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Zhen J, Li T, Cai H, Nie X, He S, Meng M, Wang Y, Chen J. Photoreduction and origin of dissolved and particulate mercury in cloud water: Insights from stable mercury isotopes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 474:134654. [PMID: 38810583 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The photoreduction of mercury (Hg) in clouds is crucial for determining global Hg cycling. The recently-developed isotope approach provides new insight into the fate of atmospheric Hg, however, limited data have been reported on the dynamics of Hg isotopes in clouds. This study presented the isotopic compositions of dissolved mercury (DHg) and particulate mercury (PHg) in cloud water collected at Mt. Tai (1545 m a.s.l.) in eastern China during summer 2021. Both DHg and PHg exhibited positive mass-independent fractionation of odd isotopes (odd-MIF, denoted as Δ199Hg), with averaged Δ199Hg values of 0.83 ± 0.34‰ and 0.20 ± 0.11‰, respectively. This high odd-MIF likely resulted from aqueous photoreduction in clouds, with DHg being more susceptible to photolysis than PHg. Our findings indicated that the photoreduction was promoted by sunlight and influenced by the chemical compositions of cloud water that controlled the Hg(II) speciation. The isotope mixing model estimation revealed that particulate-bound Hg and reactive gaseous Hg constituted the principal sources of Hg in cloud water, accounting for 55% to 99% of the total, while gaseous element Hg also made a notable contribution. Additionally, cloud water samples with faster reduction rates of Hg(II) were located outside of the isotope mixing models, which indicated an enhanced photoreduction process in cloud water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiebo Zhen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Tao Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hongming Cai
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Xiaoling Nie
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Sheng He
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Mei Meng
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yan Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
| | - Jiubin Chen
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
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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] [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.
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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
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Chen M, Neupane B, Zhan X, Liu T, Lin Z, Gao C, Zaccone C, Bao K. Three thousand years of Hg pollution recorded in mangrove wetland sediments from South China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118866. [PMID: 38580002 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118866] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is known to affect aquatic, terrestrial ecosystems as well as human health, through biomagnification. Mangrove wetlands are potential Hg sinks because of their low tidal velocity, fast sedimentation rate, strong reducing condition and high organic matter content. The spatial and temporal distribution of Hg has been a hot topic of recent studies in mangrove wetlands. In this study, we investigated Hg concentration, accumulation rate and isotopes to reconstruct the Hg pollution history and to differentiate its potential sources in the Gaoqiao mangrove wetland (Guangdong province), which is part of the largest mangrove area in China. We reconstructed a first, continuous, high-resolution Hg pollution history over the last 3000 years in South China. Our findings show that mangrove wetland sediments are more enriched in Hg than the adjacent grasslands. The increased Hg concentration and δ202Hg in recent sediments mirror the enhanced anthropogenic impacts; Hg concentrations in areas with high levels of anthropogenic disturbance are up to 5× higher than the average background value (9.9 ± 1.2 μg kg-1). Compared to mangroves in coastal areas of South China and around the world, the Hg concentration in Gaoqiao is much lower. The significant increase of Hg since the 1950s and the major Hg peak since the 1980s were the evidence of the human activities influences and indicated the possible start date of Anthropocene. After 2007 CE, a decline in Hg pollution occurs due to the effective implementation of the mangrove protection policy. Three potential sources were identified by the Hg isotope traces including urban gaseous Hg, industrial Hg, and regional soil and leaf litter Hg input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minqi Chen
- School of Geography, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Bigyan Neupane
- School of Geography, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China; Institute of Fundamental Research and Studies (InFeRS), Kathmandu, 44600, Nepal
| | - Xuan Zhan
- Eco-Environmental Monitoring and Research Center, Pearl River Valley and South China Sea Ecology and Environment Administration, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510611, China
| | - Ting Liu
- School of Geography, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Zhanyi Lin
- School of Geography, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Changjun Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Silviculture, Protection and Utilization, Guangdong Academy of Forestry, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Claudio Zaccone
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, Verona, 37134, Italy.
| | - Kunshan Bao
- School of Geography, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.
