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Morelli G, Ciani F, Cocozza C, Costagliola P, Fagotti C, Friani R, Lattanzi P, Manca R, Monnanni A, Nannoni A, Rimondi V. Riparian trees in mercury contaminated riverbanks: An important resource for sustainable remediation management. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 257:119373. [PMID: 38852831 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Mining operations generate sediment erosion rates above those of natural landscapes, causing persistent contamination of floodplains. Riparian vegetation in mine-impacted river catchments plays a key role in the storage/remobilization of metal contaminants. Mercury (Hg) pollution from mining is a global environmental challenge. This study provides an integrative assessment of Hg storage in riparian trees and soils along the Paglia River (Italy) which drains the abandoned Monte Amiata Hg mining district, the 3rd former Hg producer worldwide, to characterize their role as potential secondary Hg source to the atmosphere in case of wildfire or upon anthropic utilization as biomass. In riparian trees and nearby soils Hg ranged between 0.7 and 59.9 μg/kg and 2.2 and 52.8 mg/kg respectively. In trees Hg concentrations were below 100 μg/kg, a recommended Hg limit for the quality of solid biofuels. Commercially, Hg contents in trees have little impact on the value of the locally harvested biomass and pose no risk to human health, although higher values (195-738 μg/kg) were occasionally found. In case of wildfire, up to 1.4*10-3 kg Hg/ha could be released from trees and 27 kg Hg/ha from soil in the area, resulting in an environmentally significant Hg pollution source. Data constrained the contribution of riparian trees to the biogeochemical cycling of Hg highlighting their role in management and restoration plans of river catchments affected by not-remediable Hg contamination. In polluted river catchments worldwide riparian trees represent potential sustainable resources for the mitigation of dispersion of Hg in the ecosystem, considering i) their Hg storage capacity, ii) their potential to be used for local energy production (e.g. wood-chips) through the cultivation and harvesting of biomasses and, iii) their role in limiting soil erosion from riparian polluted riverbanks, probably representing the best pragmatic choice to minimize the transport of toxic elements to the sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guia Morelli
- CNR - Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy
| | - Francesco Ciani
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy.
| | - Claudia Cocozza
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari, Ambientali e Forestali (DAGRI), Italy
| | - Pilario Costagliola
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy
| | - Cesare Fagotti
- ARPA Toscana-Area Vasta Sud, Loc. Ruffolo, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Rossella Friani
- ARPA Toscana-Area Vasta Sud, Loc. Ruffolo, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Pierfranco Lattanzi
- CNR - Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy
| | - Rosarosa Manca
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy
| | - Alessio Monnanni
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy
| | - Alessia Nannoni
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy
| | - Valentina Rimondi
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy
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Dai L, Li J, Zhang J, Zeng Q, Liu T, Yu Q, Tao S, Zhou M, Hou H. Phosphorus-based soil prophylactics for managing Pb contamination in soil: Slow-release kinetics and microbiological effects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 940:173647. [PMID: 38823702 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173647] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Soil remediation poses significant challenges due to its spatial heterogeneity, surpassing the complexities of atmospheric and water remediation. This study introduces an innovative approach to prevent soil heavy metal pollution by developing three phosphorus slow-release heavy metal soil prophylactic agents (SLPs) - Sap-11, Sap-12, and Sap-21. At a liquid-to-solid ratio of 1:20, the three types of SLPs achieve phosphorus sustained slow release amounts of 1.586 g/L, 4.259 g/L, and 1.444 g/L within 30 days, respectively. Over a cultivation period of 120 days, after amendment with the three SLPs, the surface soil demonstrates stabilization capacities for Pb of 29.56 mg/g, 46.24 mg/g, and 25.77 mg/g, respectively, representing enhancements of 283.64 %, 500.12 %, and 250.74 % compared to the control. Firstly, the direct contribution of P (up to 3.778 mg/g) released from SLPs chemically binding with Pb, and secondly, a significant proportion of the indirect contribution originating from the microbial activity and soil organic matter. In summary, SLP emerges as an effective strategy for soil heavy metal management, stabilizing heavy metals by stimulating the soil's inherent physiological and biochemical reactions. This approach provides a practical solution for the application of P-containing materials and introduces novel perspectives for soil heavy metal management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luming Dai
- School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Jiahao Li
- School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China; Wuhan University (Zhaoqing) Institute of Resources and Environmental Technology, Zhaoqing 526200, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jiaxing Zhang
- School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Qingyuan Zeng
- School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Tong Liu
- School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Qinqin Yu
- School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Shaoyang Tao
- School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Min Zhou
- School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Haobo Hou
- School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China; Wuhan University (Zhaoqing) Institute of Resources and Environmental Technology, Zhaoqing 526200, Guangdong, China.
