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Qin G, Xu K, Gu Y, Meng Z, Gong S, Wang Z, Wang S. A ratiometric fluorescent probe with a large Stokes shift for rapid and sensitive detection of Hg 2+ in environmental water samples and its applications in living cells and zebrafish. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2024; 319:124522. [PMID: 38838599 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.124522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Detection of highly toxic mercury ions (Hg2+) in actual environmental and biological samples is of significant importance for protecting environment and human health. In this paper, a new ratiometric fluorescent probe BTIA was designed and synthesized from 3-pinone based on Internal Charge Transfer (ICT) mechanism. BTIA could selectively recognize Hg2+ over other competitive analytes with short reaction time (5 s), distinct ratiometric response, strong anti-interference ability, large Stokes shift (200 nm), and low detection limit (2.36 × 10-7 M). Furthermore, BTIA was applicable for detecting Hg2+ in actual water samples and it also performed an excellent imaging capability in living RAW264.7 cells, zebrafish and onion tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gutianyue Qin
- Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Kai Xu
- Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yue Gu
- Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Zhiyuan Meng
- Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Shuai Gong
- Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Zhonglong Wang
- Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| | - Shifa Wang
- Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
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2
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Li Y, Zhang H, Guan Y, Cheng G, Li Z, Li Z, Cao M, Yin Y, Hu L, Shi J, Chen B. Functional genes and microorganisms controlling in situ methylmercury production and degradation in marine sediments: A case study in the Eastern China Coastal Seas. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:134965. [PMID: 38905972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Dominant microorganisms and functional genes, including hgcA, hgcB, merA, and merB, have been identified to be responsible for mercury (Hg) methylation or methylmercury (MeHg) demethylation. However, their in situ correlation with MeHg levels and the processes of Hg methylation and MeHg demethylation in coastal areas remains poorly understood. In this study, four functional genes related to Hg methylation and MeHg demethylation (hgcA, hgcB, merA, and merB) were all detected in the sediments of the Eastern China Coastal Seas (ECCSs) (representative coastal seas highly affected by human activities) using metagenomic approaches. HgcA was identified to be the key gene controlling the in situ net production of MeHg in the ECCSs. Based on metagenomic analysis and incubation experiments, sulfate-reducing bacteria were identified as the dominant microorganisms controlling Hg methylation in the ECCSs. In addition, hgcA gene was positively correlated with the MeHg content and Hg methylation rates, highlighting the potential roles of Hg methylation genes and microorganisms influenced by sediment physicochemical properties in MeHg cycling in the ECCSs. These findings highlighted the necessity of conducting similar studies in other natural systems for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying MeHg production in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Huimin Zhang
- 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 Guan
- 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
| | - Guoyi Cheng
- 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
| | - Zhaohong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Zhuang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Mengxi Cao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Ligang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jianbo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Baowei Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China.
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Tennant JH, Cosentino BJ, Cleckner LB, Brubaker KM, Razavi NR. Methylmercury Concentrations More Strongly Associated With Trait Variation Than Food Web Position in Plethodontid Salamanders. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024; 43:2045-2057. [PMID: 39031493 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Salamanders serve as bioindicators of mercury (Hg) in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats and are an important link in the food web between low-trophic prey and higher-trophic predators. We investigated the drivers of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure in three common plethodontid salamander species in New York State, USA, including comparisons among regions, habitat types (terrestrial and semiaquatic), and color morphs of Plethodon cinereus (striped and unstriped). Nonlethal tail samples were collected from one terrestrial species (P. cinereus) and two semiaquatic species (Eurycea bislineata and Desmognathus spp.) in the Adirondack Mountains (ADK) and the Finger Lakes National Forest (FLNF) regions. Samples were analyzed for MeHg and stable isotopes, including δ15N and δ13C which are proxies of trophic position and diet, respectively. Despite elevated biota Hg concentrations typically found in the ADK, salamander MeHg concentrations did not differ by region in the terrestrial species and one of the semiaquatic species. In addition, diet and trophic level did not explain MeHg exposure in salamanders. Semiaquatic salamanders exhibited higher MeHg concentrations than terrestrial salamanders in the FLNF only. Within species, only snout-vent length predicted MeHg concentrations in E. bislineata with few other variables significant as predictors of MeHg concentrations in path models. Among P. cinereus individuals in the FLNF, the striped morph had greater MeHg concentrations than the unstriped morph, and food web tracers were not different between morphs. Overall, New York State salamander Hg concentrations were elevated compared to other locations where these species are present. The present study establishes baseline Hg data in salamanders for future assessments of changes in Hg bioavailability to forests of New York State. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2045-2057. © 2024 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremiah H Tennant
- Department of Environmental Biology, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Bradley J Cosentino
- Department of Biology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, New York, USA
| | - Lisa B Cleckner
- Department of Environmental Studies, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, New York, USA
- Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, New York, USA
| | - Kristen M Brubaker
- Department of Environmental Studies, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, New York, USA
| | - N Roxanna Razavi
- Department of Environmental Biology, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New York, USA
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Majumdar A, Upadhyay MK, Ojha M, Biswas R, Dey S, Sarkar S, Moulick D, Niazi NK, Rinklebe J, Huang JH, Roychowdhury T. A critical review on the organo-metal(loid)s pollution in the environment: Distribution, remediation and risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175531. [PMID: 39147056 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Toxic metal(loid)s, e.g., mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium are known for several environmental disturbances creating toxicity to humans if accumulated in high quantities. Although not discussed critically, the organo-forms of these inorganic metal(loid)s are considered a greater risk to humans than their elemental forms possibly due to physico-chemical modulation triggering redox alterations or by the involvement of biological metabolism. This extensive review describes the chemical and physical causes of organometals and organometal(loid)s distribution in the environment with ecotoxicity assessment and potential remediation strategies. Organo forms of various metal(loid)s, such as mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), and cadmium (Cd) have been discussed in the context of their ecotoxicity. In addition, we elaborated on the transformation, speciation and transformation pathways of these toxic metal(loid)s in soil-water-plant-microbial systems. The present review has pointed out the status of toxic organometal(loid)s, which is required to make the scientific community aware of this pressing condition of organometal(loid)s distribution in the environment. The gradual disposal and piling of organometal(loid)s in the environment demand a thorough revision of the past-present status with possible remediation strategies prescribed as reflected in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnab Majumdar
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom; School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India.
| | - Munish Kumar Upadhyay
- Centre for Environmental Science & Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur 208016, India
| | - Megha Ojha
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, Pashan, Maharashtra 411008, India
| | - Rakesh Biswas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ulsan, 93 Daehak-ro, Nam-gu, Ulsan, South Korea
| | - Saikat Dey
- Division of Agronomy, School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Narendrapur, Kolkata 700103, India
| | - Sukamal Sarkar
- Division of Agronomy, School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Narendrapur, Kolkata 700103, India
| | - Debojyoti Moulick
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal 741235, India
| | - Nabeel Khan Niazi
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Jen-How Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Tarit Roychowdhury
- School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India
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Guan W, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Ji Y, Tong X, Liu Y, Chen J, Alvarez PJJ, Chen W, Zhang T. Crystalline Phase Regulates Microbial Methylation Potential of Mercury Bound to MoS 2 Nanosheets: Implications for Safe Design of Mercury Removal Materials. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:13110-13119. [PMID: 38989600 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c01552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have shown great promise as selective and high-capacity sorbents for Hg(II) removal from water. Yet, their design should consider safe disposal of spent materials, particularly the subsequent formation of methylmercury (MeHg), a highly potent and bioaccumulative neurotoxin. Here, we show that microbial methylation of mercury bound to MoS2 nanosheets (a representative TMD material) is significant under anoxic conditions commonly encountered in landfills. Notably, the methylation potential is highly dependent on the phase compositions of MoS2. MeHg production was higher for 1T MoS2, as mercury bound to this phase primarily exists as surface complexes that are available for ligand exchange. In comparison, mercury on 2H MoS2 occurs largely in the form of precipitates, particularly monovalent mercury minerals (e.g., Hg2MoO4 and Hg2SO4) that are minimally bioavailable. Thus, even though 1T MoS2 is more effective in Hg(II) removal from aqueous solution due to its higher adsorption affinity and reductive ability, it poses a higher risk of MeHg formation after landfill disposal. These findings highlight the critical role of nanoscale surfaces in enriching heavy metals and subsequently regulating their bioavailability and risks and shed light on the safe design of heavy metal sorbent materials through surface structural modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Guan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Zhanhua Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yaqi Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yunyun Ji
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xin Tong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yaqi Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jiubin Chen
- School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Pedro J J Alvarez
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Wei Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300350, China
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6
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Wang L, Liu H, Wang F, Wang Y, Xiang Y, Chen Y, Wang J, Wang D, Shen H. The different effects of molybdate on Hg(II) bio-methylation in aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1376844. [PMID: 39015741 PMCID: PMC11249568 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1376844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
In nature, methylmercury (MeHg) is primarily generated through microbial metabolism, and the ability of bacteria to methylate Hg(II) depends on both bacterial properties and environmental factors. It is widely known that, as a metabolic analog, molybdate can inhibit the sulfate reduction process and affect the growth and methylation of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). However, after it enters the cell, molybdate can be involved in various intracellular metabolic pathways as a molybdenum cofactor; whether fluctuations in its concentration affect the growth and methylation of aerobic mercury methylating strains remains unknown. To address this gap, aerobic γ-Proteobacteria strains Raoultella terrigena TGRB3 (B3) and Pseudomonas putida TGRB4 (B4), as well as an obligate anaerobic δ-Proteobacteria strain of the SRB Desulfomicrobium escambiense CGMCC 1.3481 (DE), were used as experimental strains. The growth and methylation ability of each strain were analyzed under conditions of 500 ng·L-1 Hg(II), 0 and 21% of oxygen, and 0, 0.25, 0.50, and 1 mM of MoO4 2-. In addition, in order to explore the metabolic specificity of aerobic strains, transcriptomic data of the facultative mercury-methylated strain B3 were further analyzed in an aerobic mercuric environment. The results indicated that: (a) molybdate significantly inhibited the growth of DE, while B3 and B4 exhibited normal growth. (b) Under anaerobic conditions, in DE, the MeHg content decreased significantly with increasing molybdate concentration, while in B3, MeHg production was unaffected. Furthermore, under aerobic conditions, the MeHg productions of B3 and B4 were not influenced by the molybdate concentration. (c) The transcriptomic analysis showed several genes that were annotated as members of the molybdenum oxidoreductase family of B3 and that exhibited significant differential expression. These findings suggest that the differential expression of molybdenum-binding proteins might be related to their involvement in energy metabolism pathways that utilize nitrate and dimethyl sulfoxide as electron acceptors. Aerobic bacteria, such as B3 and B4, might possess distinct Hg(II) biotransformation pathways from anaerobic SRB, rendering their growth and biomethylation abilities unaffected by molybdate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanjing Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hang Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Research Center of Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongmin Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution Control, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuping Xiang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongyi Chen
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiwu Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dingyong Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution Control, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Shen
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Research Center of Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Gade C, von Hellfeld R, Mbadugha L, Paton G. Mercury fingerprint: A comparative evaluation of lability in North Sea drill cuttings. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 204:116518. [PMID: 38788344 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Quantifying impacts on marine ecosystems remains pivotal in estimating risks associated with offshore industry practices. Cuttings piles, formed during drilling operations, are commonly abandoned in situ, and left to attenuate on the seabed. In the present work, the presence and lability of mercury in samples obtained from drill cuttings piles of two decommissioned North Sea oil platforms (bp Miller and bp North West Hutton) and the surrounding sediment were investigated. Maximum concentrations of total mercury were measured at 0.23 and 0.37 μg/g dry weight (dw) for bp Miller and bp North West Hutton, respectively. Background concentrations of 3.6 and 8.3 ng/g dw were measured at reference sites at 3200 metre distance. Thermofractionation and DGT-analysis of the samples to assess the effective environmental impact of the measured mercury suggests that although total mercury concentrations are increased in the proximity of the cuttings pile, the effective environmental impact may be limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Gade
- National Decommissioning Centre, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK; School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Cruickshank Building, St. Machar Drive, Aberdeen AB24 3UU, Scotland, UK.
