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Kung HC, Wu CH, Huang BW, Chang-Chien GP, Mutuku JK, Lin WC. Mercury abatement in the environment: Insights from industrial emissions and fates in the environment. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28253. [PMID: 38571637 PMCID: PMC10987932 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Mercury's neurotoxic effects have prompted the development of advanced control and remediation methods to meet stringent measures for industries with high-mercury feedstocks. Industries with significant Hg emissions, including artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM)-789.2 Mg year-1, coal combustion-564.1 Mg year-1, waste combustion-316.1 Mg year-1, cement production-224.5 Mg year-1, and non-ferrous metals smelting-204.1 Mg year-1, use oxidants and adsorbents capture Hg from waste streams. Oxidizing agents such as O3, Cl2, HCl, CaBr2, CaCl2, and NH4Cl oxidize Hg0 to Hg2+ for easier adsorption. To functionalize adsorbents, carbonaceous ones use S, SO2, and Na2S, metal-based adsorbents use dimercaprol, and polymer-based adsorbents are grafted with acrylonitrile and hydroxylamine hydrochloride. Adsorption capacities span 0.2-85.6 mg g-1 for carbonaceous, 0.5-14.8 mg g-1 for metal-based, and 168.1-1216 mg g-1 for polymer-based adsorbents. Assessing Hg contamination in soils and sediments uses bioindicators and stable isotopes. Remediation approaches include heat treatment, chemical stabilization and immobilization, and phytoremediation techniques when contamination exceeds thresholds. Achieving a substantially Hg-free ecosystem remains a formidable challenge, chiefly due to the ASGM industry, policy gaps, and Hg persistence. Nevertheless, improvements in adsorbent technologies hold potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Chieh Kung
- Institute of Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsing Wu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
- Center for General Education, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung 833301, Taiwan
| | - Bo-Wun Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Institute of Mechatronic Engineering, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung City, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Guo-Ping Chang-Chien
- Institute of Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Super micro mass research and technology center, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Center for Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Justus Kavita Mutuku
- Institute of Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Super micro mass research and technology center, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Center for Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ching Lin
- Department of Neuroradiology, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, 84001, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, 84001, Taiwan
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2
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Li Y, Xue J, Chen J, Huo J, Chen M. Natural and anthropogenic impacts on mercury accumulation in Xiaohai Lagoon, South China over the last 1200 years. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170309. [PMID: 38278233 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic use and release of mercury (Hg) have profoundly affected the global Hg cycle since preindustrial times. However, it is often difficult to quantify the relative contributions of natural and anthropogenic factors to environmental Hg accumulation. Here, we have presented a 1200-year record of Hg deposition in a sediment core from the Xiaohai Lagoon (South China), in combination with multiple environmental indicators (e.g., geochemical elements, grain size and total organic carbon, etc.). Using principal component analysis (PCA) and stepwise regression analysis (SRA), we aimed to explore the latent processes governing the accumulation of Hg over time and to quantitatively assess the natural and anthropogenic impacts on Hg deposition over the last millennium in Xiaohai Lagoon. Our results have demonstrated that between ∼ 870 and ∼ 1860 CE, natural factors were the main drivers controlling Hg concentrations in the lagoon. These were directly driven by higher soil erosion and increased inputs of fine-grained matter. However, from 1860 to 2013 CE, enhanced anthropogenic activities played a significant role in Hg accumulation in Xiaohai Lagoon. Anthropogenic Hg fluxes increased significantly from ∼ 1860 CE, peaked several times during the 1860s to the 1950s, accelerated from the late 1950s to the early 2000s, and then declined gradually owing to the stringent environmental protection strategies and efficient pollutant control technologies. Our results have suggested that the increased anthropogenic Hg inputs between the 1860s and mid-1970s were mostly attributed to wars, the "Westernization Movement", and global industrial activity, with a surge mainly after the 1980s dominated by industrial activities in China and numerous developing countries in Southeast Asia. This study has shown the natural and anthropogenic influences associated with mercury pollution through quantitative analysis and can deepen our understanding of the processes and mechanisms of mercury deposition in natural environments under the influence of human activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanting Li
- School of Geographical Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Jibin Xue
- School of Geographical Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.
