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Zhou J, Li J, Xu X, Long S, Cui N, Zhang Y, Shi L, Zhou J. Imaging gastrointestinal damage due to acute mercury poisoning using a mitochondria-targeted dual near-infrared fluorescent probe. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134269. [PMID: 38613952 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is one of the most widespread pollutants that pose serious threats to public health and the environment. People are inevitably exposed to Hg via different routes, such as respiration, dermal contact, drinking or diet. Hg poisoning could cause gingivitis, inflammation, vomiting and diarrhea, respiratory distress or even death. Especially during the developmental stage, there is considerable harm to the brain development of young children, causing serious symptoms such as intellectual disability and motor impairments, and delayed neural development. Therefore, it's of great significance to develop a specific, quick, practical and labor-saving assay for monitoring Hg2+. Herein, a mitochondria-targeted dual (excitation 700 nm and emission 728 nm) near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe JZ-1 was synthesized to detect Hg2+, which is a turn-on fluorescent probe designed based on the rhodamine fluorophore thiolactone, with advantages of swift response, great selectivity, and robust anti-interference capability. Cell fluorescence imaging results showed that JZ-1 could selectively target mitochondria in HeLa cells and monitor exogenous Hg2+. More importantly, JZ-1 has been successfully used to monitor gastrointestinal damage of acute mercury poisoning in a drug-induced mouse model, which provided a great method for sensing Hg species in living subjects, as well as for prenatal diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjian Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Jianchun Li
- School of Pharmacy, School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Xiaotong Xu
- School of Pharmacy, School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Shi Long
- School of Pharmacy, School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Ningning Cui
- Baiq Biopharm (Shandong) Co., Ltd., Weifang 261000, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Qilu Institute of Technology, Jinan 250200, China
| | - Lihong Shi
- School of Pharmacy, School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China.
| | - Jin Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China.
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Liu H, Zheng W, Gao Y, Yang L, Yue F, Huang T, Xie Z. Increased Contribution of Circumpolar Deep Water Upwelling to Methylmercury in the Upper Ocean around Antarctica: Evidence from Mercury Isotopes in the Ornithogenic Sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:2762-2773. [PMID: 38294849 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06923] [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: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Upwelling plays a pivotal role in supplying methylmercury (MeHg) to the upper oceans, contributing to the bioaccumulation of MeHg in the marine food web. However, the influence of the upwelling of Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW), the most voluminous water mass in the Southern Ocean, on the MeHg cycle in the surrounding oceans and marine biota of Antarctica remains unclear. Here, we study the mercury (Hg) isotopes in an ornithogenic sedimentary profile strongly influenced by penguin activity on Ross Island, Antarctica. Results indicate that penguin guano is the primary source of Hg in the sediments, and the mass-independent isotope fractionation of Hg (represented by Δ199Hg) can provide insights on the source of marine MeHg accumulated by penguin. The Δ199Hg in the sediments shows a significant decrease at ∼1550 CE, which is primarily attributed to the enhanced upwelling of CDW that brought more MeHg with lower Δ199Hg from the deeper seawater to the upper ocean. We estimate that the contribution of MeHg from the deeper seawater may reach more than 38% in order to explain the decline in Δ199Hg at ∼1550 CE. Moreover, we found that the intensified upwelling may have increased the MeHg exposure for marine organisms, highlighting the importance of CDW upwelling on the MeHg cycle in Antarctic coastal ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Liu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Anhui Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Wang Zheng
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Yuesong Gao
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Anhui Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Lianjiao Yang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Anhui Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Fange Yue
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Anhui Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Tao Huang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Zhouqing Xie
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Anhui Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
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3
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Jarzynowska M, Saniewska D, Fudala K, Wilman B, Balazy P, Płońska P, Saniewski M. Mercury and methylmercury in birds and marine mammals inhabiting the coastal zone of the two King George Island's bays: Admiralty and King George Bay (maritime Antarctic). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115237. [PMID: 37421914 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
The Antarctic is particularly sensitive to mercury (Hg) pollution and even low levels of Hg may cause significant damage in this fragile environment. The aim of this study was to investigate routes of mercury and methylmercury (MeHg) elimination by animals inhabiting the maritime Antarctic. The results showed that organisms at the highest trophic level (elephant seal) have the highest concentrations of THg and MeHg in both excrement and fur samples. Interspecies differences in mercury levels were observed in materials sourced from penguins of the genus Pysgocelis.13C and 15N values confirmed differences in the diets and foraging areas, which may affect Hg concentration in the tissues we analyzed. Time variations in THg and MeHg concentrations were observed in the excrement of the penguin species, which may be due to periods of fasting and intense feeding closely related to egg laying and moulting stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Jarzynowska
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Dominika Saniewska
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Fudala
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5a, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Wilman
- Institute of Meteorology and Water Management - National Research Institute, Waszyngtona 42, 81-342 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Piotr Balazy
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81-712, Sopot, Poland
| | - Patrycja Płońska
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Michał Saniewski
- Institute of Meteorology and Water Management - National Research Institute, Waszyngtona 42, 81-342 Gdynia, Poland
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4
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Monserrate-Maggi L, Serrano-Mena L, Delahaye L, Calle P, Alvarado-Cadena O, Ruiz-Barzola O, Cevallos-Cevallos JM. Microorganisms isolated from seabirds feathers for mercury bioremediation. BIONATURA 2023. [DOI: 10.21931/rb/2023.08.01.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental pollution caused by mercury has received increasing attention in recent years. Several studies have warned of the high rates of biomagnification in superior levels of marine food networks affecting seabirds. Although seabird feathers are reported as bioindicators of mercury, the possibility of using the microbiota associated with them for the bioremediation of this metal has not been considered. Despite the potential of the seabird feather microbiota, the cultivable microorganisms from this sample matrix have not been identified. In this study, we isolated and identified the organisms in the feathers from three types of seabirds, two species of penguins (Pygoscelis antartica and Pygoscelis papua) and the brown skua bird (Catharacta lonnbergi) through poisoned media a final concentration of 10 mg / L Hg2+ in the culture medium for the microbial consortia. Yeast isolates belonged to the genus Debaryomyces, Meyerozyma, Papiliotrema, and Rhodotorula, and fungi genera Leiotrametes, Penicillium, Pseudogymnoascus, and Cladosporium were identified. Adult bird feathers with high mercury concentrations can serve as a matrix to isolate microorganisms capable of removing mercury.
Keywords: Antarctica, bioremediation, feathers, mercury, microorganisms
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Monserrate-Maggi
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador, CIBE, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Lizette Serrano-Mena
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador, CIBE, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Louise Delahaye
- VIVES University CollegePost-graduate International Cooperation North-South, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Paola Calle
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, FCV, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Omar Alvarado-Cadena
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, FCV, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Omar Ruiz-Barzola
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, FCV, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador; ; . 4 Universidad de Salamanca, Departamento de Estadística; Campus Miguel de Unamuno. 37007, Salamanca -España;
| | - Juan Manuel Cevallos-Cevallos
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas del Ecuador, CIBE, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil ; Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, FCV, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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5
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Lozano-Bilbao E, Lozano G, Jurado-Ruzafa A, Hardisson A, Rubio C, Paz S, Martín V, Gutiérrez ÁJ. Interdecadal variations of the mercury content in Scomber colias in Canary Islands. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:8347-8353. [PMID: 36418833 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24378-7] [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: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a very dangerous toxic metal that bioaccumulates very easily in organisms, and it migrates through the food web. The specimens studied in this study were Scomber colias. In the results obtained for the years 1973, 1992, and 2021, the concentration of mercury has been decreasing considerably over the decades, starting with 0.23 ± 0.04 mg/kg in 1973, and having less than half in 2021 with 0.11 ± 0.01 mg/kg. This may be due to the laws imposed by the countries against pollution and to a greater extent in the elimination of mercury; thanks to these measures it has been possible to reduce the concentration of mercury by half in S. colias. Otherwise, the conservation and availability of historical collections of living beings should be considered an unvalued source of information which could help to monitor legislation measures launched to ameliorate the human impact on the natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Lozano-Bilbao
- Departamento de Biología Animal Y Edafología Y Geología, Unidad Departamental de Ciencias Marinas, Universidad de La Laguna, 38206, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Laguna, Spain.
