, Mazón-Fierro G, Herrera-Chávez R, D’Orio G, Straface S. Risks to Human Health from Mercury in Gold Mining in the Coastal Region of Ecuador. TOXICS 2024; 12:323. [PMID: 38787102 PMCID: PMC11125909 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) plays a crucial role in global gold production. However, the adoption of poor mining practices or the use of mercury (Hg) in gold recovery processes has generated serious environmental contamination events. The focus of this study is assessing the concentration of Hg in surface waters within the coastal region of Ecuador. The results are used to conduct a human health risk assessment applying deterministic and probabilistic methods, specifically targeting groups vulnerable to exposure in affected mining environments. Between April and June 2022, 54 water samples were collected from rivers and streams adjacent to mining areas to determine Hg levels. In the health risk assessment, exposure routes through water ingestion and dermal contact were considered for both adults and children, following the model structures outlined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The results indicate elevated Hg concentrations in two of the five provinces studied, El Oro and Esmeraldas, where at least 88% and 75% of the samples, respectively, exceeded the maximum permissible limit (MPL) set by Ecuadorian regulations for the preservation of aquatic life. Furthermore, in El Oro province, 28% of the samples exceeded the MPL established for drinking water quality. The high concentrations of Hg could be related to illegal mining activity that uses Hg for gold recovery. Regarding the human health risk assessment, risk values above the safe exposure limit were estimated. Children were identified as the most vulnerable receptor. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish effective regulations that guarantee the protection of river users in potentially contaminated areas. Finally, it is important to continue investigating the contamination caused by human practices in the coastal region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Mestanza-Ramón
- Research Group YASUNI-SDC, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Sede Orellana, El Coca EC-220001, Ecuador; (D.M.-S.); (S.L.-N.)
- Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
| | - Samantha Jiménez-Oyola
- Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), Campus Gustavo Galindo, km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil EC-090101, Ecuador; (S.J.-O.); (J.C.-L.); (K.V.M.)
| | - Juan Cedeño-Laje
- Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), Campus Gustavo Galindo, km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil EC-090101, Ecuador; (S.J.-O.); (J.C.-L.); (K.V.M.)
| | - Karla Villamar Marazita
- Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), Campus Gustavo Galindo, km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil EC-090101, Ecuador; (S.J.-O.); (J.C.-L.); (K.V.M.)
| | - Alex Vinicio Gavilanes Montoya
- Faculty of Natural Resources, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Panamericana Sur, Km 1 ½, Riobamba EC-060155, Ecuador; (A.V.G.M.); (D.D.C.V.)
| | - Danny Daniel Castillo Vizuete
- Faculty of Natural Resources, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Panamericana Sur, Km 1 ½, Riobamba EC-060155, Ecuador; (A.V.G.M.); (D.D.C.V.)
| | - Demmy Mora-Silva
- Research Group YASUNI-SDC, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Sede Orellana, El Coca EC-220001, Ecuador; (D.M.-S.); (S.L.-N.)
| | | | - Santiago Logroño-Naranjo
- Research Group YASUNI-SDC, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Sede Orellana, El Coca EC-220001, Ecuador; (D.M.-S.); (S.L.-N.)
| | - Guido Mazón-Fierro
- Faculty of Business Administration, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Panamericana Sur, Km 1 ½, Riobamba EC-060155, Ecuador;
| | - Renato Herrera-Chávez
- Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Administrativas, Universidad Nacional del Chimborazo, Av. Antonio José de Sucre Km 1 ½ Vía a Guano, Riobamba EC-060155, Ecuador;
| | - Giovanni D’Orio
- Department of Economics, Statistics and Finance, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy;
| | - Salvatore Straface
- Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Sánchez-Fortún M, Amouroux D, Tessier E, Carrasco JL, Sanpera C. Mercury stable isotopes in seabirds in the Ebro Delta (NE Iberian Peninsula): Inter-specific and temporal differences. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 347:123739. [PMID: 38458513 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123739] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant, which particularly affects aquatic ecosystems, both marine and freshwater. Top-predators depending on these environments, such as seabirds, are regarded as suitable bioindicators of Hg pollution. In the Ebro Delta (NE Iberian Peninsula), legacy Hg pollution from a chlor-alkali industry operating in Flix and located ca. 100 km upstream of the Ebro River mouth has been impacting the delta environment and the neighboring coastal area. Furthermore, levels of Hg in the biota of the Mediterranean Sea are known to be high compared to other marine areas. In this work we used a Hg stable isotopes approach in feathers to understand the processes leading to different Hg concentrations in three Laridae species breeding in sympatry in the area (Audouin's gull Ichthyaetus audouinii, black-headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus, common tern Sterna hirundo). These species have distinct trophic ecologies, exhibiting a differential use of marine resources and freshwater resources (i.e., rice paddies prey). Moreover, for Audouin's gull, in which in the Ebro Delta colony temporal differences in Hg levels were documented previously, we used Hg stable isotopes to understand the impact of anthropogenic activities on Hg levels in the colony over time. Hg stable isotopes differentiated the three Laridae species according to their trophic ecologies. Furthermore, for Audouin's gull we observed temporal variations in Hg isotopic signatures possibly owing to anthropogenic-derived pollution in the Ebro Delta. To the best of our knowledge this is the first time Hg stable isotopes have been reported in seabirds from the NW Mediterranean.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moisès Sánchez-Fortún
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - David Amouroux
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, Pau, France.
| | - Emmanuel Tessier
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, Pau, France.
