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Wang X, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Liu Z, Ji X, Cai Y. Mercury contents and potential exposure risk of rice-containing food products. J Environ Sci (China) 2025; 148:683-690. [PMID: 39095199 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), especially methylmercury (MeHg), accumulation in rice grain due to rice paddy possessing conditions conducive to Hg methylation has led to human Hg exposure through consumption of rice-based daily meals. In addition to being a food staple, rice is widely used as a raw material to produce a vast variety of processed food products. Little is known about Hg levels in snacking rice-food products and potential Hg exposure from consumption of them, besides previous studies on infant rice cereals. Aiming to provide complementary information for a more complete assessment on Hg exposure risk originated from Hg-containing rice, this study determined total Hg (THg) and MeHg levels in 195 rice-containing and rice-free processed food products covering all major types of snack foods marketed in China and the estimated daily intake (EDI) of dietary Hg from the consumption of these foods. The results clearly showed THg and MeHg contents in rice-containing foods were significantly higher than rice-free products, suggesting the transfer of Hg and MeHg from the rice to the end products, even after manufacturing processes. Moreover, significant positive correlations were observed between THg, MeHg, or MeHg/THg ratio and rice content for samples containing multiple grains as ingredients, further indicating the deciding role of rice for Hg levels in the end food products. Although the EDI of THg and MeHg via rice-based food products were relatively low compared to the reference dose, it should be considered these snacking food products would contribute additive Hg intake outside of the daily regular meals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yingjun Wang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
| | - Yaqi Zhang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Ziyan Liu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Xiaomeng Ji
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yong Cai
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Health, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
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2
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Jiang H, Yan J, Li R, Yang S, Huang G, Wang W, Zhang Y, Li P, Feng X. Economic benefit of ecological remediation of mercury pollution in southwest China 2007-2022. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 189:108792. [PMID: 38838487 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108792] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) exposure via rice consumption poses health risk to residents in mercury contaminated areas, such as the Wanshan Hg mining area (WSMA) in southwest China. Making use of the published data for WSMA, this study developed a database of rice MeHg concentrations for different villages in this region for the years of 2007, 2012, 2017, and 2019. The temporal changes of human MeHg exposure, health effects, and economic benefits under different ecological remediation measures were then assessed. Results from this study revealed a decrease of 3.88 μg/kg in rice MeHg concentration and a corresponding reduction of 0.039 μg/kg/d in probable daily intake of MeHg in 2019 compared to 2007 on regional average in the WSMA. Ecological remediation measures in this region resulted in the accumulated economic benefits of $38.7 million during 2007-2022, of which 84 % was from pollution source treatment and 16 % from planting structure adjustment. However, a flooding event in 2016 led to an economic loss of $2.43 million (0.38 % of regional total Gross Domestic Product). Planting structure adjustment generates the greatest economic benefits in the short term, whereas pollution source treatment maximizes economic benefits in the long term and prevents the perturbations from flooding event. These findings demonstrate the importance of ecological remediation measures in Hg polluted areas and provide the foundation for risk assessment of human MeHg exposure via rice consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifang Jiang
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
| | - Junyao Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Ruolan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shaochen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Guopei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
| | - Yanxu Zhang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ping Li
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Salvato LA, Marvin-DiPasquale M, Fleck JA, McCord SA, Linquist BA. Influence of irrigation water and soil on annual mercury dynamics in Sacramento Valley rice fields. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2024; 53:327-339. [PMID: 38468600 DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a human and environmental toxin produced in flooded soils. Little is known about MeHg in rice (Oryza Sativa L.) fields in Sacramento Valley, California. The objectives of this study were to quantify mercury fractions in irrigation water and within rice fields and to determine their mercury pools in surface water, soil, and grain. Soil, grain, and surface water (dissolved and particulate) MeHg and total mercury (THg) were monitored in six commercial rice fields throughout a winter fallow season and subsequent growing season. Both dissolved and particulate mercury fractions were higher in fallow season rice field water. Total suspended solids and particulate mercury concentrations were positively correlated (r = 0.99 and 0.98 for THg and MeHg, respectively), suggesting that soil MeHg was suspended in the water column and potentially exported. Dissolved THg and MeHg concentrations were positively correlated with absorbance at 254 nm (r = 0.47 and 0.58, respectively) in fallow season field water. In the growing season, fields with higher irrigation water MeHg concentrations (due to recycled water use) had elevated field-water MeHg (r = 0.86) and grain MeHg concentrations (r = 0.96). Based on a mass balance analysis, soil mercury pools were orders of magnitude larger than surface water or grain mercury pools; however, fallow season drainage and grain harvest were the primary pathways for MeHg export. Based on these findings, reducing (1) discharge when water is turbid, (2) straw inputs, and (3) use of recycled irrigation water could help reduce mercury exports in rice field drainage water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke A Salvato
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | | | - Jacob A Fleck
- California Water Science Center, US Geological Survey, Sacramento, California, USA
| | | | - Bruce A Linquist
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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Hao W, Xu X, Qiu G, Dong X, Zhu F, Han J, Liang L, Chen Z. Predictive modeling of methylmercury in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and species-sensitivity-distribution-based derivation of the threshold of soil mercury in karst mountain areas. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:157. [PMID: 38592345 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01944-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The bioavailable mercury (Hg) in the soil is highly active and can affect the formulation of methyl-Hg (MeHg) in soil and its accumulation in rice. Herein, we predicted the concentration of MeHg in rice using bioavailable Hg extracted from soils; additionally, we determined the threshold value of soil Hg in karst mountain areas based on species sensitivity distribution. The bioavailable Hg was extracted using calcium chloride, hydrochloric acid (HCl), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid mixture, ammonium acetate, and thioglycolic acid. Results showed that HCl is the best extractant, and the prediction model demonstrated good predictability of the MeHg concentration in rice based on the HCl-extractable Hg, pH, and soil organic matter (SOM) data. Compared with the actual MeHg concentration in rice, approximately 99% of the predicted values (n = 103) were within the 95% prediction range, indicating the good performance of the rice MeHg prediction model based on soil pH, SOM, and bioavailable Hg in karst mountain areas. Based on this MeHg prediction model, the safety threshold of soil Hg was calculated to be 0.0936 mg/kg, which is much lower than the soil pollution risk screening value of agricultural land (0.5 mg/kg), suggesting that a stricter standard should be applied regarding soil Hg in karst mountain areas. This study presents the threshold of soil Hg pollution for rice safety in karst mountain areas, and future studies should target this threshold range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanbin Hao
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Xiaohang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Guangle Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Xian Dong
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Fang Zhu
- Guiyang Healthcare Vocational University, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Jialiang Han
- College of Eco-Environmental Engineering, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Longchao Liang
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
| | - Zhuo Chen
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
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Zheng Z, Hu J, He T, Liu C, Zhou X, Yin D. Suppression of mercury methylation in soil and methylmercury accumulation in rice by dissolved organic matter derived from sulfur-rich rape straw. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123657. [PMID: 38428787 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Straw amendment significantly enhances mercury (Hg) methylation and subsequent methylmercury (MeHg) bioaccumulation in Hg-contaminated paddy fields by releasing dissolved organic matter (DOM). This study comprehensively investigates the regulatory mechanisms of DOM and its different molecular weights derived from sulfur-rich rape straw (RaDOM) and composted rape straw (CRaDOM) applied in the rice-filling stage on soil MeHg production and subsequent bioaccumulation in rice grains. The results indicated that the amendment of RaDOM and CRaDOM significantly reduced soil MeHg content by 42.40-62.42%. This reduction can be attributed to several factors, including the suppression of Hg-methylating bacteria in soil, the supply of sulfate from RaDOM and CRaDOM, and the increase in the humification, molecular weight, and humic-like fractions of soil DOM. Additionally, adding RaDOM increased the MeHg bioaccumulation factor in roots by 27.55% while inhibiting MeHg transportation by 12.24% and ultimately reducing MeHg content in grains by 21.24% compared to the control group. Similarly, CRaDOM enhanced MeHg accumulation by 25.19%, suppressed MeHg transportation by 39.65%, and reduced MeHg levels in the grains by 27.94%. The assimilation of sulfate derived from RaDOM and CRaDOM into glutathione may be responsible for the increased retention of MeHg in the roots. Over the three days, there was a significant decrease in soil MeHg content as the molecular weight of RaDOM increased; conversely, altering the molecular weight of CRaDOM demonstrated an inverse trend. However, this pattern was not observed after 12 days. Applying sulfur-rich rape DOM can help mitigate MeHg accumulation in paddy fields by regulating the quality of soil DOM, sulfur cycling, and Hg-methylating bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhoujuan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China; College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Jie Hu
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China; College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Tianrong He
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China; College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Chengbin Liu
- Institute for Agri-food Standards and Testing Technology, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 201403, China
| | - Xian Zhou
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Deliang Yin
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China; Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China.
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Liu JB, Zhou YJ, Du FZ, Man YB, Wong MH, Cheng Z. Human health risk assessment based on a total diet study of daily mercury intake in Chengdu, China. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:138. [PMID: 38483661 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01910-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
To assess the total daily mercury intake and main exposure sources of residents, six food groups, including marine fish, freshwater fish, poultry, livestock, vegetables, and cereals, were collected from five districts of Chengdu, China. The median concentrations of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) were 12.8 and 6.94 μg kg-1 ww, respectively. Cereals (32.2%), vegetables (30.5%), and livestock (16.2%) contributed to a much larger extent to the total consumption for the participants in Chengdu. All food categories that contributed the most of THg (2.16 μg day-1) and MeHg 1.44 (μg day-1) to the daily intake in Chengdu were cereals and marine fish, respectively. The total Hazard Ratios values below 1 in this study indicate that there is no health risk associated with Hg ingestion from the consumption of these foods for the residents in Chengdu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Bo Liu
- College of Environment, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya Jun Zhou
- College of Environment, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Zhou Du
- College of Environment, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Bon Man
- Consortium on Health, Environment, Education, and Research (CHEER), and Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Hung Wong
- Consortium on Health, Environment, Education, and Research (CHEER), and Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhang Cheng
- College of Environment, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China.
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Wang D, Li Z, Wang Q. Ecological restoration reduces mercury in corn kernel and the distinction of mercury in corn plants in rural China - A case in Wuchuan mercury mining area. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 271:115964. [PMID: 38232525 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115964] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Corn is a crucial crop in China and is widely cultivated in the mercury (Hg) mining region of Guizhou. This study analyzed the Hg content in soil and corn plant samples from the Wuchuan Hg mining area (WCMA) and the surrounding non-Hg mining regions (SNMR). The findings suggest that ongoing ecological rehabilitation and environmental conservation measures in the WCMA have significantly decreased the Hg content in corn kernels. The Hg concentration in different parts of the corn plant varied, being higher in the roots, tassels, and leaves and lower in kernels and stalks. Hg stored in corn plant growing in the WCMA primarily originates from the soil (55.4%), while in the SNMR, it mainly comes from the atmosphere (74.9%). Despite counted only about 7% of the total plant mass, corn roots play a crucial role in soil Hg pollution remediation when corn is used for remediation. Household corn residues burning release about 58.5% and 66.9% of the stored Hg in corn plants growing in the WCMA and the SNMR, respectively, into the atmosphere. Our findings indicate that corn cultivation acts as a reservoir for both soil and atmospheric Hg in the SNMR, while in the WCMA, it serves as a source of atmospheric Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- Department of Resources and Environment, Zunyi Normal College, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Zhonggen Li
- Department of Resources and Environment, Zunyi Normal College, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Qingfeng Wang
- Department of Resources and Environment, Zunyi Normal College, Zunyi 563006, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, China.
