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Pereira-Garcia C, Sanz-Sáez I, Sánchez P, Coutinho FH, Bravo AG, Sánchez O, Acinas SG. Genomic and transcriptomic characterization of methylmercury detoxification in a deep ocean Alteromonas mediterranea ISS312. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 347:123725. [PMID: 38467369 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is one of the most worrisome pollutants in marine systems. MeHg detoxification is mediated by merB and merA genes, responsible for the demethylation of MeHg and the reduction of inorganic mercury, respectively. Little is known about the biological capacity to detoxify this compound in marine environments, and even less the bacterial transcriptional changes during MeHg detoxification. This study provides the genomic and transcriptomic characterization of the deep ocean bacteria Alteromonas mediterranea ISS312 with capacity for MeHg degradation. Its genome sequence revealed four mer operons containing three merA gene and two merB gene copies, that could be horizontally transferred among distant related genomes by mobile genetic elements. The transcriptomic profiling in the presence of 5 μM MeHg showed that merA and merB genes are within the most expressed genes, although not all mer genes were equally transcribed. Besides, we aimed to identify functional orthologous genes that displayed expression profiles highly similar or identical to those genes within the mer operons, which could indicate they are under the same regulatory controls. We found contrasting expression profiles for each mer operon that were positively correlated with a wide array of functions mostly related to amino acid metabolism, but also to flagellar assembly or two component systems. Also, this study highlights that all merAB genes of the four operons were globally distributed across oceans layers with higher transcriptional activity in the mesopelagic deeper waters. Our study provides new insights about the transcriptional patterns related to the capacity of marine bacteria to detoxify MeHg, with important implications for the understanding of this process in marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Pereira-Garcia
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC, Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, E08003 Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain; Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain.
| | - Isabel Sanz-Sáez
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC, Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, E08003 Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain; Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Pablo Sánchez
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC, Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, E08003 Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Felipe H Coutinho
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC, Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, E08003 Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Andrea G Bravo
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC, Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, E08003 Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Olga Sánchez
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Silvia G Acinas
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC, Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, E08003 Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain.
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Pinzone M, Cransveld A, Tessier E, Bérail S, Schnitzler J, Das K, Amouroux D. Contamination levels and habitat use influence Hg accumulation and stable isotope ratios in the European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 281:117008. [PMID: 33813195 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Hg accumulation in marine organisms depends strongly on in situ water or sediment biogeochemistry and levels of Hg pollution. To predict the rates of Hg exposure in human communities, it is important to understand Hg assimilation and processing within commercially harvested marine fish, like the European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax. Previously, values of Δ199Hg and δ202Hg in muscle tissue successfully discriminated between seven populations of European seabass. In the present study, a multi-tissue approach was developed to assess the underlying processes behind such discrimination. We determined total Hg content (THg), the proportion of monomethyl-Hg (%MeHg), and Hg isotopic composition (e.g. Δ199Hg and δ202Hg) in seabass liver. We compared this to the previously published data on muscle tissue and local anthropogenic Hg inputs. The first important finding of this study showed an increase of both %MeHg and δ202Hg values in muscle compared to liver in all populations, suggesting the occurrence of internal MeHg demethylation in seabass. This is the first evidence of such a process occurring in this species. Values for mass-dependent (MDF, δ202Hg) and mass-independent (MIF, Δ199Hg) isotopic fractionation in liver and muscle accorded with data observed in estuarine fish (MDF, 0-1‰ and MIF, 0-0.7‰). Black Sea seabass stood out from other regions, presenting higher MIF values (≈1.5‰) in muscle and very low MDF (≈-1‰) in liver. This second finding suggests that under low Hg bioaccumulation, Hg isotopic composition may allow the detection of a shift in the habitat use of juvenile fish, such as for first-year Black Sea seabass. Our study supports the multi-tissue approach as a valid tool for refining the analysis of Hg sourcing and metabolism in a marine fish. The study's major outcome indicates that Hg levels of pollution and fish foraging location are the main factors influencing Hg species accumulation and isotopic fractionation in the organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Pinzone
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège, B6c Allée du 6 Août, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Alice Cransveld
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège, B6c Allée du 6 Août, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Tessier