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Cai N, Wang X, Zhu H, Hu Y, Zhang X, Wang L. Isotopic insights and integrated analysis for heavy metal levels, ecological risks, and source apportionment in river sediments of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 251:118626. [PMID: 38467358 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118626] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
The research was carried out to examine the pollution characteristics, ecological risk, and origins of seven heavy metals (Hg, As, Pb, Cu, Cd, Zn, and Ni) in 51 sediment samples gathered from 8 rivers located on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) in China. The contents of Hg and Cd were 5.0 and 1.1 times higher than their background values, respectively. The mean levels of other measured heavy metals were below those found naturally in the local soil. The enrichment factor showed that the study area exhibited significantly enriched Hg with 70.6% sampling sites. The Cd contents at 19.6% of sampling sites were moderately enriched. The other sampling sites were at a less enriched level. The sediments of all the rivers had a medium level of potential ecological risk. Hg was the major ecological risk factor in all sampling sites, followed by Cd. The findings from the positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis shown agricultural activities, industrial activities, traffic emissions, and parent material were the major sources. The upper, middle, and low reaches of the Quanji river had different Hg isotope compositions, while sediments near the middle reaches were similar to the δ202Hg of the industrial source. At the upstream sampling sites, the Hg isotope content was very close to the background level. The results of this research can establish a strong scientific sound to improve the safety of the natural circumstances of rivers on the QTP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Cai
- Key Laboratory of Green and High-end Utilization of Salt Lake Resources, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, China; Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Geology and Environment of Salt Lakes, Xining, 810008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xueping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region, Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, Xi'an, 710054, China; School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Haixia Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Green and High-end Utilization of Salt Lake Resources, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, China; Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Geology and Environment of Salt Lakes, Xining, 810008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yan Hu
- Qaidam Comprehensive Geological and Mineral Exploration Institute of Qinghai Province, Golmud, 816099, China; Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Exploration and Research of Salt Lake Resources in Qaidam Basin, Golmud, 816099, China
| | - Xiying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Green and High-end Utilization of Salt Lake Resources, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, China; Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Geology and Environment of Salt Lakes, Xining, 810008, China.
| | - Lingqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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Zhou Z, Tang Z, Wang H, Liu K, Wang Y, Xiao X, Yin Y, Liu G, Cai Y, Li Y. Spatial and temporal variations in the pollution status and sources of mercury in the Jiaozhou bay. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123554. [PMID: 38395130 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123554] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
In the past few decades, mercury (Hg) discharged into the coastal bays of China has significantly increased; however, long-term trends regarding the pollution status and sources of Hg in these bays have yet to be clear. Focusing on this issue, surface sediments and core sediments were collected in the Jiaozhou Bay (JZB), a typical bay highly affected by human activities in China, to analyze the concentrations and stable isotopic composition of Hg. Total mercury (THg) concentrations in surface sediment varied from 7 to 163 ng/g, with higher levels located in the eastern JZB, possibly attributed to intensive industrial and population density. THg in sediment cores 14 and 20 displayed fluctuating increasing trends from 1936 to 2019, reflecting the deterioration of Hg pollution. In contrast, THg in sediment core 28 near the river mouth exhibited a declining trend, possibly due to the river dam construction. Using a stable isotope mixing model, contributions of various sources (atmospheric, riverine, and industrial emissions) to Hg in the JZB were estimated. The results showed that industrial emissions were the main source (over 50%) of mercury in the JZB in 2019. Sediment cores recorded an increase in industrial Hg due to early industrialization and Reform and Opening-up before 2000. In addition, sediment core 20 demonstrated a rise in the percentage of riverine Hg due to land reclamation at the bay's mouth during 2000-2007.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwen Zhou
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and 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
| | - Zhekai Tang
- School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Huiling Wang
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and 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
| | - Ke Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and 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
| | - Yingjun Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Xiaotong Xiao
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and 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
| | - Yongguang Yin
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Guangliang Liu
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States
| | - Yong Cai
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States
| | - Yanbin Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and 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.