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Lee JY, Yoshida M, Satoh M, Watanabe C. Neurobehavioral effects of the exposure to mercury vapor and methylmercury during postnatal period on mice. Toxicol Res 2024; 40:111-124. [PMID: 38223668 PMCID: PMC10786797 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-023-00210-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the neurobehavioral alterations and modifications of gene expression in the brains of female mice exposed to low-level mercury vapor and/or methylmercury during postnatal development. The mice were exposed to low-level mercury vapor at a mean concentration of 0.094 mg/m3 and supplied with tap water containing 5 ppm methylmercury from postnatal day 11 to 12 weeks of age. Behavioral analyses were performed at 17 weeks of age. Total locomotor activity in the open field test and the retention trial performance in the passive avoidance test were significantly reduced in the combined exposure group compared with those in the control group. The differences in locomotor activity and performance in the retention trial at 17 weeks were no longer detected at 45 weeks. These results suggest that the effect of aging on the behavioral abnormalities resulting from postnatal exposure to mercury complexes are not significant. In the microarray analysis of brains in the combined exposure group, the gene expression levels of Ano2 and Sgk1 were decreased. Real-time RT-PCR analysis confirmed these changes caused by combined mercury exposure, showing significant downregulation of Ano2 and Sgk1 in the cerebrum. These genes play key roles in the brain as a calcium-activated chloride channel and as a kinase that responds to cellular stress, respectively. Our findings provide insight into the neurobehavioral changes caused by combined mercury exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Yong Lee
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Aichi Gakuin University, 1-100 Kusumoto-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8650 Japan
| | - Minoru Yoshida
- Department of Nursing, Tokyo Junshin University, 2-600 Takiyama-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0011 Japan
| | - Masahiko Satoh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Aichi Gakuin University, 1-100 Kusumoto-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8650 Japan
| | - Chiho Watanabe
- Interfaculty Initiative in Planetary Health, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523 Japan
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Zhou X, Lei B, Yin D, Kang J, He Z, He T, Xu X. Application potential of biofertilizer-assisted Pennisetum giganteum in safe utilization of mercury-contaminated paddy fields. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 348:119291. [PMID: 37832289 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119291] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
High mercury (Hg) bioaccumulation in crops such as rice in Hg-contaminated areas presents a potential health hazard to humans and wildlife. To develop a safe alternative technique, bacillus-inoculated biofertilizer, citric acid, earthworms, and selenium-modified activated clay were compared for their ability to regulate Hg bioaccumulation in Pennisetum giganteum (P. giganteum). This biofertilizer significantly increased Bacillus sp. abundance in the soil by 157.12%, resulting in the removal of 27.52% of water-soluble Hg fractions through volatilization and adsorption mechanisms. The variation in bioavailable Hg in the soil significantly reduced the total Hg concentration in P. giganteum young leaves, old leaves, stems, and roots of P. giganteum by 74.14%, 48.08%, 93.72%, and 50.91%, respectively (p < 0.05), which is lower than the Chinese feed safety standard (100 ng g-1). The biofertilizer inhibitory potential was highly consistent with that of the selenium-modified activated clay. Biofertilizers significantly reduced the methylmercury concentration in various P. giganteum tissues (p < 0.05), whereas selenium-modified activated clay failed to achieve a comparable effect. This biofertilizer-assisted planting pattern can achieve an economic income quadruple that of the rice planting pattern in the Hg-contaminated paddy fields. Because of its significant environmental and financial applications, the biofertilizer-assisted planting pattern is expected to replace Hg-contaminated paddy fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Zhou
- Engineering Research Center for Southwest Bio-Pharmaceutical Resources, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China; College of Resources and Environment Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Bangxing Lei
- Engineering Research Center for Southwest Bio-Pharmaceutical Resources, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Deliang Yin
- Engineering Research Center for Southwest Bio-Pharmaceutical Resources, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China; College of Resources and Environment Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
| | - Jichuan Kang
- Engineering Research Center for Southwest Bio-Pharmaceutical Resources, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
| | - Zhangjiang He
- Engineering Research Center for Southwest Bio-Pharmaceutical Resources, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Tianrong He
- Engineering Research Center for Southwest Bio-Pharmaceutical Resources, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Xiaohang Xu
- Engineering Research Center for Southwest Bio-Pharmaceutical Resources, Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
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Senila M, Levei EA, Frentiu T, Mihali C, Angyus SB. Assessment of mercury bioavailability in garden soils around a former nonferrous metal mining area using DGT, accumulation in vegetables, and implications for health risk. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1554. [PMID: 38036722 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12144-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic, non-essential element for living organisms, frequently present in high concentrations in soils from industrial areas. The total, dissolved, and labile Hg concentrations in garden soils and their accumulation in edible vegetables (onion, garlic, lettuce, and parsley) grown on contaminated soils in localities situated a former mining area were evaluated. The labile Hg fraction was estimated by diffusive gradient in thin films (DGT). The soil-to-vegetable transfer factors, as well as the health risk by exposure to Hg, were calculated based on the labile Hg concentration in soil. The total Hg concentration in soil varied widely (0.11-3.77 mg kg-1), Hg in soil solution ranged between 2.14 and 20.2 μg L-1 and labile Hg between 1.13 and 18.6 μg L-1. About 36-96% (84% on average) of the Hg concentration in soil solution was found in labile form. Multivariate analysis revealed significant correlations between the labile Hg concentration in soil and Hg accumulated in vegetables. The hazard indices showed that, although the study area is affected by legacy pollution, exposure to soil and consumption of locally grown vegetables do not pose health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marin Senila
- INCDO INOE 2000, Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation, Donath 67, 400293, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Erika Andrea Levei
- INCDO INOE 2000, Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation, Donath 67, 400293, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Tiberiu Frentiu
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University, Arany Janos 11, 400028, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Mihali
- Faculty of Sciences, Technical University of Cluj Napoca, Baia Mare, Victoriei 76, 430122, Baia-Mare, Romania
| | - Simion Bogdan Angyus
- INCDO INOE 2000, Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation, Donath 67, 400293, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University, Arany Janos 11, 400028, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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11
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Li Z, Wang T, Yang X, Wen X, Chen W, He Y, Yu Z, Zhang C. Microbial community function and methylmercury production in oxygen-limited paddy soil. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 266:115585. [PMID: 37856980 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury is a neurotoxic compound that can enter rice fields through rainfall or irrigation with contaminated wastewater, and then contaminate the human food chain through the consumption of rice. Flooded paddy soil has a porous structure that facilitates air exchange with the atmosphere, but the presence of trace amounts of oxygen in flooded rice field soil and its impact on microbial-mediated formation of methylmercury is still unclear. We compared the microbial communities and their functions in oxygen-depleted and oxygen-limited paddy soil. We discovered that oxygen-limited paddy soil had higher methylmercury concentration, which was strongly correlated with soil properties and methylation potential. Compared with oxygen-depleted soil, oxygen-limited soil altered the microbial composition based on 16 S rRNA sequences, but not based on hgcA sequences. Moreover, oxygen-limited soil enhanced microbial activity significantly, increasing the abundance of more than half of the KEGG pathways, especially the metabolic pathways that might be involved in methylation. Our study unveils how microbial communities influence methylmercury formation in oxygen-limited paddy soil. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS: This study examined how low oxygen input affects microbial-induced MeHg formation in anaerobic paddy soil. We found that oxygen-limited soil produced more MeHg than oxygen-depleted soil. Oxygen input altered the microbial community structure of 16 S rRNA sequencing in anaerobic paddy soil, but had little impact on the hgcA sequencing community structure. Microbial activity and metabolic functions related to MeHg formation were also higher in oxygen-limited paddy soil. We suggest that oxygen may not be a limiting factor for Hg methylators, and that insufficient oxygen input in flooded paddy soil increases the risk of human exposure to MeHg from rice consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Tantan Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Xu Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Xin Wen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Wenhao Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yubo He
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Zhigang Yu
- Australian Center for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Chang Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China.