| | - Rebecca von Hellfeld
- National Decommissioning Centre, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK; School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Cruickshank Building, St. Machar Drive, Aberdeen AB24 3UU, Scotland, UK
| | - Lenka Mbadugha
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Cruickshank Building, St. Machar Drive, Aberdeen AB24 3UU, Scotland, UK
| | - Graeme Paton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Cruickshank Building, St. Machar Drive, Aberdeen AB24 3UU, Scotland, UK
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Wu D, Chen L, Zong X, Jiang F, Wang X, Xu M, Ai F, Du W, Yin Y, Guo H. Elevated CO 2 exacerbates the risk of methylmercury exposure in consuming aquatic products: Evidence from a complex paddy wetland ecosystem. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 352:124095. [PMID: 38703984 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124095] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Elevated CO2 levels and methylmercury (MeHg) pollution are important environmental issues faced across the globe. However, the impact of elevated CO2 on MeHg production and its biological utilization remains to be fully understood, particularly in realistic complex systems with biotic interactions. Here, a complete paddy wetland microcosm, namely, the rice-fish-snail co-culture system, was constructed to investigate the impacts of elevated CO2 (600 ppm) on MeHg formation, bioaccumulation, and possible health risks, in multiple environmental and biological media. The results revealed that elevated CO2 significantly increased MeHg concentrations in the overlying water, periphyton, snails and fish, by 135.5%, 66.9%, 45.5%, and 52.1%, respectively. A high MeHg concentration in periphyton, the main diet of snails and fish, was the key factor influencing the enhanced MeHg in aquatic products. Furthermore, elevated CO2 alleviated the carbon limitation in the overlying water and proliferated green algae, with subsequent changes in physico-chemical properties and nutrient concentrations in the overlying water. More algal-derived organic matter promoted an enriched abundance of Archaea-hgcA and Deltaproteobacteria-hgcA genes. This consequently increased the MeHg in the overlying water and food chain. However, MeHg concentrations in rice and soil did not increase under elevated CO2, nor did hgcA gene abundance in soil. The results reveal that elevated CO2 exacerbated the risk of MeHg intake from aquatic products in paddy wetland, indicating an intensified MeHg threat under future elevated CO2 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Xueying Zong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Fan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Meiling Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225127, China
| | - Fuxun Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Wenchao Du
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ying Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Hongyan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Joint International Research Centre for Critical Zone Science-University of Leeds and Nanjing University, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Quanzhou Institute for Environmental Protection Industry, Nanjing University, Quanzhou, 362046, China.
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9
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Li X, Wu Y, Yang K, Zhu M, Wen J. The impact of microbial community structure changes on the migration and release of typical heavy metal (loid)s during the revegetation process of mercury-thallium mining waste slag. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 251:118716. [PMID: 38490627 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118716] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The effect of changes in microbial community structure on the migration and release of toxic heavy metal (loid)s is often ignored in ecological restoration. Here, we investigated a multi-metal (mercury and thallium, Tl) mine waste slag. With particular focus on its strong acidity, poor nutrition, and high toxicity pollution characteristics, we added fish manure and carbonate to the slag as environmental-friendly amendments. On this basis, ryegrass, which is suitable for the remediation of metal waste dumps, was then planted for ecological restoration. We finally explored the influence of changes in microbial community structure on the release of Tl and As in the waste slag during vegetation reconstruction. The results show that the combination of fish manure and carbonate temporarily halted the release of Tl, but subsequently promoted the release of Tl and arsenic (As), which was closely related to changes in the microbial community structure in the waste slag after fish manure and carbonate addition. The main reason for these patterns was that in the early stage of the experiment, Bacillaceae inhibited the release of Tl by secreting extracellular polymeric substances; with increasing time, Actinobacteriota became the dominant bacterium, which promoted the migration and release of Tl by mycelial disintegration of minerals. In addition, the exogenously added organic matter acted as an electron transport medium for reducing microorganisms and thus helped to reduce nitrate or As (Ⅴ) in the substrate, which reduced the redox potential of the waste slag and promoted As release. At the same time, the phylum Firmicutes, including specific dissimilatory As-reducing bacteria that are capable of converting As into a more soluble form, further promoted the release of As. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for guiding the ecological restoration of relevant heavy-metal (loid) mine waste dumps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingying Li
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Yonggui Wu
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China; Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China; Guizhou Hostile Environment Ecological Restoration Technology Engineering Research Centre, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
| | - Kaizhi Yang
- Institute of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030000, China
| | - Mei Zhu
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Jichang Wen
- New Rural Development Research Institute, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
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10
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Zhong H, Su Y, Wu X, Nunes L, Li C, Hao Y, Liu YR, Tang W. Mercury supply limits methylmercury production in paddy soils. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172335. [PMID: 38604369 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172335] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The neurotoxic methylmercury (MeHg) is a product of inorganic mercury (IHg) after microbial transformation. Yet it remains unclear whether microbial activity or IHg supply dominates Hg methylation in paddies, hotspots of MeHg formation. Here, we quantified the response of MeHg production to changes in microbial activity and Hg supply using 63 paddy soils under the common scenario of straw amendment, a globally prevalent agricultural practice. We demonstrate that the IHg supply is the limiting factor for Hg methylation in paddies. This is because IHg supply is generally low in soils and can largely be facilitated (by 336-747 %) by straw amendment. The generally high activities of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) do not limit Hg methylation, even though SRB have been validated as the predominant microbial Hg methylators in paddies in this study. These findings caution against the mobilization of legacy Hg triggered by human activities and climate change, resulting in increased MeHg production and the subsequent flux of this potent neurotoxin to our dining tables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Zhong
- School of Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yao Su
- School of Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xinda Wu
- School of Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Luís Nunes
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability Center, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Chengjun Li
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yunyun Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yu-Rong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wenli Tang
- School of Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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11
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Spencer BS, Baddar ZE, Xu X. Comparison of mercury (Hg) bioaccumulation with mono- and mixed Lemna minor and Spirodela polyrhiza cultures. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:35055-35068. [PMID: 38714618 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33583-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a prevalent and harmful contaminant that persists in the environment. For phytoremediation, it is important to discover which plants can bioaccumulate meaningful amounts of Hg while also tolerating its toxicity. Additionally, increasing biodiversity could create a more resilient and self-sustaining system for remediation. This study explores whether mixed populations of Lemna minor and Spirodela polyrhiza can better bioaccumulate and tolerate Hg than monocultures. Mono- and mixed cultures of L. minor and S. polyrhiza were grown in mesocosms of 0.5 µg/L or 100 µg/L Hg (HgCl2) spiked water for 96 h. Change in weight of duckweed was used to assess Hg tolerance. Diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGTs) were used as surrogate monitoring devices for bioavailable levels of Hg. For biomass growth, the mixed culture of the L. minor was greater than the monoculture at the high dose. The L. minor accumulated more Hg in the mixed culture at the low dose while the S. polyrhiza was higher in the mixed at the high dose. Hg speciation in water was modeled using Windermere Humic Aqueous Model 7 (WHAM7) to compare the bioavailable species indicated by the DGTs. Potentially due to the controlled conditions, the WHAM7 output of bioavailable Hg was almost 1:1 to that estimated by the DGTs, indicating good predictive capability of geochemical modeling and passive sampler DGT on metal bioavailability. Overall, the mixed cultures statistically performed as well as or better than the monocultures when tolerating and bioaccumulating Hg. However, there needs to be further work to see if the significant differences translate into practical differences worth the extra resources to maintain multiple species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xiaoyu Xu
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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12
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OuYang S, Li Y, Liu M, Zhao Q, Wang J, Xia J, He J, Jiang F. Elimination of methylmercury production potential in excessive sludge in wastewater treatment plants by sulfur addition. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 915:169934. [PMID: 38199371 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169934] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Mercury ions (Hg(II)) in wastewater can accumulate and transform into the highly neurotoxic methylmercury (MeHg) in activated sludge. The release of MeHg can have severe environmental consequences, making the treatment of MeHg-contaminated sludge a pressing concern. In this study, we found that all the collected activated sludge samples, from different wastewater treatment plants in four cities, had the potential for Hg methylation. The Hg-methylating capacity reached a maximum level of 0.70-0.92 μg/g volatile suspended solids after 48 h of exposure to 5 μg/L Hg(II) and showed an average MeHg production rate of 4.8±0.5%. Accordingly, a sludge treatment method involving the addition of elemental sulfur (S0) for a short-term or long-term duration (3 or 180 days, respectively) was proposed. The results demonstrated that this treatment approach effectively mitigated and potentially eliminated MeHg formation by simultaneously reducing Hg bioavailability and Hg-methylating bioactivity. We found that bioavailable Hg(II) ions were converted to a secondary phase similar to insoluble HgS after S0 addition treatment, leading to a decrease in Hg bioavailability in sludge. The enhancement of Hg and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) complexation via the increasing amount of thiol groups in EPS also reduced the Hg bioavailability after the long-term treatment. Furthermore, the long-term S0 addition significantly reduced the abundance of Hg-methylators with hgcA gene and promoted the growth of Hg-reducers with merA gene, which ensured the complete elimination of MeHg production potential of the excessive activated sludge. Our findings demonstrated that the proposed S0-addition sludge treatment is a promising and safe biotechnology for treating Hg-contaminated sludge. This approach has the potential to contribute significantly to the mitigation of MeHg pollution within environmental contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenyu OuYang
- School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yu Li
- School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Ming Liu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Urban Ecological Environment Simulation and Protection, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Qingxia Zhao
- School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jinting Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Hong Kong