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6
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Kim YG, Kwon SY, Washburn SJ, Brooks SC, Yoon JW, Besnard L. Reconsidering mercury sources and exposure pathways to bivalves: Insights from mercury stable isotopes. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 248:120843. [PMID: 37976947 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Identifying mercury (Hg) sources and exposure pathways to bivalves, particularly in relation to sediment, is important for expanding the utility of bivalves as a monitoring organism for sediment quality. Here we use Hg isotope ratios to decipher Hg sources accumulated into bivalves by conducting field studies and in situ experiments. In the first part of this study, we characterized Hg isotope ratios in individual geochemical fractions of riverine sediment, contaminated by liquid Hg in South Korea (Hyeongsan River; HS). Asian clams (Corbicula fluminea) were then deployed at the contaminated sites to evaluate the isotopic turnover. Over the two-month period, the isotope ratios of the clams shifted toward the labile/exchangeable Hg pools (F1, F2 fractions) of the sediment. Conversely, in the control site where sediment Hg is low, we observed similar Hg isotope ratios between Asian clams and the samples of precipitation and dissolved phase of water column. In East Fork Poplar Creek, (Oak Ridge) U.S., Asian clams also displayed similar Hg isotope ratios with the dissolved phase of water column, which have undergone substantial in-stream processing or input from Hg-contaminated groundwater from the hyporheic zones and riparian tributary during high hydrologic flow seasons. Our study demonstrates that the dissolved Hg phases within the water column, whether originating via sediment diffusion or derived externally, act as the primary source and exposure pathways to bivalves. The results of our study also shed new light to the prior Hg isotope measurement in bivalves collected from estuarine, lake, and coastal systems, which showed significant isotopic deviation from bulk sediment. The fact that bivalves are sensitive to in situ and external dissolved Hg phases provides additional insight into the existing biomonitoring program, which uses bivalves as a bioindicator for sediment quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Gwang Kim
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae Yun Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea; Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-Ro, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea.
| | - Spencer J Washburn
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States
| | - Scott C Brooks
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States
| | - Ji Won Yoon
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Lucien Besnard
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
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Yang S, Li P, Sun K, Wei N, Liu J, Feng X. Mercury isotope compositions in seawater and marine fish revealed the sources and processes of mercury in the food web within differing marine compartments. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 241:120150. [PMID: 37269625 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities and climate change have significantly increased mercury (Hg) levels in seawater. However, the processes and sources of Hg in differing marine compartments (e.g. estuary, marine continental shelf (MCS) or pelagic area) have not been well studied, which makes it difficult to understand Hg cycling in marine ecosystems. To address this issue, the total Hg (THg) concentration, methylmercury (MeHg) concentration and stable Hg isotopes were determined in seawater and fish samples collected from differing marine compartments of the South China Sea (SCS). The results showed that the estuarine seawater exhibited substantially higher THg and MeHg concentrations than those in the MCS and pelagic seawater. Significantly negative δ202Hg (-1.63‰ ± 0.42‰) in estuarine seawater compared with that in pelagic seawater (-0.58‰ ± 0.08‰) may suggest watershed input and domestic sewage discharge of Hg in the estuarine compartment. The Δ199Hg value in estuarine fish (0.39‰ ± 0.35‰) was obviously lower than that in MCS (1.10‰ ± 0.54‰) and pelagic fish (1.15‰ ± 0.46‰), which showed that relatively little MeHg photodegradation occurred in the estuarine compartment. The Hg isotope binary mixing model based on Δ200Hg revealed that approximately 74% MeHg in pelagic fish is derived from atmospheric Hg(II) deposition, and over 60% MeHg in MCS fish is derived from sediments. MeHg sources for estuarine fish may be highly complex (e.g. sediment or riverine/atmospheric input) and further investigations are warranted to clarify the contribution of each source. Our study showed that Hg stable isotopes in seawater and marine fish can be used to identify the processes and sources of Hg in different marine compartments. This finding is of great relevance to the development of marine Hg food web models and the management of Hg in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaochen Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Kaifeng Sun
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Nan Wei
