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Wu Y, Liu G, Liu X, Mao Y, Guo Y, Liu Y, Zhu L, Yin Y, Cai Y, Jiang G. Towards a better understanding of ethylmercury in the environment: Addressing propylation derivatization artifact and verifying its occurrence in Chinese wetlands. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 263:122167. [PMID: 39106623 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.122167] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Ethylmercury (EtHg), similar to methylmercury (MeHg), is highly neurotoxic and bioaccumulative. Although recent studies suggested its occurrence in natural soils and sediments, the common propylation derivatization for EtHg analysis might generate EtHg artifacts, potentially leading to its overestimation in environmental samples. Furthermore, the extensive environmental prevalence of EtHg remains unverified, keeping its importance largely uncertain. This study investigated the formation of EtHg artifacts during propylation derivatization, evaluating artifacts formation and recoveries under different extraction methods with real samples, and confirmed the widespread occurrence of EtHg in Chinese wetlands. EtHg artifacts were obviously present during the propylation derivatization and strongly dependent on the levels of Hg2+ (0.1-10 ng) in the derivatization solution (R² = 0.99), accounting for 1.38-2.14% of Hg2+. CuSO4-HNO3CH2Cl2 extraction (effectively removing Hg2+) combined with propylation derivatization offers excellent recovery (81-86%) and low artifacts (< LOD: 1.98 × 10-4 ng/g) for EtHg measurement in soils/sediments, with results aligning with those from online solid phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (R2 = 0.99). Additionally, we observed the occurrence of EtHg in soil and sediment samples across 14 Chinese wetlands, with concentrations varying from 6.08 to 171 pg/g, similar to MeHg concentrations at some sites. EtHg positively correlates with MeHg, total Hg, and total organic carbon across all samples, indicating a possible biological formation. These findings help better understand and predict the prevalence of EtHg in wetlands and its key role in environmental Hg cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Wu
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Guangliang Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States
| | - Xiaoquan Liu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, PR China
| | - Yuxiang Mao
- School of Resources & Environment, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, PR China
| | - Yingying Guo
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Yanwei Liu
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Liuchao Zhu
- Shimadzu China Innovation Center, Shimadzu (China) Co. LTD, Beijing 100020, PR China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, PR China.
| | - Yong Cai
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States
| | - Guibin Jiang
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, PR China
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Nie X, Li T, Wu C, Zhen J, Wang Z, Li Y, Wang Y. Seasonal variation of mercury in cloud water at a mountaintop in subtropical Hong Kong: Influences of transboundary transport and sea-salt aerosol. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168418. [PMID: 37949146 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the distribution and controlling factors of mercury (Hg) speciation in cloud water is crucial for predicting the fate of atmospheric Hg and assessing the environmental impacts of Hg in cloud water. In this study, we collected 85 cloud water samples during autumn and spring at a mountaintop (957 m a.s.l.) in Hong Kong, China. The concentrations of total Hg (THg) in cloud water varied from 3.6 to 225.3 ng L-1, with volume-weighted mean values of 32.1 ng L-1 in autumn and 24.4 ng L-1 in spring. Due to the strong acidic condition of the cloud water, dissolved Hg (DHg) contributed to two-thirds of THg, with Hg complexes by dissolved organic matter (DOM) and chloride being the predominant species of DHg according to chemical equilibrium modeling simulations. Moreover, the levels of Hg-DOM were significantly higher in autumn cloud water compared to spring, and the latter contained more Hg(II)-halide complexes. These differences could be attributed to the different air mass pathways and their emission sources. By combining backward trajectories and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) models, we found that air masses originating from the inland Pearl River Delta region, which were only present in autumn cloud water and strongly influenced by stationary coal combustion, were responsible for the highest concentrations of THg, DHg, particulate Hg (PHg) and Hg-DOM. Additionally, air masses originating from regions in China-Indochina Peninsula were only found in spring samples and were significantly influenced by stationary coal combustion, industrial and biogenic sources, contributing to elevated proportions of methylmercury (MeHg) and PHg. In contrast, marine air masses mainly from the western Pacific Ocean contributed to high levels of Hg(II)-halide complexes, especially in spring cloud water. The dissolution and conversion of Hg from sea salt aerosols played a significant role in the enhanced DHg levels observed during cloud processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Nie