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux (IPREM), Technopôle Helioparc, 2 Avenue Pierre Angot, 64053, Pau Cedex 09, France
| | - Sylvain Bérail
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux (IPREM), Technopôle Helioparc, 2 Avenue Pierre Angot, 64053, Pau Cedex 09, France
| | - Joseph Schnitzler
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège, B6c Allée du 6 Août, 4000, Liège, Belgium; Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine of Hannover, Foundation, Werftstraße 6, 25761, Büsum, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - Krishna Das
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège, B6c Allée du 6 Août, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
| | - David Amouroux
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux (IPREM), Technopôle Helioparc, 2 Avenue Pierre Angot, 64053, Pau Cedex 09, France
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von Schneidemesser E, Driscoll C, Rieder HE, Schiferl LD. How will air quality effects on human health, crops and ecosystems change in the future? PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2020; 378:20190330. [PMID: 32981439 PMCID: PMC7536027 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2019.0330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Future air quality will be driven by changes in air pollutant emissions, but also changes in climate. Here, we review the recent literature on future air quality scenarios and projected changes in effects on human health, crops and ecosystems. While there is overlap in the scenarios and models used for future projections of air quality and climate effects on human health and crops, similar efforts have not been widely conducted for ecosystems. Few studies have conducted joint assessments across more than one sector. Improvements in future air quality effects on human health are seen in emission reduction scenarios that are more ambitious than current legislation. Larger impacts result from changing particulate matter (PM) abundances than ozone burdens. Future global health burdens are dominated by changes in the Asian region. Expected future reductions in ozone outside of Asia will allow for increased crop production. Reductions in PM, although associated with much higher uncertainty, could offset some of this benefit. The responses of ecosystems to air pollution and climate change are long-term, complex, and interactive, and vary widely across biomes and over space and time. Air quality and climate policy should be linked or at least considered holistically, and managed as a multi-media problem. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Air quality, past present and future'.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles Driscoll
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Harald E. Rieder
- Institute of Meteorology and Climatology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Gregor-Mendel Strasse 33, 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - Luke D. Schiferl
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, Palisades, NY 10964, USA
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Kabamba M, Tuakuila J. Toxic metal (Cd, Hg, Mn, Pb) partition in the maternal/foetal unit: A systematic mini - review of recent epidemiological studies. Toxicol Lett 2020; 332:20-26. [PMID: 32569801 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to summarise the available information regarding the partition of toxic metal (Cd, Hg, Mn, Pb) levels in the maternal/foetal unit from large epidemiological studies. We performed a systematic search of PubMed/MedLine, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Science for papers on Cd, total Hg, Mn or Pb levels in the maternal/cord blood that were published in English (n > = 200; 2010-2017). Data on year of publication, sample size, location, year of survey, and main results were extracted. We found a total of 35 papers. Most studies included large convenience samples of healthy pregnant women. The maternal/cord blood was properly used as a biomarker of prenatal exposure to toxic metals. The partition of these toxic metal levels in the maternal/foetal unit was metal-specific. Cd median levels (IQR) in cord blood reported worldwide were much lower [∼ 70 % < LOD = ± 0.11 μg/L] than those found in maternal blood [0.23 μg/L (0.15-0.35), ∼ 65 % > LOD]. Considering that Cd was under LOD in 70 % of the cord blood, Cd cord:maternal ratio as well as Cd cord proportion were not provided. Total Hg median levels (IQR) in cord blood [0.75 μg/L (0.40-1.19), ∼30 % < LOD = ±0.35 μg/L] were usually higher than in maternal blood [0.55 μg/L (0.40-0.85), ∼ 10 % < LOD = ±0.15 μg/L]. Hg cord:maternal ratio was 1.34 (1.00-1.91), and infants born would have Hg cord:(cord + maternal) proportion ranged from 0.50 to 0.63. Mn was the only metal that was detected in 100 % in both maternal (LOD : ±0.50 μg/L) and cord (LOD = ±0.2 μg/L) blood. Mn median levels (IQR) in cord blood [32.96 μg/L (26.90-40.10)] were 2 times higher than in maternal blood [14.01 μg/L (11.50-17.58)]. Mn cord:maternal ratio was 2.35 (1.09-3.80), and infants born would have Mn proportion ranged from 0.52 to 0.79. Pb median levels (IQR) in cord blood [5.79 μg/L (4.34-8.38), ∼ 5% < LOD : ±2.07 μg/L] were usually equal to or lower than those reported in maternal blood [8.07 μg/L (5.79-10.76), ∼ 1% < LOD = ±1.03 μg/L]. Pb cord:maternal ratio was 0.71 (0.59-0.96), and infants born would have Pb proportion ranged from 0.37 to 0.49. Globally, the results indicate that total Hg and Mn levels were lower in maternal blood but higher in cord blood. However, much greater variability was seen with Cd and Pb. At delivery, total Hg and Pb levels in maternal blood were strong predictors of cord blood levels. Our findings empty that understanding the partition, levels and correlations of toxic metals in the maternal/cord blood may help to elucidate the adverse effects of these metals on foetuses and neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kabamba
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - J Tuakuila
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada.