| | - Juntao Xia
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Junfeng He
- School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety, MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
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13
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Cardona GI, Escobar MC, Acosta-González A, Díaz-Ruíz N, Niño-García JP, Vasquez Y, Marrugo-Negrete J, Marqués S. Microbial diversity and abundance of Hg related genes from water, sediment and soil the Colombian amazon ecosystems impacted by artisanal and small-scale gold mining. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141348. [PMID: 38340998 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141348] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The Amazon region abounds in precious mineral resources including gold, copper, iron, and coltan. Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) poses a severe risk in this area due to considerable mercury release into the surrounding ecosystems. Nonetheless, the impact of mercury on both the overall microbiota and the microbial populations involved in mercury transformation is not well understood. In this study we evaluated microbial diversity in samples of soil, sediment and water potentially associated with mercury contamination in two localities (Taraira and Tarapacá) in the Colombian Amazon Forest. To this end, we characterized the bacterial community structure and mercury-related functions in samples from sites with a chronic history of mercury contamination which today have different levels of total mercury content. We also determined mercury bioavailability and mobility in the samples with the highest THg and MeHg levels (up to 43.34 and 0.049 mg kg-1, respectively, in Taraira). Our analysis of mercury speciation showed that the immobile form of mercury predominated in soils and sediments, probably rendering it unavailable to microorganisms. Despite its long-term presence, mercury did not appear to alter the microbial community structure or composition, which was primarily shaped by environmental and physicochemical factors. However, an increase in the relative abundance of merA genes was detected in polluted sediments from Taraira. Several Hg-responsive taxa in soil and sediments were detected in sites with high levels of THg, including members of the Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Chloroflexi phyla. The results suggest that mercury contamination at the two locations sampled may select mercury-adapted bacteria carrying the merA gene that could be used in bioremediation processes for the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gladys Inés Cardona
- Instituto Amazónico de Investigaciones Científicas SINCHI. Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Recursos Genéticos, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Maria Camila Escobar
- Instituto Amazónico de Investigaciones Científicas SINCHI. Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Recursos Genéticos, Bogotá, Colombia; Escuela de Microbiología. Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Natalie Díaz-Ruíz
- Escuela de Microbiología. Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Yaneth Vasquez
- Chemistry Department, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia
| | - José Marrugo-Negrete
- Convergence Science and Technology Cluster, Universidad Central, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Silvia Marqués
- Department of Biotechnology and Environmental Protection. Estación Experimental Del Zaidín. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
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14
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Peng X, Yang Y, Yang S, Li L, Song L. Recent advance of microbial mercury methylation in the environment. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:235. [PMID: 38407657 PMCID: PMC10896945 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12967-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Methylmercury formation is mainly driven by microbial-mediated process. The mechanism of microbial mercury methylation has become a crucial research topic for understanding methylation in the environment. Pioneering studies of microbial mercury methylation are focusing on functional strain isolation, microbial community composition characterization, and mechanism elucidation in various environments. Therefore, the functional genes of microbial mercury methylation, global isolations of Hg methylation strains, and their methylation potential were systematically analyzed, and methylators in typical environments were extensively reviewed. The main drivers (key physicochemical factors and microbiota) of microbial mercury methylation were summarized and discussed. Though significant progress on the mechanism of the Hg microbial methylation has been explored in recent decade, it is still limited in several aspects, including (1) molecular biology techniques for identifying methylators; (2) characterization methods for mercury methylation potential; and (3) complex environmental properties (environmental factors, complex communities, etc.). Accordingly, strategies for studying the Hg microbial methylation mechanism were proposed. These strategies include the following: (1) the development of new molecular biology methods to characterize methylation potential; (2) treating the environment as a micro-ecosystem and studying them from a holistic perspective to clearly understand mercury methylation; (3) a more reasonable and sensitive inhibition test needs to be considered. KEY POINTS: • Global Hg microbial methylation is phylogenetically and functionally discussed. • The main drivers of microbial methylation are compared in various condition. • Future study of Hg microbial methylation is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuya Peng
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, No. 174, Shapingba Street, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, No. 174, Shapingba Street, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Shu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, No. 174, Shapingba Street, Chongqing, 400045, China.
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
| | - Lei Li
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, No. 174, Shapingba Street, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Liyan Song
- School of resources and environmental engineering, Anhui University, No 111 Jiulong Road, Economic and Technology Development Zone, Hefei, 230601, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Zhou Y, Li S, Hintelmann H, Tang W, Zhong H. New insights into HgSe antagonism: Minor impact on inorganic Hg mobility while potential impacts on microorganisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169705. [PMID: 38160847 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169705] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is a crucial antagonistic factor of mercury (Hg) methylation in soil, with the transformation of inorganic Hg (IHg) to inert mercury selenide (HgSe) being the key mechanism. However, little evidence has been provided of the reduced Hg mobility at environmentally relevant doses of Hg and Se, and the potential impacts of Se on the activities of microbial methylators have been largely ignored. This knowledge gap hinders effective mitigation for methylmercury (MeHg) risks, considering that Hg supply and microbial methylators serve as materials and workers for MeHg production in soils. By monitoring the mobility of IHg and microbial activities after Se spike, we reported that 1) active methylation might be the premise of HgSe antagonism, as higher decreases in MeHg net production were found in soils with higher constants of Hg methylation rate; 2) IHg mobility did not significantly change upon Se addition in soils with high DOC concentrations, challenging the long-held view of Hg immobilization by Se; and 3) the activities of iron-reducing bacteria (FeRB), an important group of microbial methylators, might be potentially regulated by Se addition at a dose of 4 mg/kg. These findings provide empirical evidence that IHg mobility may not be the limiting factor under Se amendment and suggest the potential impacts of Se on microbial activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhou
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shouying Li
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Holger Hintelmann
- Department of Chemistry, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada; Water Quality Centre, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | - Wenli Tang
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Huan Zhong
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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16
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Kim J, Soerensen AL, Jeong H, Jeong S, Kim E, Lee YM, Jin YK, Rhee TS, Hong JK, Han S. Cross-shelf processes of terrigenous organic matter drive mercury speciation on the east siberian shelf in the Arctic Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123270. [PMID: 38163627 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123270] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The cross-shelf distributions of total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg) and organic and inorganic matter, as well as the presence of the hgcA gene were investigated on the East Siberian Shelf (ESS) to understand the processes underlying the speciation of sedimentary Hg. Samples were collected from 12 stations grouped into four zones based on water depth: inner shelf (5 stations), mid-shelf (3 stations), outer shelf (2 stations), and slope (2 stations). The THg concentration in the surface sediment increased from the inner shelf (0.25 ± 0.023 nmol g-1) toward the slope (0.52 nmol g-1), and, when normalized to total organic carbon content, the THg showed a positive correlation with the clay-to-sand ratio (r2 = 0.48, p = 0.012) and degree of chemical weathering (r2 = 0.79, p = 0.0001). The highest MeHg concentrations (3.0 ± 1.8 pmol g-1), as well as peaks in the S/C ratio (0.012 ± 0.002) of sediment-leached organic matter, were found on the mid-shelf, suggesting that the activities of sulfate reducers control the net Hg(II) methylation rates in the sediment. This was supported by results from a principal component analysis (PCA) performed with Hg species concentrations and sediment-leached organic matter compositions. The site-specific variation in MeHg showed the highest similarity with that of CHONS compounds in the PCA, where Deltaproteobacteria were projected to be putative Hg(II) methylators in the gene analysis. In summary, the hydrodynamic sorting of lithogenic particles appears to govern the cross-shelf distribution of THg, and in situ methylation is considered a major source of MeHg in the ESS sediment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihee Kim
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Anne L Soerensen
- Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hakwon Jeong
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seorin Jeong
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunsuk Kim
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yung Mi Lee
- Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Keun Jin
- Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Siek Rhee
- Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Kuk Hong
- Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghee Han
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Li S, Li Z, Wu M, Zhou Y, Tang W, Zhong H. Mercury transformations in algae, plants, and animals: The occurrence, mechanisms, and gaps. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 911:168690. [PMID: 38000748 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant showing potent toxicity to living organisms. The transformations of Hg are critical to global Hg cycling and Hg exposure risks, considering Hg mobilities and toxicities vary depending on Hg speciation. Though currently well understood in ambient environments, Hg transformations are inadequately explored in non-microbial organisms. The primary drivers of in vivo Hg transformations are far from clear, and the impacts of these processes on global Hg cycling and Hg associated health risks are not well understood. This hinders a comprehensive understanding of global Hg cycling and the effective mitigation of Hg exposure risks. Here, we focused on Hg transformations in non-microbial organisms, particularly algae, plants, and animals. The process of Hg oxidation/reduction and methylation/demethylation in organisms were reviewed since these processes are the key transformations between the dominant Hg species, i.e., elemental Hg (Hg0), divalent inorganic Hg (IHgII), and methylmercury (MeHg). By summarizing the current knowledge of Hg transformations in organisms, we proposed the potential yet overlooked drivers of these processes, along with potential challenges that hinder a full understanding of in vivo Hg transformations. Knowledge summarized in this review would help achieve a comprehensive understanding of the fate and toxicity of Hg in organisms, providing a basis for predicting Hg cycles and mitigating human exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shouying Li
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhuoran Li
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mengjie Wu
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wenli Tang
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Huan Zhong
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China.