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Jinling Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
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Liu K, Wu Q, Wang S, Ouyang D, Li Z, Ding D, Li G, Tang Y, Xiang L, Han D, Wen M, Liu T, Duan L, Tian H, Hao J. Highly Resolved Inventory of Mercury Release to Water from Anthropogenic Sources in China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:13860-13868. [PMID: 34590832 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study developed an up-to-date and point-source-based inventory of mercury (Hg) releases to water in China by applying probabilistic release factors that combined industry removal efficiencies, reuse of reclaimed water, and receiving water types. In 2017, the national mercury release to water was estimated to be 50 (35-66) tons, in which 47%, 8%, 7%, and 25% were from nonferrous metal smelting, vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) production, coal-fired boilers, and domestic sewage, respectively. Approximately 95% of mercury was released to inland rivers, and the rest was discharged to lakes or coastal water. The significant sources were identified based on their mercury releases to water. The control of mercury release to water in China shall focus on zinc smelting plants, municipal sewage treatment plants, and the VCM production process. For zinc smelting plants, China can tighten the limit of mercury concentration in discharged wastewater and combine Hg-catcher device in traditional integrated treatment. For municipal sewage treatment plants and the VCM production process, promoting processes of Hg-free production can reduce mercury inputs at the source. Our study provides insights for other parties to identify the relevant sources of mercury release to water and to conduct control measures, so as to promote the global convention implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyun Liu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qingru Wu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shuxiao Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Daiwei Ouyang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhijian Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Dian Ding
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Guoliang Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yi Tang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Longyi Xiang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Deming Han
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Minneng Wen
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Tonghao Liu
- China National Environmental Monitoring Centre, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Lei Duan
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hezhong Tian
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation & Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Jiming Hao
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
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Huang S, Zhao Y, Lv S, Wang W, Wang W, Zhang Y, Huo Y, Sun X, Chen Y. Distribution of mercury isotope signatures in Yundang Lagoon, Xiamen, China, after long-term interventions. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 272:129716. [PMID: 33601205 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Isotope signatures of mercury (Hg) were determined for Hg fractions in seawater, sediments, porewaters, core sediments and fish from the Yundang Lagoon, Xiamen, China. Sequential extraction was used to extract Hg fractions in sediments and the purge-trap method was used to preconcentrate Hg in seawater. A large variation in mass dependent fractionation (δ202Hg: -2.50‰ to -0.36‰) was observed in the lagoon. Seawater and fish samples showed positive mass-independent fractionation (Δ199Hg: -0.06‰-0.45‰), while most of sediment and porewater samples displayed insignificant mass-independent fractionation (Δ199Hg: -0.10‰-0.07‰). Ancillary parameters (total organic carbon, sulfide, pH, Eh, water content and grain size) were also measured in the sediments to investigate correlations with Hg isotopes. Three sources (domestic sewage, sediments and atmospheric deposition) were identified as the main sources of Hg in the lagoon seawater. Photochemical reaction was the main process causing isotope fractionation in seawater. Through Hg partitioning and deposition, light isotopes were enriched from dissolved Hg to particulate Hg, then to sediments, and then to porewaters. Finally, Hg isotope signatures were used to identify the Hg sources and fractionation processes in core sediments from different depths. Our results demonstrate that Hg isotopes are powerful tools for tracing Hg sources and arriving at a better understanding of Hg biogeochemical cycling in the lagoon after long-term interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyuan Huang
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yuhan Zhao
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China; College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Supeng Lv
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Weiguo Wang
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Weili Wang
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Yuanbiao Zhang
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China.