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Lim JW, Kim TY, Lim MC, Choi SW, Woo MA. Portable Pumpless 3D-Printed Chip for On-Site Colorimetric Screening of Hg2+ in Lake Water. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s13206-019-4205-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Chen L, Liang S, Liu M, Yi Y, Mi Z, Zhang Y, Li Y, Qi J, Meng J, Tang X, Zhang H, Tong Y, Zhang W, Wang X, Shu J, Yang Z. Trans-provincial health impacts of atmospheric mercury emissions in China. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1484. [PMID: 30940811 PMCID: PMC6445112 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09080-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) exposure poses substantial risks to human health. Investigating a longer chain from economic activities to human health can reveal the sources and critical processes of Hg-related health risks. Thus, we develop a more comprehensive assessment method which is applied to mainland China-the largest global Hg emitter. We present a map of Hg-related health risks in China and estimate that 0.14 points of per-foetus intelligence quotient (IQ) decrements and 7,360 deaths from fatal heart attacks are related to the intake of methylmercury in 2010. This study, for the first time, reveals the significant impacts of interprovincial trade on Hg-related health risks across the whole country. For instance, interprovincial trade induced by final consumption prevents 0.39 × 10-2 points for per-foetus IQ decrements and 194 deaths from fatal heart attacks. These findings highlight the importance of policy decisions in different stages of economic supply chains to reduce Hg-related health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Chen
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Sai Liang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, People's Republic of China.
| | - Maodian Liu
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujun Yi
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhifu Mi
- The Bartlett School of Construction and Project Management, University College London, London, WC1E 7HB, UK.
| | - Yanxu Zhang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Yumeng Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianchuan Qi
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Meng
- Department of Politics and International Studies, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 9DT, UK
| | - Xi Tang
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoran Zhang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Yindong Tong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, 100872, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuejun Wang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiong Shu
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhifeng Yang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, People's Republic of China. .,Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, People's Republic of China.
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Chen CY, Driscoll CT, Eagles-Smith CA, Eckley CS, Gay DA, Hsu-Kim H, Keane SE, Kirk JL, Mason RP, Obrist D, Selin H, Selin NE, Thompson MR. A Critical Time for Mercury Science to Inform Global Policy. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:9556-9561. [PMID: 30067020 PMCID: PMC6200401 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b02286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a global pollutant released into the biosphere by varied human activities including coal combustion, mining, artisanal gold mining, cement production, and chemical production. Once released to air, land and water, the addition of carbon atoms to mercury by bacteria results in the production of methylmercury, the toxic form that bioaccumulates in aquatic and terrestrial food chains resulting in elevated exposure to humans and wildlife. Global recognition of the mercury contamination problem has resulted in the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which came into force in 2017. The treaty aims to protect human health and the environment from human-generated releases of mercury curtailing its movement and transformations in the biosphere. Coincident with the treaty's coming into force, the 13th International Conference of Mercury as a Global Pollutant (ICMGP-13) was held in Providence, Rhode Island USA. At ICMGP-13, cutting edge research was summarized and presented to address questions relating to global and regional sources and cycling of mercury, how that mercury is methylated, the effects of mercury exposure on humans and wildlife, and the science needed for successful implementation of the Minamata Convention. Human activities have the potential to enhance mercury methylation by remobilizing previously released mercury, and increasing methylation efficiency. This synthesis concluded that many of the most important factors influencing the fate and effects of mercury and its more toxic form, methylmercury, stem from environmental changes that are much broader in scope than mercury releases alone. Alterations of mercury cycling, methylmercury bioavailability and trophic transfer due to climate and land use changes remain critical uncertainties in effective implementation of the Minamata Convention. In the face of these uncertainties, important policy and management actions are needed over the short-term to support the control of mercury releases to land, water and air. These include adequate monitoring and communication on risk from exposure to various forms of inorganic mercury as well as methylmercury from fish and rice consumption. Successful management of global and local mercury pollution will require integration of mercury research and policy in a changing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Y Chen