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Tao Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Chen Wu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Jiebo Zhen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yanbin Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Yan Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
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3
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Nie X, Wu C, Zhang H, Li Y, Li T, Wang Y. Atmospheric wet deposition of mercury in urban Jinan, eastern China: Speciation, scavenging process and potential sources. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 251:114529. [PMID: 36640571 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the speciation and related influence factors of Hg in wet deposition is important to predict the fate and transport of mercury in the atmosphere. In this study, event-based samples of rainwater were collected for one year in Jinan, a northern city in eastern China. The volume-weighted mean concentration of total mercury (THg) in rainwater was 34.8 ng L-1, comparable to levels in some inland cities in China and were significantly higher than those in North America, Korea and Japan. Most of the Hg in rainwater was associated with particulates, accounted for 15.2-92.9% of THg with a mean of 66.9%, which might be attributed to the scavenging effects of high particulate-bound mercury concentrations in ambient air in urban Jinan. Dissolved mercury (DHg) accounted for 33.1% of THg, in which Hg(OH)2, HgClOH, HgCl2 and Hg(NH3)22+ are the dominant species based on the chemical equilibrium modeling simulations. THg concentrations in rainwater decreased as the rainfall amount increased owing to the dilution effect and 5 mm rainfall might be a threshold for the full wash-out capability of atmospheric Hg. For a continuous rain event, the proportion of DHg in THg could increase from 7.1% to 84.8% with the rainfall processing, especially for the species of HgClOH and HgCl2 under the influence of rainwater pH. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis suggested that the major sources of Hg in rainwater were combustion emissions, marine sources, industrial emissions, as well as complexation process, which contributed to 51.4%, 24.7%, 12.2%, and 11.7% of the THg, respectively. For the specific species, the main sources varied with different Hg species, in which combustion emissions contributed one third to one half of each species sum to particulate mercury (PHg), HgClOH, HgCl2, HgBrOH and HgBrCl followed by marine sources and industrial emissions. Cluster analysis of backward trajectories revealed that polluted air masses, transported from southeast Shandong, Anhui and Jiangsu Provinces, as well as Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, contributed to high Hg concentration in rainwater in Jinan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Nie
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Chen Wu
- Jinhua Municipal Water Conservancy Bureau of Zhejiang Province, Jinhua 321000, China
| | - Houyong Zhang
- Jinan Ecology and Environment Monitoring Center of Shandong Province, Jinan 250101, China
| | - Yanbin Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Tao Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yan Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
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Zhang L, Yin Y, Li Y, Cai Y. Mercury isotope fractionation during methylmercury transport and transformation: A review focusing on analytical method, fractionation characteristics, and its application. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 841:156558. [PMID: 35710002 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg), a potent neurotoxin, can be formed, migrated and transformed in environmental compartments, accompanying with unique mass-dependent and mass-independent fractionation of mercury (Hg). These Hg isotope fractionation signals have great potential to probe the transformation and transport of MeHg in aquatic environments. However, the majority of studies to date have focused on total Hg isotopic composition, with less attention to the isotopic fractionation of MeHg due to technical difficulties in analysis, which severely hinders the understanding of MeHg isotopic fractionation and its applications. This review a) evaluates the reported analytical methods for Hg isotopic composition of MeHg, including online and offline measurement techniques; b) summarizes the extent and characteristics of Hg isotopic fractionation during MeHg transport and transformation, focusing on methylation, demethylation, trophic transfer and internal metabolism; and c) briefly discusses several applications of MeHg isotopic fractionation signatures in estimating the extent of photodemethylation, tracing the source of Hg species, and diagnosing reaction mechanisms. Additionally, the existing problems and future directions in MeHg isotope fractionation are highlighted to improve the analytical protocol for Hg isotope fractionation and deepen our understanding of Hg isotope fractionation in the biogeochemical cycling of MeHg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Yanbin Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Yong Cai
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States.