| | - Gonzalo Lozano
- Departamento de Biología Animal Y Edafología Y Geología, Unidad Departamental de Ciencias Marinas, Universidad de La Laguna, 38206, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Laguna, Spain
| | - Alba Jurado-Ruzafa
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía. Centro Oceanográfico de Canarias, Dársena Pesquera S/N, 38180, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Arturo Hardisson
- Departamento de Obstetricia Y Ginecología, PediatríaMedicina Preventiva Y Salud PúblicaToxicologíaMedicina Legal Y Forense Y Parasitología. Área de Toxicología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Laguna, Spain
| | - Carmen Rubio
- Departamento de Obstetricia Y Ginecología, PediatríaMedicina Preventiva Y Salud PúblicaToxicologíaMedicina Legal Y Forense Y Parasitología. Área de Toxicología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Laguna, Spain
| | - Soraya Paz
- Departamento de Obstetricia Y Ginecología, PediatríaMedicina Preventiva Y Salud PúblicaToxicologíaMedicina Legal Y Forense Y Parasitología. Área de Toxicología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Laguna, Spain
| | - Verónica Martín
- Canary Health Service, 35004, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Ángel J Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Obstetricia Y Ginecología, PediatríaMedicina Preventiva Y Salud PúblicaToxicologíaMedicina Legal Y Forense Y Parasitología. Área de Toxicología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Laguna, Spain
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6
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Jonsson S, Mastromonaco MN, Wang F, Bravo AG, Cairns WRL, Chételat J, Douglas TA, Lescord G, Ukonmaanaho L, Heimbürger-Boavida LE. Arctic methylmercury cycling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 850:157445. [PMID: 35882324 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157445] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic mercury (Hg) undergoes long-range transport to the Arctic where some of it is transformed into methylmercury (MeHg), potentially leading to high exposure in some Arctic inhabitants and wildlife. The environmental exposure of Hg is determined not just by the amount of Hg entering the Arctic, but also by biogeochemical and ecological processes occurring in the Arctic. These processes affect MeHg uptake in biota by regulating the bioavailability, methylation and demethylation, bioaccumulation and biomagnification of MeHg in Arctic ecosystems. Here, we present a new budget for pools and fluxes of MeHg in the Arctic and review the scientific advances made in the last decade on processes leading to environmental exposure to Hg. Methylation and demethylation are key processes controlling the pool of MeHg available for bioaccumulation. Methylation of Hg occurs in diverse Arctic environments including permafrost, sediments and the ocean water column, and is primarily a process carried out by microorganisms. While microorganisms carrying the hgcAB gene pair (responsible for Hg methylation) have been identified in Arctic soils and thawing permafrost, the formation pathway of MeHg in oxic marine waters remains less clear. Hotspots for methylation of Hg in terrestrial environments include thermokarst wetlands, ponds and lakes. The shallow sub-surface enrichment of MeHg in the Arctic Ocean, in comparison to other marine systems, is a possible explanation for high MeHg concentrations in some Arctic biota. Bioconcentration of aqueous MeHg in bacteria and algae is a critical step in the transfer of Hg to top predators, which may be dampened or enhanced by the presence of organic matter. Variable trophic position has an important influence on MeHg concentrations among populations of top predator species such as ringed seal and polar bears distributed across the circumpolar Arctic. These scientific advances highlight key processes that affect the fate of anthropogenic Hg deposited to Arctic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofi Jonsson
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | - Feiyue Wang
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, and Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Andrea G Bravo
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Warren R L Cairns
- CNR Institute of Polar Sciences and Ca' Foscari University, Venice, Italy
| | - John Chételat
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Thomas A Douglas
- U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Fort Wainwright, AK, USA
| | - Gretchen Lescord
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada and Laurentian University, Vale Living with Lakes Center, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | - Liisa Ukonmaanaho
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), P.O. Box 2, FI-00791 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lars-Eric Heimbürger-Boavida
- CNRS/INSU,Aix Marseille Université,Université de Toulon, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), Marseille, France
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7
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Korejwo E, Saniewska D, Bełdowski J, Balazy P, Saniewski M. Mercury concentration and speciation in benthic organisms from Isfjorden, Svalbard. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114115. [PMID: 36137440 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Polar regions are an important part of the global mercury cycle and interesting study sites due to different possible mercury sources. The full understanding of mercury transformations in the Arctic is difficult because this region is the systems in transition -where the effects of the global climate change are the most prominent. Benthic organisms can be valuable bioindicators of heavy metal contamination. In July 2018, selected benthic organisms: macroalgae, brittle stars, sea urchins, gastropods, and starfish were collected in Isfjorden, Spitsbergen. Two of the sampling stations were located inside the fjord system and one at the entrance to the fjord. The results showed that the starfish were the most contaminated with mercury. Total mercury concentrations in these organisms were at least 10 times higher than in other organisms. However, they effectively deal with mercury by transporting it to hard tissue. The dominant form of mercury was the labile form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Korejwo
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81-412 Sopot. Poland.
| | - Dominika Saniewska
- Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdańsk, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Jacek Bełdowski
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81-412 Sopot. Poland
| | - Piotr Balazy
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81-412 Sopot. Poland
| | - Michał Saniewski
- Institute of Meteorology and Water Management - National Research Institute, Waszyngtona 42, 81-342 Gdynia, Poland
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8
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Qian Y, Liang Y, Cao Q, Wang Z, Shi Y, Liang H. Concentration and speciation of mercury in atmospheric particulates in the Wuda coal fire area, Inner Mongolia, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:3879-3887. [PMID: 34402015 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15805-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Coal-seam fire is a source of atmospheric mercury that is difficult to control. The Wuda Coalfield in Inner Mongolia, China, is one of the most severe coal fire disaster areas worldwide and has been burning for more than 50 years. To investigate atmospheric mercury pollution from the Wuda coal fire, gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) concentrations and atmospheric particulate mercury (PHg) speciation were measured using a RA-915+ mercury analyzer and the temperature-programmed desorption method. Near-surface GEM concentrations in the Wuda Coalfield and adjacent urban area were 80 ng m-3 (65-90 ng m-3) and 52 ng m-3 (25-95 ng m-3), respectively, which are far higher than the local background value (22 ng m-3). PHg concentrations in the coalfield and urban area also reached significantly high levels, 33 ng m-3 (25-45 ng m-3) and 22 ng m-3 (14-29 ng m-3), respectively (p < 0.05). There is no clear evidence that PHg combines with organic carbon or elemental carbon, but PHg concentration appears to be controlled by air acidity. PHg mainly exists in inorganic forms, such as HgCl2, HgS, HgO, and Hg(NO3)2·H2O. This work can provide references for the speciation analysis of atmospheric PHg and the safety assessment of environmental mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahui Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083, China
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yanci Liang
- Center for Imaging and Systems Biology, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Qingyi Cao
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yunyun Shi
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Handong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083, China.
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China.
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9
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Mercury Levels in Feathers of Penguins from the Antarctic Peninsula Area: Geographical and Inter-Specific Differences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18189918. [PMID: 34574839 PMCID: PMC8471030 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Polar regions, symbols of wilderness, have been identified as potential sinks of mercury coming from natural and anthropogenic sources at lower latitudes. Changes in ice coverage currently occurring in some areas such as the Antarctic Peninsula could enhance these phenomena and their impacts on local biota. As long-lived species at the top of food chains, seabirds are particularly sensitive to this highly toxic metal with the capacity to be biomagnified. Specifically, their feathers can be useful for Hg monitoring since they mainly accumulate its most toxic and persistent form, methyl-Hg. To that end, feathers of gentoo (Pygoscelis papua), chinstrap (P. antarcticus), and Adélie penguins (P. adeliae) (n = 108) were collected by passive sampling in seven different locations throughout the Antarctic Peninsula area and analyzed by ICP-MS after microwave-digestion. More than 93% of the samples showed detectable Hg levels (range: 6.3–12,529.8 ng g−1 dry weight), and the highest ones were found in the feathers of chinstrap penguins from King George Island. Hg bioconcentration and biomagnification seem to be occurring in the Antarctic food web, giving rise to high but non-toxic Hg levels in penguins, similar to those previously found in Arctic seabirds.
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10
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Seco J, Aparício S, Brierley AS, Bustamante P, Ceia FR, Coelho JP, Philips RA, Saunders RA, Fielding S, Gregory S, Matias R, Pardal MA, Pereira E, Stowasser G, Tarling GA, Xavier JC. Mercury biomagnification in a Southern Ocean food web. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 275:116620. [PMID: 33581632 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Biomagnification of mercury (Hg) in the Scotia Sea food web of the Southern Ocean was examined using the stable isotope ratios of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) as proxies for trophic level and feeding habitat, respectively. Total Hg and stable isotopes were measured in samples of particulate organic matter (POM), zooplankton, squid, myctophid fish, notothenioid fish and seabird tissues collected in two years (austral summers 2007/08 and 2016/17). Overall, there was extensive overlap in δ13C values across taxonomic groups suggesting similarities in habitats, with the exception of the seabirds, which showed some differences, possibly due to the type of tissue analysed (feathers instead of muscle). δ15N showed increasing enrichment across groups in the order POM to zooplankton to squid to myctophid fish to notothenioid fish to seabirds. There were significant differences in δ15N and δ13C values among species within taxonomic groups, reflecting inter-specific variation in diet. Hg concentrations increased with trophic level, with the lowest values in POM (0.0005 ± 0.0002 μg g-1 dw) and highest values in seabirds (3.88 ± 2.41 μg g-1 in chicks of brown skuas Stercorarius antarcticus). Hg concentrations tended to be lower in 2016/17 than in 2007/08 for mid-trophic level species (squid and fish), but the opposite was found for top predators (i.e. seabirds), which had higher levels in the 2016/17 samples. This may reflect an interannual shift in the Scotia Sea marine food web, caused by the reduced availability of a key prey species, Antarctic krill Euphausia superba. In 2016/17, seabirds would have been forced to feed on higher trophic-level prey, such as myctophids, that have higher Hg burdens. These results suggest that changes in the food web are likely to affect the pathway of mercury to Southern Ocean top predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Seco
- Department of Chemistry and CESAM/REQUIMTE, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; Pelagic Ecology Research Group, Scottish Oceans Institute, Gatty Marine Laboratory, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 8LB, Scotland, UK.
| | - Sara Aparício
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Andrew S Brierley
- Pelagic Ecology Research Group, Scottish Oceans Institute, Gatty Marine Laboratory, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 8LB, Scotland, UK
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 Rue Descartes, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Filipe R Ceia
- University of Coimbra, Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João P Coelho
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Richard A Philips
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Ryan A Saunders
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Sophie Fielding
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Susan Gregory
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK; Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands, Stanley, Falkland Islands
| | - Ricardo Matias
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Miguel A Pardal
- CFE - Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- Department of Chemistry and CESAM/REQUIMTE, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Gabriele Stowasser
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Geraint A Tarling
- University of Coimbra, Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José C Xavier
- University of Coimbra, Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal; British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK
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11
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Miller MB, Howard DA, Pierce AM, Cook KR, Keywood M, Powell J, Gustin MS, Edwards GC. Atmospheric reactive mercury concentrations in coastal Australia and the Southern Ocean. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 751:141681. [PMID: 32861947 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), especially reactive Hg (RM), data from the Southern Hemisphere (SH) are limited. In this study, long-term measurements of both gaseous elemental Hg (GEM) and RM were made at two ground-based monitoring locations in Australia, the Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Station (CGBAPS) in Tasmania, and the Macquarie University Automatic Weather Station (MQAWS) in Sydney, New South Wales. Measurements were also made on board the Australian RV Investigator (RVI) during an ocean research voyage to the East Antarctic coast. GEM was measured using the standard Tekran® 2537 series analytical platform, and RM was measured using cation exchange membranes (CEM) in a filter-based sampling method. Overall mean RM concentrations at CGBAPS and MQAWS were 15.9 ± 6.7 pg m-3 and 17.8 ± 6.6 pg m-3, respectively. For the 10-week austral summer period on RVI, mean RM was 23.5 ± 6.7 pg m-3. RM concentrations at CGBAPS were seasonally invariable, while those at MQAWS were significantly different between summer and winter due to seasonal changes in synoptic wind patterns. During the RVI voyage, RM concentrations were relatively enhanced along the Antarctic coast (up to 30 pg m-3) and GEM concentrations were variable (0.2 to 0.9 ng m-3), suggesting periods of enrichment and depletion. Both RM and GEM concentrations were relatively lower while transiting the Southern Ocean farther north of Antarctica. RM concentrations measured in this study were higher in comparison to most other reported measurements of RM in the global marine boundary layer (MBL), especially for remote SH locations. As observations of GEM and RM concentrations inform global ocean-atmosphere model simulations of the atmospheric Hg budget, our results have important implications for understanding of total atmospheric Hg (TAM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu B Miller
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2113, Australia.