- Dartmouth College , Department of Biological Sciences , Hanover , New Hampshire 03755 United States
| | - Charles T Driscoll
- Syracuse University , Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering , Syracuse , New York 13244 United States
| | | | - Chris S Eckley
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Region-10 , Seattle , Washington 98101 United States
| | - David A Gay
- University of Wisconsin , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 United States
| | - Heileen Hsu-Kim
- Duke University , Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering , Durham , North Carolina 27708 United States
| | - Susan E Keane
- Natural Resources Defense Council , Washington , D.C. 20005 United States
| | - Jane L Kirk
- Environment and Climate Change, Canada , Burlington , ON L7P2X3 Canada
| | - Robert P Mason
- University of Connecticut , Department of Marine Sciences , Groton , Connecticut 06340 United States
| | - Daniel Obrist
- University of Massachusetts, Lowell , Department of Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences , Lowell , Massachusetts 01854 United States
| | - Henrik Selin
- Boston University , Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies , Boston , Massachusetts 02215 United States
| | - Noelle E Selin
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society , Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences , Boston , Massachusetts 02139 United States
| | - Marcella R Thompson
- University of Rhode Island , College of Nursing , Providence , Rhode Island 02903 United States
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Seelen EA, Massey GM, Mason RP. Role of Sediment Resuspension on Estuarine Suspended Particulate Mercury Dynamics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:7736-7744. [PMID: 29927238 PMCID: PMC6051696 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b01920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Coastal sediments are an important site for transient and long-term mercury (Hg) storage, and they foster a geochemical environment optimal for Hg methylation. Therefore, efforts have been taken to constrain the role of sediments as a source of methylmercury (MeHg) to the estuarine water column. This study employed the Gust Microcosm Erosion Core system capable of quantifying particle removal from undisturbed cores under measurable shear stress conditions to assess particulate Hg and MeHg exchange between sediments and the water column. Samples were collected from organic-rich and organic-poor sediment types from the mid- and lower Delaware Bay. It was found that bulk sediment samples from organic-rich systems overpredict total Hg and MeHg release to the water column, whereas organic-poor sediments underpredict the exchange. In general, organic-rich sediments in shallow environments have the most impact on surface particle dynamics. There is little evidence to suggest that MeHg formed in the sediments is released to the water column via particulate exchange, and therefore, nonsedimentary sources likely control MeHg levels in this estuarine water column.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Seelen
- University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Science, Groton, CT 06340 United States
- Corresponding Author
| | - Grace M. Massey
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Department of Physical Sciences, Gloucester Point, VA 23062 United States
| | - Robert P. Mason
- University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Science, Groton, CT 06340 United States
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Petranich E, Covelli S, Acquavita A, Faganeli J, Horvat M, Contin M. Evaluation of mercury biogeochemical cycling at the sediment-water interface in anthropogenically modified lagoon environments. J Environ Sci (China) 2018; 68:5-23. [PMID: 29908744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2017.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The Marano and Grado Lagoon is well known for being contaminated by mercury (Hg) from the Idrija mine (Slovenia) and the decommissioned chlor-alkali plant of Torviscosa (Italy). Experimental activities were conducted in a local fish farm to understand Hg cycling at the sediment-water interface. Both diffusive and benthic fluxes were estimated in terms of chemical and physical features. Mercury concentration in sediments (up to 6.81μg/g) showed a slight variability with depth, whereas the highest methylmercury (MeHg) values (up to 10ng/g) were detected in the first centimetres. MeHg seems to be produced and stored in the 2-3cm below the sediment-water interface, where sulphate reducing bacteria activity occurs and hypoxic-anoxic conditions become persistent for days. DMeHg in porewaters varied seasonally (from 0.1 and 17% of dissolved Hg (DHg)) with the highest concentrations in summer. DHg diffusive effluxes higher (up to 444ng/m2/day) than those reported in the open lagoon (~95ng/m2/day), whereas DMeHg showed influxes in the fish farm (up to -156ng/m2/day). The diurnal DHg and DMeHg benthic fluxes were found to be higher than the highest summer values previously reported for the natural lagoon environment. Bottom sediments, especially in anoxic conditions, seem to be a significant source of MeHg in the water column where it eventually accumulates. However, net fluxes considering the daily trend of DHg and DMeHg, indicated possible DMeHg degradation processes. Enhancing water dynamics in the fish farm could mitigate environmental conditions suitable for Hg methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Petranich