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5
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de la Fournière EM, Meichtry JM, Gautier EA, Leyva AG, Litter MI. Treatment of ethylmercury chloride by heterogeneous photocatalysis with TiO2. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2021.113205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Sun T, Wang Z, Zhang X, Niu Z, Chen J. Influences of high-level atmospheric gaseous elemental mercury on methylmercury accumulation in maize (Zea mays L.). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:114890. [PMID: 32544787 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays L.) leaves play an important role in stomatal uptake and surface adsorption of atmospheric mercury (Hg). However, the influence of atmospheric gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) on methylmercury (MeHg) accumulation in maize plants is poorly understood. In this study, we conducted a field open-top chambers (OTCs) experiment and a soil Hg-enriched experiment to investigate the response of MeHg accumulation in maize tissues to different GEM levels in the air. Maize upper leaves had a higher average MeHg concentration (0.21 ± 0.08 ng g-1) than bottom leaves (0.15 ± 0.05 ng g-1) in the OTCs experiment, which was inconsistent with that in the soil Hg-enriched experiment (maize upper leaves: 0.41 ± 0.07 ng g-1, maize bottom leaves: 0.60 ± 0.05 ng g-1). Additionally, significantly positive correlations were found between MeHg concentrations in maize leaves and air Hg levels, suggesting that elevated air Hg levels enhanced MeHg accumulation in maize leaves, which was possibly attributed to methylation of Hg on leaf surfaces. Mature maize grains from the OTCs experiment had low MeHg concentrations (0.12-0.23 ng g-1), suggesting a low accumulation capability of MeHg by maize grains. Approximately 93-96% of MeHg and 51-73% of total Hg in maize grains were lost from the grain-filling stage to the grain-ripening stage at all GEM level treatments, implying that self-detoxification in maize grains occurred. MeHg concentrations in maize roots showed a significant linear relationship (R2 = 0.98, p < 0.01) with soil Hg levels, confirming that MeHg in maize roots is primarily from soil. This study provides a new finding that elevated air GEM levels could enhance MeHg accumulation in maize leaves, and self-detoxification may occur in maize grains. Further studies are needed to clarify these mechanisms of Hg methylation on maize leaf surfaces and self-detoxification of Hg by maize grains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; Western University, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Zhangwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Xiaoshan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhenchuan Niu
- Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Science, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
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7
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Luo H, Cheng Q, Pan X. Photochemical behaviors of mercury (Hg) species in aquatic systems: A systematic review on reaction process, mechanism, and influencing factor. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 720:137540. [PMID: 32143045 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The fate and transport of Hg species in natural aquatic environment are strongly affected by photochemical transformation of Hg0, Hg2+, and MeHg. Migration of Hg is determined by its complexation with organic and inorganic ligands that are widely present in the water. The presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) is closely related to photochemical reactions of Hg. DOM can strongly bind to mercury (e.g., Hg2+ and MeHg), thus affecting its speciation, mobility and toxicity, eventually dominating its bioavailability. This review summarizes extensive studies on photochemical behaviors of Hg including: (1) photo-oxidation; (2) photo-reduction; (3) photochemical methylation; and (4) MeHg photo-degradation. Photo-oxidation of Hg0 is mostly caused by oxidative free radicals (e.g., •OH, CO3•-, O3, and 1O2), while photo-reduction of Hg2+ is more complicated and it involves two pathways: (1) primary processes (direct photolysis of Hg2+ or ligand-metal charge transfer of Hg2+-DOM complex); and (2) secondary processes (reduction of Hg2+-DOM complex induced by free radicals derived from DOM photolysis). Photochemical methylation of inorganic Hg occurs as follows: (1) Hg2+ complexes with methyl donors (e.g., acetic acid, tert-butyl, alcohols, etc.) to form intermediates, followed by (2) an intramolecular methyl transfer. MeHg photo-degradation is the leading pathway for MeHg demethylation and it primarily proceeds via four different pathways. The information on DOM was also mentioned, but DOM is not the only factor that affects the photochemical behaviors of Hg. Other influencing factors such as: (1) pH value; (2) dissolved oxygen; (3) cations (Fe3+, K+) and anions (NO3-, HCO3-, CO32-, Cl-); and (4) suspended substance cannot be ignored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Qianqian Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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Lyman SN, Cheng I, Gratz LE, Weiss-Penzias P, Zhang L. An updated review of atmospheric mercury. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 707:135575. [PMID: 31784172 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The atmosphere is a key component of the biogeochemical cycle of mercury, acting as a reservoir, transport mechanism, and facilitator of chemical reactions. The chemical and physical behavior of atmospheric mercury determines how, when, and where emitted mercury pollution impacts ecosystems. In this review, we provide current information about what is known and what remains uncertain regarding mercury in the atmosphere. We discuss new ambient, laboratory, and theoretical information about the chemistry of mercury in various atmospheric media. We review what is known about mercury in and on solid- and liquid-phase aerosols. We present recent findings related to wet and dry deposition and spatial and temporal trends in atmospheric mercury concentrations. We also review atmospheric measurement methods that are in wide use and those that are currently under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth N Lyman