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18
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Hui CY, Ma BC, Hu SY, Wu C. Tailored bacteria tackling with environmental mercury: Inspired by natural mercuric detoxification operons. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:123016. [PMID: 38008253 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) and its inorganic and organic compounds significantly threaten the ecosystem and human health. However, the natural and anthropogenic Hg environmental inputs exceed 5000 metric tons annually. Hg is usually discharged in elemental or ionic forms, accumulating in surface water and sediments where Hg-methylating microbes-mediated biotransformation occurs. Microbial genetic factors such as the mer operon play a significant role in the complex Hg biogeochemical cycle. Previous reviews summarize the fate of environmental Hg, its biogeochemistry, and the mechanism of bacterial Hg resistance. This review mainly focuses on the mer operon and its components in detecting, absorbing, bioaccumulating, and detoxifying environmental Hg. Four components of the mer operon, including the MerR regulator, divergent mer promoter, and detoxification factors MerA and MerB, are rare bio-parts for assembling synthetic bacteria, which tackle pollutant Hg. Bacteria are designed to integrate synthetic biology, protein engineering, and metabolic engineering. In summary, this review highlights that designed bacteria based on the mer operon can potentially sense and bioremediate pollutant Hg in a green and low-cost manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Ye Hui
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, 2019 Buxin Road, Shenzhen, 518020, China.
| | - Bing-Chan Ma
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, 2019 Buxin Road, Shenzhen, 518020, China; School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shun-Yu Hu
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, 2019 Buxin Road, Shenzhen, 518020, China; Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Can Wu
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, 2019 Buxin Road, Shenzhen, 518020, China; Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
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19
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Hao Z, Zhao L, Liu J, Pu Q, Chen J, Meng B, Feng X. Relative importance of aceticlastic methanogens and hydrogenotrophic methanogens on mercury methylation and methylmercury demethylation in paddy soils. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167601. [PMID: 37832685 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of methylmercury (MeHg) in paddy soil results from a subtle balance between inorganic mercury (e.g., HgII) methylation and MeHg demethylation. Methanogens not only act as Hg methylators but may also facilitate MeHg demethylation. However, the diverse methanogen flora (e.g., aceticlastic and hydrogenotrophic types) that exists under ambient conditions has not previously been considered. Accordingly, the roles of different types of methanogens in HgII methylation and MeHg degradation in paddy soils were studied using the Hg isotope tracing technique combined with the application of methanogen inhibitors/stimulants. It was found that the response of HgII methylation to methanogen inhibitors or stimulants was site-dependent. Specifically, aceticlastic methanogens were suggested as the potential HgII methylators at the low Hg level background site, whereas hydrogenotrophic methanogens were potentially involved in MeHg production as Hg levels increased. In contrast, both aceticlastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogens facilitated MeHg degradation across the sampling sites. Additionally, competition between hydrogenotrophic and aceticlastic methanogens was observed in Hg-polluted paddy soils, implying that net MeHg production could be alleviated by promoting aceticlastic methanogens or inhibiting hydrogenotrophic methanogens. The findings gained from this study improve the understanding of the role of methanogens in net MeHg formation and link carbon turnover to Hg biogeochemistry in rice paddy ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengdong Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- School of Management Science, Guizhou University of Finance and Economics, Guiyang 550025, China; Guizhou Key Laboratory of Big Data Statistical Analysis (No. [2019]5103), Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Jiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Qiang Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Ji Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Bo Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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20
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Li Z, Wang T, Yang X, Wen X, Chen W, He Y, Yu Z, Zhang C. Microbial community function and methylmercury production in oxygen-limited paddy soil. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 266:115585. [PMID: 37856980 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury is a neurotoxic compound that can enter rice fields through rainfall or irrigation with contaminated wastewater, and then contaminate the human food chain through the consumption of rice. Flooded paddy soil has a porous structure that facilitates air exchange with the atmosphere, but the presence of trace amounts of oxygen in flooded rice field soil and its impact on microbial-mediated formation of methylmercury is still unclear. We compared the microbial communities and their functions in oxygen-depleted and oxygen-limited paddy soil. We discovered that oxygen-limited paddy soil had higher methylmercury concentration, which was strongly correlated with soil properties and methylation potential. Compared with oxygen-depleted soil, oxygen-limited soil altered the microbial composition based on 16 S rRNA sequences, but not based on hgcA sequences. Moreover, oxygen-limited soil enhanced microbial activity significantly, increasing the abundance of more than half of the KEGG pathways, especially the metabolic pathways that might be involved in methylation. Our study unveils how microbial communities influence methylmercury formation in oxygen-limited paddy soil. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS: This study examined how low oxygen input affects microbial-induced MeHg formation in anaerobic paddy soil. We found that oxygen-limited soil produced more MeHg than oxygen-depleted soil. Oxygen input altered the microbial community structure of 16 S rRNA sequencing in anaerobic paddy soil, but had little impact on the hgcA sequencing community structure. Microbial activity and metabolic functions related to MeHg formation were also higher in oxygen-limited paddy soil. We suggest that oxygen may not be a limiting factor for Hg methylators, and that insufficient oxygen input in flooded paddy soil increases the risk of human exposure to MeHg from rice consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Tantan Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Xu Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Xin Wen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Wenhao Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yubo He
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Zhigang Yu
- Australian Center for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Chang Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China.
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21
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Ci Z, Tang X, Shen W, Chen B. Coastal streams and sewage outfalls: Hot spots of mercury discharge, pollution and cycling in nearshore environments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115536. [PMID: 37708606 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The coastal streams (CSs) and sewage outfalls (SOs) are widely distributed and direct anthropogenic stress on global coastal ecosystems. However, the CS/SO-associated mercury (Hg) discharge, pollution and cycle in nearshore environment are less quantified. Here, we report that total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MMHg) concentrations in waters of CSs (n = 8) and SOs (n = 15) of the northern China were ∼102 to 103 times of coastal surface waters and 10 to 102 times of major rivers in China and other regions. The CS/SO discharges resulted in the increase of total organic carbon (TOC) contents, THg and MMHg concentrations and TOC-normalized THg and MMHg concentrations in sediments of CS/SO-impacted coasts. The laboratory experiments further illustrated that the CS/SO-impacted sediments characterized with high potentials of dissolved THg and MMHg productions and releases. Our findings indicate that the layout optimization of SOs is able to reduce the Hg risk in coastal environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijia Ci
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China.
| | - Xiong Tang
- Guangdong Eco-Engineering Polytechnic, Guangzhou 510520, China
| | - Wenjie Shen
- School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Geological Process and Mineral Resources Exploration, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Baowei Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
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22
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Guo P, Rennenberg H, Du H, Wang T, Gao L, Flemetakis E, Hänsch R, Ma M, Wang D. Bacterial assemblages imply methylmercury production at the rice-soil system. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108066. [PMID: 37399771 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
The plant microbiota can affect plant health and fitness by promoting methylmercury (MeHg) production in paddy soil. Although most well-known mercury (Hg) methylators are observed in the soil, it remains unclear how rice rhizosphere assemblages alter MeHg production. Here, we used network analyses of microbial diversity to identify bulk soil (BS), rhizosphere (RS) and root bacterial networks during rice development at Hg gradients. Hg gradients greatly impacted the niche-sharing of taxa significantly relating to MeHg/THg, while plant development had little effect. In RS networks, Hg gradients increased the proportion of MeHg-related nodes in total nodes from 37.88% to 45.76%, but plant development enhanced from 48.59% to 50.41%. The module hub and connector in RS networks included taxa positively (Nitrososphaeracea, Vicinamibacteraceae and Oxalobacteraceae) and negatively (Gracilibacteraceae) correlating with MeHg/THg at the blooming stage. In BS networks, Deinococcaceae and Paludibacteraceae were positively related to MeHg/THg, and constituted the connector at the reviving stage and the module hub at the blooming stage. Soil with an Hg concentration of 30 mg kg-1 increased the complexity and connectivity of root microbial networks, although microbial community structure in roots was less affected by Hg gradients and plant development. As most frequent connector in root microbial networks, Desulfovibrionaceae did not significantly correlate with MeHg/THg, but was likely to play an important role in the response to Hg stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Guo
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Heinz Rennenberg
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongxia Du
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Bio-resource for Bioenergy, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lan Gao
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Emmanouil Flemetakis
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Robert Hänsch
- Institute for Plant Biology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Humboldtstraße 1, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ming Ma
- Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Bio-resource for Bioenergy, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Dingyong Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, College of Resources and Environment, Chongqing, China
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23
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Liu E, Xue J, Zhang G, Wang Y, Wang D, Yin D, He T. Distribution and Release of Mercury Regulated by the Decomposition of a Pioneer Habitat-Adapted Plant in the Water-Level-Fluctuating Zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2023; 111:1. [PMID: 37335383 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-023-03760-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Pioneer habitat-adapted bermudagrass is prevalent in the water-level-fluctuating zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir area. This study was performed to explore the response characteristics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) qualities to bermudagrass decomposition and their regulation in the distribution and release of mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in the soil-water system. Compared to the control, the bermudagrass decomposition resulted in a great increase in the protein-like components in the water in the initial stages (p < 0.01), but it also greatly reduced the humification degree of water DOM (p < 0.01). However, it accelerated the consumption of protein-like components, the humification rate, and the synthesis of humic-like DOM in the water over time. This changing pattern of the DOM qualities resulted in an initial elevation and a subsequent great decrease in the dissolved Hg and MeHg concentrations in the pore water, which ultimately reduced their release levels into the overlying water by 26.50% and 54.42%, respectively, compared to the control. Our results indicate the potential inhibitory effects of short-term bermudagrass decomposition caused by flooding and how decomposition affects the release of total Hg and MeHg by shaping the DOM qualities, and they have implications for similar aquatic systems in which herbaceous plants are frequently decomposed after submergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enxin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
- Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Jinping Xue
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
- Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Yongmin Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Dingyong Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Deliang Yin
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
- Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China.
| | - Tianrong He
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
- Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China
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24
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Wang T, Yang X, Li Z, Chen W, Wen X, He Y, Ma C, Yang Z, Zhang C. MeHg production in eutrophic lakes: Focusing on the roles of algal organic matter and iron-sulfur-phosphorus dynamics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 457:131682. [PMID: 37270963 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms by which eutrophication affects methylmercury (MeHg) production have not been comprehensively summarized, which hinders accurately predicting the MeHg risk in eutrophic lakes. In this review, we first discussed the effects of eutrophication on biogeochemical cycle of mercury (Hg). Special attentions were paid to the roles of algal organic matter (AOM) and iron (Fe)-sulfur (S)-phosphorus (P) dynamics in MeHg production. Finally, the suggestions for risk control of MeHg in eutrophic lakes were proposed. AOM can affect in situ Hg methylation by stimulating the abundance and activities of Hg methylating microorganisms and regulating Hg bioavailability, which are dependent on bacteria-strain and algae species, the molecular weight and composition of AOM as well as environmental conditions (e.g., light). Fe-S-P dynamics under eutrophication including sulfate reduction, FeS formation and P release could also play crucial but complicated roles in MeHg production, in which AOM may participate through influencing the dissolution and aggregation processes, structural order and surface properties of HgS nanoparticles (HgSNP). Future studies should pay more attention to the dynamics of AOM in responses to the changing environmental conditions (e.g., light penetration and redox fluctuations) and how such variations will subsequently affect MeHg production. The effects of Fe-S-P dynamics on MeHg production under eutrophication also deserve further investigations, especially the interactions between AOM and HgSNP. Remediation strategies with lower disturbance, greater stability and less cost like the technology of interfacial O2 nanobubbles are urgent to be explored. This review will deepen our understanding of the mechanisms of MeHg production in eutrophic lakes and provide theoretical guidance for its risk control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tantan Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Xu Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Zihao Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Wenhao Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Xin Wen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yubo He
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Chi Ma
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Zhongzhu Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Chang Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China.
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25
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Tang W, Chu J, Zhong H. Alkaline extraction: An optimal approach for extracting methylmercury from paddy soils. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 885:163776. [PMID: 37149159 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Accurately measuring the concentration of methylmercury (MeHg) is a critical part of Hg research. While analytical methods of MeHg have not been validated for paddy soils, which are one of the most important and active sites of MeHg production. Here we compared two methods most widely used to extract MeHg from paddy soils, i.e., CuSO4/KBr/H2SO4-CH2Cl2 (referred to as acid extraction) and KOH-CH3OH (referred to as alkaline extraction). By evaluating the formation of MeHg artifact using Hg isotope amendments and quantifying the extraction efficiency using the standard spike in 14 paddy soils, we propose that alkaline extraction is an optimal choice for paddy soils, with negligible MeHg artifact (accounting for 0.62-8.11 % of the background MeHg) and consistently high extraction efficiency (81.4-114.6 % for alkaline extraction compared with 21.3-70.8 % for acid extraction). Our finding highlights the importance of suitable pretreatment and appropriate quality controls during the measurement of MeHg concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Tang
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Junru Chu
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Huan Zhong
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China; Environmental and Life Sciences Program (EnLS), Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2, Canada.