- Dipartimento di Matematica e Geoscienze, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via Weiss 2, 34128 Trieste, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, 34128 Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefano Covelli
- Dipartimento di Matematica e Geoscienze, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Via Weiss 2, 34128 Trieste, Italy; CoN.I.S.Ma. Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Acquavita
- Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione Ambientale del Friuli Venezia Giulia, ARPA FVG, Via Cairoli 14, 33057 Palmanova (Udine), Italy
| | | | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marco Contin
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agro-Alimentari, Ambientali e Animali, Università di Udine, Via delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Y. Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA
| | - Charles T. Driscoll
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244 USA
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Soerensen AL, Schartup AT, Gustafsson E, Gustafsson BG, Undeman E, Björn E. Eutrophication Increases Phytoplankton Methylmercury Concentrations in a Coastal Sea-A Baltic Sea Case Study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:11787-11796. [PMID: 27704806 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b02717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Eutrophication is expanding worldwide, but its implication for production and bioaccumulation of neurotoxic monomethylmercury (MeHg) is unknown. We developed a mercury (Hg) biogeochemical model for the Baltic Sea and used it to investigate the impact of eutrophication on phytoplankton MeHg concentrations. For model evaluation, we measured total methylated Hg (MeHgT) in the Baltic Sea and found low concentrations (39 ± 16 fM) above the halocline and high concentrations in anoxic waters (1249 ± 369 fM). To close the Baltic Sea MeHgT budget, we inferred an average normoxic water column HgII methylation rate constant of 2 × 10-4 d-1. We used the model to compare Baltic Sea's present-day (2005-2014) eutrophic state to an oligo/mesotrophic scenario. Eutrophication increases primary production and export of organic matter and associated Hg to the sediment effectively removing Hg from the active biogeochemical cycle; this results in a 27% lower present-day water column Hg reservoir. However, increase in organic matter production and remineralization stimulates microbial Hg methylation resulting in a seasonal increase in both water and phytoplankton MeHg reservoirs above the halocline. Previous studies of systems dominated by external MeHg sources or benthic production found eutrophication to decrease MeHg levels in plankton. This Baltic Sea study shows that in systems with MeHg production in the normoxic water column eutrophication can increase phytoplankton MeHg content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne L Soerensen
- Stockholm University , Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden
| | - Amina T Schartup
- Harvard University , John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Erik Gustafsson
- Stockholm University , Baltic Nest Institute, Baltic Sea Centre, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden
| | - Bo G Gustafsson
- Stockholm University , Baltic Nest Institute, Baltic Sea Centre, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden
| | - Emma Undeman
- Stockholm University , Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden
- Stockholm University , Baltic Nest Institute, Baltic Sea Centre, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden
| | - Erik Björn
- Umeå University , Department of Chemistry, Umeå SE-901 87, Sweden
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12
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Surface water quality in a water run-off canal system: A case study in Jubail Industrial City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Heliyon 2016; 2:e00128. [PMID: 27441298 PMCID: PMC4946308 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2016.e00128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Water quality in a run-off canal system in an industrial area was evaluated for a range of physical and chemical properties comprising trace metals (including mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), salinity, pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and dissolved oxygen). High concentrations of potassium (K) (1.260–2.345 mg/l) and calcium (Ca) (19.170–35510 mg/l) demonstrated that the salinity in the water was high, which indicates that industrial effluents from fertilizer manufacturing and Chlor-alkali units are being discharged into the canal system. Almost all the metal concentrations in water and sediment were within the thresholds established by the local regulatory body. Concentrations of Cr (0.0154–0.0184 mg/l), Mn (0.0608–0.199 mg/l), Fe (0.023–0.035 mg/l), COD (807–916 mg/l), and turbidity (633 ± 15–783 ± 22 NTU) were high where the canal discharges into the Persian Gulf; these discharges may compromise the health of the aquatic ecosystem. There is concern about the levels of Hg in water (0.00135–0.0084 mg/l), suspended sediment (0.00308–0.0096 mg/l), and bed sediment (0.00172–0.00442 mg/l) because of the bio-accumulative nature of Hg. We also compared the total Hg concentrations in fish from Jubail, and two nearby cities. Hg contents were highest in fish tissues from Jubail. This is the first time that heavy metal pollution has been assessed in this water run-off canal system; information about Hg is of particular interest and will form the basis of an Hg database for the area that will be useful for future investigations.