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3
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Wang YY, Wan H, Xiao Y, Qin L, He X, Sun H. Lithium isotopic records of anthropogenic activity in the Xiaoqing River basin, eastern China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 949:175023. [PMID: 39067599 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
The environmental impact of the discharge of lithium (Li) by anthropogenic activity has been overlooked. By analyzing Li concentrations and isotope compositions (δ7Li) of water and sediment samples, this study evaluates the influence of anthropogenic Li discharge on the Xiaoqing River and Laizhou Bay, which are heavily polluted areas in China. High Li concentrations of the river water (up to 7.8 μmol/L) should be linked to anthropogenic Li discharge. However, no profound δ7Li anomalies were observed, preventing identification of the exact discharge sources. In the river sediments, Li concentrations (19.0-45.0 μg/g) were weakly correlated with Zn, Cu, and Cr concentrations, whereas δ7Li values ranged from 0.6 ‰ to 13.9 ‰ with high values being accompanied by high contents of total organic carbon and heavy Cr isotope compositions (δ53Cr). All these point to significant influence of anthropogenic activity on the Li budget of river sediments. A simple mass balance calculation indicates that smelters, Li-bearing therapeutic drugs, and secondary Li-ion batteries are the main anthropogenic Li sources. In contrast to river sediments, marine sediments in the Laizhou Bay were broadly homogeneous at both spatial and temporal scales, indicating no significant influence of anthropogenic Li discharge. Overall, our data indicate that Li isotope systematics in river sediments, especially sediments near intense anthropogenic activity, are effective at tracing potential Li pollution and can help obtain accurate results for environmental inspection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Yang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric and Environmental Coevolution, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Hongqiong Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric and Environmental Coevolution, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Yilin Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric and Environmental Coevolution, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Comparative Planetology, Hefei 230026, China.
| | - Liping Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric and Environmental Coevolution, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Comparative Planetology, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Xiaoqing He
- State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric and Environmental Coevolution, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; School of Carbon Neutrality Science and Engineering, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Hefei 231131, China
| | - He Sun
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
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4
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Charrier J, Fort J, Tessier E, Asensio O, Guillou G, Grémillet D, Marsaudon V, Gentès S, Amouroux D. Mercury compound distribution and stable isotope composition in the different compartments of seabird eggs: The case of three species breeding in East Greenland. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 363:142857. [PMID: 39032730 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic contaminant of global concern and the impact on Arctic ecosystems, particularly in seabirds, is critical due to large-scale Hg transport towards polar regions and its biomagnification in marine trophic systems. While the adverse effects of Hg on reproductive processes in seabirds are established, the understanding of Hg maternal transfer pathways and their control on Hg reproductive toxicity is limited. The combination of Hg compounds speciation (inorganic mercury and monomethylmercury MMHg) and Hg stable isotope composition in the different egg compartments (yolk, albumen, membrane, and shell) before embryo development was investigated to provide information on (i) Hg maternal transfer mechanisms, (ii) influence of egg biochemical composition on Hg organotropism and (iii) proxies of inputs of Hg contamination. Eggs of three seabird species (the common eider, the black-legged kittiwake and the little auk) collected within the same breeding period (summer 2020) in East Greenland were investigated. For all seabirds, albumen and membrane, the most protein-rich compartments, were the most contaminated (from 1.2 to 2.7 μg g-1 for albumen and from 0.3 to 0.7 μg g-1 for membrane). In these two compartments, more than 82% of the total Hg amount was in the form of MMHg. Additionally, mass-dependent fractionation values (δ202Hg) were higher in albumen and membrane in the three species. This result was mainly due the organotropism of MMHg as influenced by the biochemical properties and chemical binding affinity of these proteinous compartments. Among the different egg compartments, individuals and species, mass-independent fractionation values were comparable (mean ± sd were 0.99 ± 0.11‰, 0.78 ± 0.11‰, 0.03 ± 0.05‰, 0.04 ± 0.10‰ for Δ199Hg, Δ201Hg, Δ200Hg and Δ204Hg, respectively). We conclude that initial MMHg accumulated in the three species originated from Arctic environmental reservoirs exhibiting similar and low photodemethylation extent. This result suggests a unique major source of MMHg in those ecosystems, potentially influenced by sea ice cover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Charrier
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France.