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26
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Ran S, He T, Li S, Yin D, Wu P, Xu Y, Zhao J. Selenium/sulfur-modified montmorillonite materials mitigate mercury pollution in farmland. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 329:121719. [PMID: 37105467 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Selenium (Se) amendment could reduce mercury (Hg) bioaccumulation in crops, but sometimes it could cause excessive Se accumulation in crops and potential Se exposure risks for humans. In this study, we designed and synthesized selenium and sulfur-modified montmorillonite materials (Se/S-Mont) to effectively reduce mercury levels and avoid excessive Se enrichment in plants. The results of pot experiments (1 g Se/S-Mont/100 g soil) and field microplot trials (0.3 g Se/S-Mont/100 g soil, 8 t/ha) showed that Se/S-Mont amendments significantly reduced the Hg concentrations in water spinach and hybrid Pennisetum by 28-68% and 57%-92% (P < 0.05), respectively, while they did not lead to excessive Se bioaccumulation in the plants. Se/S-Mont was more efficient in mitigating soil Hg pollution than adding raw materials (e.g., NaSeO₃) and their combinations, and they significantly reduced the available Se fraction in the soil and the Se levels in the plants (P < 0.05). The potential mechanisms revealed by X-ray absorption near-edge spectra (XANES) and pot experiments were the adsorption and slow release of Hg, S, and Se by Se/S-Mont, the high affinity between Hg and Se, competition between Se and S, and the formation of stable complexes containing Se-S-Hg. The Se/S-Mont immobilizer was easy to prepare and required the application of small amounts, and the remediation effect was relatively stable and exhibited few negative effects; therefore, the approach showed high environmental and economic potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Ran
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China; College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Tianrong He
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China.
| | - Shengpeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China; College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Deliang Yin
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Pan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Yiyuan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China; College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Jiating Zhao
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Nuclear Analytical Techniques. Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China
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27
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Chen Y, Guo Y, Liu Y, Xiang Y, Liu G, Zhang Q, Yin Y, Cai Y, Jiang G. Advances in bacterial whole-cell biosensors for the detection of bioavailable mercury: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 868:161709. [PMID: 36682565 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) and its organic compounds, especially monomethylmercury (MeHg), cause major damage to the ecosystem and human health. In surface water or sediments, microorganisms play a crucial role in the methylation and demethylation of Hg. Given that Hg transformation processes are intracellular reactions, accurate assessment of the bioavailability of Hg(II)/MeHg in the environment, particularly for microorganisms, is of major importance. Compared with traditional analytical methods, bacterial whole-cell biosensors (BWCBs) provide a more accurate, convenient, and cost-effective strategy to assess the environmental risks of Hg(II)/MeHg. This Review summarizes recent progress in the application of BWCBs in the detection of bioavailable Hg(II)/MeHg, providing insight on current challenges and strategies. The principle and components of BWCBs for Hg(II)/MeHg bioavailability analysis are introduced. Furthermore, the impact of water chemical factors on the bioavailability of Hg is discussed as are future perspectives of BWCBs in bioavailable Hg analysis and optimization of BWCBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueqian Chen
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yingying Guo
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yanwei Liu
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yuping Xiang
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Guangliang Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States of America
| | - Qinghua Zhang
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China; Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Yong Cai
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States of America
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Ali J, Yang Y, Pan G. Oxygen micro-nanobubbles for mitigating eutrophication induced sediment pollution in freshwater bodies. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 331:117281. [PMID: 36682273 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Sediment hypoxia is a growing problem and has negative ecological impacts on the aquatic ecosystem. Hypoxia can disturb the biodiversity and biogeochemical cycles of both phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) in water columns and sediments. Anthropogenic eutrophication and internal nutrient release from lakebed sediment accelerate hypoxia to form a dead zone. Thus, sediment hypoxia mitigation is necessary for ecological restoration and sustainable development. Conventional aeration practices to control sediment hypoxia, are not effective due to high cost, sediment disturbance and less sustainability. Owing to high solubility and stability, micro-nanobubbles (MNBs) offer several advantages over conventional water and wastewater treatment practices. Clay loaded oxygen micro-nanobubbles (OMNBs) can be delivered into deep water sediment by gravity and settling. Nanobubble technology provides a promising route for cost-effective oxygen delivery in large natural water systems. OMNBs also have the immense potential to manipulate biochemical pathways and microbial processes for remediating sediment pollution in natural waters. This review article aims to analyze recent trends employing OMNBs loaded materials to mitigate sediment hypoxia and subsequent pollution. The first part of the review highlights various minerals/materials used for the delivery of OMNBs into benthic sediments of freshwater bodies. Release of OMNBs at hypoxic sediment water interphase (SWI) can provide significant dissolved oxygen (DO) to remediate hypoxia induced sediment pollution Second part of the manuscript unveils the impacts of OMNBs on sediment pollutants (e.g., methylmercury, arsenic, and greenhouse gases) remediation and microbial processes for improved biogeochemical cycles. The review article will facilitate environmental engineers and ecologists to control sediment pollution along with ecological restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jafar Ali
- Key Lab of Groundwater Resources and Environment (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, Changchun 130021, China; Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Yuesuo Yang
- Key Lab of Groundwater Resources and Environment (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, Changchun 130021, China; Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Gang Pan
- Centre of Integrated Water-Energy-Food Studies, School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Southwell, NG25 0QF, United Kingdom; Jiangsu Jiuguan Institute of Environment and Resources, Yixing, China.
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Zhang CJ, Liu YR, Cha G, Liu Y, Zhou XQ, Lu Z, Pan J, Cai M, Li M. Potential for mercury methylation by Asgard archaea in mangrove sediments. THE ISME JOURNAL 2023; 17:478-485. [PMID: 36639538 PMCID: PMC9938162 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-023-01360-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a potent neurotoxin that bioaccumulates along food chains. The conversion of MeHg from mercury (Hg) is mediated by a variety of anaerobic microorganisms carrying hgcAB genes. Mangrove sediments are potential hotspots of microbial Hg methylation; however, the microorganisms responsible for Hg methylation are poorly understood. Here, we conducted metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses to investigate the diversity and distribution of putative microbial Hg-methylators in mangrove ecosystems. The highest hgcA abundance and expression occurred in surface sediments in Shenzhen, where the highest MeHg concentration was also observed. We reconstructed 157 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) carrying hgcA and identified several putative novel Hg-methylators, including one Asgard archaea (Lokiarchaeota). Further analysis of MAGs revealed that Deltaproteobacteria, Euryarchaeota, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, and Lokiarchaeota were the most abundant and active Hg-methylating groups, implying their crucial role in MeHg production. By screening publicly available MAGs, 104 additional Asgard MAGs carrying hgcA genes were identified from a wide range of coast, marine, permafrost, and lake sediments. Protein homology modelling predicts that Lokiarchaeota HgcAB proteins contained the highly conserved amino acid sequences and folding structures required for Hg methylation. Phylogenetic tree revealed that hgcA genes from Asgard clustered with fused hgcAB genes, indicating a transitional stage of Asgard hgcA genes. Our findings thus suggest that Asgard archaea are potential novel Hg-methylating microorganisms and play an important role in hgcA evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui-Jing Zhang
- Archaeal Biology Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu-Rong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070, Wuhan, China
| | - Guihong Cha
- Key Laboratory of Development and Application of Rural Renewable Energy, Biogas Institute of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Archaeal Biology Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xin-Quan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhongyi Lu
- Archaeal Biology Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jie Pan
- Archaeal Biology Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mingwei Cai
- Archaeal Biology Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China
- Chemical Biology Institute, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Meng Li
- Archaeal Biology Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 518060, Shenzhen, China.
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Risk Assessment of the Wild Edible Leccinum Mushrooms Consumption According to the Total Mercury Content. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9030287. [PMID: 36983455 PMCID: PMC10054052 DOI: 10.3390/jof9030287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Wild-growing edible mushrooms contain many biologically valuable substances. However, they are considered a risk commodity due to their extremely high capacity for bioaccumulation of potential risk elements and pollutants from the environment. Four bolete mushrooms from the genus Leccinum were collected from 16 forested areas of Slovakia from June to October 2019. The total mercury content in soil and fruiting body parts was determined by an AMA-254 Advanced Mercury Analyzer. Soil pollution by total mercury was evaluated by contamination factor (Cfi). Bioaccumulation factor (BCF), translocation factor (Qc/s), percentage of provisional tolerable weekly intake (%PTWI), and target hazard quotient (THQ) were used to describe and compare uptake and transition abilities of mushrooms, and the health risk arising from consumption of the mushrooms. Total mercury content varied between 0.05 to 0.61 mg kg−1 DW in the soil/substrate samples, and between 0.16 and 5.82 (caps), and 0.20 and 3.50 mg kg−1 DW (stems) in fruiting body samples. None of the analyzed locations represented a health risk based on %PTWI values, however, three locations may pose a significant health risk from the perspective of THQ values.