- Bingham Research Center, Utah State University, 320 N Aggie Blvd., Vernal, UT, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, 4820 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, USA.
| | - Irene Cheng
- Air Quality Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 4905 Dufferin St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lynne E Gratz
- Environmental Studies Program, Colorado College, 14 East Cache la Poudre St., Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Peter Weiss-Penzias
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA, USA; Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High St, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Leiming Zhang
- Air Quality Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 4905 Dufferin St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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9
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Zhang H, Wang Z, Zhang X. Methylmercury concentrations and potential sources in atmospheric fine particles in Beijing, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 681:183-190. [PMID: 31103656 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The characteristics and sources of methylmercury (MeHg) in atmospheric fine particles remain poorly elucidated. We obtained the concentrations of MeHg bound to atmospheric fine particles in four seasons, from September 2015 to July 2016, at an urban site in Beijing, China. Concentrations ranged from <0.01 to 1.33 pg m-3, averaging at 0.21 ± 0.17 pg m-3. The highest concentration of MeHg in atmospheric fine particles occurred in summer. Relatively high mass composition of MeHg in atmospheric fine particles occurred when the concentrations of PM2.5 were low. Intense sunlight and atmospheric oxidants promoted the formation of MeHg that was then enriched on atmospheric fine particles. Moreover, precipitation scavenged 29.4-77.0% of the MeHg bound to atmospheric fine particles. The possible sources of MeHg in atmospheric fine particles were identified using Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model. Dimethylmercury (DMeHg) decomposition and MeHg surface volatilization, combustion and marine sources, dust, and heterogeneous reactions contributed 47.8%, 18.7%, 16.4%, and 13.2% of the MeHg in atmospheric fine particle, respectively. This study supplements knowledge on the concentrations, atmospheric processes, and sources of MeHg in atmospheric fine particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Zhang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhangwei Wang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Xiaoshan Zhang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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10
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Cao D, He B, Yin Y. Acute and Sublethal Effects of Ethylmercury Chloride on Chinese Rare Minnow (Gobiocypris rarus): Accumulation, Elimination, and Histological Changes. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 102:708-713. [PMID: 30515546 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-018-2513-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Ethylmercury (EtHg) has been widely observed in the environment due to anthropogenic contamination and/or environmental ethylation of inorganic mercury. Herein, the acute and sublethal effect of EtHg chloride on Chinese rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus) as a fish model was studied. EtHg chloride showed an obvious toxicity to 4-month-old Chinese rare minnow (LC50 24.8 µg L-1 (as Hg) at 24 h). Histological analysis revealed that acute EtHg exposure can induce necrosis, telangiectasis and exfoliation of epithelial cells in the gill, as well as edema, vacuoles, and pyknotic nuclei in hepatocytes. Sublethal dose exposure revealed a very high accumulation of EtHg in fish, which is subsequently metabolized to inorganic mercury and eliminated after depuration. A new mercury species, possibly diethylmercury, was also observed as the metabolite of EtHg in rare minnow. The present study provides useful information for assessing the risks of EtHg and understanding its bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Bin He
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
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11