| | - Jérôme Fort
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Emmanuel Tessier
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA - CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et la Matériaux (IPREM), 2 avenue P. Angot, 64053, Pau, France
| | - Océane Asensio
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA - CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et la Matériaux (IPREM), 2 avenue P. Angot, 64053, Pau, France
| | - Gaël Guillou
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - David Grémillet
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle & Evolutive (CEFE), UMR 5175 CNRS - Université de Montpellier, 1919 route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier 5, France; FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, University Ave N, Rondebosch, 7701, Cap Town, South Africa
| | - Valère Marsaudon
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle & Evolutive (CEFE), UMR 5175 CNRS - Université de Montpellier, 1919 route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier 5, France
| | - Sophie Gentès
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - David Amouroux
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA - CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et la Matériaux (IPREM), 2 avenue P. Angot, 64053, Pau, France
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5
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Janssen SE, Kotalik CJ, Willacker JJ, Tate MT, Pritz CMF, Nelson SJ, Krabbenhoft DP, Walters DM, Eagles-Smith CA. Geographic Drivers of Mercury Entry into Aquatic Food Webs Revealed by Mercury Stable Isotopes in Dragonfly Larvae. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39012137 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Atmospheric mercury (Hg) emissions and subsequent transport and deposition are major concerns within protected lands, including national parks, where Hg can bioaccumulate to levels detrimental to human and wildlife health. Despite this risk to biological resources, there is limited understanding of the relative importance of different Hg sources and delivery pathways within the protected regions. Here, we used Hg stable isotope measurements within a single aquatic bioindicator, dragonfly larvae, to determine if these tracers can resolve spatial patterns in Hg sources, delivery mechanisms, and aquatic cycling at a national scale. Mercury isotope values in dragonfly tissues varied among habitat types (e.g., lentic, lotic, and wetland) and geographic location. Photochemical-derived isotope fractionation was habitat-dependent and influenced by factors that impact light penetration directly or indirectly, including dissolved organic matter, canopy cover, and total phosphorus. Strong patterns for Δ200Hg emerged in the western United States, highlighting the relative importance of wet deposition sources in arid regions in contrast to dry deposition delivery in forested regions. This work demonstrates the efficacy of dragonfly larvae as biosentinels for Hg isotope studies due to their ubiquity across freshwater ecosystems and ability to track variation in Hg sources and processing attributed to small-scale habitat and large-scale regional patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Janssen
- US Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, One Gifford Pinchot Drive,, Madison, Wisconsin 53726, United States
| | - Christopher J Kotalik
- US Geological Survey Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Rd, Columbia, Missouri 65201, United States
| | - James J Willacker
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Michael T Tate
- US Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, One Gifford Pinchot Drive,, Madison, Wisconsin 53726, United States
| | - Colleen M Flanagan Pritz
- National Park Service, Air Resources Division, P.O. Box 25287, Denver, Colorado 80225, United States
| | - Sarah J Nelson
- Appalachian Mountain Club, 361 Route 16, Gorham, New Hampshire 03581, United States
| | - David P Krabbenhoft
- US Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, One Gifford Pinchot Drive,, Madison, Wisconsin 53726, United States
| | - David M Walters
- US Geological Survey Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Rd, Columbia, Missouri 65201, United States
| | - Collin A Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
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Sun S, Ma M, Guo J, He X, Yin X, Sun T, Zhang Q, Kang S. Westerlies-driven transboundary transport of atmospheric mercury to the north-central Tibetan Plateau. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 932:173135. [PMID: 38734088 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The transboundary mercury (Hg) pollution has caused adverse effects on fragile ecosystems of the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Yet, knowledge of transport paths and source regions of atmospheric Hg on the inland TP remains poor. Continuous measurements of atmospheric total gaseous mercury (TGM) were conducted in the central TP (Tanggula station, 5100 m a.s.l., June-October). Atmospheric TGM level at Tanggula station (1.90 ± 0.30 ng m-3) was higher than the background level in the Northern Hemisphere. The identified high-potential source regions of atmospheric TGM were primarily located in the northern South Asia region. TGM concentrations were lower during the Indian summer monsoon (ISM)-dominant period (1.81 ± 0.25 ng m-3) than those of the westerly-receding period (2.18 ± 0.40 ng m-3) and westerly-intensifying period (1.91 ± 0.26 ng m-3), contrary to the seasonal pattern in southern TP. The distinct TGM minima during the ISM-dominant period indicated lesser importance of ISM-transported Hg to Tanggula station located in the northern boundary of ISM intrusion, compared to stations in proximity to South and Southeast Asia source regions. Instead, from the ISM-dominant period to the westerly-intensifying period, TGM concentrations showed an increasing trend as westerlies intensified, indicating the key role of westerlies in transboundary transport of atmospheric Hg to the inland TP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, CAS, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ming Ma
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Junming Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, CAS, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiaobo He
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Lanzhou 730000, China; Tanggula Cryosphere and Environment Observation Station, State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiufeng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, CAS, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Tao Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qianggong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, CAS, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shichang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, CAS, Lanzhou 730000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Landis JD, Obrist D, Zhou J, Renshaw CE, McDowell WH, Nytch CJ, Palucis MC, Del Vecchio J, Montano Lopez F, Taylor VF. Quantifying soil accumulation of atmospheric mercury using fallout radionuclide chronometry. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5430. [PMID: 38926366 PMCID: PMC11208417 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49789-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Soils are a principal global reservoir of mercury (Hg), a neurotoxic pollutant that is accumulating through anthropogenic emissions to the atmosphere and subsequent deposition to terrestrial ecosystems. The fate of Hg in global soils remains uncertain, however, particularly to what degree Hg is re-emitted back to the atmosphere as gaseous elemental mercury (GEM). Here we use fallout radionuclide (FRN) chronometry to directly measure Hg accumulation rates in soils. By comparing these rates with measured atmospheric fluxes in a mass balance approach, we show that representative Arctic, boreal, temperate, and tropical soils are quantitatively efficient at retaining anthropogenic Hg. Potential for significant GEM re-emission appears limited to a minority of coniferous soils, calling into question global models that assume strong re-emission of legacy Hg from soils. FRN chronometry poses a powerful tool to reconstruct terrestrial Hg accumulation across larger spatial scales than previously possible, while offering insights into the susceptibility of Hg mobilization from different soil environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D Landis
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA.