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13
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Bosch AC, O'Neill B, Sigge GO, Kerwath SE, Hoffman LC. Mercury accumulation in Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) with regards to muscle type, muscle position and fish size. Food Chem 2015. [PMID: 26212981 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.05.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The concentrations and relationships between individual mercury species and total mercury were investigated in different muscle parts and sizes of Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares). Fourteen Yellowfin tuna caught in the South Atlantic off the coast of South Africa had an average total Hg (tHg) concentration of 0.77 mg/kg wet weight. No differences were detected (p > 0.05) in tHg, MethylHg (MeHg) or inorganic Hg (iHg) accumulation among the four white muscle portions across the carcass, but both tHg and iHg were found in higher concentrations (p < 0.001) in dark muscle than white muscle. Positive linear correlations with fish weight were found for both tHg (r = 0.79, p < 0.001) and MeHg (r = 0.75, p < 0.001) concentrations. A prediction model was formulated to calculate toxic MeHg concentrations from measured tHg concentrations and fish weight (cMeHg = 0.073 + 1.365 · tHg-0.008 · w). As sampling sites and subsampling methods could affect toxicity measurements, we provide recommendations for sampling guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina C Bosch
- Department of Food Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Bernadette O'Neill
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Gunnar O Sigge
- Department of Food Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Sven E Kerwath
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Private Bag X2, Rogge Bay 8012, South Africa
| | - Louwrens C Hoffman
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
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14
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Horvat M, Degenek N, Lipej L, Snoj Tratnik J, Faganeli J. Trophic transfer and accumulation of mercury in ray species in coastal waters affected by historic mercury mining (Gulf of Trieste, northern Adriatic Sea). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 21:4163-4176. [PMID: 24234756 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-2262-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/20/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Total mercury (Hg) and monomethylmercury (MMHg) were analysed in the gills, liver and muscle of four cartilaginous fish species (top predators), namely, the eagle ray (Myliobatis aquila), the bull ray (Pteromylaeus bovinus), the pelagic stingray (Dasyatis violacea) and the common stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca), collected in the Gulf of Trieste, one of the most Hg-polluted areas in the Mediterranean and worldwide due to past mining activity in Idrija (West Slovenia). The highest Hg and MMHg concentrations expressed on a dry weight (d.w.) basis were found in the muscle of the pelagic stingray (mean, 2.529 mg/kg; range, 1.179-4.398 mg/kg, d.w.), followed by the bull ray (mean, 1.582 mg/kg; range, 0.129-3.050 mg/kg d.w.) and the eagle ray (mean, 0.222 mg/kg; range, 0.070-0.467 mg/kg, d.w.). Only one specimen of the common stingray was analysed, with a mean value in the muscle of 1.596 mg/kg, d.w. Hg and MMHg contents in the bull ray were found to be positively correlated with species length and weight. The highest MMHg accumulation was found in muscle tissue. Hg and MMHg were also found in two embryos of a bull ray, indicating Hg transfer from the mother during pregnancy. The number of specimens and the size coverage of the bull rays allowed an assessment of Hg accumulation with age. It was shown that in bigger bull ray specimens, the high uptake of inorganic Hg in the liver and the slower MMHg increase in the muscle were most probably due to the demethylation of MMHg in the liver. The highest Hg and MMHg contents in all organs were found in the pelagic stingray, which first appeared in the northern Adriatic in 1999. High Hg and MMHg concentrations were also found in prey species such as the banded murex (Hexaplex trunculus), the principal prey of the eagle rays and bull rays, the anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus) and the red bandfish (Cepola rubescens), which are preyed upon by the pelagic stingray, as well as in zooplankton and seawater. Based on previously published data, a tentative estimation of MMHg bioamagnification was established. The average increase in MMHg between seawater, including phytoplankton, and zooplankton in the Gulf was about 10(4), and MMHg in anchovy was about 50-fold higher than in zooplankton. The bioaccumulation of MMHg between seawater and small pelagic fish (anchovy) amounted to 10(6) and between water and the muscle of larger pelagic fish (pelagic stingray) to 10(7). The MMHg increase between surface sediment and benthic invertebrates (murex) and between benthic invertebrates and small benthic fish was 10(2). Ultimately, the trophic transfer resulted in a 10(3) accumulation of MMHg between water and muscle of larger benthic fish (bull ray, eagle ray, common stingray), suggesting lower bioaccumulation by benthic feeding species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia,