| | - Josep Lluís Carrasco
- Biostatistics, Department of Basic Clinical Practice, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Carola Sanpera
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Liu JB, Zhou YJ, Du FZ, Man YB, Wong MH, Cheng Z. Human health risk assessment based on a total diet study of daily mercury intake in Chengdu, China. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:138. [PMID: 38483661 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01910-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
To assess the total daily mercury intake and main exposure sources of residents, six food groups, including marine fish, freshwater fish, poultry, livestock, vegetables, and cereals, were collected from five districts of Chengdu, China. The median concentrations of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) were 12.8 and 6.94 μg kg-1 ww, respectively. Cereals (32.2%), vegetables (30.5%), and livestock (16.2%) contributed to a much larger extent to the total consumption for the participants in Chengdu. All food categories that contributed the most of THg (2.16 μg day-1) and MeHg 1.44 (μg day-1) to the daily intake in Chengdu were cereals and marine fish, respectively. The total Hazard Ratios values below 1 in this study indicate that there is no health risk associated with Hg ingestion from the consumption of these foods for the residents in Chengdu.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Bo Liu
- College of Environment, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya Jun Zhou
- College of Environment, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Zhou Du
- College of Environment, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Bon Man
- Consortium on Health, Environment, Education, and Research (CHEER), and Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Hung Wong
- Consortium on Health, Environment, Education, and Research (CHEER), and Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhang Cheng
- College of Environment, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sun C, Wang X, Qiao X. Multimedia fate simulation of mercury in a coastal urban area based on the fugacity/aquivalence method. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 915:170084. [PMID: 38224886 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Due to intensive industrial production and living activities, urban areas are the main anthropogenic mercury (Hg) emission sources. After entering the environment through exhaust gases, wastewater or waste residues, Hg can migrate and transform among different environmental compartments in various species, such as elemental mercury (Hg0), divalent mercury (Hg2+) and methylmercury (MeHg). Studies have yet to report on the multimedia behaviors of Hg in urban areas due to the complexity of the processes involved. In this study, the atmospheric Hg emission in Dalian, a coastal city in Northeast China, was estimated by an anthropogenic emission inventory, and a Level III multimedia model was constructed based on the fugacity/aquivalence method to simulate the fate of Hg in air, water, soil, sediment, vegetation and film. The total annual atmospheric emission was 9.91 t, of which coal combustion and non-coal sources accounted for 70.1 % and 29.9 %, respectively. Atmospheric emission and advection were dominated by Hg0, and aquatic emission and advection were dominated by Hg2+. The migration of air-vegetation, vegetation-soil and soil-air were three important pathways of Hg in urban areas. The model was validated by collecting local soil and vegetation samples and regional air, seawater and sediment monitoring data. The scenario simulation indicated that the local load would decrease to different extents with a 21.0 % reduction in atmospheric Hg emission by implementing the "coal-to-gas" measures. Our developed model can characterize the fate of Hg in coastal urban areas and provide a reference for control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Xiaochen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Xianliang Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Hao X, Zhao Q, Zhou X, Huang Q, Liu YR. Labile carbon inputs boost microbial contribution to legacy mercury reduction and emissions from industry-polluted soils. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133122. [PMID: 38056276 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133122] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Soils is a crucial reservoir influencing mercury (Hg) emissions and soil-air exchange dynamics, partially modulated by microbial reducers aiding Hg reduction. Yet, the extent to which microbial engagements contribute to soil Hg volatilization remains largely unknown. Here, we characterized Hg-reducing bacterial communities in natural and anthropogenically perturbed soil environments and quantified their contribution to soil Hg(0) volatilization. Our results revealed distinct Hg-reducing bacterial compositions alongside elevated mercuric reductase (merA) gene abundance and diversity in soils adjacent to chemical factories compared to less-impacted ecosystems. Notably, solely industry-impacted soils exhibited increased merA gene abundance along Hg gradients, indicating microbial adaption to Hg selective pressure through quantitative changes in Hg reductase and genetic diversity. Microcosm studies demonstrated that glucose inputs boosted microbial involvement and induced 2-8 fold increments in cumulative Hg(0) volatilization in industry-impacted soils. Microbially-mediated Hg reduction contributed to 41.6% of soil Hg(0) volatilization in industry-impacted soils under 25% water-holding capacity and glucose input conditions over a 21-day incubation period. Alcaligenaceae, Moraxellaceae, Nitrosomonadaceae and Shewanellaceae were identified as potential contributors to Hg(0) volatilization in the soil. Collectively, our study provides novel insights into microbially-mediated Hg reduction and soil-air exchange processes, with important implications for risk assessment and management of industrial Hg-contaminated soils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiuli Hao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qianqian Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xinquan Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qiaoyun Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yu-Rong Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Peng X, Yang Y, Yang S, Li L, Song L. Recent advance of microbial mercury methylation in the environment. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:235. [PMID: 38407657 PMCID: PMC10896945 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12967-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Methylmercury formation is mainly driven by microbial-mediated process. The mechanism of microbial mercury methylation has become a crucial research topic for understanding methylation in the environment. Pioneering studies of microbial mercury methylation are focusing on functional strain isolation, microbial community composition characterization, and mechanism elucidation in various environments. Therefore, the functional genes of microbial mercury methylation, global isolations of Hg methylation strains, and their methylation potential were systematically analyzed, and methylators in typical environments were extensively reviewed. The main drivers (key physicochemical factors and microbiota) of microbial mercury methylation were summarized and discussed. Though significant progress on the mechanism of the Hg microbial methylation has been explored in recent decade, it is still limited in several aspects, including (1) molecular biology techniques for identifying methylators; (2) characterization methods for mercury methylation potential; and (3) complex environmental properties (environmental factors, complex communities, etc.). Accordingly, strategies for studying the Hg microbial methylation mechanism were proposed. These strategies include the following: (1) the development of new molecular biology methods to characterize methylation potential; (2) treating the environment as a micro-ecosystem and studying them from a holistic perspective to clearly understand mercury methylation; (3) a more reasonable and sensitive inhibition test needs to be considered. KEY POINTS: • Global Hg microbial methylation is phylogenetically and functionally discussed. • The main drivers of microbial methylation are compared in various condition. • Future study of Hg microbial methylation is proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuya Peng
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, No. 174, Shapingba Street, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, No. 174, Shapingba Street, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Shu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, No. 174, Shapingba Street, Chongqing, 400045, China.