| | - Daniel Obrist
- Department of Environmental, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA
- Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Jun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Carl E Renshaw
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - William H McDowell
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
- Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Christopher J Nytch
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras, San Juan, PR, 00925, USA
| | - Marisa C Palucis
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | | | | | - Vivien F Taylor
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
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Yuan T, Huang S, Zhang P, Song Z, Ge J, Miao X, Wang Y, Pang Q, Peng D, Wu P, Shao J, Zhang P, Wang Y, Guo H, Guo W, Zhang Y. Potential decoupling of CO 2 and Hg uptake process by global vegetation in the 21st century. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4490. [PMID: 38802424 PMCID: PMC11130250 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48849-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), a potent neurotoxin posing risks to human health, is cycled through vegetation uptake, which is susceptible to climate change impacts. However, the extent and pattern of these impacts are largely unknown, obstructing predictions of Hg's fate in terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we evaluate the effects of climate change on vegetation elemental Hg [Hg(0)] uptake using a state-of-the-art global terrestrial Hg model (CLM5-Hg) that incorporates plant physiology. In a business-as-usual scenario, the terrestrial Hg(0) sink is predicted to decrease by 1870 Mg yr-1 in 2100, that is ~60% lower than the present-day condition. We find a potential decoupling between the trends of CO2 assimilation and Hg(0) uptake process by vegetation in the 21st century, caused by the decreased stomatal conductance with increasing CO2. This implies a substantial influx of Hg into aquatic ecosystems, posing an elevated threat that warrants consideration during the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Yuan
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shaojian Huang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengcheng Song
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Critical Earth Material Cycling, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Atmospheric and Earth System Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Ge
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Atmospheric and Earth System Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Miao
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yujuan Wang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiaotong Pang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dong Peng
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peipei Wu
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junjiong Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, College of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peipei Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Yabo Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weidong Guo
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanxu Zhang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- Frontiers Science Center for Critical Earth Material Cycling, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Atmospheric and Earth System Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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Zong J, Zhang H, Li X, Bai X, Hu Y, Cui D, Wang Z, Zhang G. Process of mercury accumulation in urban strip river artificial wetland ecosystems: a case study of Changchun, a typical industrial city in Northeast China. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1392904. [PMID: 38766469 PMCID: PMC11099249 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1392904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), as a global pollutant, is persistent, migratory, insidious, highly biotoxic and highly enriched, and is widely distributed in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and lithosphere. Wetland ecosystems, as active mercury reservoirs, have become the most important sources and sinks of heavy metal mercury. Distinguished from natural wetlands, artificial wetlands located in urban sections of rivers face problems such as diverse urban pollution sources and complex spatial and temporal changes. Therefore, in this study, five intermittently distributed artificial wetlands were selected from the upstream to the downstream of the Changchun section of the Yitong River, a tributary of the Songhua River basin in the old industrial base of Northeast China. The mercury levels in the water bodies, sediments and plants of the artificial wetlands were collected and tested in four quarters from April 2023 to analyse the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of total mercury. The results showed that the mercury levels in the water bodies, sediments and plants of the five wetlands showed a fluctuating trend with the river flow direction and had certain spatial and temporal distribution characteristics. This phenomenon was attributed to the sinking of external mercury pollution sources. In general, the wetland ecosystems showed a decreasing trend in the total Hg output of the downstream watershed. This may be due to the retention of particulate matter by aquatic plants in artificial wetlands to regular salvage of dead aquatic plants. At the same time urbanization and industrialization affect mercury levels in aquatic environments, so the risk of residential exposure needs to be looked at.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zong