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Li Y, Zhao Q, Liu M, Guo J, Xia J, Wang J, Qiu Y, Zou J, He W, Jiang F. Treatment and remediation of metal-contaminated water and groundwater in mining areas by biological sulfidogenic processes: A review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 443:130377. [PMID: 36444068 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution in the mining areas leads to serious environmental problems. The biological sulfidogenic process (BSP) mediated by sulfidogenic bacteria has been considered an attractive technology for the treatment and remediation of metal-contaminated water and groundwater. Notwithstanding, BSP driven by different sulfidogenic bacteria could affect the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the treatment performance in practical applications, such as the microbial intolerance of pH and metal ions, the formation of toxic byproducts, and the consumption of organic electron donors. Sulfur-reducing bacteria (S0RB)-driven BSP has been demonstrated to be a promising alternative to the commonly used sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB)-driven BSP for treating metal-contaminated wastewater and groundwater, due to the cost-saving in chemical addition, the high efficiency in sulfide production and metal removal efficiency. Although the S0RB-driven BSP has been developed and applied for decades, the present review works mainly focus on the developments in SRB-driven BSP for the treatment and remediation of metal-contaminated wastewater and groundwater. Accordingly, a comprehensive review for metal-contaminated wastewater treatment and groundwater remediation should be provided with the incorporation of the SRB- and S0RB-driven BSP. To identify the bottlenecks and to improve BSP performance, this paper reviews sulfidogenic bacteria presenting in metal-contaminated water and groundwater; highlight the critical factors for the metabolism of sulfidogenic bacteria during BSP; the ecological roles of sulfidogenic bacteria and the mechanisms of metal removal by sulfidogenic bacteria; and the application of the present sulfidogenic systems and their drawbacks. Accordingly, the research knowledge gaps, current process limitations, and future prospects were provided for improving the performance of BSP in the treatment and remediation of metal-contaminated wastewater and groundwater in mining areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Li
- School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qingxia Zhao
- School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ming Liu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Urban Ecological Environment Simulation and Protection, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Jiahua Guo
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Juntao Xia
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Jinting Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Technology Lab, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control & Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yanying Qiu
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Jiahui Zou
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Weiting He
- School of Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
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Selenium Status: Its Interactions with Dietary Mercury Exposure and Implications in Human Health. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14245308. [PMID: 36558469 PMCID: PMC9785339 DOI: 10.3390/nu14245308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Selenium is an essential trace element in humans and animals and its role in selenoprotein and enzyme antioxidant activity is well documented. Food is the principal source of selenium, and it is important that selenium status in the body is adequately maintained for physiological functions. There has been increasing attention on the role of selenium in mitigating the toxic effects of mercury exposure from dietary intake in humans. In contrast, mercury is a neurotoxin, and its continuous exposure can cause adverse health effects in humans. The interactions of selenium and mercury are multi-factorial and involve complex binding mechanisms between these elements at a molecular level. Further insights and understanding in this area may help to evaluate the health implications of dietary mercury exposure and selenium status. This review aims to summarise current information on the interplay of the interactions between selenium and mercury in the body and the protective effect of selenium on at-risk groups in a population who may experience long-term mercury exposure.
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Álvarez-Fernández N, Martínez Cortizas A, López-Costas O. Structural equation modelling of mercury intra-skeletal variability on archaeological human remains. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158015. [PMID: 35970463 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Archaeological burial environments are useful archives to investigate the long-term trends and the behaviour of mercury. In order to understand the relationship between mercury, skeletons and soil, we applied Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to a detailed, multisampling (n = 73 bone samples +37 soil samples) design of two archaeological graves dating to the 6th to 7th centuries CE (A Lanzada site, NW Spain). Mercury content was assessed using a DMA-80, and data about bone structure and the grave soil/sediments were obtained using FTIR-ATR spectroscopy. The theoretical model is supported by proxies of bone structure, grave soil/sediments, and location of the bone within the skeleton. The general model explained 61 % of mercury variance. Additionally, Partial Least Square - Prediction Oriented Segmentation (PLS-POS) was also used to check for segmentation in the dataset. POS revealed two group of samples depending on the bone phase (hydroxyapatite or collagen) controlling the Hg content, and the corresponding models explained 86 % and 76 % of Hg variance, respectively. The results suggest that mercury behaviour in the graves is complex, and that mercury concentrations were influenced by i) the ante-mortem status of the bone matrix, related to the weight of each bone phase; ii) post-mortem evolution of bone crystallinity, where bone loses mercury with increasing alteration; and iii) the proximity of the skeletal pieces to mercury target organs, as decomposition and collapse of the thoracic and abdominal soft tissues causes a secondary mercury enrichment in bones from the body trunk during early post-mortem. Skeletons provide a source of mercury to the soil whereas soil/sediments contribute little to skeletal mercury content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Álvarez-Fernández
- CRETUS, EcoPast (GI-1553), Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 16782, Spain; Boscalia Technologies S.L., Spain.
| | - Antonio Martínez Cortizas
- CRETUS, EcoPast (GI-1553), Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 16782, Spain; Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm University, Stockholm SE-10691, Sweden
| | - Olalla López-Costas
- EcoPast (GI-1553), CRETUS, Area of Archaeology, Department of History, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain; Archaeological Research Laboratory, Stockholm University, Wallenberglaboratoriet, SE-10691, Sweden; Laboratorio de Antropología Física, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, 18012, Spain
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Roethlin RL, Gilli A, Wehrli B, Gilli RS, Wiederhold JG, Dubois N. Tracking the legacy of early industrial activity in sediments of Lake Zurich, Switzerland: using a novel multi-proxy approach to find the source of extensive metal contamination. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:85789-85801. [PMID: 35768710 PMCID: PMC9668972 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21288-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Historical industrial activities at the Horn Richterwil, on the shore of Lake Zurich (Switzerland), caused widespread metal contamination on land and in the adjacent lake sediments. This study provides an estimation of the age and source of the contamination by using XRF core scanning, ICP-OES, and Hg-AFS for quantitative measurements of trace metals and MC-ICP-MS for the stable isotope analysis of mercury. Radiometric dating ([Formula: see text]Cs, [Formula: see text]Pb, and Pu dating) of two proximal cores and varve chronology in a distal core suggest two different contaminations, one stemming from around 1960 (Zn, Cd) and an earlier one from 1880 (Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Sn). The XRF data suggest two different contamination pathways: one by landfill of contaminated soil and another one by industrial wastewater effluents. Maximum concentrations found within all samples are in the range of per mil (dry weight) for Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Sn, and Zn and lie within the top 10 cm of the sediment cores. The analysis of the mercury isotopic composition ([Formula: see text]Hg and [Formula: see text]Hg) shows a significantly different signature for one of the cores, indicating a second mercury source. We could not identify the exact source or process leading to the isotopic fractionation of mercury, but the isotopic data confirm two different sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remo Luis Roethlin
- Department of Surface Waters Research and Management, Eawag, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600 Zurich, Dübendorf Switzerland
- Department of Earth Sciences, Geological Institute, ETH Zurich, Sonneggstrasse 5, 8092 Zurich, Zurich Switzerland
| | - Adrian Gilli
- Department of Earth Sciences, Geological Institute, ETH Zurich, Sonneggstrasse 5, 8092 Zurich, Zurich Switzerland
| | - Bernhard Wehrli
- Department of Surface Waters Research and Management, Eawag, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600 Zurich, Dübendorf Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, Aquatic Chemistry Group, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 16, 8092 Zurich, Zurich Switzerland
| | - Robin Sue Gilli
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, Soil Chemistry Group, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 16, 8092 Zurich, Zurich Switzerland
| | - Jan Georg Wiederhold
- Department of Environmental Geosciences, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Vienna Austria
| | - Nathalie Dubois
- Department of Surface Waters Research and Management, Eawag, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600 Zurich, Dübendorf Switzerland
- Department of Earth Sciences, Geological Institute, ETH Zurich, Sonneggstrasse 5, 8092 Zurich, Zurich Switzerland
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Li H, Li Y, Tang W, Zhong H, Zhao J, Bai X, Sha S, Xu D, Lei P, Gao Y. Assessment of the Bioavailability of Mercury Sulfides in Paddy Soils Using Sodium Thiosulfate Extraction - Results from Microcosm Experiments. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 109:764-770. [PMID: 35305130 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-022-03483-w] [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: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mercury sulfides (HgS), one of the largest Hg sinks in the lithosphere, has long been considered to be highly inert. Recently, several HgS speciation (e.g., nano- or micro-sized HgS particles) in paddy soils have been found to be reactive and bioavailable, increasing the possibility of methylation and bioaccumulation and posing a potential risk to humans. However, a simple and uniform method for investigating HgS bioavailability is still lacking. To address this issue, we extracted dissolved Hg from HgS particles by sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3) in paddy soils and analyzed the correlation between extracted Hg and soil methylmercury (MeHg). Results showed that the amounts of Hg extracted by Na2S2O3 had a strong positive correlation with the levels of soil MeHg (R 2 adj = 0.893, p < 0.05). It is suggested that Na2S2O3 extraction may be a good method of predicting Hg bioavailability in paddy soils. Our results would help to give clues in better predicting Hg risk in natural environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
- Research Center of Radiographic Techniques and Equipment, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Yunyun Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Wenli Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Huan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiating Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Bai
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Shengnan Sha
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Diandou Xu
- Research Center of Radiographic Techniques and Equipment, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Pei Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, 210023, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yuxi Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.
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Rani L, Srivastav AL, Kaushal J, Nguyen XC. Recent advances in nanomaterial developments for efficient removal of Hg(II) from water. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:62851-62869. [PMID: 35831652 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21869-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
"Water" contamination by mercury Hg(II) has become the biggest concern due to its severe toxicities on public health. There are different conventional techniques like ion exchange, reverse osmosis, and filtration that have been used for the elimination of Hg(II) from the aqueous solutions. Although, these techniques have some drawbacks during the remediation of Hg(II) present in water. Adsorption could be a better option for the elimination of Hg(II) from the aqueous solutions. "Conventional adsorbents" like zeolite, clay, and activated carbons are inefficient for this purpose. Recently, nanomaterials have attracted attention for the elimination of Hg(II) from the aqueous solutions due to high porosity, better surface properties, and high efficiency. In this review, a thorough discussion has been carried out on the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials along with mechanisms involved in the elimination of Hg(II) from aqueous solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lata Rani
- Centre for Water Sciences, Chitkara University Institute of Engineering & Technology, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
- Chitkara University School of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Himachal-Pradesh, India
| | - Arun Lal Srivastav
- Chitkara University School of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University, Himachal-Pradesh, India.
| | - Jyotsna Kaushal
- Centre for Water Sciences, Chitkara University Institute of Engineering & Technology, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Xuan Cuong Nguyen
- Laboratory of energy and environmental science, Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Vietnam
- Faculty of Environmental Chemical Engineering, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Vietnam
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Zhang Z, Zhang X, Xin Y, Wu H. Ant colonization increased total mercury but reduced methylmercury contents in boreal mires, Northeast China. J Environ Sci (China) 2022; 119:50-58. [PMID: 35934465 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2021.12.007] [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: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Soil macroinvertebrates as ecosystem engineers play significant, but largely ignored, roles in affecting mercury (Hg) cycle by altering soil physical-chemical properties. Ant is likely expanded into boreal mires with climate warming, however, its impacts on Hg cycle remained poorly understood. We compared total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) contents in soils from antmounds (Lasius flavus) and the nearby ambient in a boreal mire in Northeast China. The present work seeks to unravel factors that controlling MeHg levels in case of ant appearance or absence. The average THg was 179 µg/kg in the ant mound and was 106.1 µg/kg in nearby soils, respectively. The average MeHg was 10.9 µg/kg in the ant mound and was 12.9 µg/kg in nearby soils, respectively. The ratios of MeHg to THg (%MeHg) were 7.61% in ant mounds and 16.75% in nearby soils, respectively. Ant colonization caused THg enrichment and MeHg depletion, and this change was obvious in the 10-20 cm depth soil layer where ants mainly inhabited. Spectrometry characteristics of soil dissolved organic matter (DOM) exert a stronger control than microorganisms on MeHg variation in soils. A structural equation model revealed that the molecular weight of DOM inhibited MeHg irrespective of ant presence or absence, while humification conducive to MeHg significantly in ant mound soils. Microorganisms mainly affected Hg methylation by altering the molecular weight and humification of DOM. We propose that the effects of ant colonization on MeHg rested on DOM feature variations caused by microorganisms in boreal mires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongsheng Zhang
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130012, China.