| | - Dean A Howard
- Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, United States
| | - Ashley M Pierce
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2113, Australia
| | - Kellie R Cook
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2113, Australia
| | - Melita Keywood
- Centre for Australian Climate and Weather Research, Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennifer Powell
- Centre for Australian Climate and Weather Research, Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mae S Gustin
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, United States
| | - Grant C Edwards
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2113, Australia
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12
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Abstract
Mercury is a globally distributed neurotoxic pollutant that can be biomagnified in marine fish to levels that are harmful for consumption by humans and other animals. The degree to which mercury has infiltrated the oceans yields important information on the biogeochemistry of mercury and its expected effects on fisheries during changing mercury emissions scenarios. Mercury isotope measurement of biota from deep-sea trenches was used to demonstrate that surface-ocean-derived mercury has infiltrated the deepest locations in the oceans. It was found that when fish living in the surface ocean die and their carcasses sink (along with marine particles), they transfer large amounts of mercury to the trench foodwebs leading to high concentrations of mercury in trench biota. Mercury isotopic compositions of amphipods and snailfish from deep-sea trenches reveal information on the sources and transformations of mercury in the deep oceans. Evidence for methyl-mercury subjected to photochemical degradation in the photic zone is provided by odd-mass independent isotope values (Δ199Hg) in amphipods from the Kermadec Trench, which average 1.57‰ (±0.14, n = 12, SD), and amphipods from the Mariana Trench, which average 1.49‰ (±0.28, n = 13). These values are close to the average value of 1.48‰ (±0.34, n = 10) for methyl-mercury in fish that feed at ∼500-m depth in the central Pacific Ocean. Evidence for variable contributions of mercury from rainfall is provided by even-mass independent isotope values (Δ200Hg) in amphipods that average 0.03‰ (±0.02, n = 12) for the Kermadec and 0.07‰ (±0.01, n = 13) for the Mariana Trench compared to the rainfall average of 0.13 (±0.05, n = 8) in the central Pacific. Mass-dependent isotope values (δ202Hg) are elevated in amphipods from the Kermadec Trench (0.91 ±0.22‰, n = 12) compared to the Mariana Trench (0.26 ±0.23‰, n = 13), suggesting a higher level of microbial demethylation of the methyl-mercury pool before incorporation into the base of the foodweb. Our study suggests that mercury in the marine foodweb at ∼500 m, which is predominantly anthropogenic, is transported to deep-sea trenches primarily in carrion, and then incorporated into hadal (6,000-11,000-m) food webs. Anthropogenic Hg added to the surface ocean is, therefore, expected to be rapidly transported to the deepest reaches of the oceans.
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13
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Hara K, Osada K, Yabuki M, Matoba S, Hirabayashi M, Fujita S, Nakazawa F, Yamanouchi T. Atmospheric sea-salt and halogen cycles in the Antarctic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2020; 22:2003-2022. [PMID: 32749425 DOI: 10.1039/d0em00092b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric sea-salt and halogen cycles play important roles in atmospheric science and chemistry including cloud processes and oxidation capacity in the Antarctic troposphere. This paper presents a review and summarizes current knowledge related to sea-salt and halogen chemistry in the Antarctic. First, presented are the seasonal variations and size distribution of sea-salt aerosols (SSAs). Second, SSA origins and sea-salt fractionation on sea-ice and ice sheets on the Antarctic continent are presented and discussed. Third, we discuss SSA release from the cryosphere. Fourth, we present SSA dispersion in the Antarctic troposphere and transport into inland areas. Fifth, heterogeneous reactions on SSAs as a source of reactive halogen species and their relationship with atmospheric chemistry are shown and discussed. Finally, we attempt to propose an outlook for obtaining better knowledge related to sea-salt and halogen chemistry and their effects on the Antarctic and the Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichiro Hara
- Department of Earth System Science, Faculty of Science, Fukuoka University, Nanakuma, Jyonan, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan.
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14
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Li C, Chen J, Angot H, Zheng W, Shi G, Ding M, Du Z, Zhang Q, Ma X, Kang S, Xiao C, Ren J, Qin D. Seasonal Variation of Mercury and Its Isotopes in Atmospheric Particles at the Coastal Zhongshan Station, Eastern Antarctica. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:11344-11355. [PMID: 32822538 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c04462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a globally spread trace metal due to its long atmospheric residence time. Yet, our understanding of atmospheric processes (e.g., redox reactions and deposition) driving Hg cycling is still limited, especially in polar regions. The Antarctic continent, by virtue of its remoteness, is the perfect location to investigate Hg atmospheric processes in the absence of significant local anthropogenic impact. Here, we present the first 2 year record (2016-2017) of total suspended particulate mercury (PHg) concentrations along with a year-round determination of an Hg stable isotopic composition in particles collected at Zhongshan Station (ZSS), eastern Antarctic coast. The mean PHg concentration is 21.8 ± 32.1 pg/m3, ranging from 0.9 to 195.6 pg/m3, and peaks in spring and summer. The negative mass-independent fractionation of odd Hg isotopes (odd-MIF, average -0.38 ± 0.12‰ for Δ199Hg) and the slope of Δ199Hg/Δ201Hg with 0.91 ± 0.12 suggest that the springtime isotope variation of PHg is likely caused by in situ photo-oxidation and reduction reactions. On the other hand, the increase of PHg concentrations and the observed odd-MIF values in summer are attributed to the transport by katabatic winds of divalent species derived from the oxidation of elemental Hg in the inland Antarctic Plateau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanjin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000,China
| | - Jiubin Chen
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Hélène Angot
- Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Wang Zheng
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Guitao Shi
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographic Sciences and State Key Lab of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
- Polar Research Institute of China, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Minghu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000,China
- Institute of Tibetan Plateau and Polar Regions Meteorology, Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Zhiheng Du
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000,China
| | - Qianggong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiangyu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000,China
| | - Shichang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000,China
| | - Cunde Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000,China
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Jiawen Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000,China
| | - Dahe Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000,China
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15
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Illuminati S, Annibaldi A, Bau S, Scarchilli C, Ciardini V, Grigioni P, Girolametti F, Vagnoni F, Scarponi G, Truzzi C. Seasonal Evolution of Size-Segregated Particulate Mercury in the Atmospheric Aerosol Over Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25173971. [PMID: 32878154 PMCID: PMC7504777 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25173971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Size-fractionated particulate mercury (PHg) measurements were performed from November 2017 to January 2018 at Terra Nova Bay (Antarctica) for the first time. Samples were collected every 10 days by a six-stage high-volume cascade impactor with size classes between 10 μm and 0.49 μm. Total PHg concentrations were maxima (87 ± 8 pg m−3) in November, then decreased to values ~40% lower and remained almost constant until the end of the sampling period (~30 pg m−3). The trimodal aerosol mass distribution reveals that from 30% to 90% of the total PHg came in the size > 1.0 μm. Hg in the two coarse fractions was probably produced by the adsorption of oxidized Hg species transported by air masses from the Antarctic plateau or produced locally by sea ice edges. PHg in accumulation mode seemed to be related to gas–particle partitioning with sea salt aerosol. Finally, average dry deposition fluxes of PHg were calculated to be 0.36 ± 0.21 ng m−2 d−1 in the accumulation mode, 47 ± 44 ng m−2 d−1 in the first coarse mode, and 37 ± 31 ng m−2 d−1 in the second coarse mode. The present work contributed to the comprehension of the Hg biogeochemical cycle, but further research studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Illuminati
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (F.G.); (F.V.); (G.S.); (C.T.)
- Correspondence: (S.I.); (A.A.); Tel.: +39-071-2204981 (S.I.)
| | - Anna Annibaldi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (F.G.); (F.V.); (G.S.); (C.T.)
- Correspondence: (S.I.); (A.A.); Tel.: +39-071-2204981 (S.I.)
| | - Sébastien Bau
- Laboratory of Aerosol Metrology, Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité (INRS), Rue du Morvan, CS 60027, 54519 Vandoeuvre, France;
| | - Claudio Scarchilli
- Laboratory of Observations and Measures for The Environment and Climate, ENEA, Via Anguillarese 301, Santa Maria di Galeria, 00123 Rome, Italy; (C.S.); (V.C.); (P.G.)
| | - Virginia Ciardini
- Laboratory of Observations and Measures for The Environment and Climate, ENEA, Via Anguillarese 301, Santa Maria di Galeria, 00123 Rome, Italy; (C.S.); (V.C.); (P.G.)
| | - Paolo Grigioni
- Laboratory of Observations and Measures for The Environment and Climate, ENEA, Via Anguillarese 301, Santa Maria di Galeria, 00123 Rome, Italy; (C.S.); (V.C.); (P.G.)
| | - Federico Girolametti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (F.G.); (F.V.); (G.S.); (C.T.)
| | - Flavio Vagnoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (F.G.); (F.V.); (G.S.); (C.T.)
| | - Giuseppe Scarponi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (F.G.); (F.V.); (G.S.); (C.T.)
| | - Cristina Truzzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (F.G.); (F.V.); (G.S.); (C.T.)