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongjie Zhang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Xuemei Li
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinyu Bai
- Jilin Province Expressway Group Operating Development Co., Ltd, Changchun, China
| | - Yufei Hu
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Dan Cui
- College of Languages and Cultures of Ningde Normal University, Ningde, China
| | - Zhaojun Wang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, Changchun, China
| | - Gang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
- Institute of Grassland Science, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
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10
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Hong Q, Xu H, Sun X, Li J, Huang W, Qu Z, Zhang L, Yan N. In-situ low-temperature sulfur CVD on metal sulfides with SO 2 to realize self-sustained adsorption of mercury. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3362. [PMID: 38637534 PMCID: PMC11026451 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47725-3] [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: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Capturing gaseous mercury (Hg0) from sulfur dioxide (SO2)-containing flue gases remains a common yet persistently challenge. Here we introduce a low-temperature sulfur chemical vapor deposition (S-CVD) technique that effectively converts SO2, with intermittently introduced H2S, into deposited sulfur (Sd0) on metal sulfides (MS), facilitating self-sustained adsorption of Hg0. ZnS, as a representative MS model, undergoes a decrease in the coordination number of Zn-S from 3.9 to 3.5 after Sd0 deposition, accompanied by the generation of unsaturated-coordinated polysulfide species (Sn2-, named Sd*) with significantly enhanced Hg0 adsorption performance. Surprisingly, the adsorption product, HgS (ZnS@HgS), can serve as a fresh interface for the activation of Sd0 to Sd* through the S-CVD method, thereby achieving a self-sustained Hg0 adsorption capacity exceeding 300 mg g-1 without saturation limitations. Theoretical calculations substantiate the self-sustained adsorption mechanism that S8 ring on both ZnS and ZnS@HgS can be activated to chemical bond S4 chain, exhibiting a stronger Hg0 adsorption energy than pristine ones. Importantly, this S-CVD strategy is applicable to the in-situ activation of synthetic or natural MS containing chalcophile metal elements for Hg0 removal and also holds potential applications for various purposes requiring MS adsorbents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinyuan Hong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Haomiao Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Xiaoming Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Jiaxing Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Wenjun Huang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Zan Qu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Lizhi Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education Institute of Applied & Environmental Chemistry College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Naiqiang Yan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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11
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Liu X, Wang Z, Wang C, Wang B, Cao H, Shan J, Zhang X. Mercury distribution, exposure and risk in Poyang Lake and vicinity, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123409. [PMID: 38244906 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123409] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), especially methylmercury (MeHg), which is highly neurotoxic, is a global pollutant that can affect human health because of its accumulation in aquatic products. Poyang Lake, an inland lake in China, has been significantly affected by human activity, yet there is limited understanding of local mercury contamination and potential exposure pathways to humans. In this study, we explored the risks of mercury exposure by sampling sediments, plants, and aquatic organisms in the lake and surrounding areas and analyzing total Hg (THg) and MeHg levels. Sediment sampling was conducted at the main lake, rivers, rice paddies, and fishponds. Two dominant species of plants and 15 species of aquatic organisms were sampled and analyzed. We assessed the characteristics of mercury in sediments using the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), mercury exposure using the biomagnification factor (BMF) and biota sediment accumulation factor (BSAF), and risks using thresholds for adverse effects. The highest THg concentrations (137.04 ± 44.3 ng g-1 dw) were detected in the main lake sediments, whereas the highest MeHg concentrations (0.47 ± 0.6 ng g-1 dw) were detected in fishpond sediments. Mercury accumulation in the main lake sediments could be assessed as contaminated (Igeo > 0: 81.6%). Yellow catfish had the highest mercury concentration (THg 770.69 ± 199.7 ng g-1 dw; MeHg 741.93 ± 168.8 ng g-1 dw). Piscivores were adversely affected by carnivorous fish (50.8%), but all fish concentrations did not exceed the food safety standards recommend by China and the WHO. The mercury exposure results revealed significant Hg biomagnification and enrichment (BMF >1: 94.55%; BSAFmax = 1218). Long-term monitoring of aquatic organisms is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Liu
- 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.