| | - Xuehui Zhang
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130012, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuan Xin
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130012, China; Shengyang University, Shenyang 110044, China
| | - Haitao Wu
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130012, China
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Tang W, Tang C, Lei P. Sulfur-driven methylmercury production in paddies continues following soil oxidation. J Environ Sci (China) 2022; 119:166-174. [PMID: 35934461 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.07.014] [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: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) production in paddy soils and its accumulation in rice raise global concerns since rice consumption has been identified as an important pathway of human exposure to MeHg. Sulfur (S) amendment via fertilization has been reported to facilitate Hg methylation in paddy soils under anaerobic conditions, while the dynamic of S-amendment induced MeHg production in soils with increasing redox potential remains unclear. This critical gap hinders a comprehensive understanding of Hg biogeochemistry in rice paddy system which is characterized by the fluctuation of redox potential. Here, we conducted soil incubation experiments to explore MeHg production in slow-oxidizing paddy soils amended with different species of S and doses of sulfate. Results show that the elevated redox potential (1) increased MeHg concentrations by 10.9%-35.2%, which were mainly attributed to the re-oxidation of other S species to sulfate and thus the elevated abundance of sulfate-reducing bacteria, and (2) increased MeHg phytoavailability by up to 75% due to the reductions in acid volatile sulfide (AVS) that strongly binds MeHg in soils. Results obtained from this study call for attention to the increased MeHg production and phytoavailability in paddy soils under elevated redox potentials due to water management, which might aggravate the MeHg production induced by S fertilization and thus enhance MeHg accumulation in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Tang
- School of the Environment, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Chao Tang
- School of the Environment, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Pei Lei
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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39
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Gao Z, Zheng W, Li Y, Liu Y, Wu M, Li S, Li P, Liu G, Fu X, Wang S, Wang F, Cai Y, Feng X, Gu B, Zhong H, Yin Y. Mercury transformation processes in nature: Critical knowledge gaps and perspectives for moving forward. J Environ Sci (China) 2022; 119:152-165. [PMID: 35934460 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.07.013] [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: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The transformation of mercury (Hg) in the environment plays a vital role in the cycling of Hg and its risk to the ecosystem and human health. Of particular importance are Hg oxidation/reduction and methylation/demethylation processes driven or mediated by the dynamics of light, microorganisms, and organic carbon, among others. Advances in understanding those Hg transformation processes determine our capacity of projecting and mitigating Hg risk. Here, we provide a critical analysis of major knowledge gaps in our understanding of Hg transformation in nature, with perspectives on approaches moving forward. Our analysis focuses on Hg transformation processes in the environment, as well as emerging methodology in exploring these processes. Future avenues for improving the understanding of Hg transformation processes to protect ecosystem and human health are also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Gao
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, and Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Wang Zheng
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Yanbin Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Yurong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Mengjie Wu
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shouying Li
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Guangliang Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Xuewu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Shuxiao Wang
- School of Environment and State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Feiyue Wang
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, and Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Yong Cai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Baohua Gu
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, USA
| | - Huan Zhong
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China; Environmental and Life Sciences Program (EnLS), Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2, Canada.
| | - Yongguang Yin
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
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Mercury Accumulation in a Stream Ecosystem: Linking Labile Mercury in Sediment Porewaters to Bioaccumulative Mercury in Trophic Webs. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14132003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) deposition and accumulation in the abiotic and biotic environments of a stream ecosystem were studied. This study aimed to link labile Hg in porewater to bioaccumulative Hg in biota. Sediment cores, porewaters, and biota were sampled from four sites along the Fourmile Branch (SC, USA) and measured for total Hg (THg) and methyl-Hg (MHg) concentrations. Water quality parameters were also measured at the sediment–water interface (SWI) to model the Hg speciation. In general, Hg concentrations in porewaters and bulk sediment were relatively high, and most of the sediment Hg was in the solid phase as non-labile species. Surface sediment presented higher Hg concentrations than the medium and bottom layers. Mercury methylation and MHg production in the sediment was primarily influenced by sulfate levels, since positive correlations were observed between sulfate and Hg in the porewaters. The majority of Hg species at the SWI were in non-labile form, and the dominant labile Hg species was complexed with dissolved organic carbon. MHg concentrations in the aquatic food web biomagnified with trophic levels (biofilm, invertebrates, and fish), increasing by 3.31 times per trophic level. Based on the derived data, a modified MHg magnification model was established to estimate the Hg bioaccumulation at any trophic level using Hg concentrations in the abiotic environment (i.e., porewater).
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41
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Xiang Y, Guo Y, Liu G, Liu Y, Song M, Shi J, Hu L, Yin Y, Cai Y, Jiang G. Particle-Bound Hg(II) is Available for Microbial Uptake as Revealed by a Whole-Cell Biosensor. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:6754-6764. [PMID: 35502862 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c08946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Particle-bound mercury (HgP), ubiquitously present in aquatic environments, can be methylated into highly toxic methylmercury, but it remains challenging to assess its bioavailability. In this study, we developed anEscherichia coli-based whole-cell biosensor to probe the microbial uptake of inorganic Hg(II) and assess the bioavailability of HgP sorbed on natural and model particles. This biosensor can quantitatively distinguish the contribution of dissolved Hg(II) and HgP to intracellular Hg. Results showed that the microbial uptake of HgP was ubiquitous in the environment, as evidenced by the bioavailability of sorbed-Hg(II) onto particulate matter and model particles (Fe2O3, Fe3O4, Al2O3, and SiO2). In both oxic and anoxic environments, HgP was an important Hg(II) source for microbial uptake, with enhanced bioavailability under anoxic conditions. The composition of particles significantly affected the microbial uptake of HgP, with higher bioavailability being observed for Fe2O3 and lower for Al2O3 particles. The bioavailability of HgP varied also with the size of particles. In addition, coating with humic substances and model organic compound (cysteine) on Fe2O3 particles decreased the bioavailability of HgP. Overall, our findings highlight the role of HgP in Hg biogeochemical cycling and shed light on the enhanced Hg-methylation in settling particles and sediments in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuping Xiang
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yingying Guo
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guangliang Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Yanwei Liu
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Maoyong Song
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jianbo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Ligang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yong Cai
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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Wu Z, Li Z, Shao B, Zhang Y, He W, Lu Y, Gusvitskii K, Zhao Y, Liu Y, Wang X, Tong Y. Impact of dissolved organic matter and environmental factors on methylmercury concentrations across aquatic ecosystems inferred from a global dataset. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 294:133713. [PMID: 35074323 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133713] [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: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) input into ecosystems is estimated to have increased by twofold to fivefold since the industrial revolution. In aquatic ecosystems, methylmercury (MeHg) receives the most attentions of all the Hg species due to its neurotoxicity and strong bioaccumulation capacity in food chain. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is crucial in impacting aquatic Hg transformation. However, only few spatially constrained studies have attempted to quantify the relative importance of DOM and other factors (e.g., Hg availability, temperature, pH, and land-use type) on MeHg concentration. In this study, we collected data of 585 water samples at 373 sites globally, including lakes, rivers, estuaries, and wetlands, and characterized the global pattern of MeHg distribution and environmental drivers of aquatic MeHg concentration. Our results showed that MeHg concentrations ranged from detection limits to 11 (geometric mean 0.11 and average 0.29) ng/L, and the highest MeHg concentration and Hg methylation potential were observed in wetlands. A positive relationship was observed between MeHg fraction in the total mercury (THg) and DOM for all the aquatic ecosystems. Using the structural equation modeling, we found that Hg availability was a dominant factor in impacting water MeHg concentration followed by DOM. According to 129 samples of specific DOM source information, we found that the percentage of THg as MeHg (%MeHg) in water dominated by the autochthonous DOM was higher than that dominated by the allochthonous DOM. Our results could advance understanding of aquatic Hg cycling and their environmental drivers, which are fundamental for predicting and mitigating MeHg productions and its potential health risks for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyu Wu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Zhike Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Bo Shao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Yiyan Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Wei He
- School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yiren Lu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Kair Gusvitskii
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Yingxin Zhao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Yurong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xuejun Wang
- College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yindong Tong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
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43
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Yu RQ, Barkay T. Microbial mercury transformations: Molecules, functions and organisms. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2022; 118:31-90. [PMID: 35461663 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) methylation, methylmercury (MeHg) demethylation, and inorganic redox transformations of Hg are microbe-mediating processes that determine the fate and cycling of Hg and MeHg in many environments, and by doing so influence the health of humans and wild life. The discovery of the Hg methylation genes, hgcAB, in the last decade together with advances in high throughput and genome sequencing methods, have resulted in an expanded appreciation of the diversity of Hg methylating microbes. This review aims to describe experimentally confirmed and recently discovered hgcAB gene-carrying Hg methylating microbes; phylogenetic and taxonomic analyses are presented. In addition, the current knowledge on transformation mechanisms, the organisms that carry them out, and the impact of environmental parameters on Hg methylation, MeHg demethylation, and inorganic Hg reduction and oxidation is summarized. This knowledge provides a foundation for future action toward mitigating the impact of environmental Hg pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ri-Qing Yu
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, United States.
| | - Tamar Barkay
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
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Liu C, Long L, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Wang J, Sun R. The mechanisms of iron modified montmorillonite in controlling mercury release across mercury-contaminated soil-air interface in greenhouse. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 812:152432. [PMID: 34942243 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Montmorillonite was modified with iron (Fe-MMT) for controlling mercury release across mercury-contaminated soil-air interface in greenhouse. With addition of Fe-MMT, although the root Hg contents in Brassica Pekinensis increased, the edible part (leaf) Hg concentrations decreased significantly, even achieved the Tolerance Limit of Mercury in Foods. The decrease of leaf Hg concentrations was attributed to the lower atmospheric Hg concentrations, which is caused by the lower soil Hg0 release fluxes. Besides the Fe-MMT can direct adsorb soil Hg0, it can also immobilize ionic Hg and decrease soil Hg reactivity via surface adsorption, chemical complexation, and situ co-precipitation. Then the contents of leachable Hg and the percentages of bioavailable speciation in soil were reduced, resulting in the soil Hg0 generation was inhibited and soil Hg0 release fluxes declined. Applying Fe-MMT to soil enhanced the diversity indexes of Streptomyces, which could promote the oxidation of soil Hg0 to Hg2+; subsequently, the soil Hg0 release fluxes decreased. After amending with Fe-MMT, the root Hg contents in Brassica Pekinensis increased because both the soil Hg and microorganisms loaded Hg could be adsorbed by iron oxides and retained on the root surface. This work can provide research basis for Fe-MMT application in Hg-contaminated soil in greenhouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoshu Liu
- School of Chemistry and Material, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Liuyan Long
- School of Chemistry and Material, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yang Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yutao Zhang
- Engineering Technology Center for Control and Remediation of Soil Contamination, Anshun University, Anshun 561000, China
| | - Jun Wang
- School of Chemistry and Material, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Rongguo Sun
- School of Chemistry and Material, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China.