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
| | - Lei Li
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, No. 174, Shapingba Street, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Liyan Song
- School of resources and environmental engineering, Anhui University, No 111 Jiulong Road, Economic and Technology Development Zone, Hefei, 230601, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Nelson SJ, Willacker J, Eagles-Smith C, Flanagan Pritz C, Chen CY, Klemmer A, Krabbenhoft DP. Habitat and dissolved organic carbon modulate variation in the biogeochemical drivers of mercury bioaccumulation in dragonfly larvae at the national scale. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169396. [PMID: 38114036 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169396] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
We paired mercury (Hg) concentrations in dragonfly larvae with water chemistry in 29 U.S. national parks to highlight how ecological and biogeochemical context (habitat, dissolved organic carbon [DOC]) influence drivers of Hg bioaccumulation. Although prior studies have defined influences of biogeochemical variables on Hg production and bioaccumulation, it has been challenging to determine their influence across diverse habitats, regions, or biogeochemical conditions within a single study. We compared global (i.e., all sites), habitat-specific, and DOC-class models to illuminate how these controls on biotic Hg vary. Although the suite of important biogeochemical factors across all sites (e.g., aqueous Hg, DOC, sulfate [SO42-], and pH) was consistent with general findings in the literature, contrasting the restricted models revealed more nuanced controls on biosentinel Hg. Comparing habitats, aqueous (filtered) total mercury (THg) and SO42- were important in lentic systems whereas aqueous (filtered) methylmercury (MeHg), DOC, pH, and SO42- were important in lotic and wetland systems. The ability to identify important variables varied among habitats, with less certainty in lentic (model weight (W) = 0.05) than lotic (W = 0.11) or wetland habitats (W = 0.23), suggesting that biogeochemical drivers of bioaccumulation are more variable, or obscured by other aspects of Hg cycling, in these habitats. Results revealed a contrast in the importance of aqueous MeHg versus aqueous THg between DOC-classes: in low-DOC sites (<8.5 mg/L), availability of upstream inputs of MeHg appeared more important for bioaccumulation; in high-DOC sites (>8.5 mg/L) THg was more important, suggesting a link to in-situ controls on bioavailability of Hg for MeHg production. Mercury bioaccumulation (indicated by bioaccumulation factor) was more efficient in low DOC-class sites, likely due to reduced partitioning of aqueous MeHg to DOC. Together, findings highlight substantial variation in the drivers of Hg bioaccumulation and suggest consideration of these factors in natural resource management and decision-making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Nelson
- Appalachian Mountain Club, Gorham, NH 03581, USA; University of Maine, School of Forest Resources, Orono, ME 04469, USA.
| | - James Willacker
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA
| | - Collin Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA
| | - Colleen Flanagan Pritz
- National Park Service, Air Resources Division, Natural Resource, Stewardship and Science Directorate, Lakewood, CO 80228, USA
| | | | - Amanda Klemmer
- School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, 5722 Deering Hall, Orono, ME 04469, USA
| | - David P Krabbenhoft
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 1 Gifford Pinchot Dr., Madison, WI 53726, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Yang L, Yu B, Liu H, Ji X, Xiao C, Cao M, Fu J, Zhang Q, Hu L, Yin Y, Shi J, Jiang G. Foraging behavior and sea ice-dependent factors affecting the bioaccumulation of mercury in Antarctic coastal waters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169557. [PMID: 38141978 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169557] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
To elucidate the potential risks of the toxic pollutant mercury (Hg) in polar waters, the study of accumulated Hg in fish is compelling for understanding the cycling and fate of Hg on a regional scale in Antarctica. Herein, the Hg isotopic compositions of Antarctic cod Notothenia coriiceps were assessed in skeletal muscle, liver, and heart tissues to distinguish the differences in Hg accumulation in isolated coastal environments of the eastern (Chinese Zhongshan Station, ZSS) and the antipode western Antarctica (Chinese Great Wall Station, GWS), which are separated by over 4000 km. Differences in odd mass-independent isotope fractionation (odd-MIF) and mass-dependent fractionation (MDF) across fish tissues were reflection of the specific accumulation of methylmercury (MeHg) and inorganic Hg (iHg) with different isotopic fingerprints. Internal metabolism including hepatic detoxification and processes related to heart may also contribute to MDF. Regional heterogeneity in iHg end-members further provided evidence that bioaccumulated Hg origins can be largely influenced by polar water circumstances and foraging behavior. Sea ice was hypothesized to play critical roles in both the release of Hg with negative odd-MIF derived from photoreduction of Hg2+ on its surface and the impediment of photochemical transformation of Hg in water layers. Overall, the multitissue isotopic compositions in local fish species and prime drivers of the heterogeneous Hg cycling and bioaccumulation patterns presented here enable a comprehensive understanding of Hg biogeochemical cycling in polar coastal waters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yang
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ben Yu
- National Research Center for Environmental Analysis and Measurement, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Hongwei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaomeng Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Cailing Xiao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Mengxi Cao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Jianjie Fu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Qinghua Zhang
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Ligang Hu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jianbo Shi
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Guibin Jiang
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Zhang X, Kang H, Zhao L, Guo J, Zhang Y, Xie C, Dong X, Kang S, Liu X. Climate and industrial pollution determine the seasonal and spatial mercury variations in the China's Weihe River. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168555. [PMID: 37979855 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Natural processes and human activities impact mercury (Hg) pollution in rivers. Investigating the individual contributions and interactions of factors affecting variations in Hg concentrations, particularly under climate change, is crucial for safeguarding watershed ecosystems and human health. We collected 381 water samples from China's Weihe River Basin (WRB) during dry and wet seasons to assess the total Hg (THg) concentration. Results revealed high Hg concentrations in the WRB (0.1-2200.9 ng/L, mean 126.2 ± 335.5 ng/L), with higher levels during the wet season (wet season: 249.1 ± 453.5 ng/L, dry season: 12.7 ± 14.0 ng/L), particularly in the mainstream and southern tributaries of the Weihe River. Industrial pollution (contributing 26.2 %) and precipitation (contributing 33.5 %) drove spatial heterogeneity in THg concentrations during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Notably, combined explanatory power increased to 47.9 % when interaction was considered, highlighting the amplifying effect of climate change, particularly precipitation, on the impact of industrial pollution. The middle and downstream of the Weihe River, especially the Guanzhong urban agglomeration, were identified as high-risk regions for Hg pollution. With ongoing climate change the risk of Hg exposure in the WRB is expected to escalate. This study lays a robust scientific foundation for the effective management of Hg pollution in analogous river systems worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhang
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Huhu Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Liangju Zhao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Junming Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Urban Ecological Environment Simulation and Protection, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Cong Xie
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Xiying Dong
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Shichang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China; State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Li S, Li Z, Wu M, Zhou Y, Tang W, Zhong H. Mercury transformations in algae, plants, and animals: The occurrence, mechanisms, and gaps. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 911:168690. [PMID: 38000748 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168690] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant showing potent toxicity to living organisms. The transformations of Hg are critical to global Hg cycling and Hg exposure risks, considering Hg mobilities and toxicities vary depending on Hg speciation. Though currently well understood in ambient environments, Hg transformations are inadequately explored in non-microbial organisms. The primary drivers of in vivo Hg transformations are far from clear, and the impacts of these processes on global Hg cycling and Hg associated health risks are not well understood. This hinders a comprehensive understanding of global Hg cycling and the effective mitigation of Hg exposure risks. Here, we focused on Hg transformations in non-microbial organisms, particularly algae, plants, and animals. The process of Hg oxidation/reduction and methylation/demethylation in organisms were reviewed since these processes are the key transformations between the dominant Hg species, i.e., elemental Hg (Hg0), divalent inorganic Hg (IHgII), and methylmercury (MeHg). By summarizing the current knowledge of Hg transformations in organisms, we proposed the potential yet overlooked drivers of these processes, along with potential challenges that hinder a full understanding of in vivo Hg transformations. Knowledge summarized in this review would help achieve a comprehensive understanding of the fate and toxicity of Hg in organisms, providing a basis for predicting Hg cycles and mitigating human exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shouying Li
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhuoran Li
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mengjie Wu
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wenli Tang
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Huan Zhong
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ali SW, Božič D, Vijayakumaran Nair S, Živković I, Gačnik J, Andron TD, Jagodic Hudobivnik M, Kocman D, Horvat M. Optimization of a pre-concentration method for the analysis of mercury isotopes in low-concentration foliar samples. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024; 416:1239-1248. [PMID: 38193932 PMCID: PMC10850019 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-05116-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Hg isotope analysis in samples from background regions is constrained by the presence of low Hg concentration and therefore requires a pre-concentration method. Existing Hg pre-concentration methods are constrained by long sample processing time and limited sample loading capacity. Using foliar samples as a test case, an optimized Hg pre-concentration method is presented that involves the microwave-assisted digestion of samples for Hg isotope analysis with the addition of a pre-digestion step. Microwave-digested foliar samples and CRMs were transferred to an impinger, reduced with SnCl2, and collected in a 2.25 mL concentrated inverse aqua regia (3:1 HNO3:HCl, v/v). This resulted in an optimal acid concentration in the solution ideal for analysis on MC-ICP-MS. The time for purging with Hg-free N2 was optimized to 30 min and the efficiency of the pre-concentration method was tested using a combination of approaches. Tests performed on pure reagents and matrix of foliar samples spiked with 197Hg radiotracer showed recoveries averaging 99 ± 1.7% and 100 ± 3.0%, respectively. Mercury at concentrations as low as 1.83 ng g-1 was pre-concentrated by digesting aliquots of foliage samples in individual digestion vessels. Recoveries following their pre-concentration averaged 99 ± 6.0%, whereas recoveries of 95 ± 4.7% and 95 ± 2.5% were achieved for NIST SRM 1575a (pine needle) and reagents spiked with NIST SRM 3133, respectively. Analysis using multicollector-ICP-MS showed low fractionation of δ202Hg during sample pre-concentration with no significant mass-independent fractionation. The proposed method is a relatively simple and robust way to prepare Hg samples for Hg isotopic analysis and is suitable even for complex biological matrices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Waqar Ali
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Dominik Božič
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sreekanth Vijayakumaran Nair
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor Živković
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jan Gačnik
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Teodor-Daniel Andron
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - David Kocman
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milena Horvat
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Margenat H, Guasch H, Le Roux G, Vila-Gispert A, Cornejo D, Chouache L, Martí E, Sonke JE, El Zrelli RB, Laffont L, Hansson SV. Distinct dynamics in mountain watersheds: Exploring mercury and microplastic pollution-Unraveling the influence of atmospheric deposition, human activities, and hydrology. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 242:117760. [PMID: 38016499 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117760] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The intensification of human activities all around the globe has led to the spread of micropollutants in high-mountain freshwater environments. We therefore aimed to assess the geospatial distribution and determine the potential sources of (total-) mercury (THg) and microplastics (MPs) in mountain freshwater ecosystems. To do so, we analyzed THg and MP concentrations in brown trout, biofilm, and sediments from lotic and lentic ecosystems in the Pyrenees - all subjected to different types of human pressure. Additionally, we assessed the potential impacts of these pollutants on fish, and explored the bioindication capacity of brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) and biofilm regarding THg and MP pollution. For the first time, we measured concentrations of MPs trapped in the matrix of freshwater biofilm. Our results suggest that THg in the Pyrenees might be explained by both legacy (regional) and distant sources, in combination with environmental characteristics such as the presence of peatlands or streamwater physicochemistry, while MPs in fish are linked to recent local pollution sources such as single-use plastics. In contrast, MPs in biofilm matrix and sediments indicate a combination of distant (i.e., atmospheric deposition) and recent local pollution sources. Moreover, hydrodynamics and plastic density likely control MP distribution in rivers. Based on Fulton's condition factor, we also found that higher THg concentrations caused a negative impact on fish health (K < 1), while no impact of MPs could be seen. Therefore, we suggest that brown trout and biofilm can serve as bioindicators of atmospheric deposition of THg in high-altitude lakes and that biofilm is a reliable bioindicator to assess MP pollution in remote environments. Brown trout may also act as a bioindicator of MP pollution, but only efficiently in more polluted areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henar Margenat
- Laboratoire écologie fonctionnelle et environnement (LEFE), Université Paul Sabatier, CNRS, Toulouse, France.