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15
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Chen CY, Borsuk ME, Bugge DM, Hollweg T, Balcom PH, Ward DM, Williams J, Mason RP. Benthic and pelagic pathways of methylmercury bioaccumulation in estuarine food webs of the northeast United States. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89305. [PMID: 24558491 PMCID: PMC3928433 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a contaminant of global concern that bioaccumulates and bioamagnifies in marine food webs. Lower trophic level fauna are important conduits of MeHg from sediment and water to estuarine and coastal fish harvested for human consumption. However, the sources and pathways of MeHg to these coastal fisheries are poorly known particularly the potential for transfer of MeHg from the sediment to biotic compartments. Across a broad gradient of human land impacts, we analyzed MeHg concentrations in food webs at ten estuarine sites in the Northeast US (from the Hackensack Meadowlands, NJ to the Gulf of Maine). MeHg concentrations in water column particulate material, but not in sediments, were predictive of MeHg concentrations in fish (killifish and Atlantic silversides). Moreover, MeHg concentrations were higher in pelagic fauna than in benthic-feeding fauna suggesting that MeHg delivery to the water column from methylation sites from within or outside of the estuary may be an important driver of MeHg bioaccumulation in estuarine pelagic food webs. In contrast, bulk sediment MeHg concentrations were only predictive of concentrations of MeHg in the infaunal worms. Our results across a broad gradient of sites demonstrate that the pathways of MeHg to lower trophic level estuarine organisms are distinctly different between benthic deposit feeders and forage fish. Thus, even in systems with contaminated sediments, transfer of MeHg into estuarine food webs maybe driven more by the efficiency of processes that determine MeHg input and bioavailability in the water column.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Y. Chen
- Dartmouth College, Department of Biological Sciences, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Mark E. Borsuk
- Dartmouth College, Thayer School of Engineering, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Deenie M. Bugge
- Dartmouth College, Department of Biological Sciences, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Terill Hollweg
- Stratus Consulting, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Prentiss H. Balcom
- University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Science, Groton, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Darren M. Ward
- Humboldt State University, Department of Fisheries Biology, Arcata, California, United States of America
| | - Jason Williams
- Washington State University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Robert P. Mason
- University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Science, Groton, Connecticut, United States of America
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Cardoso PG, Marques SC, D'Ambrosio M, Pereira E, Duarte AC, Azeiteiro UM, Pardal MÂ. Changes in zooplankton communities along a mercury contamination gradient in a coastal lagoon (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2013; 76:170-7. [PMID: 24064374 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Revised: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 09/01/2013] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The main objective of this paper was to evaluate the impact of mercury on the zooplankton communities' structure and functioning and their bioaccumulation patterns along a contamination gradient in a temperate coastal lagoon. Our results demonstrated that total abundance was not negatively affected by Hg contamination, since the most contaminated areas presented the highest values, being the copepod Acartia tonsa the dominant species, which means that it is a very well adapted and tolerant species to mercury. Nevertheless, negative effects were observed in terms of species diversity, since the most contaminated areas presented the lowest values of species richness, evenness and heterogeneity. Moreover, the spatial mercury gradient was reflected on the bioaccumulation patterns of the zooplankton communities. This reinforces the idea that zooplankton can be considered as an important vehicle of mercury transfer through the food pelagic web since it constitutes a primordial food resource for several commercial fish species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Gonçalves Cardoso
- IMAR - Institute of Marine Research, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
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