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16
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Pilcher N, Gaw S, Eisert R, Horton TW, Gormley AM, Cole TL, Lyver PO. Latitudinal, sex and inter-specific differences in mercury and other trace metal concentrations in Adélie and Emperor penguins in the Ross Sea, Antarctica. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 154:111047. [PMID: 32319892 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We sought to determine mercury (Hg) and other trace metal concentrations in Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae) and emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) breast feathers from the Ross Sea, Antarctica, and relate those concentrations to the trophic position and the habitats in which each of these species forage. Adélie penguin feathers from the southern Ross Sea colonies were higher in Hg than those sampled further north in the Ross Sea, potentially due to greater exposure to local sources, such as volcanism. Female Adélie penguins had lower feather total Hg concentrations than males. This may reflect female penguin's capacity to eliminate Hg through the egg development and laying process, or the larger and/or older prey items that male birds can consume, reflected by their higher trophic position. Emperor penguins have higher Hg concentrations than Adélie penguins which is also partially explained by Adélie penguins feeding at lower trophic levels than emperor penguins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Pilcher
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Sally Gaw
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Regina Eisert
- Gateway Antarctica, Department of Geography, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Travis W Horton
- Department of Geology, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Andrew M Gormley
- Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, PO Box 69040, Lincoln 7640, New Zealand
| | - Theresa L Cole
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Phil O'B Lyver
- Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, PO Box 69040, Lincoln 7640, New Zealand.
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17
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Sontag PT, Steinberg DK, Reinfelder JR. Patterns of total mercury and methylmercury bioaccumulation in Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) along the West Antarctic Peninsula. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 688:174-183. [PMID: 31229815 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We examined mercury (Hg) accumulation in juvenile and adult subpopulations of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) collected west of the Antarctic Peninsula. Samples were collected along a northern cross-shelf transect beginning near Anvers Island and farther south near the sea ice edge in the austral summers of 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2015. Regardless of geographical position, mean concentrations of total Hg and methylmercury (MeHg), the form of Hg that biomagnifies in marine food webs, were significantly higher in juvenile than adult krill in all years. In 2013, juvenile Antarctic krill collected along the coast near Anvers Island had significantly higher MeHg concentrations than krill collected farther offshore, and in 2013 and 2014, coastal juvenile krill exhibited some of the highest MeHg concentrations of all subpopulations sampled. Across all sampling years, collection in northern (sea ice-free) or southern (sea ice edge) transects did not affect MeHg concentrations of juvenile or adult krill, suggesting similar levels and routes of MeHg exposure across the latitudes sampled. Developmental stage, feeding near the coast, and annual variations in sea ice-driven primary and export production were identified as potentially important factors leading to greater MeHg accumulation in juvenile than adult krill. Krill-dependent predators feeding primarily on juveniles may thus accumulate more MeHg than consumers foraging on older krill. These results report MeHg concentrations in Antarctic krill and will be useful for predicting Hg biomagnification in higher-level consumers in this productive Antarctic ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip T Sontag
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
| | - Deborah K Steinberg
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William & Mary, Gloucester Point, VA 23062, USA.
| | - John R Reinfelder
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
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18
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Liu H, Yu B, Fu J, Li Y, Yang R, Zhang Q, Liang Y, Yin Y, Hu L, Shi J, Jiang G. Different circulation history of mercury in aquatic biota from King George Island of the Antarctic. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 250:892-897. [PMID: 31085475 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.04.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
To trace the circulation history of aquatic bioavailable Hg in the Antarctic, the species and isotopic compositions of Hg in sediment, Archaeogastropoda (Agas), Neogastropoda (Ngas), and fish collected from King George Island were studied in detail. Positive mass independent fractionation (MIF) was observed and positively correlated with the percentages of methylmercury (MeHg%) in Agas and Ngas, suggesting an effect of MeHg accumulation during trophic transfer on MIF signatures. However, both the ratios of Δ199Hg/δ202Hg and Δ199Hg/Δ201Hg indicated different circulation histories of Hg in Agas, Ngas, and fish. The microbial methylation in sediment was the primary source of MeHg in Agas and Ngas (Δ199Hg/δ202Hg ∼0, Δ199Hg/Δ201Hg ∼1.00). In contrast, the MeHg in fish (Δ199Hg/δ202Hg = 0.55 ± 0.06, Δ199Hg/Δ201Hg = 1.19 ± 0.17) came from the combined sources of residual MeHg which had sunk from the surface water and microbial-methylated MeHg in sediments, and the bioavailable Hg in the sediments contributed to approximately 44% of the total Hg in fish. Subsequently, the Δ199Hg values of bioavailable MeHg and IHg in sediments were quantitatively calculated, which provided key end-member information for future source apportionment in the Antarctic and other pelagic regions. It was also found that the Hg accumulated in Agas and Ngas had no history of MeHg photo-degradation, indicating that the methylated Hg in benthic zones suffered little photo-degradation and thus presented high bioavailability and environmental risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ben Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Jianjie Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Yingming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Ruiqiang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Qinghua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Yong Liang
- Institute 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; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China.
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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19
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Seco J, Xavier JC, Coelho JP, Pereira B, Tarling G, Pardal MA, Bustamante P, Stowasser G, Brierley AS, Pereira ME. Spatial variability in total and organic mercury levels in Antarctic krill Euphausia superba across the Scotia Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 247:332-339. [PMID: 30685674 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Total and organic mercury concentrations were determined for males, females and juveniles of Euphausia superba collected at three discrete locations in the Scotia Sea (South Orkney Islands, South Georgia and Antarctic Polar Front) to assess spatial mercury variability in Antarctic krill. There was clear geographic differentiation in mercury concentrations, with specimens from the South Orkney Islands having total mercury concentrations 5 to 7 times higher than Antarctic krill from South Georgia and the Antarctic Polar Front. Mercury did not appear to accumulate with life-stage since juveniles had higher concentrations of total mercury (0.071 μg g-1 from South Orkney Islands; 0.014 μg g-1 from South Georgia) than adults (0.054 μg g-1 in females and 0.048 μg g-1 in males from South Orkney Islands; 0.006 μg g-1 in females and 0.007 μg g-1 in males from South Georgia). Results suggest that females may use egg laying as a mechanism to excrete mercury, with eggs having higher concentrations than the corresponding somatic tissue. Organic mercury makes up a minor percentage of total mercury (15-37%) with the percentage being greater in adults than in juveniles. When compared to euphausiids from other parts of the world, the concentration of mercury in Antarctic krill is within the same range, or higher, highlighting the global distribution of this contaminant. Given the high potential for biomagnification of mercury through food webs, concentrations in Antarctic krill may have deleterious effects on long-lived Antarctic krill predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Seco
- Department of Chemistry and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; Pelagic Ecology Research Group, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 8LB, UK.
| | - José C Xavier
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Road, CB30ET, Cambridge, UK; MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João P Coelho
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Pereira
- Department of Chemistry and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Geraint Tarling
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Road, CB30ET, Cambridge, UK
| | - Miguel A Pardal
- CFE - Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Gabriele Stowasser
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Road, CB30ET, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew S Brierley
- Pelagic Ecology Research Group, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - Maria E Pereira
- Department of Chemistry and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
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Carravieri A, Fort J, Tarroux A, Cherel Y, Love OP, Prieur S, Brault-Favrou M, Bustamante P, Descamps S. Mercury exposure and short-term consequences on physiology and reproduction in Antarctic petrels. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 237:824-831. [PMID: 29146204 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a pervasive contaminant reaching Antarctic environments through atmospheric transport and deposition. Seabirds as meso to top predators can accumulate high quantities of Hg through diet. Reproduction is one of the most sensitive endpoints of Hg toxicity in marine birds. Yet, few studies have explored Hg exposure and effects in Antarctic seabirds, where increasing environmental perturbations challenge animal populations. This study focuses on the Antarctic petrel Thalassoica antarctica from Svarthamaren, Antarctica, where the world's largest breeding population is thought to be in decline. Hg and the stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C, proxy of feeding habitat) and nitrogen (δ15N, trophic position/diet) were measured in red blood cells from 266 individuals over two breeding years (2012-13, 2013-14). Our aims were to 1) quantify the influence of individual traits (size and sex) and feeding ecology (foraging location, δ13C and δ15N values) on Hg exposure, and 2) test the relationship between Hg concentrations with body condition and breeding output (hatching success and chick survival). Hg concentrations in Antarctic petrels (mean ± SD, 0.84 ± 0.25, min-max, 0.42-2.71 μg g-1 dw) were relatively low when compared to other Antarctic seabirds. Hg concentrations increased significantly with δ15N values, indicating that individuals with a higher trophic level (i.e. feeding more on fish) had higher Hg exposure. By contrast, Hg exposure was not driven by feeding habitat (inferred from both foraging location and δ13C values), suggesting that Hg transfer to predators in Antarctic waters is relatively homogeneous over a large geographical scale. Hg concentrations were not related to body condition, hatching date and short-term breeding output. At present, Hg exposure is likely not of concern for this population. Nevertheless, further studies on other fitness parameters and long-term breeding output are warranted because Hg can have long-term population-level effects without consequences on current breeding success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Carravieri
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 du CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France.