| | - Helena Guasch
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes, CSIC, Blanes, Spain
| | - Gaël Le Roux
- Laboratoire écologie fonctionnelle et environnement (LEFE), Université Paul Sabatier, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Anna Vila-Gispert
- GRECO, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
| | | | - Linda Chouache
- Laboratoire écologie fonctionnelle et environnement (LEFE), Université Paul Sabatier, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Eugènia Martí
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes, CSIC, Blanes, Spain
| | - Jeroen E Sonke
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, CNRS/-IRD/Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Laure Laffont
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, CNRS/-IRD/Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Sophia V Hansson
- Laboratoire écologie fonctionnelle et environnement (LEFE), Université Paul Sabatier, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Monteiro LC, Vieira LCG, Bernardi JVE, Bastos WR, de Souza JPR, Recktenvald MCNDN, Nery AFDC, Oliveira IADS, Cabral CDS, Moraes LDC, Filomeno CL, de Souza JR. Local and landscape factors influencing mercury distribution in water, bottom sediment, and biota from lakes of the Araguaia River floodplain, Central Brazil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168336. [PMID: 37949140 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a chemical element widely present in the Earth's crust. However, its high toxicity and ability to accumulate in organisms and biomagnify through food chains characterize it as a global pollutant of primary control. We assessed total mercury concentrations ([THg]) in abiotic and biotic compartments from 98 floodplain lakes associated with the Araguaia River and six tributaries (Midwest Brazil). [THg] quantification in water was performed by cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectroscopy. [THg] in bottom sediment was assessed using cold vapor generation atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while [THg] in macrophyte, periphyton, and plankton were quantified by thermal decomposition atomic absorption spectrometry. Hotspots of [THg] in water, bottom sediment, and macrophytes were determined in areas impacted by pasture and urban areas. In contrast, hotspots of [THg] in periphyton and forest fires were determined in preserved areas downstream. [THg] in plankton did not show a clear spatial distribution pattern. The mean bioaccumulation factor order was plankton (2.3 ± 1.8) > periphyton (1.3 ± 0.9) > macrophytes (0.7 ± 0.4) (KW = 55.09, p < 0.0001). Higher [THg] in water and bottom sediment were associated with high pH (R2adj = 0.118, p = 0.004) and organic matter (R2adj = 0.244, p < 0.0001). [THg] in macrophytes were positively influenced by [THg] in water (R2adj = 0.063, p = 0.024) and sediment (R2adj = 0.105, p = 0.007). [THg] in periphyton are positively related to forest fires (R2adj = 0.156, p = 0.009) and [THg] in macrophytes (R2adj = 0.061, p = 0.03) and negatively related to lake depth (R2adj = 0.045, p = 0.02). The transfer of Hg from water and sediment to the biota is limited. However, the progressive increase of the bioaccumulation factor between macrophyte, periphyton, and plankton may indicate Hg biomagnification along the food chain of the Araguaia River floodplain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Cabrera Monteiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
| | - Ludgero Cardoso Galli Vieira
- Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas Ambientais e Limnológicas, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, Brazil
| | - José Vicente Elias Bernardi
- Laboratório de Geoestatística e Geodésia, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Cássio da Silva Cabral
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Lilian de Castro Moraes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, Brazil
| | - Cleber Lopes Filomeno
- Central Análítica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Jurandir Rodrigues de Souza
- Laboratório de Química Analítica e Ambiental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Liang H, Pei F, Ge J, Xu P, Wang M, Liang P, Zhang J, Wu S, Wong MH. Algae decomposition released dissolved organic matter subfractions on dark abiotic mercury methylation. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 270:115914. [PMID: 38184975 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115914] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
To understand the mechanism of dark abiotic mercury (Hg) methylation by algae-derived dissolved organic matter (DOM) and effectively manage the environmental risks of mercury methylation in aquaculture areas, we investigated the influence of subfractions of DOM released from algae (Ulothrix sp.) decomposition on mercury methylation. The results showed that the hydrophobic basic component (HOB) in DOM exhibited the most substantial promotion effect on Hg methylation. The methylmercury (MeHg) production in the HOB treatment increased significantly, while the production rate of MeHg (%MeHg represented the concentration ratio of MeHg to THg) in the six subfractions treated solutions decreased significantly with the increase of Hg concentration. The change of the %MeHg was more evident at low Hg concentration, indicating the limited number of binding sites and methyl donors on DOM. As a consequence, Hg(Ⅱ) in the solution could not be converted into MeHg in equal proportion. Furthermore, the production of MeHg in solution was significantly reduced by the decomposed algae DOM, and its concentration was in the range of 0.017-0.085 ng·L-1 (significantly lower than undecomposed algal). The difference between the decomposed and the non-decomposed algae DOM reached a significant level (P < 0.05). When the DOM decayed for 20 and 30 days, the Hg methylation ability of DOM was weakened most obviously. During the decomposition process, considerable variations were observed among the subfractions, with HOB consistently playing a dominant role in Hg methylation. At the same time, the hydrophilic acid component exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on Hg methylation. Generally, the main components (e.g. HOB and HIA (hydrophilic acid component)) of DOM affecting mercury methylation were found in our study, which provided a better understanding of algae-derived DOM subfractions on the Hg methylation, in an attempt to prevent and control water pollution in aquaculture areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huang Liang
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Fuyun Pei
- CECEP Tech and Ecology & Environment Co., Ltd., Shenzhen 812000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingjing Ge
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Ping Xu
- China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou 311401, China
| | - Minyan Wang
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China.
| | - Peng Liang
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China
| | - Shengchun Wu
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China.