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Li T, Wang Y, Mao H, Wang S, Talbot RW, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Nie X, Qie G. Insights on Chemistry of Mercury Species in Clouds over Northern China: Complexation and Adsorption. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:5125-5134. [PMID: 29630344 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b06669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Cloud effects on heterogeneous reactions of atmospheric mercury (Hg) are poorly understood due to limited knowledge of cloudwater Hg chemistry. Here we quantified Hg species in cloudwater at the summit of Mt. Tai in northern China. Total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in cloudwater were on average 70.5 and 0.15 ng L-1, respectively, and particulate Hg (PHg) contributed two-thirds of THg. Chemical equilibrium modeling simulations suggested that Hg complexes by dissolved organic matter (DOM) dominated dissolved Hg (DHg) speciation, which was highly pH dependent. Hg concentrations and speciation were altered by cloud processing, during which significant positive correlations of PHg and MeHg with cloud droplet number concentration ( Nd) were observed. Unlike direct contribution to PHg from cloud scavenging of aerosol particles, abiotic DHg methylation was the most likely source of MeHg. Hg adsorption coefficients Kad (5.9-362.7 L g-1) exhibited an inverse-power relationship with cloud residues content. Morphology analyses indicated that compared to mineral particles, fly ash particles could enhance Hg adsorption due to more abundant carbon binding sites on the surface. Severe particulate air pollution in northern China may bring substantial Hg into cloud droplets and impact atmospheric Hg geochemical cycling by aerosol-cloud interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering , Shandong University , Jinan 250100 , China
| | - Yan Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering , Shandong University , Jinan 250100 , China
| | - Huiting Mao
- Department of Chemistry, College of Environmental Science and Forestry , State University of New York , Syracuse , New York 13210 , United States
| | - Shuxiao Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex and State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , China
| | - Robert W Talbot
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Science , University of Houston , Houston , Texas 77204 , United States
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, College of Environmental Science and Forestry , State University of New York , Syracuse , New York 13210 , United States
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering , The Hong Kong Polytechnic University , Hong Kong , China
| | - Xiaoling Nie
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering , Shandong University , Jinan 250100 , China
| | - Guanghao Qie
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering , Shandong University , Jinan 250100 , China
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Yin D, Wang Y, Jiang T, Qin C, Xiang Y, Chen Q, Xue J, Wang D. Methylmercury production in soil in the water-level-fluctuating zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China: The key role of low-molecular-weight organic acids. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 235:186-196. [PMID: 29289829 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.12.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
As important parts of dissolved organic matter, low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) typically play important roles in desorbing Hg(II) from the soil solid-phase, which may directly or indirectly impact methylmercury (MeHg) production. However, the mechanism of these processes remains unclear. To better understand the effects of LMWOAs on Hg methylation in the soil, a field study was conducted to investigate the distribution of LMWOAs and their relationship with soil MeHg in a seasonally inundated area in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), China. Meanwhile, laboratory simulation experiments were performed to determine the potential mechanism of LMWOAs in Hg methylation. The field investigation detected considerable amounts of LMWOAs in soil, among which tartaric acid and oxalic acid were dominant components. Among which, tartaric acid and oxalic acid were dominant components. Also, a seasonally and spatially heterogeneous distribution of LMWOAs in soil was observed. Notably, a significant positive relationship was found between MeHg concentrations and LMWOA pools in soil (r = 0.969, p < .01), implying that LMWOAs could promote soil MeHg production. The simulation experiments confirmed that the MeHg levels in soil were largely elevated with the addition of LMWOAs, which occurred mainly in oxygen-deficient environment and was mediated by biotic factors. The soluble Hg-LMWOA complexes, which were formed by the enhanced desorption of Hg(II) from solid-phase, were mostly responsible for the elevated MeHg production in soil. Moreover, those LMWOAs with more carboxylic groups were believed to enhance the net production of MeHg. The generated MeHg in sediment could diffuse into the overlying water, which thus poses a potential threat to the aquatic food web. Therefore, the enhanced Hg methylation caused by LMWOAs should be given more attention, especially in a seasonally inundated ecosystem, where the MeHg exposure is usually related to fishery activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deliang Yin
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yongmin Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, SE-90183, Sweden
| | - Caiqing Qin
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yuping Xiang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qiuyu Chen
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jinping Xue
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Dingyong Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Chongqing 400715, China.
