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Sun S, Ma M, Guo J, He X, Yin X, Sun T, Zhang Q, Kang S. Westerlies-driven transboundary transport of atmospheric mercury to the north-central Tibetan Plateau. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 932:173135. [PMID: 38734088 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The transboundary mercury (Hg) pollution has caused adverse effects on fragile ecosystems of the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Yet, knowledge of transport paths and source regions of atmospheric Hg on the inland TP remains poor. Continuous measurements of atmospheric total gaseous mercury (TGM) were conducted in the central TP (Tanggula station, 5100 m a.s.l., June-October). Atmospheric TGM level at Tanggula station (1.90 ± 0.30 ng m-3) was higher than the background level in the Northern Hemisphere. The identified high-potential source regions of atmospheric TGM were primarily located in the northern South Asia region. TGM concentrations were lower during the Indian summer monsoon (ISM)-dominant period (1.81 ± 0.25 ng m-3) than those of the westerly-receding period (2.18 ± 0.40 ng m-3) and westerly-intensifying period (1.91 ± 0.26 ng m-3), contrary to the seasonal pattern in southern TP. The distinct TGM minima during the ISM-dominant period indicated lesser importance of ISM-transported Hg to Tanggula station located in the northern boundary of ISM intrusion, compared to stations in proximity to South and Southeast Asia source regions. Instead, from the ISM-dominant period to the westerly-intensifying period, TGM concentrations showed an increasing trend as westerlies intensified, indicating the key role of westerlies in transboundary transport of atmospheric Hg to the inland TP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, CAS, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ming Ma
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Junming Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, CAS, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiaobo He
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Lanzhou 730000, China; Tanggula Cryosphere and Environment Observation Station, State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiufeng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, CAS, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Tao Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qianggong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, CAS, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shichang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, CAS, Lanzhou 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Hudelson K, Muir DCG, Köck G, Wang X, Kirk JL, Lehnherr I. Mercury at the top of the world: A 31-year record of mercury in Arctic char in the largest High Arctic lake, linked to atmospheric mercury concentrations and climate oscillations. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122466. [PMID: 37689133 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122466] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Lake Hazen, the largest lake north of the Arctic circle, is being impacted by mercury (Hg) pollution and climate change. The lake is inhabited by two morphotypes of land-locked Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus), a sensitive indicator species for pollution and climatic impacts. The objectives of this study were to describe the trends in Hg concentration over time and to determine the relationship of climate to length-at-age and Hg concentrations in each char morphotype, as well as the relationship to atmospheric Hg measurements at a nearby monitoring station. Results for Hg in char muscle were available from 20 sampling years over the period 1990 to 2021. We found significant declines in Hg concentrations for both morphotypes during the 31-year study period. Increased rain and earlier freeze-up of lake ice during the summer growing season was linked to increased length-at-age in both char morphotypes. For the large morphotype, higher total gaseous Hg in the fall and winter seasons was related to higher concentrations of Hg in char, while increased glacial runoff was related to decreases in char Hg. For the small morphotype char, increased snow and snow accumulation in the fall season were linked to declines in char Hg concentration. The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and Arctic Oscillation were positively related to the large char Hg trend and Arctic Oscillation was positively related to the small char Hg trend. Significant trend relationships between atmospheric Hg and Hg in biota in remote regions are rare and uniquely valuable for evaluation of the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention and related monitoring efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Derek C G Muir
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1; Environment & Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, Canada, L7S 1A1.
| | - Günter Köck
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Mountain Research (ÖAW-IGF), A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Xiaowa Wang
- Environment & Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, Canada, L7S 1A1.
| | - Jane L Kirk
- Environment & Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, Canada, L7S 1A1.
| | - Igor Lehnherr
- Department of Geography, Geomatics and Environment, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 1C6, Canada.