| | - Ming Hung Wong
- Consortium on Health, Environment, Education, and Research (CHEER), Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Huang H, Mackereth RW, Mitchell CPJ. Impacts of forest harvesting on mercury concentrations and methylmercury production in boreal forest soils and stream sediment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122966. [PMID: 37981183 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is the most neurotoxic and bioaccumulative form of mercury (Hg) present in the terrestrial and aquatic food sources of boreal ecosystems, posing potential risks to wildlife and human health. Harvesting impacts on Hg methylation and MeHg concentrations in forest soils and stream sediment are not fully understood. In this study, a field investigation was carried out in 4 harvested and 2 unharvested boreal forest watersheds, before and after harvest, to better understand impacts on Hg methylation and MeHg concentration in soils and stream sediment, including their responses to different forest management practices. Changes in total Hg (THg) and MeHg concentrations, first-order potential rate constants for Hg methylation and MeHg demethylation (Kmeth and Kdemeth) as well as total carbon content and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio post-harvest in upland, wetland and riparian soils and stream sediment were assessed and compared. Increases in MeHg production were minimal in upland, wetland or riparian soils after harvest. Sediment in streams with minor buffer protection (∼3 m), greater fractions (>75%) of harvested watershed area and more road construction had significantly increased THg and MeHg concentrations, %-MeHg, Kmeth and total carbon content post-harvest. From these patterns, we infer that inputs of carbon and inorganic Hg into harvest-impacted stream sediment are likely sourced from the harvested upland areas and stimulate in situ MeHg production in stream sediment. These findings indicate the importance of stream sediment as potential MeHg pools in harvested forest watersheds. The findings also demonstrate that forest management practices aiming to mitigate organic matter and Hg inputs to streams can effectively alleviate harvesting impacts on Hg methylation and MeHg concentrations in stream sediment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiyong Huang
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert W Mackereth
- Centre for Northern Forest Ecosystem Research, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Carl P J Mitchell
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Krisanova N, Pastukhov A, Dekaliuk M, Dudarenko M, Pozdnyakova N, Driuk M, Borisova T. Mercury-induced excitotoxicity in presynaptic brain nerve terminals: modulatory effects of carbonaceous airborne particulate simulants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:3512-3525. [PMID: 38085481 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31359-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Multipollutant approach is a breakthrough in up-to-date environmental quality and health risk estimation. Both mercury and carbonaceous air particulate are hazardous neurotoxicants. Here, the ability of carbonaceous air particulate simulants, i.e. carbon dots obtained by heating of organics, and nanodiamonds, to influence Hg2+-induced neurotoxicity was monitored using biological system, i.e. presynaptic rat cortex nerve terminals. Using HgCl2 and classical reducing/chelating agents, an adequate synaptic parameter, i.e. the extracellular level of key excitatory neurotransmitter L-[14C]glutamate, was selected for further analysis. HgCl2 starting from 5 µM caused an acute and concentration-dependent increase in the extracellular L-[14C]glutamate level in nerve terminals. Combined application of Hg2+ and carbon dots from heating of citric acid/urea showed that this simulant was able to mitigate in an acute manner excitotoxic Hg2+-induced increase in the extracellular L-[14C]glutamate level in nerve terminals by 37%. These carbon dots and Hg2+ acted as a complex in nerve terminals that was confirmed with fluorimetric data on Hg2+-induced changes in their spectroscopic features. Nanodiamonds and carbon dots from β-alanine were not able to mitigate a Hg2+-induced increase in the extracellular L-[14C]glutamate level in nerve terminals. Developed approach can be applicable for monitoring capability of different particles/compounds to have Hg2+-chelating signs in the biological systems. Therefore, among testing simulants, the only carbon dots from citric acid/urea were able to mitigate acute Hg2+-induced neurotoxicity in nerve terminals, thereby showing a variety of effects of carbonaceous airborne particulate in situ and its potential to interfere and modulate Hg2+-associated health hazard.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya Krisanova
- The Department of Neurochemistry, The Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, The National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 9 Leontovicha Street, Kiev, 01054, Ukraine
| | - Artem Pastukhov
- The Department of Neurochemistry, The Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, The National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 9 Leontovicha Street, Kiev, 01054, Ukraine
| | - Mariia Dekaliuk
- The Department of Neurochemistry, The Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, The National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 9 Leontovicha Street, Kiev, 01054, Ukraine
| | - Marina Dudarenko
- The Department of Neurochemistry, The Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, The National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 9 Leontovicha Street, Kiev, 01054, Ukraine
| | - Natalia Pozdnyakova
- The Department of Neurochemistry, The Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, The National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 9 Leontovicha Street, Kiev, 01054, Ukraine
| | - Mikola Driuk
- The Department of Neurochemistry, The Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, The National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 9 Leontovicha Street, Kiev, 01054, Ukraine
| | - Tatiana Borisova
- The Department of Neurochemistry, The Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, The National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 9 Leontovicha Street, Kiev, 01054, Ukraine.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Tang W, Bai X, Zhou Y, Sonne C, Wu M, Lam SS, Hintelmann H, Mitchell CPJ, Johs A, Gu B, Nunes L, Liu C, Feng N, Yang S, Rinklebe J, Lin Y, Chen L, Zhang Y, Yang Y, Wang J, Li S, Wu Q, Ok YS, Xu D, Li H, Zhang XX, Ren H, Jiang G, Chai Z, Gao Y, Zhao J, Zhong H. A hidden demethylation pathway removes mercury from rice plants and mitigates mercury flux to food chains. NATURE FOOD 2024; 5:72-82. [PMID: 38177223 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-023-00910-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Dietary exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) causes irreversible damage to human cognition and is mitigated by photolysis and microbial demethylation of MeHg. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) has been identified as a major dietary source of MeHg. However, it remains unknown what drives the process within plants for MeHg to make its way from soils to rice and the subsequent human dietary exposure to Hg. Here we report a hidden pathway of MeHg demethylation independent of light and microorganisms in rice plants. This natural pathway is driven by reactive oxygen species generated in vivo, rapidly transforming MeHg to inorganic Hg and then eliminating Hg from plants as gaseous Hg°. MeHg concentrations in rice grains would increase by 2.4- to 4.7-fold without this pathway, which equates to intelligence quotient losses of 0.01-0.51 points per newborn in major rice-consuming countries, corresponding to annual economic losses of US$30.7-84.2 billion globally. This discovered pathway effectively removes Hg from human food webs, playing an important role in exposure mitigation and global Hg cycling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Tang
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing, China
| | - Xu Bai
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing, China
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Ecoscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark.