| | - Yunlong Huo
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Xiuwu Sun
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Yaojin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
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10
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Wang L, Jin Y, Weiss DJ, Schleicher NJ, Wilcke W, Wu L, Guo Q, Chen J, O'Connor D, Hou D. Possible application of stable isotope compositions for the identification of metal sources in soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 407:124812. [PMID: 33340973 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Metals in soil are potentially harmful to humans and ecosystems. Stable isotope measurement may provide "fingerprint" information on the sources of metals. In light of the rapid progress in this emerging field, we present a state-of-the-art overview of how useful stable isotopes are in soil metal source identification. Distinct isotope signals in different sources are the key prerequisites for source apportionment. In this context, Zn and Cd isotopes are particularly helpful for the identification of combustion-related industrial sources, since high-temperature evaporation-condensation would largely fractionate the isotopes of both elements. The mass-independent fractionation of Hg isotopes during photochemical reactions allows for the identification of atmospheric sources. However, compared with traditionally used Sr and Pb isotopes for source tracking whose variations are due to the radiogenic processes, the biogeochemical low-temperature fractionation of Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg and Tl isotopes renders much uncertainty, since large intra-source variations may overlap the distinct signatures of inter-source variations (i.e., blur the source signals). Stable isotope signatures of non-metallic elements can also aid in source identification in an indirect way. In fact, the soils are often contaminated with different elements. In this case, a combination of stable isotope analysis with mineralogical or statistical approaches would provide more accurate results. Furthermore, isotope-based source identification will also be helpful for comprehending the temporal changes of metal accumulation in soil systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuwei Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yuanliang Jin
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Dominik J Weiss
- Department of Earth Science & Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom; Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, New York, USA
| | - Nina J Schleicher
- Department of Earth Science & Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Wolfgang Wilcke
- Institute of Geography and Geoecology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Reinhard-Baumeister-Platz 1, Karlsruhe 76131, Germany
| | - Longhua Wu
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Qingjun Guo
- Center for Environmental Remediation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiubin Chen
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - David O'Connor
- School of Real Estate and Land Management, Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, GL7 1RS, United Kingdom
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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11
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Li C, Sun J, Shi J, Liang H, Cao Q, Li Z, Gao Y. Mercury sources in a subterranean spontaneous combustion area. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 201:110863. [PMID: 32544749 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a toxic, persistent, and mobile contaminant. Coal spontaneous combustion are widely distributed in the world and releases a great deal of Hg. Identifying the burning coal seam is crucial for quickly extinguishing a coalfield fire. Mercury isotopes can be effective for identifying burning coal seams and beneficial for combating coal spontaneous combustion. In this study, Hg isotopic ratios of coal, topsoil, dustfall, sand, coal fire sponges (CFS), and n-topsoil (topsoil near the CFS) from coal fire area No. 9 in the Wuda coalfield were determined using multiple-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS). Analysis of the correlation coefficients between the δ202Hg and Hg concentrations and the low-temperature ashes indicate that the higher mineral concentration in coal seam No. 9 not only increases the Hg concentration but also leads to more positive δ202Hg values compared to those for coal seam No. 10. By analyzing the Hg isotope characterizations in coal seam No. 9 and No. 10, we determined that Hg isotope characterizations can be useful for discriminating different coal seam Hg values in a coalfield. Significant mass-dependent fractionation (MDF) occur in the coal burning. The fractionation effect of burning and absorption process can play a key role in the δ202Hg more negative of ground surface samples. If Hg isotopes is added, the effect of coal-fire monitoring may be better. In addition, these finding could be used to better understand the transport and cycling of Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Jiacong Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jiyan Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Handong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Qingyi Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Zhiwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yu Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
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