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Guédron S, Point D, Acha D, Bouchet S, Baya PA, Tessier E, Monperrus M, Molina CI, Groleau A, Chauvaud L, Thebault J, Amice E, Alanoca L, Duwig C, Uzu G, Lazzaro X, Bertrand A, Bertrand S, Barbraud C, Delord K, Gibon FM, Ibanez C, Flores M, Fernandez Saavedra P, Ezpinoza ME, Heredia C, Rocha F, Zepita C, Amouroux D. Mercury contamination level and speciation inventory in Lakes Titicaca & Uru-Uru (Bolivia): Current status and future trends. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 231:262-270. [PMID: 28806691 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic ecosystems of the Bolivian Altiplano (∼3800 m a.s.l.) are characterized by extreme hydro-climatic constrains (e.g., high UV-radiations and low oxygen) and are under the pressure of increasing anthropogenic activities, unregulated mining, agricultural and urban development. We report here a complete inventory of mercury (Hg) levels and speciation in the water column, atmosphere, sediment and key sentinel organisms (i.e., plankton, fish and birds) of two endorheic Lakes of the same watershed differing with respect to their size, eutrophication and contamination levels. Total Hg (THg) and monomethylmercury (MMHg) concentrations in filtered water and sediment of Lake Titicaca are in the lowest range of reported levels in other large lakes worldwide. Downstream, Hg levels are 3-10 times higher in the shallow eutrophic Lake Uru-Uru than in Lake Titicaca due to high Hg inputs from the surrounding mining region. High percentages of MMHg were found in the filtered and unfiltered water rising up from <1 to ∼50% THg from the oligo/hetero-trophic Lake Titicaca to the eutrophic Lake Uru-Uru. Such high %MMHg is explained by a high in situ MMHg production in relation to the sulfate rich substrate, the low oxygen levels of the water column, and the stabilization of MMHg due to abundant ligands present in these alkaline waters. Differences in MMHg concentrations in water and sediments compartments between Lake Titicaca and Uru-Uru were found to mirror the offset in MMHg levels that also exist in their respective food webs. This suggests that in situ MMHg baseline production is likely the main factor controlling MMHg levels in fish species consumed by the local population. Finally, the increase of anthropogenic pressure in Lake Titicaca may probably enhance eutrophication processes which favor MMHg production and thus accumulation in water and biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Guédron
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, IRD, IFSTTAR, ISTerre, 38000 Grenoble, France; Laboratorio de Hidroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Campus Universitario de Cota-Cota, Casilla 3161, La Paz, Bolivia.
| | - D Point
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, UMR5563 - IRD UR 234, Université Paul Sabatier, 14 Avenue Edouard Belin 31400 Toulouse, France; Unidad de Calidad Ambiental (UCA), Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Campus Universitario de Cota Cota, Casilla 3161, La Paz, Bolivia.