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45
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Liu J, He X, Zhong H, Lei P, Zhang J, Xu Y, Wei Y. Removal of methylmercury and its potential relationship to microbiota in sludge anaerobic digestion under thermal hydrolysis. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 347:126394. [PMID: 34822982 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126394] [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: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Reducing health risk of mercury (Hg)/methylmercury (MeHg) in sewage sludge is vital to its land application. This study revealed that thermal hydrolysis reduced MeHg content both during pretreatment process and subsequent anaerobic digestion (AD), which resulted in decrease of MeHg content from 4.24 ng/g to 0.95 ng/g after thermal hydrolysis (150 ℃) and further decreased to 0.39 ng/g after AD. Notably, thermal hydrolysis at high temperature (120 ℃ and 150 ℃) promoted both Hg methylation and MeHg demethylation rather than the control or at low temperature (100 ℃). Hg methylation dominated in hydrolysis and acidogenesis stage, whereas MeHg demethylation dominated in methanogenesis stage. Though abundance of related genes (HgcA and merA) was dramatically reduced, Ruminococcaceae, Peptococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae were potentially Hg methylators in hydrolysis and acidogenesis stage. Whereas, MeHg demethylation dominated in the late period of AD due to the improved syntrophic methanogenesis and possibly reduced Hg2+ biodegradability by precipitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jibao Liu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Xianglin He
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Hui Zhong
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Pei Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Junya Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yufeng Xu
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yuansong Wei
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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46
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Li Y, Chen L, Liang S, Zhou H, Liu YR, Zhong H, Yang Z. Looping Mercury Cycle in Global Environmental-Economic System Modeling. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:2861-2879. [PMID: 35129955 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The Minamata Convention on Mercury calls for Hg control actions to protect the environment and human beings from the adverse impacts of Hg pollution. It aims at the entire life cycle of Hg. Existing studies on the Hg cycle in the global environmental-economic system have characterized the emission-to-impact pathway of Hg pollution. That is, Hg emissions/releases from the economic system can have adverse impacts on human health and ecosystems. However, current modeling of the Hg cycle is not fully looped. It ignores the feedback of Hg-related environmental impacts (including human health impacts and ecosystem impacts) to the economic system. This would impede the development of more comprehensive Hg control actions. By synthesizing recent information on Hg cycle modeling, this critical review found that Hg-related environmental impacts would have feedbacks to the economic system via the labor force and biodiversity loss. However, the interactions between Hg-related activities in the environmental and economic systems are not completely clear. The cascading effects of Hg-related environmental impacts to the economic system throughout global supply chains have not been revealed. Here, we emphasize the knowledge gaps and propose possible approaches for looping the Hg cycle in global environmental-economic system modeling. This progress is crucial for formulating more dynamic and flexible Hg control measures. It provides new perspectives for the implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Li
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Long Chen
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P. R. China
| | - Sai Liang
- Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Haifeng Zhou
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Rong Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P. R. China
| | - Huan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Zhifeng Yang
- Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
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Worms IAM, Kavanagh K, Moulin E, Regier N, Slaveykova VI. Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation Methods for Quantitative Determination and Size Characterization of Thiols and for Mercury Size Speciation Analysis in Organic Matter-Rich Natural Waters. Front Chem 2022; 10:800696. [PMID: 35252112 PMCID: PMC8888841 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.800696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) efficiently separates various macromolecules and nano-components of natural waters according to their hydrodynamic sizes. The online coupling of AF4 with fluorescence (Fluo) and UV absorbance (UV) detectors (FluoD and UVD, respectively) and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) provides multidimensional information. This makes it a powerful tool to characterize and quantify the size distributions of organic and inorganic nano-sized components and their interaction with trace metals. In this study, we developed a method combining thiol labeling by monobromo(trimethylammonio)bimane bromide (qBBr) with AF4–FluoD to determine the size distribution and the quantities of thiols in the macromolecular dissolved organic matter (DOM) present in highly colored DOM-rich water sampled from Shuya River and Lake Onego, Russia. We found that the qBBr-labeled components of DOM (qB-DOM) were of humic type, characterized by a low hydrodynamic size (dh < 2 nm), and have concentrations <0.3 μM. After enrichment with mercury, the complexes formed between the nano-sized components and Hg were analyzed using AF4–ICP-MS. The elution profile of Hg followed the distribution of the UV-absorbing components of DOM, characterized by slightly higher sizes than qB-DOM. Only a small proportion of Hg was associated with the larger-sized components containing Fe and Mn, probably inorganic oxides that were identified in most of the samples from river to lake. The size distribution of the Hg–DOM complexes was enlarged when the concentration of added Hg increased (from 10 to 100 nM). This was explained by the presence of small iron oxides, overlapping the size distribution of Hg–DOM, on which Hg bound to a small proportion. In addition, to provide information on the dispersion of macromolecular thiols in colored DOM-rich natural water, our study also illustrated the potential of AF4–FluoD–UVD–ICP-MS to trace or quantify dynamic changes while Hg binds to the natural nano-colloidal components of surface water.
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48
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Munir MA, Khan B, Mian IA, Rafiq M, Shahzadi S, Naeem K, Ahmad I. Assessment of Hg accumulation in fish and scalp hair in fishing communities along river Swat, Pakistan. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:67159-67166. [PMID: 34247345 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15348-6] [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: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) bioaccumulation in fish poses severe threats to the food safety and human health. This study was conducted to assess Hg bioaccumulation in fish (n = 24) and scalp hair (n = 77) of the fishing communities at up- and downstream of the river Swat, Pakistan. The mean Hg concentration in upstream fish Salmo trutta fario (Brown trout) and Schizothorax plagiostomus (Swati fish) species was 34.7±18 μg kg-1 and 29.4±15 μg kg-1, respectively. The mean Hg concentration in downstream Swati fish, Crossocheilus diplochilus (Spena deqa), and Garra gotyla (Tora deqa) was 65±21 μg kg-1, 123±33 μg kg-1, and 326±53 μg Kg-1, respectively. The mean Hg concentration in scalp hair of the up- and downstream fishing communities was 658±125 μg kg-1 and 3969±791 μg kg-1, respectively. Independent T-test showed significant difference (p < 0.001) in the mean Hg concentration in scalp hair of the up- and downstream communities. The most prevalent health problems found in the fishing community were muscle pain, headache, visual impairment, arterial blood pressure, anemia, and kidney dysfunction. Multiple linear regression indicated that daily and weekly consumption of the fish significantly increase Hg accumulation in human scalp hair. Regular consumption of fruits and cruciferous and leafy vegetables were found to reduce Hg toxicity in the population. Further studies are recommended to identify the sources of Hg and welfare impact of fish contamination on the fishing community of river Swat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Aamir Munir
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Khan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan.
| | - Ishaq Ahmed Mian
- Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Rafiq
- Department of Economics, Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Samreen Shahzadi
- Central Analytical Facility Division, Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science & Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Kashif Naeem
- Central Analytical Facility Division, Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science & Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Iqbal Ahmad
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan.
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49
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Chang C, Yin R, Huang F, Wang R, Chen C, Mao K, Feng X, Zhang H. A new method of predicting the contribution of TGM to Hg in white rice: Using leaf THg and implications for Hg risk control in Wanshan Hg mine area. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 288:117727. [PMID: 34329067 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117727] [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: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Rice plants accumulate Hg from the soil and ambient air, however, evaluating the contribution of Hg from these two sources remains challenging. Here, we proposed a practical method to predict the contribution of total gaseous mercury (TGM) to Hg in white rice in Wanshan Hg mine area (WMM). In this study, rice was planted in the same low-Hg soil at different sites of WMM with varying TGM levels. Comparing to the control sites at IG (Institute of Geochemistry, Guiyang), TGM is the dominant source of Hg in rice leaves and white rice at TB (Tianba) and ZJW (Zhangjiawan) sites of WMM. Subsequently, a good correlation between the Hg concentrations in rice leaves and the concentration contributions of TGM to Hg in white rice was obtained. Such a correlation enabled feasible quantification of the contribution of TGM to Hg in white rice collected from the Wanshan Hg mine. The contribution of TGM to Hg in white rice across the WMM area was also estimated, demonstrating that white rice receives 14-83% of Hg from the air. Considering the high contribution of TGM to Hg in white rice, we compared the relative health risks of Hg via inhalation and rice consumption and found that inhalation, rather than rice consumption, was the major pathway for bioaccessible Hg exposure in adults at high-TGM sites. This study provides new knowledge of Hg biogeochemistry in Hg-mining areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanyu Chang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environments, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Runsheng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Ore Deposit Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Fang Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environments, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Ruirui Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environments, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Chongying Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Kang Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
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50
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Hyun HR, Yoon H, Lyou ES, Kim JJ, Kwon SY, Lee TK. Short-Term Legacy Effects of Mercury Contamination on Plant Growth and nifH-Harboring Microbial Community in Rice Paddy Soil. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2021; 82:932-941. [PMID: 33624137 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01722-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg), which is formed in rice paddy soil, exhibits strong neurotoxicity through bioaccumulation in the food chain. A few groups of microorganisms drive both mercury methylation and nitrogen fixation in the rhizosphere. Little is known about how the shifted soil microbial community by Hg contamination affects nitrogen fixation rate and plant growth in paddy soil. Here, we examined how stimulated short-term Hg amendment affects the nitrogen fixing microbial community and influences plant-microbe interactions. Soil was treated with low (0.2 mg/kg) and high (1.1 mg/kg) concentrations of Hg for 4 weeks; then, rice (Oryza sativa) was planted and grown for 12 weeks. The nitrogen-fixation rate and rice growth were measured. The diversity and structure of the microbial community were analyzed by sequencing the nifH gene before and after rice cultivation. Hg treatments significantly decreased the nitrogen fixation rate and dry weight of the rice plants. The structure of the nifH-harboring community was remarkably changed after rice cultivation depending on Hg treatments. Iron- or sulfate-reducing bacteria, including Desulfobacca, Desulfoporosimus, and Geobacter, were observed as legacy response groups; their abundances increased in the soil after Hg treatment. The high abundance of those groups were maintained in control, but the abundance drastically decreased after rice cultivation in the soil treated with Hg, indicating that symbiotic behavior of rice plants changes according to the legacy effects on Hg contamination. These results suggested that Hg contamination can persist in soil microbial communities, affecting their nitrogen-fixation ability and symbiosis with rice plants in paddy soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Rim Hyun
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hakwon Yoon
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Sun Lyou
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Ju Kim
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chun-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae Yun Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Kwon Lee
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of Korea.
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