| | - Chunjie 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
| | - Bing Wang
- Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Huabin Cao
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Jihong Shan
- Wildlife and Plant Protection Center, Jiangxi Provincial Department of Forestry, Nanchang, 330006, 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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12
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Liu H, Zheng W, Gao Y, Yang L, Yue F, Huang T, Xie Z. Increased Contribution of Circumpolar Deep Water Upwelling to Methylmercury in the Upper Ocean around Antarctica: Evidence from Mercury Isotopes in the Ornithogenic Sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:2762-2773. [PMID: 38294849 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Upwelling plays a pivotal role in supplying methylmercury (MeHg) to the upper oceans, contributing to the bioaccumulation of MeHg in the marine food web. However, the influence of the upwelling of Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW), the most voluminous water mass in the Southern Ocean, on the MeHg cycle in the surrounding oceans and marine biota of Antarctica remains unclear. Here, we study the mercury (Hg) isotopes in an ornithogenic sedimentary profile strongly influenced by penguin activity on Ross Island, Antarctica. Results indicate that penguin guano is the primary source of Hg in the sediments, and the mass-independent isotope fractionation of Hg (represented by Δ199Hg) can provide insights on the source of marine MeHg accumulated by penguin. The Δ199Hg in the sediments shows a significant decrease at ∼1550 CE, which is primarily attributed to the enhanced upwelling of CDW that brought more MeHg with lower Δ199Hg from the deeper seawater to the upper ocean. We estimate that the contribution of MeHg from the deeper seawater may reach more than 38% in order to explain the decline in Δ199Hg at ∼1550 CE. Moreover, we found that the intensified upwelling may have increased the MeHg exposure for marine organisms, highlighting the importance of CDW upwelling on the MeHg cycle in Antarctic coastal ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Liu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Anhui Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Wang Zheng
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Yuesong Gao
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Anhui Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Lianjiao Yang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Anhui Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Fange Yue
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Anhui Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Tao Huang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Zhouqing Xie
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Anhui Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
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13
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Andersson Stavridis M, Røed SB, Hansen BB, Mikkelsen Ø, Ciesielski TM, Jenssen BM. Tracing the footprints of Arctic pollution: Spatial variations in toxic and essential elements in Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) faeces. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167562. [PMID: 37802349 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167562] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
The Arctic is an accumulation zone of long-range transported pollution. In addition, local anthropogenic activities further contribute to regional pollution levels. The Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) is a suitable organism for studying and monitoring exposure to anthropogenic pollutants at the base of the terrestrial Arctic food web, and reindeer faeces have been promoted as non-invasive means of biomonitoring contaminant exposure. This study used HR-ICP-MS to analyse levels and composition of 16 elements in Svalbard reindeer faeces (n = 96) and soil (n = 9) from two locations on Svalbard, with the aim to assess whether local anthropogenic pollution influences element bioavailability. One of the sampling areas, the Nordenskiöld coast, is situated on the west coast of Spitsbergen, close to the Arctic Ocean and relatively far from local anthropogenic sources. The other sampling area, Adventdalen, is located further inland and close to Longyearbyen, the largest settlement of the archipelago. There was a significant difference in faecal elemental concentration and composition between the Adventdalen and Nordenskiöld coast reindeer populations. Elements of geogenic origin (e.g., Al, Cu and Fe) were found at higher levels in faeces from Adventdalen. In comparison, levels of Ca, Se and the toxic elements Cd and Pb were higher in faecal samples from the Nordenskiöld coast. The significantly higher levels of faecal Cd and Pb at Nordenskiöld coast may be due to marine input, dietary differences between the populations, or possible anthropogenic influence from the nearby settlement of Barentsburg. There was, however, a decoupling in elemental composition between faecal and soil samples, which may derive from a selective vegetational uptake of elements from the soil. The results suggest that reindeer are exposed to a range of elements and that faeces can be used to monitor the exposure to bioavailable environmental levels of both essential and toxic elements in terrestrial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin Andersson Stavridis
- Department of Arctic Technology, University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), P.O. Box 156, N-9171 Longyearbyen, Norway; Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Susanne Brix Røed
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Brage Bremset Hansen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), NO-7485 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Øyvind Mikkelsen
- Department of Arctic Technology, University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), P.O. Box 156, N-9171 Longyearbyen, Norway; Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Tomasz Maciej Ciesielski
- Department of Arctic Technology, University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), P.O. Box 156, N-9171 Longyearbyen, Norway; Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Bjørn Munro Jenssen
- Department of Arctic Technology, University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), P.O. Box 156, N-9171 Longyearbyen, Norway; Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
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14