| | - D Acha
- Unidad de Calidad Ambiental (UCA), Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Campus Universitario de Cota Cota, Casilla 3161, La Paz, Bolivia.
| | - S Bouchet
- CNRS, Univ. Pau & Pays Adour, Institut des sciences analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, MIRA, UMR5254, 64000 PAU, France
| | - P A Baya
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, UMR5563 - IRD UR 234, Université Paul Sabatier, 14 Avenue Edouard Belin 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - E Tessier
- CNRS, Univ. Pau & Pays Adour, Institut des sciences analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, MIRA, UMR5254, 64000 PAU, France
| | - M Monperrus
- CNRS, Univ. Pau & Pays Adour, Institut des sciences analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, MIRA, UMR5254, 64000 PAU, France
| | - C I Molina
- Unidad de Calidad Ambiental (UCA), Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Campus Universitario de Cota Cota, Casilla 3161, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - A Groleau
- Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (IPGP), 1, rue Jussieu, 75238 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - L Chauvaud
- Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UMR 6539, IUEM Technopôle Brest-Iroise, rue Dumont d'Urville, 29280 Plouzané, France
| | - J Thebault
- Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UMR 6539, IUEM Technopôle Brest-Iroise, rue Dumont d'Urville, 29280 Plouzané, France
| | - E Amice
- Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UMR 6539, IUEM Technopôle Brest-Iroise, rue Dumont d'Urville, 29280 Plouzané, France
| | - L Alanoca
- Laboratorio de Hidroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Campus Universitario de Cota-Cota, Casilla 3161, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - C Duwig
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, IRD, IFSTTAR, IGE, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - G Uzu
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, IRD, IFSTTAR, IGE, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - X Lazzaro
- Unidad de Calidad Ambiental (UCA), Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Campus Universitario de Cota Cota, Casilla 3161, La Paz, Bolivia; Biologie des Organismes et Ecosystèmes Aquatiques (BOREA), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR 7208, Paris, France
| | - A Bertrand
- MARine Biodiversity, Exploitation and Conservation (MARBEC), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Univ. Montpellier, Place Eugène Bataillon, bât 24, CC093 34 095 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - S Bertrand
- MARine Biodiversity, Exploitation and Conservation (MARBEC), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Univ. Montpellier, Place Eugène Bataillon, bât 24, CC093 34 095 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - C Barbraud
- Laboratoire du Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372, CNRS, Université de La Rochelle 405 Route de La Canauderie, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - K Delord
- Laboratoire du Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372, CNRS, Université de La Rochelle 405 Route de La Canauderie, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - F M Gibon
- Biologie des Organismes et Ecosystèmes Aquatiques (BOREA), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR 7208, Paris, France
| | - C Ibanez
- UPA, Universidad Pública de El Alto, Ecología y Recursos Naturales, El Alto, Bolivia
| | - M Flores
- Laboratorio de Hidroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Campus Universitario de Cota-Cota, Casilla 3161, La Paz, Bolivia; Unidad de Calidad Ambiental (UCA), Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Campus Universitario de Cota Cota, Casilla 3161, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - P Fernandez Saavedra
- Unidad de Calidad Ambiental (UCA), Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Campus Universitario de Cota Cota, Casilla 3161, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - M E Ezpinoza
- Unidad de Calidad Ambiental (UCA), Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Campus Universitario de Cota Cota, Casilla 3161, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - C Heredia
- Unidad de Calidad Ambiental (UCA), Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Campus Universitario de Cota Cota, Casilla 3161, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - F Rocha
- Unidad de Calidad Ambiental (UCA), Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Campus Universitario de Cota Cota, Casilla 3161, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - C Zepita
- Unidad de Calidad Ambiental (UCA), Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Campus Universitario de Cota Cota, Casilla 3161, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - D Amouroux
- Unidad de Calidad Ambiental (UCA), Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Campus Universitario de Cota Cota, Casilla 3161, La Paz, Bolivia; CNRS, Univ. Pau & Pays Adour, Institut des sciences analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, MIRA, UMR5254, 64000 PAU, France.