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12
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Chen J, Hu G, Liu J, Poulain AJ, Pu Q, Huang R, Meng B, Feng X. The divergent effects of nitrate and ammonium application on mercury methylation, demethylation, and reduction in flooded paddy slurries. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132457. [PMID: 37669605 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
The production of methylmercury (MeHg) in flooded paddy fields determines its accumulation in rice grains; this, in turn, results in MeHg exposure risks for not only rice-eating humans but also wildlife. Nitrogen (N) fertilizers have been widely applied in rice cultivation fields to supply essential nutrients. However, the effects of N fertilizer addition on mercury (Hg) transformations are not unclear. This limits our understanding of MeHg formation in rice paddy ecosystems. In this study, we spiked three Hg tracers (200HgII, Me198Hg, and 202Hg0) in paddy slurries fertilized with urea, ammonium, and nitrate. The influences of N fertilization on Hg methylation, demethylation, and reduction and the underlying mechanisms were elucidated. The results revealed that dissimilatory nitrate reduction was the dominant process in the incubated paddy slurries. Nitrate addition inhibited HgII reduction, HgII methylation, and MeHg demethylation. Competition between nitrates and other electron acceptors (e.g., HgII, sulfate, or carbon dioxide) under dark conditions was the mechanism underlying nitrate-regulated Hg transformation. Ammonium and urea additions promoted HgII reduction, and anaerobic ammonium oxidation coupled with HgII reduction (Hgammox) was likely the reason. This work highlighted that nitrate addition not only inhibited HgII methylation but also reduced the demethylation of MeHg and therefore may generate more accumulation of MeHg in the incubated paddy slurries. Findings from this study link the biogeochemical cycling of N and Hg and provide crucial knowledge for assessing Hg risks in intermittently flooded wetland ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Chen
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Gongren Hu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Alexandre J Poulain
- Biology Department, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Qiang Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Rong Huang
- College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Bo Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
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13
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Wu Q, Wang B, Hu H, Bravo AG, Bishop K, Bertilsson S, Meng B, Zhang H, Feng X. Sulfate-reduction and methanogenesis are coupled to Hg(II) and MeHg reduction in rice paddies. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132486. [PMID: 37690197 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) produced in rice paddies is the main source of MeHg accumulation in rice, resulting in high risk of MeHg exposure to humans and wildlife. Net MeHg production is affected by Hg(II) reduction and MeHg demethylation, but it remains unclear to what extent these processes influence net MeHg production, as well as the role of the microbial guilds involved. We used isotopically labeled Hg species and specific microbial inhibitors in microcosm experiments to simultaneously investigate the rates of Hg(II) and MeHg transformations, as well as the key microbial guilds controlling these processes. Results showed that Hg(II) and MeHg reduction rate constants significantly decreased with addition of molybdate or BES, which inhibit sulfate-reduction and methanogenesis, respectively. This suggests that both sulfate-reduction and methanogenesis are important processes controlling Hg(II) and MeHg reduction in rice paddies. Meanwhile, up to 99% of MeHg demethylation was oxidative demethylation (OD) under the incubation conditions, suggesting that OD was the main MeHg degradative pathway in rice paddies. In addition, [202Hg(0)/Me202Hg] from the added 202Hg(NO3)2 was up to 13.9%, suggesting that Hg(II) reduction may constrain Hg(II) methylation in rice paddies at the abandoned Hg mining site. This study improves our understanding of Hg cycling pathways in rice paddies, and more specifically how reduction processes affect net MeHg production and related microbial metabolisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Baolin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Haiyan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
| | - Andrea G Bravo
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciencies del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona E08003, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Kevin Bishop
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala SE-75007, Sweden
| | - Stefan Bertilsson
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala SE-75007, Sweden
| | - Bo Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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14
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Du S, Wang X, Zhou Z, Zhang T, Kamran M, Ding C. Controlling Factors and Predictive Models of Total Mercury and Methylmercury Accumulation in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) from Mercury-Contaminated Paddy Soils. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2023; 111:5. [PMID: 37349509 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-023-03766-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
It is urgent to detect the major controlling factors and establish predictive models of mercury (Hg) accumulation in rice. A pot trial was conducted, exogenous Hg was added to 19 paddy soils at 4 concentration levels in this study. The major controlling factors of total Hg (THg) in brown rice were soil THg, pH and organic matter (OM) content, while those of methylmercury (MeHg) in brown rice were soil MeHg and OM. THg and MeHg in brown rice could be well predicted by soil THg, pH and clay content. The data from previous studies were collected to validate the predictive models of Hg in brown rice. The predicted values of Hg in brown rice were within the twofold prediction intervals of the observations, which demonstrated the predictive models in this study were reliable. The results could provide theoretical foundation for the risk assessment of Hg in paddy soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyang Du
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 71 East Beijing Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Hunan Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Xingxiang Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 71 East Beijing Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Ecological Experimental Station of Red Soil, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yingtan, 335211, China
| | - Zhigao Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 71 East Beijing Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Taolin Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 71 East Beijing Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Muhammad Kamran
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 71 East Beijing Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Changfeng Ding
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 71 East Beijing Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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15
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Liu J, Chen J, Poulain AJ, Pu Q, Hao Z, Meng B, Feng X. Mercury and Sulfur Redox Cycling Affect Methylmercury Levels in Rice Paddy Soils across a Contamination Gradient. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:8149-8160. [PMID: 37194595 PMCID: PMC10234277 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) contamination in rice via paddy soils is an emerging global environmental issue. An understanding of mercury (Hg) transformation processes in paddy soils is urgently needed in order to control Hg contamination of human food and related health impacts. Sulfur (S)-regulated Hg transformation is one important process that controls Hg cycling in agricultural fields. In this study, Hg transformation processes, such as methylation, demethylation, oxidation, and reduction, and their responses to S input (sulfate and thiosulfate) in paddy soils with a Hg contamination gradient were elucidated simultaneously using a multi-compound-specific isotope labeling technique (200HgII, Me198Hg, and 202Hg0). In addition to HgII methylation and MeHg demethylation, this study revealed that microbially mediated reduction of HgII, methylation of Hg0, and oxidative demethylation-reduction of MeHg occurred under dark conditions; these processes served to transform Hg between different species (Hg0, HgII, and MeHg) in flooded paddy soils. Rapid redox recycling of Hg species contributed to Hg speciation resetting, which promoted the transformation between Hg0 and MeHg by generating bioavailable HgII for fuel methylation. Sulfur input also likely affected the microbial community structure and functional profile of HgII methylators and, therefore, influenced HgII methylation. The findings of this study contribute to our understanding of Hg transformation processes in paddy soils and provide much-needed knowledge for assessing Hg risks in hydrological fluctuation-regulated ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Liu
- State
Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Ji Chen
- State
Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, China
- College
of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Alexandre J. Poulain
- Biology
Department, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Qiang Pu
- State
Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Zhengdong Hao
- State
Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bo Meng
- State
Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State
Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, China
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16
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Yang N, Hu J, Yin D, He T, Tian X, Ran S, Zhou X. Mercury and methylmercury in Hg-contaminated paddy soil and their uptake in rice as regulated by DOM from different agricultural sources. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27712-9. [PMID: 37249779 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27712-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In this study, from the perspectives of structural and compositional variations of soil-dissolved organic matter (DOM), we explored the effects of agricultural DOM inputs on methylmercury (MeHg) accumulation in the soil and mercury (Hg) bioaccumulation in rice grains. Pot experiments with the addition of DOMs from maize straw (MaS), rape straw (RaS), rice straw (RiS), composted rice straw (CRiS), cow dung (CD), and composted cow dung (CCD) were then conducted. Results showed that, relative to the control, the DOM amendment from each agricultural source elevated MeHg concentrations in the soil, with an increase of 18-227%, but only parts of DOMs elevated total dissolved Hg (DHg) and MeHg (DMeHg) concentrations in pore water. Among all DOM species, RiS, CRiS, and CCD significantly increased total Hg (THg) and MeHg contents in rice grains by 34-64% and 32-118%, respectively. Compared with RiS, THg and MeHg contents in rice grains in the CRiS treatment decreased slightly, which was consistent with the distributions of DHg and DMeHg concentrations in pore water and the aromaticity variation of soil DOM. In contrast, the CCD input significantly enhanced the enrichment of THg and MeHg in rice grains relative to CD because it significantly reduced the humification of soil DOM at all rice-growing stages while increasing the low-molecular-weight fractions in soil DOM. The THg and MeHg contents in the rice grains were significantly lower treated by RaS than those by MaS and RiS, which may be related to the higher sulfur-containing compounds such as sulfate and cysteine in rape straw or its DOM solution. Overall, DOM amendment from different agricultural sources resulted in significantly discriminative effects on the MeHg accumulation in soil and Hg enrichment in rice in the Hg-contaminated paddy field by shaping soil DOM properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningla Yang
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
- College of Resources and Environment, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Jie Hu
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
- College of Resources and Environment, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Deliang Yin
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
- College of Resources and Environment, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Tianrong He
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
- College of Resources and Environment, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
| | - Xiang Tian
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Shu Ran
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Xian Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
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17
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Hu J, Yang N, He T, Zhou X, Yin D, Wang Y, Zhou L. Elevated methylmercury production in mercury-contaminated paddy soil resulted from the favorable dissolved organic matter variation created by algal decomposition. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 324:121415. [PMID: 36893976 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121415] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Algae-derived organic matter (AOM) may considerably regulate methylmercury (MeHg) production and accumulation in the paddy fields by changing the soil-dissolved OM (SDOM) properties. In this study, a 25-day microcosm experiment was performed to compare the responding mechanisms of MeHg production in the Hg-contaminated paddy soil-water system to the input of algae-, rice-, and rape-derived OMs. Results showed that algal decomposition could release much more cysteine and sulfate than crop straws. Compared with crop straw-derived OMs, AOM input greatly increased the dissolved organic carbon concentrations in soil but resulted in a greater decrease in tryptophan-like fractions while accelerated the formation of high-molecular-weight fractions in soil DOM. Moreover, AOM input significantly increased MeHg concentrations in the pore water by 19.43%-3427.66% and 52.81%-5846.57% compared to rape- and rice-derived OMs, respectively (P < 0.05). And, a similar MeHg changing pattern was also observed in the overlying water (10-25 d) and the soil solid-phase particles (15-25 d) (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that MeHg concentrations in the AOM-added soil-water system had significantly negative and positive relationships with the tryptophan-like C4 fraction and molecular weight (E2/E3 ratio) of soil DOM, respectively (P < 0.01). These findings suggest that AOM has a higher capacity than crop straw-derived OMs to promote MeHg production and accumulation in the Hg-contaminated paddy soils by creating a favorable soil DOM variation and providing more microbial electron donors and receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Hu
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China; College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Ningla Yang
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China; College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Tianrong He
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China; College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Xian Zhou
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Deliang Yin
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China; Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China.
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China; College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Litao Zhou
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
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18
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Zhang J, Li C, Tang W, Wu M, Chen M, He H, Lei P, Zhong H. Mercury in wetlands over 60 years: Research progress and emerging trends. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 869:161862. [PMID: 36716881 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Wetlands are considered the hotspots for mercury (Hg) biogeochemistry, garnering global attention. Therefore, it is important to review the research progress in this field and predict future frontiers. To achieve that, we conducted a literature analysis by collecting 15,813 publications about Hg in wetlands from the Web of Science Core Collection. The focus of wetland Hg research has changed dramatically over time: 1) In the initial stage (i.e., 1959-1990), research mainly focused on investigating the sources and contents of Hg in wetland environments and fish. 2) For the next 20 years (i.e., 1991-2010), Hg transformation (e.g., Hg reduction and methylation) and environmental factors that affect Hg bioaccumulation have attracted extensive attention. 3) In the recent years of 2011-2022, hot topics in Hg study include microbial Hg methylators, Hg bioavailability, methylmercury (MeHg) demethylation, Hg stable isotope, and Hg cycling in paddy fields. Finally, we put forward future research priorities, i.e., 1) clarifying the primary factors controlling MeHg production, 2) uncovering the MeHg demethylation process, 3) elucidating MeHg bioaccumulation process to better predict its risk, and 4) recognizing the role of wetlands in Hg circulation. This research shows a comprehensive knowledge map for wetland Hg research and suggests avenues for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chengjun Li
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wenli Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mengjie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mingying Chen
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Huan He
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Pei Lei
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Huan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Environmental and Life Science Program (EnLS), Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
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19
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Li X, Zhou M, Shi F, Meng B, Liu J, Mi Y, Dong C, Su H, Liu X, Wang F, Wei Y. Influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on mercury accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.): From enriched isotope tracing perspective. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 255:114776. [PMID: 36931088 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The microorganisms that co-exist between soil and rice systems in heavy metal-contaminated soil environments play important roles in the heavy metal pollution states of rice, as well as in the growth of the rice itself. In this study, in order to further examine the effects of soil microorganisms on the mercury (Hg) uptake of rice plants and determine potential soil phytoremediation agents, an enriched 199Hg isotope was spiked in a series of pot experiments to trace the absorption and migration of Hg and rice growth in the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). It was observed that the AMF inoculations significantly reduced the Hg concentration in the rice. The Hg concentration in rice in the AMF inoculation group was between 52.82% and 96.42% lower than that in the AMF non-inoculation group. It was also interesting to note that the presence of AMF tended to cause Hg (especially methyl-Hg (Me199Hg)) to migrate and accumulate in the non-edible parts of the rice, such as the stems and leaves. Under the experimental conditions selected in this study, the proportion of Me199Hg in rice grains decreased from 9.91% to 27.88%. For example, when the exogenous Hg concentration was 0.1 mg/kg, the accumulated methyl-Hg content in the grains of the rice in the AMF inoculation group accounted for only 20.19% of the Me199Hg content in the rice plants, which was significantly lower than that observed in the AMF non-inoculated group (48.07%). AMF also inhibited the absorption of Hg by rice plants, and the decrease in the Hg concentration levels in rice resulted in significant improvements in growth indices, including biomass and micro-indexes, such as antioxidant enzyme activities. The improvements occurred mainly because the AMF formed symbiotic structures with the roots of rice plants, which fixed Hg in the soil. AMF also reduce the bioavailability of Hg by secreting a series of substances and changing the physicochemical properties of the rhizosphere soil. These findings suggest the possibility of using typical co-existing microorganisms for the remediation of soil heavy metal contamination and provide valuable insights into reducing human Hg exposure through rice consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinru Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China
| | - Min Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Feng Shi
- National Center for Science & Technology Evaluation, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Bo Meng
- Institute of Geochemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, PR China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Institute of Geochemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, PR China
| | - Yidong Mi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Cuimin Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China
| | - Hailei Su
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China
| | - Xuesong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China
| | - Fanfan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China.
| | - Yuan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China.