| | - Jérôme Fort
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 du CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Arnaud Tarroux
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 du CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Oliver P Love
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Solène Prieur
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 du CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Maud Brault-Favrou
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 du CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 du CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
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21
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Zvěřina O, Coufalík P, Barták M, Petrov M, Komárek J. The contents and distributions of cadmium, mercury, and lead in Usnea antarctica lichens from Solorina Valley, James Ross Island (Antarctica). ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2017; 190:13. [PMID: 29230543 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-017-6397-1] [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: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Lichens are efficient and cost-effective biomonitors of the environment. Their geographic distribution together with their slow growth rate enable investigation of the deposition patterns of various elements and substances. In this research, levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury in Usnea antarctica lichens in the area of James Ross Island, Antarctica, were investigated. The lichens were microwave-digested, and the metals were determined by means of atomic absorption spectrometry with graphite furnace and a direct mercury analyzer. Median total contents of Cd, Hg, and Pb were 0.04, 0.47, and 1.6 mg/kg in whole lichens, respectively. The bottom-up distributions of these metals in the fruticose lichen thalli were investigated, and it was revealed that the accumulation patterns for mercury and lead were opposite to that for cadmium. The probable reason for this phenomenon may lie in the inner structure of thalli. The total contents of metals were comparable with those published for other unpolluted areas of maritime Antarctica. However, this finding was not expected for mercury, since the sampling locality was close to an area with some of the highest mercury contents published for Antarctic lichens. In short, lichens proved their usability as biological monitors, even in harsh conditions. However, the findings emphasize the need to take into account the distributions of elements both in the environment and in the lichen itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondřej Zvěřina
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavel Coufalík
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Veveří 97, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miloš Barták
- Department of Plant Physiology and Anatomy, Institute of Experimental Biology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Petrov
- TESCAN Brno, s.r.o, Libušina třída 1, 623 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Physical Engineering, Brno University of Technology, Technická 2, 616 69, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Komárek
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic
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22
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Lehnert K, Weirup L, Harding KC, Härkönen T, Karlsson O, Teilmann J. Antarctic seals: Molecular biomarkers as indicators for pollutant exposure, health effects and diet. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 599-600:1693-1704. [PMID: 28535598 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.04.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Weddell (Leptonychotes weddellii), Ross (Ommatophoca rossii) and crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophaga) are phocid seals with a circumpolar distribution around Antarctica. As long-lived and large top predators, they bioaccumulate contaminants and are considered as sentinels of ecosystem health. Antarctic seals are increasingly exposed to climate change, pollution, shipping and fisheries. To reveal and understand possible anthropogenic impacts on their immune and health status, this study investigates sensitive biomarkers of the xenobiotic metabolism and immune system in relation to mercury (Hg) burden. Gene-transcription studies using minimally-invasive blood samples are useful to monitor physiological processes in wildlife that can be related to different stressors. Blood samples of 72 wild-caught seals (Weddell n=33; Ross n=12; crabeater n=27) in the Amundsen and Ross Seas in 2008-2011 were investigated. Copy numbers per μl mRNA transcription of xenobiotic biomarkers (aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)), aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARα) and immune relevant cell mediators (cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and heat-shock-protein 70 (HSP70)) were measured using reference genes Tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein, zeta polypeptide (YWHAZ) and ribosomal protein L4 (RPL4) by real time RT-qPCR. Hg concentration was analysed in fur. Hg concentration increased with body weight and standard length in all species. Crabeater seals showed a lower Hg concentration than Ross and Weddell seals. Species-specific differences in gene-transcription were found between all species with highest levels of AHR, ARNT and PPARα in crabeater seals. Ross seals showed highest IL-10 and HSP70 transcription, while HSP70 was exceptionally low in crabeater seals. Between Hg and HSP70 a clear negative relationship was found in all species. The species-specific, age and sex-dependent gene-transcription probably reflect dietary habits, pollutant exposure and immune status.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Lehnert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 25761 Büsum, Germany.
| | - L Weirup
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - K C Harding
- University of Gothenburg, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Box 463, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - T Härkönen
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, P.O. Box 50007, 104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - O Karlsson
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, P.O. Box 50007, 104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J Teilmann
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, P.O. Box 358, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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Duan L, Cheng N, Xiu G, Wang F, Chen Y. Characteristics and source appointment of atmospheric particulate mercury over East China Sea: Implication on the deposition of atmospheric particulate mercury in marine environment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 224:26-34. [PMID: 28202264 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.10.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) samples were collected at Huaniao Island in northern East China Sea (ECS) from March 2012 to January 2013. Chemical analysis were conducted to measure the concentration of total particulate mercury (TPM) and speciated particulate mercury including HCl-soluble particulate mercury (HPM), elemental particulate mercury (EPM) and residual particulate mercury (RPM). The bromine (Br) and iodine (I) on particles were also detected. The mean concentration of TPM during the study period was 0.23 ± 0.15 ng m-3, while the obviously seasonal variation was found that the concentrations of TPM in spring, summer, fall and winter were 0.34 ± 0.20 ng m-3, 0.15 ± 0.03 ng m-3, 0.15 ± 0.05 ng m-3 and 0.27 ± 0.26 ng m-3, respectively. The statistically strong correlation of bromine and iodine to HPM was only found in spring with r = 0.81 and 0.77 (p < 0.01), respectively. While the strongest correlations between EPM and bromine and iodine were found in winter with r = 0.92 (Br) and 0.96 (I) (p < 0.01), respectively. The clustered 72-h backward trajectories of different seasons and the whole sampling period were categorized into 4 groups. In spring, the clusters passed a long distance across the East China Sea and brought about low concentration of mercury due to the deposition of mercury over the sea. The cluster of air mass across the sea had low concentration of HPM in winter, which suggested that the oxidation of mercury in winter might be related to other oxidants. During the whole sampling period, the air mass from the north of China contributed to the higher concentration of TPM in Huaniao Island.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Duan
- State Environmental Protection Key Lab of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Processes, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Na Cheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Lab of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Processes, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Guangli Xiu
- State Environmental Protection Key Lab of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Processes, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Fujiang Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution Prevention, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution Prevention, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
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Gworek B, Dmuchowski W, Baczewska AH, Brągoszewska P, Bemowska-Kałabun O, Wrzosek-Jakubowska J. Air Contamination by Mercury, Emissions and Transformations-a Review. WATER, AIR, AND SOIL POLLUTION 2017; 228:123. [PMID: 28316351 PMCID: PMC5336545 DOI: 10.1007/s11270-017-3311-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The present and future air contamination by mercury is and will continue to be a serious risk for human health. This publication presents a review of the literature dealing with the issues related to air contamination by mercury and its transformations as well as its natural and anthropogenic emissions. The assessment of mercury emissions into the air poses serious methodological problems. It is particularly difficult to distinguish between natural and anthropogenic emissions and re-emissions from lands and oceans, including past emissions. At present, the largest emission sources include fuel combustion, mainly that of coal, and "artisanal and small-scale gold mining" (ASGM). The distinctly highest emissions can be found in South and South-East Asia, accounting for 45% of the global emissions. The emissions of natural origin and re-emissions are estimated at 45-66% of the global emissions, with the largest part of emissions originating in the oceans. Forecasts on the future emission levels are not unambiguous; however, most forecasts do not provide for reductions in emissions. Ninety-five percent of mercury occurring in the air is Hg0-GEM, and its residence time in the air is estimated at 6 to 18 months. The residence times of its HgII-GOM and that in Hgp-TPM are estimated at hours and days. The highest mercury concentrations in the air can be found in the areas of mercury mines and those of ASGM. Since 1980 when it reached its maximum, the global background mercury concentration in the air has remained at a relatively constant level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Gworek
- Institute of Environmental Protection-National Research Institute, Krucza 5/11d St., Warsaw, 00-548 Poland
| | - Wojciech Dmuchowski
- Department of Agriculture and Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159 St., Warsaw, 02-776 Poland
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Botanical Garden - Center for Biological Diversity Conservation, Prawdziwka 2 St., 02-973 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aneta H. Baczewska
- Institute of Environmental Protection-National Research Institute, Krucza 5/11d St., Warsaw, 00-548 Poland
| | - Paulina Brągoszewska
- Institute of Environmental Protection-National Research Institute, Krucza 5/11d St., Warsaw, 00-548 Poland
| | - Olga Bemowska-Kałabun
- Institute of Environmental Protection-National Research Institute, Krucza 5/11d St., Warsaw, 00-548 Poland
| | - Justyna Wrzosek-Jakubowska
- Institute of Environmental Protection-National Research Institute, Krucza 5/11d St., Warsaw, 00-548 Poland
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25
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Nerentorp Mastromonaco MG, Gårdfeldt K, Langer S, Dommergue A. Seasonal Study of Mercury Species in the Antarctic Sea Ice Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:12705-12712. [PMID: 27780352 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b02700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Limited studies have been conducted on mercury concentrations in the polar cryosphere and the factors affecting the distribution of mercury within sea ice and snow are poorly understood. Here we present the first comprehensive seasonal study of elemental and total mercury concentrations in the Antarctic sea ice environment covering data from measurements in air, sea ice, seawater, snow, frost flowers, and brine. The average concentration of total mercury in sea ice decreased from winter (9.7 ng L-1) to spring (4.7 ng L-1) while the average elemental mercury concentration increased from winter (0.07 ng L-1) to summer (0.105 ng L-1). The opposite trends suggest potential photo- or dark oxidation/reduction processes within the ice and an eventual loss of mercury via brine drainage or gas evasion of elemental mercury. Our results indicate a seasonal variation of mercury species in the polar sea ice environment probably due to varying factors such as solar radiation, temperature, brine volume, and atmospheric deposition. This study shows that the sea ice environment is a significant interphase between the polar ocean and the atmosphere and should be accounted for when studying how climate change may affect the mercury cycle in polar regions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katarina Gårdfeldt