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, India.
| | - Mengjie Wu
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing, China
| | - Su Shiung Lam
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
- Center for Global Health Research (CGHR), Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Holger Hintelmann
- Department of Chemistry and School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carl P J Mitchell
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexander Johs
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Baohua Gu
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Luís Nunes
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability Center, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Cun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Naixian Feng
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sihai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water and Waste Management, Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Management, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Yan Lin
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Technology for Complex Trans-Media Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Long Chen
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanxu Zhang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanan Yang
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing, China
| | - Shouying Li
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing, China
| | - Qingru Wu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management Program and Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Diandou Xu
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Hong Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Xu-Xiang Zhang
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongqiang Ren
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhifang Chai
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yuxi Gao
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China.
| | - Jiating Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China.
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Huan Zhong
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Mawari G, Kumar N, Sarkar S, Joshi TK, Frank AL, Daga MK, Singh MM. Mercury air, urine monitoring and health effects on occupationally exposed dental healthcare workers in Delhi, India. Work 2024; 78:1035-1041. [PMID: 38251084 PMCID: PMC11307043 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mercury (Hg) is a toxic heavy metal with multiple uses in various medical devices. Hg is used in dentistry as a restorative material. Such use creates significant exposure to dental practitioners. Hence, it is important to assess the risk created by Hg use in healthcare. OBJECTIVE To quantify airborne Hg vapour exposure and Hg levels in dental healthcare workers, and determine the association of various symptoms and diseases to Hg exposure. METHODS Air monitoring of Hg vapours were conducted in dental clinics and amalgam rooms. Urine samples were collected from occupationally exposed dental healthcare workers and urine Hg levels were measured. A cross-sectional health survey was conducted in 23 healthcare units of Delhi to determine an association between Hg exposure and various health effects. RESULTS Hg vapour concentration ranged from 0.96μg/m3 to 15μg/m3, the highest concentration was recorded in the amalgam room (15μg/m3). Urine Hg levels in healthcare workers (0.51±0.17μg/L) were higher than the control (0.29±0.05μg/L). A cross-sectional health survey revealed a significant prevalence of confusion, forgetfulness, muscle spasm, and tremors by the respondents. CONCLUSION Hg concentration in dental clinics may hover above the prescribed safe levels posing a definitive health risk to healthcare workers. Urinary Hg measurements did not reveal an excess of body burden except in one case. Since Hg bio accumulates, it is probable as these workers grow older, they may end up with a higher body burden of Hg that may lead to a variety of adverse health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Govind Mawari
- Center for Occupational and Environment Health, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Naresh Kumar
- Center for Occupational and Environment Health, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Sayan Sarkar
- Center for Occupational and Environment Health, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Tushar Kant Joshi
- Center for Occupational and Environment Health, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Arthur L. Frank
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mradul Kumar Daga
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Wang J, Yin Y, Zhang Q, Deng X, Miao Z, Xu S. HgCl 2 exposure mediates pyroptosis of HD11 cells and promotes M1 polarization and the release of inflammatory factors through ROS/Nrf2/NLRP3. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 269:115779. [PMID: 38056124 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115779] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a serious metal environmental pollutant. HgCl2 exposure causes pyroptosis. When macrophages are severely stimulated, they often undergo M1 polarization and release inflammatory factors. However, the mechanisms by which mercuric chloride exposure induces macrophage apoptosis, M1 polarization, and inflammatory factors remain unclear. HD11 cells were exposed to different concentrations of Hg chloride (180, 210 and 240 nM HgCl2). The results showed that mercury chloride exposure up-regulated ROS, C-Nrf2 and its downstream factors (NQO1 and HO-1), and down-regulated N-Nrf2. In addition, the expressions of focal death-related indicators (Caspase-1, NLRP3, GSDMD, etc.), M1 polarization marker CD86 and inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β) increased, and the above changes were related to mercury. Oxidative stress inhibitor (NAC) can block ROS/ NrF2-mediated oxidative stress, inhibit mercury-induced pyroptosis and M1 polarization, and effectively reduce the release of inflammatory factors. The addition of Vx-765 to inhibit pyroptosis can effectively alleviate M1 polarization of HD11 cells and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors. HgCl2 mediates pyroptosis of HD11 cells by regulating ROS/Nrf2/NLRP3, promoting M1 polarization and the release of inflammatory factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Yilin Yin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Qirui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Xinrui Deng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Zhiruo Miao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China.
| | - Shiwen Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Kuznetsova OV. Current trends and challenges in the analysis of marine environmental contaminants by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024; 416:71-85. [PMID: 37979060 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-05029-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of organic and inorganic pollutants are being detected in the marine environment, posing a severe threat to the ecosystem and human health, even in trace concentrations. Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) is one of the critical methods for determining the origin and fate of environmental pollutants and characterising their transformation processes. It has been used for a relatively long time for ecological monitoring of some well-studied industrial hydrocarbons at contaminated sites. However, the method still faces many analytical challenges. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent technical advances concerning IRMS analysis of various contaminants and discusses typical pitfalls encountered in marine environment analysis. Particular attention is given to the study of sampling techniques and sample preparation for examination, often the keys to successful research given the complexity of marine matrices and the diverse and numerous nature of contaminants. Prospects for developing IRMS to monitor pollution sources and pollutant transformation in the marine environment are outlined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga V Kuznetsova