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Amde M, Yin Y, Zhang D, Liu J. Methods and recent advances in speciation analysis of mercury chemical species in environmental samples: a review. CHEMICAL SPECIATION & BIOAVAILABILITY 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/09542299.2016.1164019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Meseret Amde
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingfu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Chen B, Chen P, He B, Yin Y, Fang L, Wang X, Liu H, Yang L, Luan T. Identification of mercury methylation product by tert-butyl compounds in aqueous solution under light irradiation. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 98:40-46. [PMID: 26165936 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 06/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The methylation of mercury (Hg) is of great concern as methylmercury (MeHg), the most toxic species, is produced. This study examined the possibilities of tert-butyl compounds (tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBH)) and other alcohols serving as methyl donors for Hg photo-methylation under light irradiation. The yield of MeHg varied among the methyl donors, and it was also significantly influenced by salinity and pH. MeHg could be generated in the presence of TBH under visible light irradiation. The hydroxyl radical (OH) was found to promote MeHg production at low levels, but degrade MeHg in excess. The photo-production of MeHg was tentatively proposed via the complexation of Hg and methyl donors, the formation of an intermediate (O(Hg)C(CH3)3), and the intramolecular methyl transfer from methyl donors to Hg. This study implicates photoreactions between Hg and organic pollutants in understanding the fate and transformation of Hg in the aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baowei Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, PR China.
| | - Ping Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Safety, Instrumental Analysis & Research Center/School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, PR China
| | - Bin He
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, PR China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, PR China
| | - Linchuan Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, PR China
| | - Hongtao Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Safety, Instrumental Analysis & Research Center/School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, PR China
| | - Lihua Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, PR China
| | - Tiangang Luan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Safety, Instrumental Analysis & Research Center/School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, PR China
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Fumigant methyl iodide can methylate inorganic mercury species in natural waters. Nat Commun 2014; 5:4633. [DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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Dórea JG, Farina M, Rocha JBT. Toxicity of ethylmercury (and Thimerosal): a comparison with methylmercury. J Appl Toxicol 2013; 33:700-11. [PMID: 23401210 DOI: 10.1002/jat.2855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ethylmercury (etHg) is derived from the metabolism of thimerosal (o-carboxyphenyl-thio-ethyl-sodium salt), which is the most widely used form of organic mercury. Because of its application as a vaccine preservative, almost every human and animal (domestic and farmed) that has been immunized with thimerosal-containing vaccines has been exposed to etHg. Although methylmercury (meHg) is considered a hazardous substance that is to be avoided even at small levels when consumed in foods such as seafood and rice (in Asia), the World Health Organization considers small doses of thimerosal safe regardless of multiple/repetitive exposures to vaccines that are predominantly taken during pregnancy or infancy. We have reviewed in vitro and in vivo studies that compare the toxicological parameters among etHg and other forms of mercury (predominantly meHg) to assess their relative toxicities and potential to cause cumulative insults. In vitro studies comparing etHg with meHg demonstrate equivalent measured outcomes for cardiovascular, neural and immune cells. However, under in vivo conditions, evidence indicates a distinct toxicokinetic profile between meHg and etHg, favoring a shorter blood half-life, attendant compartment distribution and the elimination of etHg compared with meHg. EtHg's toxicity profile is different from that of meHg, leading to different exposure and toxicity risks. Therefore, in real-life scenarios, a simultaneous exposure to both etHg and meHg might result in enhanced neurotoxic effects in developing mammals. However, our knowledge on this subject is still incomplete, and studies are required to address the predictability of the additive or synergic toxicological effects of etHg and meHg (or other neurotoxicants).
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidade de Brasilia, 70919-970, Brasilia, DF, Brazil.
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Progress in the study of mercury methylation and demethylation in aquatic environments. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s11434-012-5416-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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