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology , SE-412 96 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Sarka Langer
- IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute , P.O. Box 53021, SE-400 14 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Aurélien Dommergue
- Laboratoire de Glaciologie et Géophysique de l'Environnement, CNRS, UMR 5183 - Université Joseph Fourier Grenoble , 54 Rue Molière, 38400 St Martin d'Hères, France
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26
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Bargagli R. Moss and lichen biomonitoring of atmospheric mercury: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 572:216-231. [PMID: 27501421 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.07.202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Long-range transport and residence time of elemental Hg (Hg°) in air promote global dispersion and deposition in remote ecosystems. Many biotic and abiotic factors contribute to the photoreduction and phytovolatilization of Hg from terrestrial ecosystems, and the assessment of deposition and volatilization fluxes is very challenging. Mosses and lichens are widespread in nature and constitute the dominant vegetation in alpine and polar ecosystems. This review surveys the results of Hg biomonitoring with cryptogams in areas with different Hg sources and deposition processes. Lichen and moss ecophysiology, and factors affecting Hg uptake and bioaccumulation are discussed. Although some laboratory experiments indicate a linear accumulation of Hg in cryptogams exposed to Hg°, without any significant release, in nature the Hg accumulated in cryptogams is in a dynamic equilibrium with Hg in air and decreases when organisms are transplanted to clean environments. Mercury concentrations in mosses and lichens have often been used to estimate concentrations and deposition fluxes of atmospheric Hg; however, Hg° exchanges between cryptogams and air, and the time necessary for mosses and lichens to equilibrate elemental composition with changing atmospheric chemistry, preclude reliable estimates. Biological processes of Hg uptake and exchange with air cannot be reproduced by mechanical collectors, and comparisons between Hg concentrations in biomonitors and those in atmospheric deposition are scarcely reliable. However, the Hg biomonitoring with mosses and lichens is easy and cheap and allows to locate "hot spots" of natural or anthropogenic emissions and to assess spatio-temporal changes in Hg deposition patterns. Climate change is affecting the global Hg cycle through the melting of sea-ice in coastal Polar Regions, and modifying Hg sequestration in mountain ecosystems. Despite limitations, large-scale monitoring of Hg with mosses and lichens may be used as a tool to evaluate the impact of global processes in remote ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bargagli
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, Siena, Italy
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27
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Rodríguez-Rojas F, Tapia P, Castro-Nallar E, Undabarrena A, Muñoz-Díaz P, Arenas-Salinas M, Díaz-Vásquez W, Valdés J, Vásquez C. Draft Genome Sequence of a Multi-Metal Resistant Bacterium Pseudomonas putida ATH-43 Isolated from Greenwich Island, Antarctica. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1777. [PMID: 27877169 PMCID: PMC5099816 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Rodríguez-Rojas
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - Paz Tapia
- Fraunhofer Chile Research Foundation Santiago, Chile
| | - Eduardo Castro-Nallar
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, Universidad Andrés Bello Santiago, Chile
| | - Agustina Undabarrena
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular y Biotecnología Ambiental, Facultad de Química & Centro de Biotecnología Daniel Alkalay Lowitt, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Pablo Muñoz-Díaz
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauricio Arenas-Salinas
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Centro de Bioinformática y Simulación Molecular, Universidad de Talca Talca, Chile
| | - Waldo Díaz-Vásquez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Nutrición y Dietética, Universidad San Sebastián Santiago, Chile
| | - Jorge Valdés
- Fraunhofer Chile Research Foundation Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Vásquez
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile Santiago, Chile
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28
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Wang J, Zhang L, Xie Z. Total gaseous mercury along a transect from coastal to central Antarctic: Spatial and diurnal variations. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2016; 317:362-372. [PMID: 27318733 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.05.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Total gaseous mercury (TGM) in the atmospheric boundary layer was investigated along a transect from coastal (Zhongshan Station; 69°22'25″S, 76°22'14″E) to central (Kunlun Station; 80°25'2″S, 77°6'47″E) Antarctic from December 16, 2012 to February 6, 2013. TGM varied considerably from 0.32 to 2.34ngm(-3) with a mean value of 0.91ngm(-3). Spatially, relatively high values occurred near the coastal region and on the central plateau with altitude higher than 3000m above sea level. This distribution pattern cannot be accounted for simply by the influence of mercury emission from the ocean. Changes in TGM were also found to be related to the topography. TGM was higher in the inland flat region (290-800km from the coast) than in the inland transition zones with steep slopes (800-1000km from the coast). Temporally, diurnal cycling of TGM was clearly observed at Kunlun Station, with the lowest value occurring typically at midnight, and the peak value at midday. This diurnal pattern was attributed to the reemission of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) from the snow pack, the oxidization of GEM and convective mixing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiancheng Wang
- Institute of Polar Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- Institute of Polar Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Zhouqing Xie
- Institute of Polar Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; Center for Excellence in Urban Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
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29
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Liu YR, Dong JX, Zhang QG, Wang JT, Han LL, Zeng J, He JZ. Longitudinal occurrence of methylmercury in terrestrial ecosystems of the Tibetan Plateau. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 218:1342-1349. [PMID: 27613323 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.08.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg), a neurotoxin, is a global concern because of its potential risk to human and ecological health. Elevated mercury (Hg) concentrations were recently reported in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) due to increasing Hg input from distant regions, yet little is known about MeHg production and distribution in the terrestrial ecosystems of the TP. Here, we report longitudinal occurrence of MeHg and the factors regulating net MeHg production in 23 grassland sites from eastern to western TP. The soil MeHg content varied from 0.002 to 0.058 ng g-1, with different distribution patterns between the eastern and western TP. There was a positive correlation between the MeHg concentration and the longitude after 90 °E, which is similar to the distribution patterns of the total mercury (THg), water and organic carbon in this region. Average MeHg concentration in topsoil is generally higher than that in subsoil. Our results show that MeHg concentration in soils of the TP is directly affected by soil water, potential microbial methylators and THg, while indirectly regulated by soil organic carbon through the microbial community and the longitude-dependent precipitation through soil water. Our study suggests that soil water is the most important driver regulating net MeHg production in the grasslands of the TP. These findings have important implications for unraveling the mechanism of net production of MeHg in high-altitude environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Rong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Ji-Xin Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Qiang-Gong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jun-Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Li-Li Han
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jun Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Ji-Zheng He
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
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30
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Bargagli R. Atmospheric chemistry of mercury in Antarctica and the role of cryptogams to assess deposition patterns in coastal ice-free areas. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 163:202-208. [PMID: 27529384 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mercury in the Antarctic troposphere has a distinct chemistry and challenging long-term measurements are needed for a better understanding of the atmospheric Hg reactions with oxidants and the exchanges of the various mercury forms among air-snow-sea and biota. Antarctic mosses and lichens are reliable biomonitors of airborne metals and in short time they can give useful information about Hg deposition patterns. Data summarized in this review show that although atmospheric Hg concentrations in the Southern Hemisphere are lower than those in the Northern Hemisphere, Antarctic cryptogams accumulate Hg at levels in the same range or higher than those observed for related cryptogam species in the Arctic, suggesting an enhanced deposition of bioavailable Hg in Antarctic coastal ice-free areas. In agreement with the newest findings in the literature, the Hg bioaccumulation in mosses and lichens from a nunatak particularly exposed to strong katabatic winds can be taken as evidence for a Hg contribution to coastal ecosystems by air masses from the Antarctic plateau. Human activities on the continent are mostly concentrated in coastal ice-free areas, and the deposition in these areas of Hg from the marine environment, the plateau and anthropogenic sources raises concern. The use of Antarctic cryptogams as biomonitors will be very useful to map Hg deposition patterns in costal ice-free areas and will contribute to a better understanding of Hg cycling in Antarctica and its environmental fate in terrestrial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Bargagli
- Department of Physics, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Italy.
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31
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Becker PH, Goutner V, Ryan PG, González-Solís J. Feather mercury concentrations in Southern Ocean seabirds: Variation by species, site and time. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 216:253-263. [PMID: 27267741 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.05.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We studied mercury contamination in 25 seabird species breeding along a latitudinal gradient across the Southern Ocean, from Gough Island (40°S) through Marion Island (47°S) to Byers Peninsula (63°S). Total mercury concentrations in body feather samples of adults caught at breeding colonies from 2008 to 2011 were determined. Krill (Euphausia spp.) and other zooplankton consumers had low mercury concentrations (gentoo penguin Pygoscelis papua, chinstrap penguin Pseudomonas Antarctica, common diving petrel Pelecanoides urinatrix, broad-billed prion Pachyptila vittata; mean levels 308-753 ng g(-1)), whereas seabirds consuming squid or carrion had high mercury concentrations (ascending order: Kerguelen petrel Aphrodroma brevirostris, southern giant petrel Macronectes giganteus, soft-plumaged petrel Pterodroma mollis, sooty albatross Phoebetria fusca, Atlantic petrel Pterodroma incerta, northern giant petrel Macronectes halli, great-winged petrel Pterodroma macroptera; 10,720-28038 ng g(-1)). The two species with the highest mercury concentrations, northern giant petrels and great-winged petrels, bred at Marion Island. Among species investigated at multiple sites, southern giant petrels had higher mercury levels at Marion than at Gough Island and Byers Peninsula. Mercury levels among Byers Peninsula seabirds were low, in two species even lower than levels measured 10 years before at Bird Island, South Georgia. Replicate measurements after about 25 years at Gough Island showed much higher mercury levels in feathers of sooty albatrosses (by 187%), soft-plumaged petrels (53%) and Atlantic petrels (49%). Concentrations similar to the past were detected in southern giant petrels at Gough and Marion islands, and in northern giant petrels at Marion. There were no clear indications that timing of moult or migratory behavior affected mercury contamination patterns among species. Causes of inter-site or temporal differences in mercury contamination could not be verified due to a lack of long-term data related to species' diet and trophic levels, which should be collected in future together with data on mercury contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter H Becker
- Institute of Avian Research "Vogelwarte Helgoland", An der Vogelwarte 21, D 26386, Wilhelmshaven, Germany.
| | - Vassilis Goutner
- Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Peter G Ryan
- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa.