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20
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Abdelhafiz MA, Liu J, Jiang T, Pu Q, Aslam MW, Zhang K, Meng B, Feng X. DOM influences Hg methylation in paddy soils across a Hg contamination gradient. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 322:121237. [PMID: 36758923 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Rice paddies provide optimum conditions for Hg methylation, and paddy soil is a hot spot for Hg methylation and the predominant source of methylmercury (MeHg) accumulated in rice grains. The role of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in controlling Hg bioavailability and methylation in rice paddy systems remains unclear. Paddy soils from eight various cultivation sites in China were chosen to investigate the variations in soil DOM and the influence of DOM concentration and optical characteristics on Hg methylation in rice paddy systems. In the present study, 151 rhizosphere soil samples were collected, and UV-Vis absorption and fluorescent spectroscopy were used to identify the optical properties of DOM. The relationship between MeHg and DOM's optical property indices revealed the production of MeHg consumes lower molecular weight DOM. Moreover, the correlation between DOM concentration and its optical characteristics highlighted the significant role of humic components on MeHg variability in paddy soil. Variation and correlation results demonstrated the allochthonous origin of DOM in the Hg-contaminated soil, with a higher molecular weight and humic character of DOM, as well as the dominant role of autochthonous DOM in promoting Hg methylation in uncontaminated soil. The current study indicated that soil organic matter and its dissolved fractions tend to limit Hg bioavailability and subsequently diminish MeHg production in contaminated paddy soils. Furthermore, the leading roles of allochthonous DOM in protecting MeHg from degradation and autochthonous DOM signatures in enhancing MeHg production in paddy soils. Overall, these findings provide insight into the correlative distributions of DOM and Hg along a Hg concentration gradient in paddy soil, thereby highlighting their potential role in controlling Hg bioavailability and regulating Hg methylation in the soil ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud A Abdelhafiz
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, 71524, Egypt
| | - Jiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Qiang Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Muhammad Wajahat Aslam
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Bo Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
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21
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Monroy-Licht A, Méndez-Cuadro D, Olivero-Verbel J. Elemental mercury accumulation in Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laubach. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:9898-9913. [PMID: 36064851 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22521-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The aquatic macrophyte Eichhornia crassipes has great potential for the control of Hg pollution in the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the capability of E. crassipes to accumulate elemental mercury (Hg0). The plants were exposed for 30 days to 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg of Hg0 in a 1-L Hoagland medium with the Hg0 settled at the bottom of the flask. The roots of the plants did not touch the mercury during the treatment. After exposure, the total Hg (T-Hg) concentrations in the roots, leaves, and stems were measured using a direct mercury (Hg) analyzer. The highest concentrations were found at 80 mg Hg0 treatment in the roots, leaves, and stems, in that order. The translocation factor indicated a poor capability of Hg to translocate from the roots to the shoots. The relative growth and the root-length inhibition measurements showed that the differences between Hg0 treatments were not significant. In addition, the treatments negatively affected the chlorophyll concentration. The carotenoid content was found to be significantly different at 20 and 40 mg of Hg0 in 1 L. Regarding the carbonyl index in root proteins, significant differences compared to control were found at the highest Hg treatment. Based on these results, it was shown that E. crassipes is able to take up elemental Hg from Hoagland medium. However, the Hg0 treatments did not show a strong stress-response activation mechanism in the evaluated plant tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Monroy-Licht
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cartagena, Zaragocilla Campus, 130014, Cartagena, Colombia
- Chemistry and Biology Group, Chemistry and Biology Department, Universidad del Norte, 081007, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Darío Méndez-Cuadro
- Analytical Chemistry and Biomedicine Group, Department of Biology, School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Cartagena, 130015, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
| | - Jesus Olivero-Verbel
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cartagena, Zaragocilla Campus, 130014, Cartagena, Colombia.
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22
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Brzezińska-Rojek J, Rutkowska M, Ośko J, Konieczka P, Prokopowicz M, Grembecka M. Mercury content in beetroot and beetroot-based dietary supplements. J Food Compost Anal 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2022.104828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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23
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Mir Y, Wu S, Ma M, Ran Y, Zhu K, Mangwandi C, Mirza ZA. Mercury contamination in the riparian ecosystem during the reservoir discharging regulated by a mega dam. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2022; 44:4405-4422. [PMID: 35089477 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-022-01205-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is extremely poisonous and can be absorbed through touch, inhalation, or consumption. In the living environment, Hg in contaminated sediment can be transferred into grass by the direct absorption through the roots or shoots. The intake of Hg due to Hg emissions may pose a threat to living bodies especially to human beings. The present study aims to provide a novel insight about total mercury (THg) and methyl mercury (MeHg) in a riparian grass (Cynodon dactylon (L).Pers) and sediments during the discharging phase (summertime at 145 m water level) in Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR-China); where C. dactylon is a dominant perennial herb in the riparian zone. Yet, the potential risk of Hg contamination in the riparian ecosystem is not thoroughly assessed in the dam regulated reservoir. This study was conducted in the riparian zones of the reservoir formed by a mega dam (Three Gorge Dam) which regulates the water levels during the summer and winter period in the TGR. Our results showed that riparian sediments were acting as a sink for THg and MeHg. Insignificant correlation of THg and MeHg was found between the amphiphyte C. dactylon and its surrounding sediments in the TGR. Bioconcentration factors values for MeHg were found higher than 1 in all study locations in the riparian zones in TGR, which could be due to action of certain bacteria/purely chemical-based methylation on inorganic form of Hg. Additionally, translocation factor indices also highlighted that the amphiphyte C. dactylon was MeHg accumulator in riparian zones. These results suggested that since riparian sediment was found acting as the sink for THg and MeHg during discharging phase, MeHg contamination in the amphiphyte C. dactylon in riparian zones was not caused by the riparian sediments but by other factors, for instance, the anthropogenic activities in the TGR. Finally, this study leads to conclude that amphiphyte C. dactylon can be used as biomonitoring agent for Hg pollution in the TGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaseen Mir
- Key Laboratory of Reservoir Aquatic Environment, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shengjun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Reservoir Aquatic Environment, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Maohua Ma
- Key Laboratory of Reservoir Aquatic Environment, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Yiguo Ran
- Key Laboratory of Reservoir Aquatic Environment, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Kai Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Reservoir Aquatic Environment, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Chirangano Mangwandi
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, David Kier Building Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT95AG, UK
| | - Zakaria Ahmed Mirza
- Key Laboratory of Reservoir Aquatic Environment, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China.
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24
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Qing Y, Li Y, Yang J, Li S, Gu K, Bao Y, Zhan Y, He K, Wang X, Li Y. Risk assessment of mercury through dietary exposure in China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 312:120026. [PMID: 36029907 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a widespread heavy metal causing various damages to health, while insufficient studies assessed its exposure risk across China. This study explored concentrations in food items and dietary exposure risks across China by comprehensively analyzing the researches on total Hg (THg) in eight food items and methylmercury (MeHg) in aquatic foods published between 1980 and 2021. According to the included 695 studies, the average THg concentration in all food items was 0.033 mg/kg (ranging from 0.004 to 0.185 mg/kg), with the highest concentration in edible fungi. The average daily dietary THg exposure from all foods was 12.9 μg/day. Plant-based foods accounted for 62.7% of the dietary THg exposure. Cereals and vegetables were the primary source of THg exposure. The MeHg concentration in aquatic foods was 0.08 mg/kg, and the average dietary exposure was 3.8 μg/day. Monte Carlo simulations of the dietary exposure risk assessment of THg and MeHg showed that approximately 6.4 and 7.0% of residents exceeded the health-based guidance value set by the European Food Safety Authority, with higher exposure risk in Southwest and South China. The nationwide target hazard quotient index of THg was greater than 1, suggesting that the non-carcinogenic risk of dietary exposure to THg needed further concern. In summary, this study has a comprehensive understanding of dietary Hg exposure risks across China, which provide a data basis for Hg exposure risk assessment and policy formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Qing
- Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Yongzhen Li
- Children's hospital affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Jiaqi Yang
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shichun Li
- Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Kaixin Gu
- Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Yunxia Bao
- Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Yuhao Zhan
- Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Kai He
- Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Yanfei Li
- Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, 201300, China.
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25
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Punshon T, Jackson BP, Donohue A, Hong C, Rothenberg SE. Distribution and accumulation of mercury in pot-grown African rice cultivars (Oryza glaberrima Steud. and Oryza sativa L.) determined via LA-ICP-MS. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2022; 44:4077-4089. [PMID: 34981270 PMCID: PMC9376884 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-01169-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
There is limited information concerning the distribution of mercury in rice, particularly in African rice. The objective was to compare the distribution of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in African rice (Oryza glaberrima Steud.) and Asian rice (O. sativa L.). It is hypothesized that increased mineral accumulation and greater stress tolerance in O. glaberrima will affect the uptake and distribution of THg and MeHg, compared to O. sativa. Rice varieties from the Republic of Mali, including O. glaberrima (n =1) and O. sativa (n = 2), were cultivated in a greenhouse, in mercury-spiked soil (50 mg/kg) (n =3 replicates/variety). THg and MeHg concentrations were analyzed in the grain (brown rice), and the THg distribution was analyzed using laser ablation inductively coupled-plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). THg and MeHg concentrations did not differ between O. glaberrima and O. sativa grain. However, in both O. sativa varieties, THg was highly concentrated in the scutellum, which surrounds the embryo and is removed during polishing. Conversely, in O. glaberrima grain, THg was widely distributed throughout the endosperm, the edible portion of the grain. Differences in the THg distribution in O. glaberrima grain, compared to O. sativa, may elevate the risk of mercury exposure through ingestion of polished rice. The novelty of this study includes the investigation of a less-studied rice species (O. glaberrima), the use of a highly sensitive elemental imaging technique (LA-ICP-MS), and its finding of a different grain THg distribution in O. glaberrima than has been observed in O. sativa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Punshon
- Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, 03755, USA
| | | | - Alexis Donohue
- University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Columbia, South Carolina, 29208, USA
| | - Chuan Hong
- University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Columbia, South Carolina, 29208, USA
| | - Sarah E Rothenberg
- University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Columbia, South Carolina, 29208, USA.