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Cai X, Fan Y, Hong Q, Liu Z, Qu Z, Yan N, Xu H. Unveiling the Halogenation-Induced Formation of Hg 3Se 2X 2 (X = Cl, Br, and I) Compounds for Multiphase Mercury Cycling. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:20431-20439. [PMID: 37992298 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between mercury (Hg) and inorganic compounds, including selenium (Se), sulfur (S), and halogens (X = Cl, Br, or I), plays a critical role in the global mercury cycle. However, most previously reported mercury compounds are susceptible to reduction, leading to the release of elemental mercury (Hg0) and causing secondary pollution. In this study, we unveil a groundbreaking discovery that underscores the vital role of halogenation in creating exceptionally stable Hg3Se2X2 compounds. Through the dynamic interplay of Hg, Se, and halogens, an intermediary stage denoted [HgSe]m[HgX2]n emerges, and this transformative process significantly elevates the stabilization of mercury. Remarkably, halogen ions strategically occupy pores at the periphery of HgSe clusters, engendering a more densely packed atomic arrangement of Hg, Se, and halogen components. A marked enhancement in both thermal and acid stability is observed, wherein temperatures ascend from 130 to 300 °C (transitioning from HgSe to Hg3Se2Cl2). This sequence of escalating stability follows the order HgSe < Hg3Se2I2 < Hg3Se2Br2 < Hg3Se2Cl2 for thermal resilience, complemented by virtually absent acid leaching. This innovative compound formation fundamentally alters the transformation pathways of gaseous Hg0 and ionic mercury (Hg2+), resulting in highly efficient in situ removal of both Hg0 and Hg2+ ions. These findings pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in mercury stabilization and environmental remediation strategies, offering a comprehensive solution through the creation of chemically stable precipitates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangling Cai
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yurui Fan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qinyuan Hong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zhisong Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zan Qu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Naiqiang Yan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Haomiao Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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15
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Sa R, Wang Z, Xu Z, Zhao Q, Zhang Q, Zhang X. Distribution characteristics of mercury concentration and estimation of mercury pools in different age groups of Larix gmelinii forests of Daxing'an Mountain. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 338:122653. [PMID: 37778492 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122653] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Forests are important sinks of atmospheric mercury. Quantifying mercury pools in forest ecosystem tissues are essential for understanding the global mercury cycle. To reveal the characteristics of Hg concentration and Hg pool distribution in natural forests at different ages, samples from the vegetation layer, organic horizons, coarse wood debris, and mineral soil layers were collected in young forest, middle forest, near-mature forest, and mature forest of Larix gmelinii forests at the Daxing'an Mountain. The results showed that there were differences in the absorption and accumulation of Hg by different tree species and tissues. In Larix gmelinii, the concentration of Hg followed the order of bark > branch > leaf > root > core, whereas in Betula platyphylla, the order was bark > leaf > branch > root > core. The mercury concentration in the organic horizons increased gradually with the decomposition process. There were no obvious regular patterns in the mercury concentrations of each tissue in different age groups Larix gmelinii forests. Furthermore, total biomass mercury pools (overstory, shrub layer, herb layer, moss layer, and coarse woody debris (CWD)) in the young, middle, near-mature, and mature forests of Larix gmelinii forests at Daxing'an Mountain were estimated to be 99.0 μg m-2,207 μg m-2,207 μg m-2 and 194 μg m-2, respectively. On ecosystem scale, total mercury pools were 16.9 mg m-2 (young), 27.5 mg m-2 (middle), 17.0 mg m-2 (near-mature), and 11.8 mg m-2(mature). The mineral soil mercury pool accounts for 94.0%-98.1% of the total ecosystem mercury pool, and its mercury pool proportion gradually decreased with the increase in forest age. These obtained results are quite valuable for further assessing the role of forest ecosystems in the atmospheric mercury cycle and estimating potential mercury emissions from biomass burning during forest wildfires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rula Sa
- 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; Inner Mongolia Power (Group) Co., Ltd., Inner Mongolia Power Research Institute Branch, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 010020, 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.
| | - Zehua Xu
- 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
| | - Qingpeng Zhao
- 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
| | - Qiuliang Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010019, China; National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station of Greater Khingan Forest Ecosystem, Inner Mongolia, Genhe, 022350, 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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16
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Ren X, Chen J, Wang C, Wu D, Ma H, Wei Q, Ju H. Photoelectrochemical Sensor with a Z-Scheme Fe 2O 3/CdS Heterostructure for Sensitive Detection of Mercury Ions. Anal Chem 2023; 95:16943-16949. [PMID: 37944013 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg2+) is a highly toxic element and can seriously affect human health. This work proposed a photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor with a Z-scheme Fe2O3/CdS heterostructure and two thymine-rich DNA strands (DNA-1 and Au@DNA-2) for sensitive detection of Hg2+. The light excitation of the Fe2O3/CdS composite accelerated the electron transfer among Fe2O3, CdS, and the electrode to produce a stable photocurrent response. Upon the recognition of Hg2+ to thymine bases (T) in two DNA strands to form a stable T-Hg2+-T biomimetic structure, the photocurrent response increased with the increasing concentration of Hg2+ due to the opening of electronic transmission channels from Au nanoparticles to Fe2O3/CdS nanocomposite. Under the optimal conditions screened by the Box-Behnken experiments, the proposed PEC sensor showed excellent analytical performance for Hg2+ detection with high sensitivity, a detection limit of 0.20 pM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3, high selectivity, a detectable concentration range of 1 pM-100 nM, and acceptable stability. The good recovery and low relative standard deviation for the analysis of Hg2+ in lake and tap water samples demonstrated the potential application of the designed Z-scheme Fe2O3/CdS heterostructure in the PEC detection of heavy metal ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Sensing & Analysis in Universities of Shandong, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, P. R. China
| | - Jingui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Sensing & Analysis in Universities of Shandong, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, P. R. China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Dan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Sensing & Analysis in Universities of Shandong, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, P. R. China
| | - Hongmin Ma
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Sensing & Analysis in Universities of Shandong, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, P. R. China
| | - Qin Wei