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32
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Gionfriddo CM, Tate MT, Wick RR, Schultz MB, Zemla A, Thelen MP, Schofield R, Krabbenhoft DP, Holt KE, Moreau JW. Microbial mercury methylation in Antarctic sea ice. Nat Microbiol 2016; 1:16127. [PMID: 27670112 DOI: 10.1038/nmicrobiol.2016.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Atmospheric deposition of mercury onto sea ice and circumpolar sea water provides mercury for microbial methylation, and contributes to the bioaccumulation of the potent neurotoxin methylmercury in the marine food web. Little is known about the abiotic and biotic controls on microbial mercury methylation in polar marine systems. However, mercury methylation is known to occur alongside photochemical and microbial mercury reduction and subsequent volatilization. Here, we combine mercury speciation measurements of total and methylated mercury with metagenomic analysis of whole-community microbial DNA from Antarctic snow, brine, sea ice and sea water to elucidate potential microbially mediated mercury methylation and volatilization pathways in polar marine environments. Our results identify the marine microaerophilic bacterium Nitrospina as a potential mercury methylator within sea ice. Anaerobic bacteria known to methylate mercury were notably absent from sea-ice metagenomes. We propose that Antarctic sea ice can harbour a microbial source of methylmercury in the Southern Ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M Gionfriddo
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Michael T Tate
- Wisconsin Water Science Center, US Geological Survey, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562, USA
| | - Ryan R Wick
- Centre for Systems Genomics, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Mark B Schultz
- Centre for Systems Genomics, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Adam Zemla
- Computation Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550 USA
| | - Michael P Thelen
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, USA
| | - Robyn Schofield
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - David P Krabbenhoft
- Wisconsin Water Science Center, US Geological Survey, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562, USA
| | - Kathryn E Holt
- Centre for Systems Genomics, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - John W Moreau
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Rodríguez-Rojas F, Díaz-Vásquez W, Undabarrena A, Muñoz-Díaz P, Arenas F, Vásquez C. Mercury-mediated cross-resistance to tellurite in Pseudomonas spp. isolated from the Chilean Antarctic territory. Metallomics 2016; 8:108-17. [DOI: 10.1039/c5mt00256g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Mercury salts and tellurite are among the most toxic compounds for microorganisms on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Rodríguez-Rojas
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular
- Facultad de Química y Biología
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile
- Santiago, Chile
| | - W. Díaz-Vásquez
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular
- Facultad de Química y Biología
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile
- Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud
| | - A. Undabarrena
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular y Biotecnología Ambiental
- Facultad de Química, & Centro de Biotecnología Daniel Alkalay Lowitt
- Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María
- Valparaíso, Chile
| | - P. Muñoz-Díaz
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular
- Facultad de Química y Biología
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile
- Santiago, Chile
| | - F. Arenas
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular
- Facultad de Química y Biología
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile
- Santiago, Chile
| | - C. Vásquez
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular
- Facultad de Química y Biología
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile
- Santiago, Chile
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34
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Goutte A, Cherel Y, Churlaud C, Ponthus JP, Massé G, Bustamante P. Trace elements in Antarctic fish species and the influence of foraging habitats and dietary habits on mercury levels. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 538:743-749. [PMID: 26327642 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.08.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This study aims at describing and interpreting concentration profiles of trace elements in seven Antarctic fish species (N=132 specimens) off Adélie Land. Ichthyofauna plays a key role in the Antarctic ecosystem, as they occupy various ecological niches, including cryopelagic (ice-associated), pelagic, and benthic habitats. Firstly, trace element levels in the studied specimens were similar to those previously observed in fish from the Southern Ocean. Apart from manganese and zinc, concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, copper, iron, mercury (Hg), nickel, selenium and silver differed among fish species. Muscle δ(13)C and δ(15)N values were determined to investigate whether the fish foraging habitats and dietary habits could explain Hg levels. Species and foraging habitat (δ(13)C) were strong predictors for variations of Hg concentrations in muscle tissues. The highest Hg contamination was found in shallow benthic fish compared to cryopelagic and pelagic fish. This pattern was likely due to the methylation of Hg in the coastal sediment and the photodemethylation by ultraviolet radiation in surface waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Goutte
- École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE), SPL, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR 7619 METIS, F-75005, 4 place Jussieu, Paris, France.
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372, CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Carine Churlaud
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266, CNRS-Université de la Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Ponthus
- École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE), SPL, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR 7619 METIS, F-75005, 4 place Jussieu, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Massé
- Unité Mixte Internationale Takuvik, Pavillon Alexandre-Vachon, Université Laval, QC, Québec, Canada
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266, CNRS-Université de la Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
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35
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Kokkonen E, Löytynoja T, Hautala L, Jänkälä K, Huttula M. Fragmentation of mercury compounds under ultraviolet light irradiation. J Chem Phys 2015; 143:074307. [PMID: 26298134 DOI: 10.1063/1.4928651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultraviolet light induced photofragmentation of mercury compounds is studied experimentally with electron energy resolved photoelectron-photoion coincidence techniques and theoretically with computational quantum chemical methods. A high resolution photoelectron spectrum using synchrotron radiation is presented. Fragmentation of the molecule is studied subsequent to ionization to the atomic-mercury-like d orbitals. State dependent fragmentation behaviour is presented and specific reactions for dissociation pathways are given. The fragmentation is found to differ distinctly in similar orbitals of different mercury compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Kokkonen
- Centre for Molecular Materials Research, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 3000, 90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - T Löytynoja
- Centre for Molecular Materials Research, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 3000, 90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - L Hautala
- Centre for Molecular Materials Research, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 3000, 90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - K Jänkälä
- Centre for Molecular Materials Research, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 3000, 90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - M Huttula
- Centre for Molecular Materials Research, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 3000, 90014 Oulu, Finland
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36
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Ariya PA, Amyot M, Dastoor A, Deeds D, Feinberg A, Kos G, Poulain A, Ryjkov A, Semeniuk K, Subir M, Toyota K. Mercury Physicochemical and Biogeochemical Transformation in the Atmosphere and at Atmospheric Interfaces: A Review and Future Directions. Chem Rev 2015; 115:3760-802. [DOI: 10.1021/cr500667e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marc Amyot
- Department
of Biological Sciences, Université de Montréal, 90
avenue Vincent-d’Indy, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3C 3J7
| | - Ashu Dastoor
- Air
Quality Research Division, Environment Canada, 2121 TransCanada Highway, Dorval, Quebec, Canada, H9P 1J3
| | | | | | | | - Alexandre Poulain
- Department
of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1N 6N5
| | - Andrei Ryjkov
- Air
Quality Research Division, Environment Canada, 2121 TransCanada Highway, Dorval, Quebec, Canada, H9P 1J3
| | - Kirill Semeniuk
- Air
Quality Research Division, Environment Canada, 2121 TransCanada Highway, Dorval, Quebec, Canada, H9P 1J3
| | - M. Subir
- Department
of Chemistry, Ball State University, 2000 West University Avenue, Muncie, Indiana 47306, United States
| | - Kenjiro Toyota
- Air
Quality Research Division, Environment Canada, 4905 Dufferin Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M3H 5T4
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37
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Zhang Z, Zhang B, Qian X, Li Z, Xu Z, Yang Y. Simultaneous Quantification of Hg2+ and MeHg+ in Aqueous Media with a Single Fluorescent Probe by Multiplexing in the Time Domain. Anal Chem 2014; 86:11919-24. [DOI: 10.1021/ac503900w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ziqian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory
of Bioreactor Engineering, and ‡Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical
Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237 China
| | - Baoyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory
of Bioreactor Engineering, and ‡Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical
Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237 China
| | - Xuhong Qian
- State Key Laboratory
of Bioreactor Engineering, and ‡Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical
Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237 China
| | - Zhong Li
- State Key Laboratory
of Bioreactor Engineering, and ‡Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical
Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237 China
| | - Zhiping Xu
- State Key Laboratory
of Bioreactor Engineering, and ‡Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical
Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237 China
| | - Youjun Yang
- State Key Laboratory
of Bioreactor Engineering, and ‡Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical
Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237 China
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38
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Mercury Speciation at a Coastal Site in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: Results from the Grand Bay Intensive Studies in Summer 2010 and Spring 2011. ATMOSPHERE 2014. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos5020230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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39
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Total Gaseous Mercury Concentration Measurements at Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. ATMOSPHERE 2013. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos4040472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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40
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Carravieri A, Bustamante P, Churlaud C, Cherel Y. Penguins as bioindicators of mercury contamination in the Southern Ocean: birds from the Kerguelen Islands as a case study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 454-455:141-148. [PMID: 23542487 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.02.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Seabirds have been used extensively as bioindicators of mercury (Hg) contamination in the marine environment, although information on flightless species like penguins remains limited. In order to assess the use of penguins as bioindicators of Hg contamination in subantarctic and Antarctic marine ecosystems, Hg concentrations were evaluated in the feathers of the four species that breed on the Kerguelen Islands in the southern Indian Ocean. Compared to other seabirds, adult Kerguelen penguins had low to moderate feather Hg concentrations, with an average ranging from 1.96 ± 0.41 μgg(-1) dry weight in the southern rockhopper penguin to 5.85 ± 3.00 μg g(-1) dry weight in the gentoo penguin. The species was a major determinant of Hg contamination, with feather Hg concentrations being lower in the oceanic species (king and crested penguins) than in the coastal one (gentoo penguin). In all species however, feather Hg concentrations were higher in adults than in chicks, reflecting the different periods of Hg bioaccumulation in the internal tissues of the two age classes. The relationship between adult penguin trophic ecology and Hg burdens was investigated using stable isotopes. Feeding habits (reflected by δ(15)N values) had a greater effect on adult feather Hg concentrations when compared to foraging habitats (reflected by δ(13)C values), indicating Hg biomagnification in Kerguelen neritic and oceanic waters. Dietary preferences were crucial in explaining individual feather Hg concentrations, as highlighted by intra-specific variation in Hg levels of gentoo penguins sampled at two different breeding sites of the archipelago. Penguins appear to reflect Hg bioavailability reliably in their foraging environment and could serve as efficient bioindicators of Hg contamination in the Southern Ocean on different spatial and temporal scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Carravieri
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UPR 1934 du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, BP 14, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France.
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41
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Driscoll CT, Mason RP, Chan HM, Jacob DJ, Pirrone N. Mercury as a global pollutant: sources, pathways, and effects. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:4967-83. [PMID: 23590191 PMCID: PMC3701261 DOI: 10.1021/es305071v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1156] [Impact Index Per Article: 105.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Revised: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant that affects human and ecosystem health. We synthesize understanding of sources, atmosphere-land-ocean Hg dynamics and health effects, and consider the implications of Hg-control policies. Primary anthropogenic Hg emissions greatly exceed natural geogenic sources, resulting in increases in Hg reservoirs and subsequent secondary Hg emissions that facilitate its global distribution. The ultimate fate of emitted Hg is primarily recalcitrant soil pools and deep ocean waters and sediments. Transfers of Hg emissions to largely unavailable reservoirs occur over the time scale of centuries, and are primarily mediated through atmospheric exchanges of wet/dry deposition and evasion from vegetation, soil organic matter and ocean surfaces. A key link between inorganic Hg inputs and exposure of humans and wildlife is the net production of methylmercury, which occurs mainly in reducing zones in freshwater, terrestrial, and coastal environments, and the subsurface ocean. Elevated human exposure to methylmercury primarily results from consumption of estuarine and marine fish. Developing fetuses are most at risk from this neurotoxin but health effects of highly exposed populations and wildlife are also a concern. Integration of Hg science with national and international policy efforts is needed to target efforts and evaluate efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles T Driscoll
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, United States.