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, 103 Milam Hall, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, USA.
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26
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Wu Z, Li P, Feng X. Assessing the factors impacting the bioaccessibility of mercury (Hg) in rice consumption by an in-vitro method. J Environ Sci (China) 2022; 119:119-129. [PMID: 35934457 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) in rice is drawing mounting concern since methylmercury (MeHg) was found capable of accumulating in rice. In-vitro bioaccessibility is a feasible and reliable method to assess the health effects of Hg in rice and has been utilized in a number of studies. This study was done to investigate the impact of cultivar, planting location, and cooking on the total mercury (THg) and MeHg bioaccessibility of rice, for which multiple statistical analysis methods were used to analyze the significance of their effects. The THg concentrations of rice samples taken from non-Hg contaminated areas of China were all below 15 ng/g and their MeHg concentrations were below 2 ng/g. Cooking could significantly reduce the MeHg bioaccessibility of rice because the MeHg was mainly combined with protein and the protein will be denatured during the cooking process, and then the denatured MeHg is difficult to be dissolved into the liquid phase. Indica- and japonica-type rice cultivars did not show significant differentiation in either the concentration of Hg or its bioaccessibility. However, the glutinous rice type differed significantly from the above rice types, and it showed greater bioaccessibility of THg and MeHg due to its distinct protein contents and starch properties. Planting location can affect the Hg concentration in rice and THg bioaccessibility but has a limited impact on MeHg bioaccessibility. Based on these results, two macro factors (rice cultivar, planting location) are presumed to impact Hg bioaccessibility by how they affect micro factors (i.e., Hg forms).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Wu
- College of Eco-Environmental Engineering, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
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27
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Ran S, He T, Zhou X, Yin D. Effects of fulvic acid and humic acid from different sources on Hg methylation in soil and accumulation in rice. J Environ Sci (China) 2022; 119:93-105. [PMID: 35934469 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Humus is often used as an organic modifier to reduce the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in plants, but the effects of different humus components from different sources on the fate of mercury (Hg) in paddy fields are still unclear. Here, fulvic acid (FA) and humic acid (HA) extracted from composted straw (CS), composted cow dung (CCD), peat soil (PM) and lignite coal (LC) were used to understand their effects on the methylation and bioaccumulation of Hg in paddy soil by pot experiments. Amendments of both FA and HA largely increased the abundance of Hg-methylating microbes and low-molecular-weight organic matters (e.g, cysteine) in paddy soil. They were also found to change the aromaticity, molecular size and Chromophoric DOM concentration of DOM, and resulted in heterogeneous effects on migration and transformation of Hg. All the FA-amended treatments increased the mobility and methylation of Hg in soil and its absorption in roots. Nevertheless, FA from different sources have heterogeneous effects on transport of Hg between rice tissues. FA-CCD and FA-PM promoted the translocation of MeHg from roots to rice grains by 32.95% and 41.12%, while FA-CS and FA-LC significantly inhibited the translocation of inorganic Hg (IHg) by 52.65% and 66.06% and of MeHg by 46.65% and 36.23%, respectively. In contrast, all HA-amended treatments reduced the mobility of soil Hg, but promoted Hg methylation in soil. Among which, HA-CCD and HA-PM promoted the translocation of MeHg in rice tissues by 88.95% and 64.10%, while its accumulation in rice grains by 28.43% and 28.69%, respectively. In general, the application of some FA and HA as organic modifiers to reduce Hg bioaccumulation in rice is not feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Ran
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550025, China; College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Tianrong He
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Xian Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550025, China; College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Deliang Yin
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550025, China.
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28
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Zhang W, Li F, Gao L, Sun G, Cui Z, Chen F, Li P, Feng X, Shang L. Understanding the excretion rates of methylmercury and inorganic mercury from human body via hair and fingernails. J Environ Sci (China) 2022; 119:59-67. [PMID: 35934466 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Effective biomarkers are necessary to better understand the human mercury (Hg) exposure levels. However, mismatched biomarker sampling method causes extra uncertainty in assessing the risk of Hg exposure. To compare the differences between hair and fingernail, and further understand the excretion rates of methylmercury (MeHg) and inorganic mercury (IHg) via hair and fingernails, the total mercury (THg), MeHg, and IHg concentrations in paired hair and fingernail samples were investigated through paired samples collected from two typical mining areas, Wanshan mercury mine area (WMMA) and Hezhang zinc smelting area (HZSA). The positive correlation in THg, MeHg, and IHg concentrations (p <0.01) between hair and fingernail samples indicated that those two biomarkers can be corrected in application of assessing human Hg exposure. Compared to fingernails, the hair was suggested to be a more sensitive biomarker as the concentration of THg, MeHg and IHg were 2 ∼ 4 times higher than those in fingernails. Furthermore, the amounts of THg, MeHg, and IHg excreted via hair were 70 ∼ 226 times higher than that excreted via fingernails, and the hair plays a more important role than fingernails in the excretion of Hg from human bodies. Present study therefore provides some new insights to better understand the fate of human assimilated Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fen Li
- College of Tea (Pu' er), West Yunnan University of Applied Sciences, Dali 665000, China
| | - Lingjian Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guangyi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Zikang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fengfeng Chen
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Lihai Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
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29
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Zhang Y, Zhou X, Ma W, Yin D, Wang Y, Zhang C, Wang D. Distribution of Mercury and Methylmercury in Farmland Soils Affected by Manganese Mining and Smelting Activities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191610288. [PMID: 36011929 PMCID: PMC9408302 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Manganese (Mn)-related activities would affect the mercury (Hg) cycling in farmlands, whereas this was not well understood. Here, one of the largest Mn ores in China was selected to study the effects of Mn-related activities on the accumulation and distribution of total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in farmland soils. The soil THg concentrations in the mining area were 0.56 ± 0.45, 0.56 ± 0.45, 0.53 ± 0.44, and 0.50 ± 0.46 mg kg−1 in the 0−10, 10−20, 20−30, and 30−40 cm layers, respectively, while they were increased to 0.75 ± 0.75, 0.72 ± 0.60, 0.62 ± 0.46, and 0.52 ± 0.38 mg kg−1 in the smelting area. Similarly, the soil MeHg concentrations in the smelting area were also elevated by 1.04−1.34 times as compared to those in the mining area. Concentrations of THg (0.59 ± 0.50 mg kg−1) and MeHg (0.64 ± 0.82 μg kg−1) in soils were higher than the regional background value but lower than in vicinal Hg-mining areas, while they were largely elevated at the intersection of two rivers in the smelting area. Significant positive Mn-THg relationship (p < 0.01) and negative Mn-MeHg relationship (p < 0.01) favored the conclusion that soil Mn could promote Hg accumulation while inhibiting MeHg production. Approximately 70% of soil Hg was distributed in the residual phase, and the environmental hazard was not elevated according to a geochemical model. Overall, mining and smelting activities of Mn ores have resulted in obvious and distinct effects on the accumulation and methylation of Hg in farmland soils, but the environmental hazards are currently manageable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjiang Zhang
- Department of Environment and Quality Test, Chongqing Chemical Industry Vocational College, Chongqing 401220, China
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xian Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Weibin Ma
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Deliang Yin
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yongmin Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Dingyong Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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30
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Liu J, Zhao L, Kong K, Abdelhafiz MA, Tian S, Jiang T, Meng B, Feng X. Uncovering geochemical fractionation of the newly deposited Hg in paddy soil using a stable isotope tracer. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 433:128752. [PMID: 35364530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The newly deposited mercury (Hg) is more readily methylated to methylmercury (MeHg) than native Hg in paddy soil. However, the biogeochemical processes of the newly deposited Hg in soil are still unknown. Here, a field experimental plot together with a stable Hg isotope tracing technique was used to demonstrate the geochemical fractionation (partitioning and redistribution) of the newly deposited Hg in paddy soils during the rice-growing period. We showed that the majority of Hg tracer (200Hg, 115.09 ± 0.36 μg kg-1) was partitioned as organic matter bound 200Hg (84.6-89.4%), followed by residual 200Hg (7.6-8.1%), Fe/Mn oxides bound 200Hg (2.8-7.2%), soluble and exchangeable 200Hg (0.05-0.2%), and carbonates bound 200Hg (0.04-0.07%) in paddy soils. Correlation analysis and partial least squares path modeling revealed that the coupling of autochthonous dissolved organic matter and poorly crystalline Fe (oxyhydr)oxides played a predominant role in controlling the redistribution of the newly deposited Hg among geochemical fractions (i.e., fraction changes). The expected aging processes of the newly deposited Hg were absent, potentially explaining the high bioavailability of these Hg in paddy soil. This study implies that other Hg pools (e.g., organic matter bound Hg) should be considered instead of merely soluble Hg pools when evaluating the environmental risks of Hg from atmospheric depositions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- School of Management Science, Guizhou University of Finance and Economics, Guiyang 550025, China; Guizhou Key Laboratory of Big Data Statistical Analysis (No. [2019]5103), Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Kun Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mahmoud A Abdelhafiz
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Shanyi Tian
- Soil Ecology Lab, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Bo Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
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Nádudvari Á, Cabała J, Marynowski L, Jabłońska M, Dziurowicz M, Malczewski D, Kozielska B, Siupka P, Piotrowska-Seget Z, Simoneit BRT, Szczyrba M. High concentrations of HgS, MeHg and toxic gas emissions in thermally affected waste dumps from hard coal mining in Poland. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 431:128542. [PMID: 35248960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to provide numerous environmental research approaches to understand the formation of mineral and organic mercury compounds in self-heating coal waste dumps of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB). The results are combined with environmental and health risk assessments. The mineralogy comprised accessory minerals in the fine fraction of thermally affected waste, i.e., Hg sulfides, most likely cinnabar or metacinnabar. Moreover, other metals, e.g., Pb, Zn and Cu, were found as sulfide forms. Apart from Hg, the ICP-ES/MS data confirmed the high content of Mn, Zn, Pb, Hg, Cr and Ba in these wastes. The high concentration of available Hg resulted in elevated MeHg concentrations in the dumps. There were no correlations or trends between MeHg concentrations and elemental Hg, TS, TOC, and pH. Furthermore, we did not detect microbial genes responsible for Hg methylation. The organic compounds identified in waste and emitted gases, such as organic acids, or free methyl radicals, common in such burn environments, could be responsible for the formation of MeHg. The concentration levels of gases, e.g., benzene, formaldehyde, NH3, emitted by the vents, reached or surpassed acceptable levels numerous times. The potential ecological and human health risks of these dumps were moderate to very high due to the significant influence of the high Hg concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ádám Nádudvari
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, 60 Będzińska Street, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland.