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Land Surface Snow Phenology Based on an Improved Downscaling Method in the Southern Gansu Plateau, China. REMOTE SENSING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/rs14122848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Snow is involved in and influences water–energy processes at multiple scales. Studies on land surface snow phenology are an important part of cryosphere science and are a hot spot in the hydrological community. In this study, we improved a statistical downscaling method by introducing a spatial probability distribution function to obtain regional snow depth data with higher spatial resolution. Based on this, the southern Gansu Plateau (SGP), an important water source region in the upper reaches of the Yellow River, was taken as a study area to quantify regional land surface snow phenology variation, together with a discussion of their responses to land surface terrain and local climate, during the period from 2003 to 2018. The results revealed that the improved downscaling method was satisfactory for snow depth data reprocessing according to comparisons with gauge-based data. The downscaled snow depth data were used to conduct spatial analysis and it was found that snow depth was on average larger and maintained longer in areas with higher altitudes, varying and decreasing with a shortened persistence time. Snow was also found more on steeper terrain, although it was indistinguishable among various aspects. The former is mostly located at high altitudes in the SGP, where lower temperatures and higher precipitation provide favorable conditions for snow accumulation. Climatically, factors such as precipitation, solar radiation, and air temperature had significantly singular effectiveness on land surface snow phenology. Precipitation was positively correlated with snow accumulation and maintenance, while solar radiation and air temperature functioned negatively. Comparatively, the quantity of snow was more sensitive to solar radiation, while its persistence was more sensitive to air temperature, especially extremely low temperatures. This study presents an example of data and methods to analyze regional land surface snow phenology dynamics, and the results may provide references for better understanding water formation, distribution, and evolution in alpine water source areas.
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Kim J, Kwon SY, Kim K, Han S. Import, export, and speciation of mercury in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard: Influences of glacier melt and river discharge. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 179:113693. [PMID: 35525059 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113693] [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: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The major sources and sinks of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in Kongsfjorden were estimated based on spreadsheet-based ecological risk assessment for the fate of mercury (SERAFM). SERAFM was parameterized and calibrated to fit Kongsfjorden using the physical properties of the fjord, runoff coefficients of Hg, transformation rate constants of Hg, partition coefficients of Hg, Hg loadings from freshwater, and solid balance parameters. The modeled Hg concentrations in the seawater matched with the measured concentrations, with a mean bias of 12% and a calibration error of 0.035. The mass budget showed that the major THg sources were tidal inflow and glacial runoff, while the major MeHg sources were tidal inflow and in situ methylation in shallow halocline water, which agreed with the distributions of THg and MeHg in seawater. The coupling of observation and fate modeling in Kongsfjorden provides a basic understanding of Hg cycles in the Arctic fjords.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihee Kim
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae Yun Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Kitae Kim
- Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI), Incheon 21990, Republic of Korea; Department of Polar Science, University of Science and Technology, Incheon 21990, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghee Han
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea.
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Liu Y, Wang J, Guo J, Wang L, Wu Q. Vertical distribution characteristics of soil mercury and its formation mechanism in permafrost regions: A case study of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. J Environ Sci (China) 2022; 113:311-321. [PMID: 34963540 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2021.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Continuing permafrost degradation is increasing the risk of mercury (Hg) exposure in the permafrost regions on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), but related studies are still limited, especially the ones on the detailed Hg migration processes in permafrost. The vertical distribution characteristics of soil Hg were investigated in three ecosystems in the Beiluhe area on the QTP, and its influencing factors and formation mechanism were investigated. The results indicate that the total soil mercury (THg) concentration in the Beiluhe area remains at an extremely low level (6.33 ± 2.45 ng/g). In the vertical profile, the THg concentration of the shallow soil layer (0-50 cm) (5.96 ± 2.22 ng/g) is significantly lower than that of the deep layer (50-400 cm) (7.44 ± 2.71 ng/g) (p < 0.05). Within the upper 50 cm, the THg concentration decreases with soil depth, and the peak THg concentration occurs at 100-300 cm on the entire profile. Although the THg concentration is slightly affected by the organic matter in the shallow soil layer, in general, the soil parent material is the dominant factor affecting the THg concentration. Intense weathering results in a low THg concentration in the shallow soil layer because the soil Hg is carried downward with the soil moisture. To a certain depth, the impermeable frozen soil layer intercepts the flow of the soil Hg, and it forms a Hg enrichment layer. This paper presents the distinctive pattern of the soil Hg distribution in the permafrost regions of the QTP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Junming Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Luyang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qingbai Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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Paudyal