| | - Jingqiang Chen
- School of Geographical Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Jia Huo
- School of Geographical Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Mingyi Chen
- School of Geographical Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
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3
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Padilha JAG, Souza-Kasprzyk J, Pinzoni M, Prohaska G, Espejo W, Leite A, Santos S, Cunha LST, Costa ES, Pessôa AR, Torres JPM, Lepoint G, Das K, Dorneles PR. Mercury exposure in Antarctic seabirds: Assessing the influence of trophic position and migration patterns. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 340:139871. [PMID: 37611760 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Although naturally present in the environment, mercury (Hg) input is significantly amplified by anthropogenic activities on a global scale, leading to a growing concern about the recent increase in Hg levels observed in Antarctica. This study investigated total mercury (THg) concentrations in feathers and eggs of resident and migratory Antarctic seabirds. Stable isotope data (δ15N, δ13C, and δ34S) were employed to ascertain the key factors influencing the exposure of these species to Hg. We gathered feathers and eggs from three resident species - Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins, as well as five migratory species - Snowy Sheathbill, Antarctic Tern, Southern Giant Petrel, Kelp Gull, and South Polar Skua. These samples were collected from Admiralty Bay, King George Island, in the Antarctica Peninsula. For all species, THg concentrations were higher in feathers (mean ± SD: 2267 ± 2480 ng g-1 dw) than in eggs (906 ± 1461 ng g-1 dw). Species occupying higher trophic positions, such as the Southern Giant Petrel (5667 ± 1500 ng g-1 dw) and South Polar Skua (4216 ± 1101 ng. g-1 dw), exhibited higher THg levels in their feathers than those at lower positions, like Antarctic Tern (1254 ± 400 ng g-1 dw) and Chinstrap Penguin (910 ± 364 ng g-1 dw). The δ15N values, which serve as a proxy for the trophic position, significantly correlated with THg concentrations. These findings reveal that trophic position influences THg concentrations in Antarctic seabirds. Migration did not appear to significantly affect the exposure of seabirds to THg, contrary to initial expectations. This research highlights the importance of evaluating the impacts of THg contamination on the Antarctic ecosystem by considering a variety of species. This multi-species approach offers critical insights into the factors that may potentially influence the exposure of these species to contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A G Padilha
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; CBMA - Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network & IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
| | - J Souza-Kasprzyk
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - M Pinzoni
- Freshwater and Oceanic ScienCes Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - G Prohaska
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - W Espejo
- Department of Animal Science, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 537, Chillán, Chile
| | - A Leite
- CBMA - Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network & IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - S Santos
- CBMA - Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network & IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; IB-S, Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - L S T Cunha
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - E S Costa
- Mestrado Profissional Em Ambiente e Sustentabilidade. Universidade Estadual Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Rua Assis Brasil, 842, Centro, São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - A R Pessôa
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - J P M Torres
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - G Lepoint
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - K Das
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - P R Dorneles
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
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Crosas-Molist E, Samain R, Kohlhammer L, Orgaz J, George S, Maiques O, Barcelo J, Sanz-Moreno V. RhoGTPase Signalling in Cancer Progression and Dissemination. Physiol Rev 2021; 102:455-510. [PMID: 34541899 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00045.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho GTPases are a family of small G proteins that regulate a wide array of cellular processes related to their key roles controlling the cytoskeleton. On the other hand, cancer is a multi-step disease caused by the accumulation of genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations, from the initial stages of cancer development when cells in normal tissues undergo transformation, to the acquisition of invasive and metastatic traits, responsible for a large number of cancer related deaths. In this review, we discuss the role of Rho GTPase signalling in cancer in every step of disease progression. Rho GTPases contribute to tumour initiation and progression, by regulating proliferation and apoptosis, but also metabolism, senescence and cell stemness. Rho GTPases play a major role in cell migration, and in the metastatic process. They are also involved in interactions with the tumour microenvironment and regulate inflammation, contributing to cancer progression. After years of intensive research, we highlight the importance of relevant models in the Rho GTPase field, and we reflect on the therapeutic opportunities arising for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Crosas-Molist
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Remi Samain
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leonie Kohlhammer
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jose Orgaz
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols', CSIC-UAM, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Samantha George
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oscar Maiques
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jaume Barcelo
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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De La Peña-Lastra S. Seabird droppings: Effects on a global and local level. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 754:142148. [PMID: 33254937 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Seabirds, with approximately 1 billion specimens, are the main exchangers of nutrients between Terrestial and Marine Systems and they have become an emerging interest group because of their effects on the planet's ecosystem. This review paper aims to highlight the impact of seabird droppings at different trophic levels, their occurrence, ecological risks and effects on soil, water, atmosphere and biota at global and local level to try to understand the ecological and climatic changes associated with the activities of these birds. Seabirds they have a very marked influence on the ecosystems where they form their colonies since, in addition to their function as predators, alongside with their depositions, they condition the primary producers and, consequently, the rest of the food chain. Their excrements contain large amounts of N, P and trace elements, most of which are bioavailable. In this study, besides bringing together the different works on nutrients and trace elements in excrements and differentiating some terms referring to these excrements, a brief historical overview of their importance for agriculture is made. In addition, the impacts produced by these birds on the ecosystem are also analysed according to two levels, at a global and local level. At each of these levels, a current state of the effects on the different compartments of the ecosystems is made, from the biota to the soils, the water or the atmosphere. This review supports the idea that more studies are needed both at the atmospheric level and in the terrestrial or marine environment for a better understanding of the changes these birds generate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saúl De La Peña-Lastra
- CRETUS Institute, Departamento de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Galicia. Spain.