| | - Jerzy Cabała
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, 60 Będzińska Street, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Leszek Marynowski
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, 60 Będzińska Street, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Mariola Jabłońska
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, 60 Będzińska Street, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Maria Dziurowicz
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, 60 Będzińska Street, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Dariusz Malczewski
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, 60 Będzińska Street, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Barbara Kozielska
- Silesian University of Technology, Faculty of Power and Environmental Engineering, Department of Air Protection, 22B Konarskiego St., 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Piotr Siupka
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Jagiellonska 28, 40-032 Katowice, Poland
| | - Zofia Piotrowska-Seget
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Jagiellonska 28, 40-032 Katowice, Poland
| | - Bernd R T Simoneit
- Oregon State University, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Mirosław Szczyrba
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, 60 Będzińska Street, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
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Feng X, Li P, Fu X, Wang X, Zhang H, Lin CJ. Mercury pollution in China: implications on the implementation of the Minamata Convention. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:634-648. [PMID: 35485580 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00039c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic metal released into the environment through human activities and natural processes. Human activities have profoundly increased the amount of Hg in the atmosphere and altered its global cycling since the Industrial Revolution. Gaseous elemental Hg is the predominant form of Hg in the atmosphere, which can undergo long-range transport and atmospheric deposition into the aquatic systems. Hg deposition elevates the methylmercury (MeHg) level in fish through bioaccumulation and biomagnification, which poses a serious human health risk. Acute poisoning of MeHg can result in Minamata disease, while low-level long-term exposure in pregnant women can reduce the intelligence quotient of infants. After five sessions of intergovernmental negotiation, the Minamata Convention on mercury entered into force in August 2017 to protect human health and the environment from Hg pollution. Currently China contributes the largest quantity of Hg production, consumption, and emission globally. However, the status of Hg pollution in the environment in China and its associated health risk remains relatively unknown, which hinders the development of implementation plans of the Minamata Convention. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review on the atmospheric release of Hg, distribution of air Hg concentration, human exposure to MeHg and health impacts caused by Hg pollution in China. Ongoing improvement of air pollution control measures is expected to further decrease anthropogenic Hg emissions in China. Air Hg concentrations in China are higher than the background values in the Northern Hemisphere, with spatial distribution largely influenced by anthropogenic emissions. Long-term observations of GEM in China show a decline in recent years. The net Hg transport outflow from China in 2013 is estimated to be 511 t year-1, and ∼60% of such outflow is caused by natural surface Hg emissions. Hg concentrations in fish and rice in China are relatively low and therefore the associated risks of human Hg exposure are low. Future research needs and recommendations for the implementation of the Minamata Convention are also discussed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Xuewu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Xun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Che-Jen Lin
- Center for Advances in Water and Air Quality, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas 77710, USA
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Kyaw WT, Sakakibara M. Transdisciplinary Communities of Practice to Resolve Health Problems in Southeast Asian Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Communities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:5422. [PMID: 35564816 PMCID: PMC9104413 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) has been a major part of people's livelihood in the rural areas of many developing countries, including those in Southeast Asia (SEA). Nevertheless, because of the use of mercury, ASGM activities have significant local and global adverse impacts on the environment and ASGM community health. Although there have been many monodisciplinary projects by academic researchers and governments to solve the environmental and health problems in SEA ASGM communities, they have not been sufficient to solve the complex socioeconomic problems. This review first outlines the nature of the SEA ASGM activities and the consequent environmental, community health, and socioeconomic problems and then introduces an approach using transdisciplinary communities of practice that involves both academic and nonacademic participants to relieve these wicked ASGM problems and to improve the environmental governance and community health in ASGM communities in SEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Win Thiri Kyaw
- Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Kyoto 603-8047, Japan;
| | - Masayuki Sakakibara
- Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Kyoto 603-8047, Japan;
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan
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Li H, Li Y, Tang W, Liu Y, Zheng L, Xu N, Li YF, Xu D, Gao Y, Zhao J. Bioavailability and methylation of bulk mercury sulfide in paddy soils: New insights into mercury risks in rice paddies. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127394. [PMID: 34628266 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mercury sulfide (HgS) constitutes the largest Hg reservoir in the lithosphere but has long been considered to be not bioavailable and a minor participant in Hg biogeochemical cycling. Herein, we report that bulk α-HgS can be dissolved and methylated in paddy soils, especially with rice culture. Bulk α-HgS exposure did not affect rice growth compared to the control group but significantly increased methylmercury (MeHg) contents in the rhizospheric soils (e.g., 80.15% and 108.71% higher for bulk α-HgS treatment vs. control at the seedling and maturation stages, respectively). Moreover, bulk α-HgS exposure induced an apparent accumulation of MeHg (50% higher for bulk α-HgS treatment vs. control) and markedly elevated total Hg (THg) in rice grains. The presence of DOM and reduced sulfide in paddy soils was further evidenced to drive the mobilization and dissolution of bulk α-HgS, thereby resulting in THg and MeHg accumulation in rice grains. These findings highlight the bioavailability of HgS in rice paddies and suggest that bulk HgS should be considered when assessing Hg health risks and developing efficient remediation approaches in Hg-contaminated croplands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Division of Nuclear Technology and Applications, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yunyun Li
- College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Wenli Tang
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yunpeng Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Division of Nuclear Technology and Applications, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lirong Zheng
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Division of Nuclear Technology and Applications, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Nan Xu
- School of Environm ental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Yu-Feng Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Division of Nuclear Technology and Applications, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Diandou Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Division of Nuclear Technology and Applications, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuxi Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Division of Nuclear Technology and Applications, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Jiating Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Division of Nuclear Technology and Applications, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Wang W, Zhang L, Deng C, Chen F, Yu Q, Hu Y, Lu Q, Li P, Zhang A. In utero exposure to methylmercury impairs cognitive function in adult offspring: Insights from proteomic modulation. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 231:113191. [PMID: 35051767 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a hazardous substance that has unique neurodevelopmental toxic effects. However, its molecular alteration profile, sensitive response biomarkers, and mechanism of neuronal injury remain largely unknown. Here, the effects of intrauterine methylmercury chloride (low-, medium- and high-dose groups: 0.6 mg/kg/d, 1.2 mg/kg/d, 2.4 mg/ kg /d, respectively) exposure on learning and memory were assessed in offspring rats by behavioral tests, pathological analysis and hippocampal proteomic analysis. The results suggested that intrauterine MeHg exposure impairs spatial learning and memory and leads a significant reduction in the number and dispersion scattered arrangement in the hippocampus of offspring. Furthermore, in the tandem mass tag-based proteomics analysis, compared with the control group, a total of 74 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were found in the MeHg exposure groups; specifically, 32 down-regulated and 42 up-regulated proteins were identified. In addition, the pathways enrichment analysis indicated that these DEPs are implicated in several biological processes, such as synaptic plasticity and energy metabolism, as well as various molecular functional categories. Simultaneously, MeHg reduced the postsynaptic density, diminished the active zone, amplified the synaptic cleft and changed the synaptic interface of pyramidal cells. Western blot analysis further revealed that MeHg significantly reduced the levels of Forkhead box protein (FOXP2), Synaptophysin (SYP) and Postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), and down-regulated the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 (NMDAR1), N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2 A (NR2A) and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2B (NR2B). In general, from a functional perspective, most overlapping proteins were related to NMDA receptor-mediated glutamatergic signaling, which is an excitotoxicity mechanism known to influence learning and memory. These discoveries contribute to our understanding of the relationship between MeHg and cognitive deficits and provide insight into the protein mediators of this relationship and possible prospective early biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China.
| | - Li Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Caiyun Deng
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Fang Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Qing Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, PR China
| | - Yi Hu
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Qin Lu
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, PR China
| | - Aihua Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China.
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Aslam MW, Meng B, Abdelhafiz MA, Liu J, Feng X. Unravelling the interactive effect of soil and atmospheric mercury influencing mercury distribution and accumulation in the soil-rice system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 803:149967. [PMID: 34482140 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) accumulation in rice is an emerging health concern worldwide. However, sources and interactions responsible for Hg species accumulation in different rice tissues are still uncertain. Four experimental plots were carefully designed at an artisanal Hg mining site and a control site to evaluate the effect of atmospheric and soil Hg contents on Hg accumulation in rice. We showed that inorganic Hg (IHg) contents in rice tissues grown either in contaminated or control site soil (non-contaminated soil) were higher at Hg artisanal mining site than those at the control site. Elevated total gaseous mercury (TGM) levels in ambient air were the predominant source of IHg to rice at the Hg mining area. Methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in rice plant tissues increased in proportionality with MeHg contents in paddy soil. Our results suggest that both atmosphere and soil Hg sources have been impacted the IHg accumulation in rice. Above ground rice tissues, grains, leaves, and stalk accumulated IHg from both atmosphere and soil to varying degrees. Nonetheless, the study also provides the first direct evidence that atmospheric Hg accumulated by above-ground rice tissues could be translocated to below-ground tissues (roots). However, the extent to which atmosphere or soil Hg contributes to IHg in rice tissues may vary with each source's concentration gradient at the given site. No evidence of in planta Hg methylation was found during the current study. Hence, paddy fields are potential MeHg production sites, whereas paddy soil is a unique MeHg accumulation source in rice plants. This study expands and clarifies the contribution of various sources involved in Hg accumulation in the soil rice system. The findings here provide the basis for future research strategies to deal with the global issue of Hg contaminated rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Wajahat Aslam
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, PR China
| | - Bo Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, PR China.
| | - Mahmoud A Abdelhafiz
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China; Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Jiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, PR China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, PR China; Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xian 710061, PR China.