R, Kang S, Guo J, Tripathee L, Sharma CM, Huang J, Li Y, Yan F, Wang K, Chen J, Qin X, Sillanpaa M. Mercury sources and physicochemical characteristics in ice, snow, and meltwater of the Laohugou Glacier Basin, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:51530-51543. [PMID: 33987720 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14334-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this work, samples of surface snow, surface ice, snow pit and meltwater from the Laohugou Glacier No. 12 on the northern edge of Tibetan Plateau (TP) were collected during the summer of 2015. The average concentration of Hg in surface snow/ice was 22.41 ng L-1, while the percentage of dissolved mercury (HgD) was observed to be around 26%. An altitudinal magnification of Hg was not observed for surface snow; however, in contrast, a significant positive magnification of Hg with altitude was observed in the surface ice. A higher concentration of Hg corresponded with the dust layer of the snow pit. It was observed that about 42% of Hg was lost from the surface snow when the glacier was exposed to sunlight within the first 24 h indicating some Hg was emitted back to the atmosphere while some were percolated downwards. The result from the principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the sources of Hg in Laohugou Glacier No. 12 were from crustal and biomass burning. Finally, it was estimated that total export of Hg from the outlet river of Laohugou glacier No. 12 in the year 2015 was about 1439.46 g yr-1 with yield of 22.77 μg m2 yr-1. This study provides valuable insights for understanding the behavior of Hg in the glacier of the northern Tibetan Plateau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukumesh Paudyal
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donggang West Rd. 320, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Himalayan Environment Research Institute (HERI), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Shichang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donggang West Rd. 320, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Junming Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donggang West Rd. 320, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Lekhendra Tripathee
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donggang West Rd. 320, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Himalayan Environment Research Institute (HERI), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Chhatra Mani Sharma
- Himalayan Environment Research Institute (HERI), Kathmandu, Nepal
- Central Department of Environmental Science, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Jie Huang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Fangping Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donggang West Rd. 320, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Laboratory of Green Chemistry, Lappeenranta University of Technology, 50130, Mikkeli, Finland
| | - Kun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donggang West Rd. 320, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Jizu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donggang West Rd. 320, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xiang Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donggang West Rd. 320, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Qilian Shan Station of Glaciology and Ecological Environment, Chinese Academy of Science, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mika Sillanpaa
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Vietnam
- Faculty of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Vietnam
- School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, West Street, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350, Australia
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Sun X, Zhang Q, Li M, Kandel K, Rawat B, Pandey A, Guo J, Kang S, Pant RR, Cong Z, Zhang F. Mercury variation and export in trans-Himalayan rivers: Insights from field observations in the Koshi River. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 738:139836. [PMID: 32526422 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Strengthening the research of riverine mercury (Hg) export is of great significance for understanding the regional and global Hg cycle, especially for the data lacking trans-Himalayan rivers. In this study, three systematic sampling campaigns were conducted in the Koshi River Basin (KRB) during the post-monsoon, pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons. Hg speciation and distribution of river water were analyzed among the different seasons for a total of 88 water samples. The total Hg (THg) concentration of surface water in the KRB ranged from 0.64 to 32.96 ng·L-1 with an average of 5.83 ± 6.19 ng·L-1 and decreased in the order of post-monsoon (8.79 ± 7.32 ng·L-1) > monsoon (6.68 ± 6.12 ng·L-1) > pre-monsoon (2.18 ± 1.29 ng·L-1). Particulate Hg (PHg) accounted for 63% of THg on average and had a positive correlation with THg among all the three sampling seasons, indicating that the differences in PHg concentration were likely one of the main factors leading to the seasonal and spatial variations in THg in the KRB surface water. The annual Hg exports and fluxes were estimated to be 339.04 kg and 3.88 μg·m-2·yr-1, respectively. Furthermore, Hg export from the KRB had significant seasonal variation and decreased in the order of monsoon (259.47 kg) > post-monsoon (61.18 kg) > winter (9.31 kg) > pre-monsoon (9.08 kg), and this pattern was mainly related to seasonal changes in river runoff. The annual Hg export is projected to increase in the future, especially in the post-monsoon season. Therefore, more attention should be paid to river runoff observations and riverine Hg research for water resources management in the Himalaya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qianggong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Mingyue Li
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Kshitiz Kandel
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bakhat Rawat
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Aastha Pandey
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junming Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shichang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ramesh Raj Pant