- Vernadsky Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry, Kosygin St. 19, 119991, Moscow, Russian Federation.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Gajendiran K, Kandasamy S, Narayanan M. Influences of wildfire on the forest ecosystem and climate change: A comprehensive study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 240:117537. [PMID: 37914016 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117537] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Wildfires have complex impacts on forests, including changes in vegetation, threats to biodiversity, and emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which exacerbate climate change. The influence of wildfires on animal habitats is particularly noteworthy, as they can lead to significant changes in native environments. The extent of these alterations in species and habitats plays a crucial role in shaping forest ecology. Drought, disease, insect infestations, overgrazing, or their combined effects can amplify the negative effects on specific plant genera and entire ecosystems. In addition to the immediate consequences of plant mortality and altered community dynamics, forest fires have far-reaching implications. They often increase flowering and seed production, further influencing ecological communities. However, one concerning trend is the decline in the diversity of forest biological species within fire-affected areas. Beyond their ecological impacts, wildfires emit substantial quantities of greenhouse gases and fine particulates into the atmosphere, triggering profound changes in climate patterns and contributing to global warming. As vegetation burns during these fires, the carbon stored within is released, rendering large forest fires detrimental to biodiversity and the emission of CO2, a significant contributor to global warming. Measuring the global impact of wildfires on ecological communities and greenhouse gas emissions has become increasingly vital. These research endeavors shed light on the intricate relationships and feedback loops linking wildfires, ecosystem inhabitants, and the evolving climate landscape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kandasamy Gajendiran
- Department of Microbiology, M.G.R. College of Arts and Science, Hosur, Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sabariswaran Kandasamy
- Department of Biotechnology, PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, 641004, India
| | - Mathiyazhagan Narayanan
- Division of Research and Innovations, Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, Chennai, 602105, Tamil Nadu, India.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Nguyen LSP, Hien TT. Long-Range Atmospheric Mercury Transport from Across East Asia to a Suburban Coastal Area in Southern Vietnam. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2023; 112:14. [PMID: 38114799 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-023-03842-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Exports of atmospheric mercury (Hg) from continental East Asia, a major Hg emitter in the globe, have been reported by several studies in neighboring countries such as Japan and Korea. Nonetheless, studies concerning this topic in Southeast Asia (SEA) countries are still limited. Accordingly, gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) has been measured from Can Thanh High School (CTHS), a suburban coastal site in southern Vietnam to study its characterization and discover the evidence of Hg trans-boundary transport from regional sources (e.g., East Asia). Data collected in July, August, and October 2022 were used in this study, and the overall GEM concentration was 1.61 ± 0.32 ng m-3. The GEM levels were higher in October than in July and August, potentially due to the discrepancy in air mass transport patterns induced by tropical monsoon and source origins of Hg. MERRA-2, backward trajectories, and CALIPSO images revealed the trans-boundary air pollution from continental East Asia to southern Vietnam, evidenced by significantly elevated (> 30%) atmospheric Hg concentrations as well as other air pollutants when the plume arrived at CTHS. Furthermore, our results also imply that atmospheric Hg exported from East Asia could influence large areas in SEA, suggesting the need for more studies in various SEA countries in the upcoming future. This study illustrated the influence of regional Hg emissions on local atmospheric Hg pollution and provided data to improve knowledge of the Hg biogeochemical cycle in SEA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ly Sy Phu Nguyen
- Faculty of Environment, University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
| | - To Thi Hien
- Faculty of Environment, University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
King MD, Su G, Crump D, Farhat A, Marlatt V, Lee SL, Williams TD, Elliott JE. Contaminant biomonitoring augmented with a qPCR array indicates hepatic mRNA gene expression effects in wild-collected seabird embryos. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166784. [PMID: 37666345 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Birds can bioaccumulate persistent contaminants, and maternal transfer to eggs may expose embryos to concentrations sufficient to cause adverse effects during sensitive early-life stages. However, using tissue residue concentrations alone to infer whether contaminant effects are occurring suffers from uncertainty, and efficient, sensitive biomarkers remain limited in wildlife. We studied relationships between whole embryo contaminant concentrations (total mercury, organochlorine pesticides, perfluoroalkyl substances, polychlorinated biphenyls, and halogenated flame retardants) together with mRNA expression in embryonic liver tissue from a Pacific Ocean seabird, the rhinoceros auklet (Cerorhinca monocerata). Fresh eggs were collected, incubated under controlled conditions, and from the pre-hatch embryo, hepatic RNA was extracted for qPCR array analysis to measure gene expression (2-∆Cq), while the remaining embryo was analyzed for contaminant residues. Contaminant and gene expression data were assessed with a combination of multivariate approaches and linear models. Results indicated correlations between embryonic total mercury and several genes such as sepp1, which encodes selenoprotein P. Correlation between the biotransformation gene cyp1a4 and the C7 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid PFHpA was also evident. This study demonstrates that egg collection from free-living populations for contaminant biomonitoring programs can relate chemical residues to in ovo mRNA gene expression effects in embryo hepatic tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mason D King
- Simon Fraser University, Department of Biological Sciences, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Geoffrey Su
- Simon Fraser University, Department of Biological Sciences, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Doug Crump
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Amani Farhat
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Vicki Marlatt
- Simon Fraser University, Department of Biological Sciences, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Sandi L Lee
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Division, 5421 Robertson Road, Delta, BC V4K 3N2, Canada
| | - Tony D Williams
- Simon Fraser University, Department of Biological Sciences, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - John E Elliott
- Simon Fraser University, Department of Biological Sciences, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Division, 5421 Robertson Road, Delta, BC V4K 3N2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Xu S, Liu H, Wang C, Deng Y, Xu B, Yang T, Liu W. Study of ATF4/CHOP axis-mediated mitochondrial unfolded protein response in neuronal apoptosis induced by methylmercury. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 182:114190. [PMID: 37967789 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.114190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a widely distributed environmental pollutant that can easily cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in the brain, thereby damaging the central nervous system. Studies have shown that MeHg-induced mitochondrial damage and apoptosis play a crucial role in its neurotoxic effects. Mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) is indispensable to maintain mitochondrial protein homeostasis and ensure mitochondrial function, and the ATF4/CHOP axis is one of the signaling pathways to activate UPRmt. In this study, the role of the ATF4/CHOP axis-mediated UPRmt in the neurotoxicity of MeHg has been investigated by C57BL/6 mice and the HT22 cell line. We discovered that mice exposed to MeHg had abnormal neurobehavioral patterns. The pathological section showed a significant decrease in the number of neurons. MeHg also resulted in a reduction in mtDNA copy number and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Additionally, the ATF4/CHOP axis and UPRmt were found to be significantly activated. Subsequently, we used siRNA to knock down ATF4 or CHOP and observed that the expression of UPRmt-related proteins and the apoptosis rate were significantly reduced. Our research showed that exposure to MeHg can over-activate the UPRmt through the ATF4/CHOP axis, leading to mitochondrial damage and ultimately inducing neuronal apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si Xu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, China
| | - Haihui Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, China
| | - Yu Deng
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, China
| | - Tianyao Yang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, China.
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, China.
| |
Collapse
|