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Spanu D, Butti L, Boldrocchi G, Bettinetti R, Recchia S, Monticelli D. Selective organomercury determination by ICP-MS made easy. Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1206:339553. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2022.339553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Liu J, Lu B, Poulain AJ, Zhang R, Zhang T, Feng X, Meng B. The underappreciated role of natural organic matter bond Hg(II) and nanoparticulate HgS as substrates for methylation in paddy soils across a Hg concentration gradient. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 292:118321. [PMID: 34634402 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Rice consumption is the major pathway for human methylmercury (MeHg) exposure in inland China, especially in mercury (Hg) contaminated regions. MeHg production, a microbially driven process, depends on both the chemical speciation of inorganic divalent mercury, Hg(II), that determines Hg bioavailability for methylation. Studies have shown that Hg(II) speciation in contaminated paddy soils is mostly controlled by natural organic matter and sulfide levels, which are typically thought to limit Hg mobility and bioavailability. Yet, high levels of MeHg are found in rice, calling for reconsideration of the nature of Hg species bioavailable to methylators in paddy soils. Here, we conducted incubation experiments using a multi-isotope tracer technique including 198Hg(NO3)2, natural organic matter bond Hg(II) (NOM-199Hg(II)), ferrous sulfide sorbed Hg(II) (≡FeS-200Hg(II)), and nanoparticulate mercuric sulfide (nano-202HgS), to investigate the relative importance of geochemically diverse yet relevant Hg(II) species on Hg methylation in paddy soils across a Hg concentration gradient. We show that methylation rates for all Hg(II) species tested decreased with increasing Hg concentrations, and that methylation rates using NOM-199Hg(II) and nano-202HgS as substrates were similar or greater than rates obtained using the labile 198Hg(NO3)2 substrate. ≡FeS-200Hg(II) yielded the lowest methylation rate in all sites, and thus the formation of FeS is likely a sink for labile 198Hg(NO3)2 in sulfide-rich paddy soils. Moreover, the variability in the methylation data for a given site (1 to 5-fold variation depending on the Hg species) was smaller than what was observed across the Hg concentration gradient (103-104 fold variation between sites). These findings emphasize that at broad spatial scales, site-specific characteristics, such as microbial community structure, need to be taken into consideration, alongside the nature of the Hg substrate available for methylation, to determine net MeHg production. This study highlights the importance of developing site-specific strategies for remediating Hg pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Benqi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Alexandre J Poulain
- Biology Department, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Rui Zhang
- Biology Department, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Tong Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Bo Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
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Lv W, Zhan T, Abdelhafiz MA, Feng X, Meng B. Selenium-amended biochar mitigates inorganic mercury and methylmercury accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 291:118259. [PMID: 34600068 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Rice, as a dominant crop in China and Asia, can be a major route of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure for humans in inland China, especially in those living in mercury (Hg) polluted areas. Soil is the most prominent MeHg accumulation source for rice grains. The development of management practices to reduce MeHg in rice grains is crucial. This study explored the mitigation effect of biochar (BC) and sodium selenite-amended biochar (BC + Se) on MeHg production in paddy soil and accumulation in rice. Mercury-contaminated soil was treated with 1% and 5% of both BC and BC + Se. Soil MeHg concentration slightly increased under 1% BC/BC + Se compared to control soil but decreased at the rate of 5%. Moreover, soil phytoavailable MeHg (P-MeHg) diminished as the amount of Se-amended BC increased. BC + Se effectively mitigated MeHg accumulation in rice grains. The highest average contents of MeHg and inorganic Hg (IHg) in rice seeds were found in the control samples, followed by the 1%-BC, 5%-BC, 1%-BC + Se, and 5%-BC + Se samples. Under the 5%-BC + Se treatment, rice MeHg levels were reduced significantly (94%) compared to the control, and P-MeHg concentrations in soil were lower than all the other experimental groups throughout the rice-growing season. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of BC + Se in reducing MeHg and IHg accumulation in rice and could be employed for remediation of Hg polluted paddies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Lv
- School of Geography and Resources, Guizhou Education University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550018, China
| | - Tianli Zhan
- Institute of Mountain Resources of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550001, China
| | - Mahmoud A Abdelhafiz
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, 71524, Egypt
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Bo Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
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Sun W, Zhao Y, Zhang Z, Li B, Li Z, Tang X. Greenhouse Characterization of Inorganic Mercury, Methyl Mercury and Ethyl Mercury Migration and Transformation in Indian Mustard and Chinese Pakchoi. ANAL LETT 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/00032719.2021.2007940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Sun
- College of Geo-Exploration Science and Technology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuyan Zhao
- College of Geo-Exploration Science and Technology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zeyu Zhang
- College of Geo-Exploration Science and Technology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bing Li
- College of Geo-Exploration Science and Technology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhenghe Li
- College of Geo-Exploration Science and Technology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaodan Tang
- College of Geo-Exploration Science and Technology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Du J, Liu F, Zhao L, Liu C, Fu Z, Teng Y. Mercury horizontal spatial distribution in paddy field and accumulation of mercury in rice as well as their influencing factors in a typical mining area of Tongren City, Guizhou, China. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2021; 19:1555-1567. [PMID: 34900288 PMCID: PMC8617142 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-021-00711-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To make up for the deficiency of the distribution characteristics of mercury (Hg) pollution in soil and rice in a specific area, the relationship between more than ten soil indices and Hg in soil-rice system was analysed, and the main factors affecting mercury accumulation in rice were screened out. So as to provide reliable theoretical and scientific basis for the regulation and safe utilization of Hg-contaminated soil. METHODS The Hg-polluted area of Siqian Dam, with a paddy field area of 1.34 million square meters, was selected as the research unit. Soil and corresponding rice samples were collected and analysed. Then, common Kriging interpolation was used to explore the spatial distribution differences of mercury content between soil and rice, Pearson correlation analysis and stepwise linear regression were used to analyse the relationship between mercury content and 14 soil indices. RESULTS In the study area, the total mercury(THg) content in soil and rice was as high as 30.60 mg/kg and 160.19 µg/kg, respectively, and the methyl mercury(MeHg) content was as high as 14.56 µg/kg and 40.32 µg/kg, respectively, indicating that mercury pollution in soil and rice was serious. The horizontal spatial distribution of soil THg and MeHg was different. Flood with its sediment and topography were the main reasons for the uneven distribution of Hg content in the region. The spatial distribution of Hg was different between rice and soil. There was no significant correlation between rice and soil THg, but there was a significant correlation between rice and soil MeHg content. Among the 14 soil indices, available potassium was a vital index affecting the accumulation of Hg in rice, followed by pH, Zn, Mn and Fe. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that in weakly acidic and fertile soil, the appropriate reduction of soil pH, OM and available Se and Cr contents could inhibit soil Hg methylation, the reduction of potassium fertilizer application could further reduce rice Hg accumulation. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40201-021-00711-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Du
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025 China
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 210008 Nanjing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Fang Liu
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025 China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 210008 Nanjing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Chong Liu
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025 China
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 210008 Nanjing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Zhaocong Fu
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 210008 Nanjing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Ying Teng
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 210008 Nanjing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
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Wang L, Han J, Katuwal HB, Xia P, Xu X, Feng X, Qiu G. Occurrence of total mercury and methylmercury in rice: Exposure and health implications in Nepal. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 228:113019. [PMID: 34823213 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.113019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Emerging studies have indicated that the consumption of rice could be the major methylmercury (MeHg) contributor to human mercury (Hg) exposure. Nonetheless, few studies are available on Hg in rice around the world, especially in countries with heavy rice diet. In this study, total Hg (THg) and MeHg levels in rice samples (n = 172) across Nepal were first investigated. The geometric mean THg was 7.05 ± 7.71 µg/kg with a range of 0.622 µg/kg to 158 µg/kg, and the maximum THg level was up to 791% of the Chinese National Standard Limit for THg in rice (20 µg/kg). The geometric mean MeHg was 0.820 ± 0.660 µg/kg with a range of 0.189 µg/kg to 8.59 µg/kg. Overall, the mean MeHg exposure (0.00445 ± 0.00477 µg/kg bw/day) and inorganic Hg (IHg) exposure (0.0360 ± 0.0739 µg/kg bw/day) were lower than the reference dose (RfD) of 0.1 µg/kg bw/day for MeHg and the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of 0.571 µg/kg bw/day for IHg, respectively. Concerning different groups of vulnerable populations, the highest MeHg exposure (0.126 µg/kg bw/day) and IHg exposure (1.57 µg/kg bw/day) of preschoolers (37-50 months old) were approximately 126% of the RfD for MeHg and 275% of the PTWI for IHg. When the pregnant mothers eat the rice without awareness of the Hg content in rice, the mean and highest intelligence quotients (IQs) losses were 9554 and 118659 points, respectively, and the corresponding economic costs due to IQ loss could be 15.1 million USD and 188 million USD in Nepal. The results of rice THg and MeHg levels and corresponding exposure in populations highlighted the occurrence of rice THg and MeHg pollution issues in Nepal. More efforts should be made to protect younger groups in Nepal from high rice Hg exposure. CAPSULE: Owing to the high rice consumption rates relative to body mass, preschoolers (37-50 months) may meet the 126% reference dose (0.1 µg/kg bw/day) for MeHg and 275% provisional tolerable weekly intake (0.571 µg/kg bw/day) for IHg exposure in Nepal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Wang
- Guizhou Province Key Laboratory for Information System of Mountainous Areas and Protection of Ecological Environment, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Jialiang Han
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hem Bahadur Katuwal
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China
| | - Pinhua Xia
- Guizhou Province Key Laboratory for Information System of Mountainous Areas and Protection of Ecological Environment, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China.
| | - Xiaohang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment (Guizhou University), Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550025, China; College of Resources and Environment Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Guangle Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
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Hu H, Xi B, Tan W. Effects of sulfur-rich biochar amendment on microbial methylation of mercury in rhizosphere paddy soil and methylmercury accumulation in rice. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 286:117290. [PMID: 33984776 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Biochar amendment has the potential to reduce methylmercury (MeHg) uptake by rice grains in soil-rice ecosystem. Considering that sulfur can strongly bind Hg and thus reduce its bioavailability, S-modified biochar has been used to immobilize Hg in soils. However, whether natural S-enriched biochar can further reduce Hg and MeHg phytoavailability remains unknown. Moreover, the rhizosphere is one of the most important microbial hotspots regulating the pollutant dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems. Therefore, it is of greater practical significance to examine the impact of biochar amendment on MeHg production and phytoavailability in the rhizosphere versus nonrhizosphere. Here, by conducting a pot experiment, we evaluated the efficacy of biochar derived from sulfur-enriched oilseed rape straw to reduce MeHg accumulation in rice. The results demonstrated that: (1) biochar-induced enhancement of chloride ion and sulfate levels in the overlying water and pore water facilitate microbial methylation of Hg and thus MeHg production in rhizosphere soil. (2) biochar amendment increased rhizosphere soil sulfur content and humic acid-like substances, strengthening MeHg binding to soil, and thus reducing grain MeHg levels by 47%-75%. Our results highlight the necessity to applying natural sulfur-rich biochar accompanied with exogenous sulfur to further reduce MeHg phytoavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualing Hu
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Beidou Xi
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China.