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Vollmers J, Voget S, Dietrich S, Gollnow K, Smits M, Meyer K, Brinkhoff T, Simon M, Daniel R. Poles apart: Arctic and Antarctic Octadecabacter strains share high genome plasticity and a new type of xanthorhodopsin. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63422. [PMID: 23671678 PMCID: PMC3646047 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Octadecabacter is a member of the ubiquitous marine Roseobacter clade. The two described species of this genus, Octadecabacter arcticus and Octadecabacter antarcticus, are psychrophilic and display a bipolar distribution. Here we provide the manually annotated and finished genome sequences of the type strains O. arcticus 238 and O. antarcticus 307, isolated from sea ice of the Arctic and Antarctic, respectively. Both genomes exhibit a high genome plasticity caused by an unusually high density and diversity of transposable elements. This could explain the discrepancy between the low genome synteny and high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between both strains. Numerous characteristic features were identified in the Octadecabacter genomes, which show indications of horizontal gene transfer and may represent specific adaptations to the habitats of the strains. These include a gene cluster encoding the synthesis and degradation of cyanophycin in O. arcticus 238, which is absent in O. antarcticus 307 and unique among the Roseobacter clade. Furthermore, genes representing a new subgroup of xanthorhodopsins as an adaptation to icy environments are present in both Octadecabacter strains. This new xanthorhodopsin subgroup differs from the previously characterized xanthorhodopsins of Salinibacter ruber and Gloeobacter violaceus in phylogeny, biogeography and the potential to bind 4-keto-carotenoids. Biochemical characterization of the Octadecabacter xanthorhodopsins revealed that they function as light-driven proton pumps.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Vollmers
- Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sonja Voget
- Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sascha Dietrich
- Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kathleen Gollnow
- Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Maike Smits
- Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Katja Meyer
- Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Brinkhoff
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Meinhard Simon
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Rolf Daniel
- Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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43
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Blévin P, Carravieri A, Jaeger A, Chastel O, Bustamante P, Cherel Y. Wide range of mercury contamination in chicks of southern ocean seabirds. PLoS One 2013; 8:e54508. [PMID: 23349912 PMCID: PMC3547921 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Using top predators as sentinels of the marine environment, Hg contamination was investigated within the large subantarctic seabird community of Kerguelen Islands, a remote area from the poorly known Southern Indian Ocean. Chicks of 21 sympatric seabirds presented a wide range of Hg concentrations, with the highest contaminated species containing ∼102 times more feather Hg than the less contaminated species. Hence, Kerguelen seabirds encompass the whole range of chick feather Hg values that were previously collected worldwide in poorly industrialized localities. Using stable isotopes, the effects of foraging habitats (reflected by δ13C) and trophic positions (reflected by δ15N) on Hg concentrations were investigated. Species-related Hg variations were highly and positively linked to feather δ15N values, thus highlighting the occurrence of efficient Hg biomagnification processes within subantarctic marine trophic webs. By contrast, Hg contamination overall correlated poorly with feeding habitats, because of the pooling of species foraging within different isotopic gradients corresponding to distinct seabird habitats (benthic, pelagic, neritic and oceanic). However, when focusing on oceanic seabirds, Hg concentration was related to feather δ13C values, with species feeding in colder waters (lower δ13C values) south of Kerguelen Islands being less prone to be contaminated than species feeding in northern warmer waters (higher δ13C values). Within the context of continuous increase in global Hg emissions, Kerguelen Islands that are located far away from anthropogenic sources can be considered as an ideal study site to monitor the temporal trend of global Hg contamination. The present work helps selecting some seabird species as sentinels of environmental pollution according to their high Hg concentrations and their contrasted foraging ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Blévin
- Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Alice Carravieri
- Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Audrey Jaeger
- Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Olivier Chastel
- Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Université de La Rochelle, La Rochelle, France
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Villiers-en-Bois, France
- * E-mail:
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Han YC, Huh YS, Hong SM, Hur SD, Motoyama H, Fujita S, Nakazawa F, Fukui K. Quantification of Total Mercury in Antarctic Surface Snow using ICP-SF-MS: Spatial Variation from the Coast to Dome Fuji. B KOREAN CHEM SOC 2011. [DOI: 10.5012/bkcs.2011.32.12.4258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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45
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Investigation of mercury concentrations in fur of phocid seals using stable isotopes as tracers of trophic levels and geographical regions. Polar Biol 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-011-0996-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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46
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O'Sullivan D, Sodeau JR. Freeze-induced reactions: formation of iodine-bromine interhalogen species from aqueous halide ion solutions. J Phys Chem A 2010; 114:12208-15. [PMID: 21043531 DOI: 10.1021/jp104910p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Interhalide ion formation resulting from the freezing of dilute solutions containing components found in natural sea salt are investigated as a potential mechanism for the release of interhalogens to the polar atmosphere. Acidified solutions containing iodide, bromide, and nitrite ions have been frozen and then thawed, with changes in speciation analyzed using UV-visible spectrophotometry. The freezing process is shown to induce the formation of the important interhalide ion, IBr(2)(-). This species has previously been predicted to be a precursor of iodine monobromide, IBr, and represents a potentially important source of halogen atoms in the polar marine boundary layer. The reaction mechanisms that lead to the formation of IBr(2)(-) under freezing conditions are explored using both experimental and computational methodologies. The chemistry involved was subsequently modified in order to mimic naturally occurring conditions more closely and also incorporated the use of hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant. In contrast to previous studies, the freeze-induced production of IBr(2)(-) was thereby observed to occur up to pH <5.1, where the acidity levels are comparable to those found in the polar snowpack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel O'Sullivan
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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47
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Hara K, Osada K, Yabuki M, Hashida G, Yamanouchi T, Hayashi M, Shiobara M, Nishita C, Wada M. Haze episodes at Syowa Station, coastal Antarctica: Where did they come from? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1029/2009jd012582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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48
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Byun Y, Cho M, Namkung W, Lee K, Koh DJ, Shin DN. Insight into the unique oxidation chemistry of elemental mercury by chlorine-containing species: experiment and simulation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2010; 44:1624-1629. [PMID: 20131790 DOI: 10.1021/es902358u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
This work investigated the oxidation chemistry of elemental mercury (Hg(0)) by chlorine-containing species produced indirectly through the gas-to-solid phase reaction between NO(x) gases and NaClO(2) powder (NaClO(2)(s)), where both experiment and simulation results were compared to clarify which species are responsible for the oxidation of Hg(0). At first, we introduced 30 ppm of NO(2) into the pack-bed reactor containing NaClO(2)(s) to produce OClO species and then injected NO and Hg(0) (260 microg/Nm(3)) to Mixer, where the concentration of NO was varied up to 180 ppm and the reaction temperature was set to 130 degrees C. We observed for the first time that the degree of Hg(0) oxidation is completely controlled by the introduced concentration of NO: for example, the oxidation efficiency of Hg(0) is drastically increased to become 100% at near 7 ppm NO, but further increasing NO concentration results in the oxidation efficiency of Hg(0) being gradually decreased. The simulation results indicated that such a propensity of Hg(0) oxidation efficiency to NO concentration can be attributed to the NO concentration-dependent Cl, ClO, and Cl(2) formation which plays a critical role in the oxidation of Hg(0).
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngchul Byun
- School of Environmental Science and Technology, Pohang University of Science and Technology, San 31 Hyoja-dong Nam-gu Pohang 790-600, Republic of Korea
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Lyman SN, Gustin MS. Determinants of atmospheric mercury concentrations in Reno, Nevada, U.S.A. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2009; 408:431-438. [PMID: 19850325 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.09.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2009] [Revised: 09/20/2009] [Accepted: 09/25/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM) and particulate-bound mercury (PBM) were measured along with ancillary variables 9 km east of downtown Reno, Nevada, U.S.A. from November 2006 through March 2009. Mean two-year (February 2007 through January 2009) GEM, GOM, and PBM concentrations were 2.0+/-0.7 ng m(-3) (+/-standard deviation), 18+/-22 pg m(-3), and 7+/-7 pg m(-3), respectively. Data collected were compared with observations made at another location just north of the city at 169 m higher elevation. At both locations higher concentrations of GEM and PBM occurred in periods with little atmospheric mixing, indicating that local sources were important for enhancing GEM and PBM concentrations in Reno above that considered continental background. Concentrations of GOM were higher (maximum of 177 pg m(-3)) during periods with higher temperature and lower dew point. Higher GOM concentrations at the higher elevation site with less urban impact relative to the valley site, along with other data trends, support the hypothesis that in northern Nevada subsiding dry air from the free troposphere is a source of GOM to the surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth N Lyman
- University of Nevada, Reno, Department of Natural Resources, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada 89557, United States
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Díez S. Human health effects of methylmercury exposure. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2009; 198:111-132. [PMID: 19253038 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-09647-6_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), and the organometallic compounds formed from it, are among the most toxic of substances to the global environment. Mercury is environmentally ubiquitous, and both wildlife and humans are exposed to the toxic effects of its environmental residues, primarily elemental mercury (Hg0), divalent mercury (Hg2+) and methylmercury (MeHg). Humans are exposed to different forms of Hg, and potential health risks have been reported from such exposures; examples of Hg exposure include mercury vapor from dental amalgams, occupational exposures and exposures during artisan and small-scale gold mining operations. Despite the significance of those foregoing Hg exposures, of particular concern is human and wildlife exposure to MeHg, a potent neurotoxicant. Once incorporated into the body, MeHg easily penetrates the blood-brain barrier and causes damage to the central nervous system, particularly in fetuses. It bioaacumulates and biomagnifies in the aquatic food chain; consequently, fish and seafood consumption is the major pathway by which humans are exposed to MeHg. MeHg is the focus of this review. It adversely affects humans and is currently the subject of intense public health interest and worldwide concern. In this review, I summarize the sources and cycling of global mercury in the environment, pathways of exposure, toxicity and exposure evaluation, toxicokinetics, the common biomarkers to evaluate exposure and effects in populations, and finally review the nutritional risks and benefits from fish consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Díez
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona, 18-26, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain
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