- Central Department of Environmental Science, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
| | - Zhiyuan Cong
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Sun S, Ma M, He X, Obrist D, Zhang Q, Yin X, Sun T, Huang J, Guo J, Kang S, Qin D. Vegetation Mediated Mercury Flux and Atmospheric Mercury in the Alpine Permafrost Region of the Central Tibetan Plateau. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:6043-6052. [PMID: 32330020 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b06636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Measurements of land-air mercury (Hg) exchanges over vegetated surfaces are needed to further constrain Hg fluxes over vegetated terrestrial surfaces. Yet, knowledge of land-air Hg dynamics in alpine grasslands remains poor. Hg fluxes over an alpine meadow were measured throughout a full vegetation period in the central Tibetan Plateau (TP). This TP grassland served as a small source of atmospheric total gaseous Hg (TGM) during vegetation period (0.92 μg m-2). Hg fluxes decreased logarithmically during plant growing season, resulting from the influence of vegetation by light shading and plant Hg uptake, although the latter might be minor due to low biomass at this site. Temporal patterns of TGM indicated the importance of land-air dynamics in regulating TGM levels. During the plant emergence, diel pattern of TGM covaried with Hg emission fluxes resulting in lower concentrations at night and higher concentrations in afternoon. During all other vegetation stages, TGM showed minima before dawn and "morning peak" shortly after sunrise, in conjunction with corresponding Hg fluxes showing sink before dawn and source after sunrise. Moreover, TGM concentrations showed a decreasing trend with plant growing, further indicating the role of vegetation in driving seasonal TGM variations by regulating land-air Hg dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS), Lanzhou 730000, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ming Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS), Lanzhou 730000, China
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xiaobo He
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS), Lanzhou 730000, China
- Tanggula Cryosphere and Environment Observation Station, State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Daniel Obrist
- Department of Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Massachusetts 01854, United States
| | - Qianggong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, CAS, Beijing 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiufeng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS), Lanzhou 730000, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tao Sun
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jie Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, CAS, Beijing 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Junming Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS), Lanzhou 730000, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shichang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS), Lanzhou 730000, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Dahe Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS), Lanzhou 730000, China
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Zhang B, Chen T, Guo J, Wu M, Yang R, Chen X, Wu X, Zhang W, Kang S, Liu G, Dyson P. Microbial mercury methylation profile in terminus of a high-elevation glacier on the northern boundary of the Tibetan Plateau. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 708:135226. [PMID: 31806346 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau glaciers are an important carrier of mercury (Hg). With global warming, Hg enters into the downstream ecosystem in the melt waters, threatening human health and ecosystem security in the region. Methylmercury (MeHg), which has higher toxicity than Hg itself, is converted from inorganic Hg. However, little is known about the process of Hg methylation and, in particular, microbial Hg methylation in high altitude mountain glaciers. We combined Hg speciation measurements and metagenomic analysis of 6 sample types from the terminus of Laohugou No.12 glacier to elucidate potential microbially mediated Hg methylation. We found higher Hg concentrations in supraglacial cryoconite (SC) and dusty layer (DL) samples which contain considerable debris and dust. In addition, MeHg concentrations were highest in some of these SC and DL samples. Bacterial hgcA Hg methylation genes were present in all samples except supraglacial ice but were of highest abundance in SC and DL. This suggested that microbial Hg methylation is most likely to occur in SC and DL. There were 8 phyla of potential Hg methylation microorganisms, but 37% of the sequences could not be classified into any known genus. Most of the hgcA sequences were closely related to sequences from previously reported Hg methylating genera within the Deltaproteobacteria and Firmicutes, but the common Hg methylating Methanomicrobia were absent in glacial samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binglin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Microbial Resources and Engineering, Gansu Province, China
| | - Tuo Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Junming Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Minghui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ruiqi Yang
- College of Geography and Environmental Engineering, Lanzhou City University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ximing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Microbial Resources and Engineering, Gansu Province, China; Key Laboratory of Desert and Desertification, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiukun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Microbial Resources and Engineering, Gansu Province, China; Key Laboratory of Desert and Desertification, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Microbial Resources and Engineering, Gansu Province, China; Key Laboratory of Desert and Desertification, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shichang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guangxiu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Microbial Resources and Engineering, Gansu Province, China; Key Laboratory of Desert and Desertification, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Paul Dyson