| | - Wenbing Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
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Su T, He C, Jiang A, Xu Z, Goodale E, Qiu G. Passerine bird reproduction does not decline in a highly-contaminated mercury mining district of China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 286:117440. [PMID: 34062385 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a neurotoxic element with severe effects on humans and wildlife. Widely distributed by atmospheric deposition, it can also be localized near point sources such as mines. Mercury has been shown to reduce the reproduction of bird populations in field observations in North America and Europe, but studies are needed in Asia, where the majority of emissions now occur. We investigated the reproduction of two passerines, Japanese Tit (Parus minor) and Russet Sparrow (Passer rutilans), in a large-scale Hg mining district, and a non-mining district, both in Guizhou, southwest China. Concentrations of Hg were elevated in the mining district (blood levels of 2.54 ± 2.21 [SD] and 0.71 ± 0.40 μg/g, in adult tits and sparrows, respectively). However, we saw no evidence of decreased breeding there: metrics such as egg volume, nestling weight, hatching and fledgling success, were all similar between the different districts across two breeding seasons. Nor were there correlations at the mining district between Hg levels of adults or juveniles, and hatching or fledgling success, or nestling weight. Nest success was high even in the mining district (tit, 64.0%; sparrow: 83.1%). This lack of reproductive decline may be related to lower blood levels in nestlings (means < 0.15 μg/g for both species). Concentrations of selenium (Se), and Se-to-Hg molar ratio, were also not correlated to breeding success. Although blood levels of 3.0 μg/g have been considered as a threshold of adverse effects in birds, even leading to severe effects, we detected no population-level reproductive effects, despite ~25% of the adult tits being above this level. Future work should investigate different locations in the mining district, different life-stages of the birds, and a wider variety of species. The hypothesis that bird populations can evolve resistance to Hg in contaminated areas should also be examined further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongping Su
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Environment Change and Resources Use, Ministry of Education, Nanning Normal University, Nanning, China
| | - Chao He
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Aiwu Jiang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhidong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, China
| | - Eben Goodale
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
| | - Guangle Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, China
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Tang B, Chen J, Wang Z, Qin P, Zhang X. Mercury accumulation response of rice plant (Oryza sativa L.) to elevated atmospheric mercury and carbon dioxide. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 224:112628. [PMID: 34418855 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
New observations and updated models now suggest terrestrial ecosystems are net sink of atmospheric mercury (Hg), and the critical constrained process to identify the strengths of terrestrial sink is whether the large amount of Hg stored in vegetation originates from the soil as well as from the atmosphere. In this study, field open top chambers (OTCs) experiments reveal that rice plant can assimilate gaseous elemental mercury (GEM, Hg0) from the atmosphere through stomata, and Hg concentrations in rice leaves, upper and bottom stalks and grains increased with Hg0 levels in air, showing significantly quadratic linear relationships. Coupling field stable isotope soil amendment experiments, atmospheric source of Hg in rice plant is quantified with more than 90% of Hg accumulation in rice aboveground biomass from air and approximately 80% of rice root Hg from soil. Furthermore, elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) exposure led to lower Hg concentration in rice tissues through reduction stomatal conductance of rice leaf, and subsequently impact the capacity of Hg storage in rice aboveground parts from the atmosphere. The findings from experiments provide a foundation for future quantification of atmospheric sink of crops in local and larger scales and comprehensive evaluation atmosphere - terrestrial processes and exposure risks in the global Hg cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Tang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control Technology, Hunan Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Changsha 410002, China
| | - Jian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhangwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Pufeng Qin
- College of Resources & Environment, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Xiaoshan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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46
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Pelcová P, Ridošková A, Hrachovinová J, Grmela J. Evaluation of mercury bioavailability to vegetables in the vicinity of cinnabar mine. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 283:117092. [PMID: 33892369 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of the concentration of the bioavailable forms of mercury in the soil is necessary, especially, if these soils contain above-limit total mercury concentrations. The bioavailability of mercury in soil samples collected from the vicinity of abandoned cinnabar mines was evaluated using diffusive gradients in the thin films technique (DGT) and mercury phytoaccumulation by vegetables (lettuce, spinach, radish, beetroot, carrot, and green peas). Mercury was accumulated primarily in roots of vegetables. The phytoaccumulation of mercury into edible plant parts was site-specific as well as vegetable species-specific. The mercury concentration in edible parts decreased in the order: spinach leaf ≥ lettuce leaf ≥ carrot storage root ≥ beetroot storage root > radish storage root > pea legume. The translocation index as well as the target hazard quotient indicate the possible usability of soils from the vicinity of abandoned cinnabar mines for planting pod vegetables (peas). A strong positive correlation (r = 0.75 to 0.92, n > 30, p < 0.05) was observed between mercury concentration in secondary roots, the storage roots, leaves of vegetables and the flux of mercury from soil to the DGT units, and the effective concentration of mercury in soil solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlína Pelcová
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ-61300, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Andrea Ridošková
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ-61300, Brno, Czech Republic; CEITEC MENDELU, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ-613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Hrachovinová
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ-61300, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Grmela
- Department of Zoology, Fisheries, Hydrobiology and Apiculture, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ-61300, Brno, Czech Republic
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Lei P, Tang C, Wang Y, Wu M, Kwong RWM, Jiang T, Zhong H. Understanding the effects of sulfur input on mercury methylation in rice paddy soils. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 778:146325. [PMID: 33725612 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Sulfur could be introduced into paddy soils via dry or wet deposition, irrigation, and fertilization, which subsequently impacts the production of methylmercury (MeHg), a bioaccumulative neurotoxicant. However, effects of sulfur input on MeHg production are variable, possibly due to the multiple effects of sulfur on Hg mobility and/or microbial Hg methylators, leading to uncertainties in predicting MeHg risk. To address that, we explored the effects of different types and amounts of sulfur as well as concentrations of ambient sulfate on Hg methylation in paddy soils, and elucidated the mechanisms by quantifying changes in (1) Hg mobility and (2) microbial Hg methylators (e.g., sulfate-reducing bacteria, SRB). Our results indicated that MeHg levels increased by 40-86% and 30-96% in soils under various types (i.e., 200 mg kg-1 elemental sulfur, ammonium sulfate, sulfur-coated urea and potassium sulfate (K2SO4)) and different amounts (i.e., 100, 200 and 400 mg kg-1 K2SO4) of sulfur input. The enhanced MeHg production could be explained by increased Hg mobility but not changes in microbial Hg methylators. Besides, sulfate input increased MeHg levels (89-240%) in soils with low ambient sulfate levels (<100 mg kg-1) but had no effect on high-sulfate soils (>380 mg kg-1). These could be explained by the diverse responses of Hg mobility and microbial Hg methylators to sulfate input at different ambient sulfate levels. Our study opens the "black box" of Hg methylation under sulfur input, which would help reduce uncertainties in predicting MeHg risk in soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chao Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yongjie Wang
- School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - MengJie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | | | - Tao Jiang
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå SE-90183, Sweden
| | - Huan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Environmental and Life Science Program (EnLS), Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.
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Wu G, Tang S, Han J, Li C, Liu L, Xu X, Xu Z, Chen Z, Wang Y, Qiu G. Distributions of Total Mercury and Methylmercury in Dragonflies from a Large, Abandoned Mercury Mining Region in China. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 81:25-35. [PMID: 34027570 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-021-00854-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Dragonflies (Order Odonata) often are considered to be biosentinels of environmental contamination, e.g., heavy metals and/or persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Dragonflies (n = 439) belonging to 15 species of 8 genera were collected from an abandoned mercury (Hg) mining region in China to investigate the bioaccumulation of total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg). THg and MeHg concentrations in dragonflies varied widely within ranges of 0.06-19 mg/kg (average: 1.5 ± 2.2 mg/kg) and 0.02-5.7 mg/kg (average: 0.75 ± 0.65 mg/kg), respectively. THg and MeHg were positively correlated with bodyweight (THg: r2 = 0.10, P = 0.000; MeHg: r2 = 0.09, P = 0.000). Significant variations were observed among species, with the highest MeHg value (in Orthetrum triangulare) was fivefold higher than the lowest (in Pantala flavescens). These variations were consistent with those of nitrogen isotope (δ15N) values, indicating that increased δ15N, i.e., trophic levels, may reflect increased exposure and uptake of biomagnifying MeHg in dragonflies. A toxicological risk assessment found hazard quotients for specialist dragonfly-consuming birds of up to 7.2, which is 2.4 times greater than the permissible limit of 3, suggesting a potential toxicological risk of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoen Wu
- Institute of Resources and Environment, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454003 , China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Shunlin Tang
- Institute of Resources and Environment, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454003 , China.
| | - Jialiang Han
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550001, China
| | - Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaohang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Zhidong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550001, China
| | - Yajie Wang
- College of Food Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Guangle Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
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Song S, Li Y, Liu QS, Wang H, Li P, Shi J, Hu L, Zhang H, Liu Y, Li K, Zhao X, Cai Z. Interaction of mercury ion (Hg 2+) with blood and cytotoxicity attenuation by serum albumin binding. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 412:125158. [PMID: 33540265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Blood mercury reflects the amount available from tissues, which is an indication of the exposure level. Here we confirm that Hg2+ caused hemolytic effects at high concentrations; while at light concentrations, most of the ions were bound to human serum albumin (HSA). The binding mechanism of Hg2+ to HSA has been investigated, which indicated that the presence of Hg2+ significantly perturbed the structure of HSA and quenched the fluorescence of protein in a hybrid dynamic and static mode. Hg2+ was preferably bound to cysteine and cystine, where the R‒S‒S‒R structure is responsible for maintaining the protein's structure by stabilizing the α-helical bundles. The metal-protein interaction mitigated the cellular toxicity as concealed by A498 cell lines. The fundamental and comprehensive data in this work is beneficial to elucidating and understanding the identification and binding mechanisms of heavy metals with proteins, as well as possible risks on human beings and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanjun Song
- National Institute of Metrology, Beijing 100013, China
| | - Yiling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Qian S Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Huiyu Wang
- National Institute of Metrology, Beijing 100013, China
| | - Penghui Li
- Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Jianbo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Ligang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yuanchen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Key Laboratory of Plant Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475001, China
| | - Xingchen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Zongwei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Guo P, Du H, Wang D, Ma M. Effects of mercury stress on methylmercury production in rice rhizosphere, methylmercury uptake in rice and physiological changes of leaves. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 765:142682. [PMID: 33572042 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) in rice is presumed to be derived from MeHg formed in the soil, although it is still controversial. Moderate soil mercury (Hg) concentration can affect the diversity of soil microorganisms and may also impact the physiological changes and MeHg absorption of rice. In this study, the pot experiment was conducted to explore the effects of Hg concentration gradients (0, 0.3, 3, and 30 mg kg-1) stress on Hg transformation in the rhizosphere, Hg translocation in rice, and physiological changes in rice leaves during the whole rice growing season. Moderate soil Hg concentration (3 mg kg-1) greatly increased the MeHg/THg (1.69%) of rhizosphere, while 30 mg kg-1 soil Hg concentration sharply reduced the MeHg/THg (0.29%) of rhizosphere. Highest MeHg/THg of the four groups all appeared at the blooming or filling stage. There was a significant positive correlation between Fe2+ in rhizosphere and MeHg/THg, but no significant correlation between SO42- and MeHg/THg was observed. Although the 3 mg kg-1 soil Hg concentration significantly enhanced MeHg concentrations in seeds, it considerably reduced the bioaccumulation factors of MeHg in roots, stalks, old leaves and young leaves. Soil Hg concentration of 30 mg kg-1, to a certain extent, curtailed MeHg concentrations in seeds, while MeHg concentrations in the husk were significantly increased. Consistent with the result that there was no significant difference for THg concentrations in old and young leaves among the four Hg treatment groups, the content of chlorophyll, H2O2, malondialdehyde and antioxidant substances, and the activities of antioxidant enzyme in old and young leaves varied indistinctly among groups. MAIN FINDING: Moderate soil mercury concentration (3 mg kg-1) could extremely enhance MeHg production in the rhizosphere soil and its accumulation in rice; MeHg production in the rhizosphere soil increased greatly at the blooming or filling stage, whereas little effect on antioxidant systems in leaves was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Guo
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hongxia Du
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Dingyong Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Ming Ma
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Center of Molecular Ecophysiology (CMEP), College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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