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6
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Cooke CA, Martínez-Cortizas A, Bindler R, Sexauer Gustin M. Environmental archives of atmospheric Hg deposition - A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 709:134800. [PMID: 31887515 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Environmental archives offer an opportunity to reconstruct temporal trends in atmospheric Hg deposition at various timescales. Lake sediment and peat have been the most widely used archives; however, new records from ice, tree rings, and the measurement of Hg stable isotopes, are offering new insights into past Hg cycling. Preindustrial Hg deposition has been studied over decadal to millennial timescales extending as far back as the late Pleistocene. Exploitation of mercury deposits (mainly cinnabar) first began during the mid to late Holocene in South America, Europe, and Asia, but increased dramatically during the Colonial era (1532-1900) for silver production. However, evidence for preindustrial Hg pollution is restricted to regions directly downwind or downstream of cinnabar or precious metal mining centers. Excluding these areas, there has been an approximately four-fold increase in atmospheric deposition globally over the industrial era (i.e., since 1800-1850), though regional differences exist, especially during the early 20th Century. Lake sediments, peat, ice, and tree rings are all influenced by (and integrate) a range of processes. For example, lake sediments are influenced by atmospheric deposition, sediment focusing, and the input of allochthonous material from the watershed, peat records reflect atmospheric deposition and biotic uptake, ice cores are a record of Hg scrubbed during precipitation, and tree rings record atmospheric concentrations. No archive represents an absolute record of past Hg deposition or concentrations, and post-depositional transformation of Hg profiles remains an important topic of research. However, natural archives continue to provide important insight into atmospheric Hg cycling over various timescales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin A Cooke
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E3, Canada; Environmental Monitoring and Science Division, Alberta Environment and Parks, Government of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 5C6 Canada.
| | - Antonio Martínez-Cortizas
- EcoPast (GI-1553), Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Richard Bindler
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mae Sexauer Gustin
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada-Reno Reno, Nevada 89557, United States
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Liu M, Chen L, Wang X, Zhang W, Tong Y, Ou L, Xie H, Shen H, Ye X, Deng C, Wang H. Mercury Export from Mainland China to Adjacent Seas and Its Influence on the Marine Mercury Balance. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:6224-6232. [PMID: 27243109 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b04999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Exports from mainland China are a significant source of mercury (Hg) in the adjacent seas (Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea, East China Sea, and South China Sea) near China. A total of 240 ± 23 Mg was contributed in 2012 (30% from natural sources and 70% from anthropogenic sources), including Hg from rivers, industrial wastewater, domestic sewage, groundwater, nonpoint sources, and coastal erosion. Among the various sources, the Hg from rivers amounts to 160 ± 21 Mg and plays a dominant role. The Hg that is exported from mainland China increased from 1984 to 2013; the contributions from rivers, industrial wastewater, domestic sewage and groundwater increased, and the contributions from nonpoint sources and coastal erosion remained stable. A box model is constructed to simulate the mass balance of Hg in these seas and quantify the sources, sinks and Hg biogeochemical cycle in the seas. In total, 160 Mg of Hg was transported to the Pacific Ocean and other oceans from these seas through oceanic currents in 2012, which could have negative impacts on the marine ecosystem. A prediction of the changes in Hg exportation through 2030 shows that the impacts of terrestrial export might worsen without effective pollution reduction measures and that the Hg load in these seas will increase, especially in the seawater of the Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea, and East China Sea and in the sea margin sediments of the Bohai Sea and East China Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maodian Liu
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University , Beijing 100871, China
| | - Long Chen
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University , Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xuejun Wang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University , Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China , Beijing 100872, China
| | - Yindong Tong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University , Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Langbo Ou
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University , Beijing 100871, China
| | - Han Xie
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University , Beijing 100871, China
| | - Huizhong Shen
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University , Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xuejie Ye
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University , Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chunyan Deng
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University , Beijing 100871, China
| | - Huanhuan Wang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University , Beijing 100871, China
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Xu L, Liu X, Nie Y. Trace elements (Cu, Zn, and Hg) and δ13C/δ15N in seabird subfossils from three islands of the South China Sea and its implications. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2016; 188:274. [PMID: 27056479 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5274-7] [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: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Seabird subfossils were collected on three islands of the Xisha Archipelago, South China Sea. Via elemental analysis, we identified that bird guano was a significant source for heavy metals Cu, Zn, and Hg. Cu and Zn levels in these guano samples are comparable to their levels in wildbird feces, but guano Hg was lower than previously reported. Trophic positions significantly impacted transfer efficiency of heavy metals by seabirds. Despite of a common source, trace elements, as well as stable isotopes (i.e., guano δ(13)C and collagen δ(15)N), showed island-specific characteristics. Bird subfossils on larger island had relatively greater metal concentrations and revealed higher trophic positions. Partition of element and isotope levels among the islands suggested that transfer efficacy of seabirds on different islands was different, and bird species were probably unevenly distributed among the islets. Island area is possibly a driving factor for distributions of seabird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiang Xu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, 230009, China.
- Institute of Polar Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China.
| | - Xiaodong Liu
- Institute of Polar Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China.
| | - Yaguang Nie
- Institute of Polar Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
- Key Laboratory of Ion Beam Bioengineering, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology Of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
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