- Institute of Life Science, Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, UK
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10
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Paudyal R, Kang S, Tripathee L, Guo J, Sharma CM, Huang J, Niu H, Sun S, Pu T. Concentration, spatiotemporal distribution, and sources of mercury in Mt. Yulong, a remote site in southeastern Tibetan Plateau. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:16457-16469. [PMID: 30980371 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05005-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The unique geographic location of Mt. Yulong in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) makes it a favorable site for mercury (Hg) study. Various snow samples, such as surface snow, snow pit, and snowmelt water were collected from Mt. Yulong in the southeastern TP. The average concentration of Hg was found to be 37 ± 26 ng L-1 (mean ± SD), comparable to Hg concentration from other parts of TP in the same year, though it was comparatively higher than those from previous years, suggesting a possible increase of Hg concentration over the TP. The concentration of Hg was higher in the lower elevation of the glaciers possibly due to the surface melting concentration of particulates. Higher concentration of Hg was observed in the fresh snow, suggesting the possibility of long-range transportation. The average concentration of Hg from the snow pit was 1.49 ± 0.78 ng L-1, and the concentration of Hg in the vertical profile of the snow pit co-varied with calcium ion (Ca2+) supporting the fact that the portion of Hg is from the crustal origin. In addition, the principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed that the source of Hg is from the crustal origin; however, the presence of anthropogenic source in the Mt. Yulong was also observed. In surface water around Mt. Yulong, the concentration of HgT was found in the order of Lashihai Lake > Reservoirs > Rivers > Swamps > Luguhu Lake. In lake water, the concentration of HgT showed an increasing trend with depth. Overall, the increased concentration of Hg in recent years from the TP can be of concern and may have an adverse impact on the downstream ecosystem, wildlife, and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukumesh Paudyal
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donggang West Rd. 320, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Himalayan Environment Research Institute (HERI), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Shichang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donggang West Rd. 320, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Lekhendra Tripathee
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donggang West Rd. 320, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Himalayan Environment Research Institute (HERI), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Junming Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donggang West Rd. 320, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Chhatra Mani Sharma
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donggang West Rd. 320, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Himalayan Environment Research Institute (HERI), Kathmandu, Nepal
- Central Department of Environmental Science, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Jie Huang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Hewen Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donggang West Rd. 320, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Yulong Snow Mountain Glacier and Environmental Observation Research Station, State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Shiwei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donggang West Rd. 320, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Tao Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donggang West Rd. 320, Lanzhou, 730000, China
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11
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Zhang Q, Sun X, Sun S, Yin X, Huang J, Cong Z, Kang S. Understanding Mercury Cycling in Tibetan Glacierized Mountain Environment: Recent Progress and Remaining Gaps. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 102:672-678. [PMID: 30643930 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-019-02541-0] [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: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Glacierized mountain environments can preserve and release mercury (Hg) and play an important role in regional Hg cycling. In the Tibetan Plateau (TP), most glaciers have been retreating at unprecedented rate in recent decades, acting as one of the most active factors in regional hydrological cycling. In this mini-review, we summarized recent studies on Hg distribution, transport, and accumulation in Tibetan glacierized environments. We highlight that melting glacier may represent a stimulator that exports Hg to glacier-fed ecosystems. We identified major knowledge gaps and proposed future research needs with several emphases, including quantifying Hg in glacier ablation zone, depicting Hg transport and transformation in glacial rivers during spring melt season, and better constraining glacier-export Hg and its environmental risks to the downstream. Besides, Hg isotopic technical, passive sampling and hydrological transport model should be utilized to improve the understanding of Hg cycling in high mountain regions in the TP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianggong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100101, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Xuejun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100101, China
- University of CAS, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shiwei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- University of CAS, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiufeng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- University of CAS, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jie Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zhiyuan Cong
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Shichang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
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