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Sensing & Analysis in Universities of Shandong, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, P. R. China
| | - Huangxian Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Sensing & Analysis in Universities of Shandong, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, P. R. China
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17
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Li C, Jiskra M, Nilsson MB, Osterwalder S, Zhu W, Mauquoy D, Skyllberg U, Enrico M, Peng H, Song Y, Björn E, Bishop K. Mercury deposition and redox transformation processes in peatland constrained by mercury stable isotopes. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7389. [PMID: 37968321 PMCID: PMC10652010 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43164-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Peatland vegetation takes up mercury (Hg) from the atmosphere, typically contributing to net production and export of neurotoxic methyl-Hg to downstream ecosystems. Chemical reduction processes can slow down methyl-Hg production by releasing Hg from peat back to the atmosphere. The extent of these processes remains, however, unclear. Here we present results from a comprehensive study covering concentrations and isotopic signatures of Hg in an open boreal peatland system to identify post-depositional Hg redox transformation processes. Isotope mass balances suggest photoreduction of HgII is the predominant process by which 30% of annually deposited Hg is emitted back to the atmosphere. Isotopic analyses indicate that above the water table, dark abiotic oxidation decreases peat soil gaseous Hg0 concentrations. Below the water table, supersaturation of gaseous Hg is likely created more by direct photoreduction of rainfall rather than by reduction and release of Hg from the peat soil. Identification and quantification of these light-driven and dark redox processes advance our understanding of the fate of Hg in peatlands, including the potential for mobilization and methylation of HgII.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuxian Li
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Martin Jiskra
- Environmental Geosciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mats B Nilsson
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Dmitri Mauquoy
- School Geosciences, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Ulf Skyllberg
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Maxime Enrico
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, TotalEnergies, LFCR, IPREM, Pau, France
| | - Haijun Peng
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Yu Song
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Erik Björn
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Kevin Bishop
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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18
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Chu Z, Zhou Y, Liu M, Lin H, Cheng M, Xie H, Yuan L, Zhang Z, Zhang Q, Li C, Chen Y, Guo Y, Chen L, Wang X. Large-Scale Observations Support Aboveground Vegetation as an Important Biological Mercury Sink in the Tibetan Plateau. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:17278-17290. [PMID: 37919873 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Mercury, a pervasive global pollutant, primarily enters the atmosphere through human activities and legacy emissions from the land and oceans. A significant portion of this mercury subsequently settles on land through vegetation uptake. Characterizing mercury storage and distribution within vegetation is essential for comprehending regional and global mercury cycles. We conducted an unprecedented large-scale aboveground vegetation mercury survey across the expansive Tibetan Plateau. We find that mosses (31.1 ± 0.5 ng/g) and cushion plants (15.2 ± 0.7 ng/g) outstood high mercury concentrations. Despite exceptionally low anthropogenic mercury emissions, mercury concentrations of all biomes exceeded at least one-third of their respective global averages. While acknowledging the role of plant physiological factors, statistical models emphasize the predominant impact of atmospheric mercury on driving variations in mercury concentrations. Our estimations indicate that aboveground vegetation on the plateau accumulates 32-12+21 Mg (interquartile range) mercury. Forests occupy the highest biomass and store 82% of mercury, while mosses, representing only 3% of the biomass, disproportionally contribute 13% to mercury storage and account for 43% (2.5-1.4+3.0 Mg/year) of annual mercury assimilation by vegetation. Additionally, our study underscores that extrapolating aboveground vegetation mercury storage from lower-altitude regions to the Tibetan Plateau can lead to substantial overestimation, inspiring further exploration in alpine ecosystems worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohan Chu
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yunzhuo Zhou
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Maodian Liu
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Huiming Lin
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Menghan Cheng
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Han Xie
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Liuliang Yuan
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhihao Zhang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Qianru Zhang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chengcheng Li
- Modern Chinese Literature, Department of Chinese Language and Literature, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yuang Chen
- Institute for Data, Systems, and Society, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Yanpei Guo
- Institute of Ecology, Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes and College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Long Chen
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xuejun Wang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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Du H, Wang X, Yuan W, Wu F, Jia L, Liu N, Lin CJ, Gan J, Zeng F, Wang K, Feng X. Elevated Mercury Deposition, Accumulation, and Migration in a Karst Forest. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:17490-17500. [PMID: 37908057 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
The karst forest is one of the extremely sensitive and fragile ecosystems in southwest China, where the biogeochemical cycling of mercury (Hg) is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the litterfall deposition, accumulation, and soil migration of Hg in an evergreen-deciduous broadleaf karst forest using high-resolution sampling and stable isotope techniques. Results show that elevated litterfall Hg concentrations and fluxes in spring are due to the longer lifespan of evergreen tree foliage exposed to atmospheric Hg0. The hillslope has 1-2 times higher litterfall Hg concentration compared to the low-lying land due to the elevated atmospheric Hg levels induced by topographical and physiological factors. The Hg isotopic model suggests that litterfall Hg depositions account for ∼80% of the Hg source contribution in surface soil. The spatial trend of litterfall Hg deposition cannot solely explain the trend of Hg accumulation in the surface soil. Indeed, soil erosion enhances Hg accumulation in soil of low-lying land, with soil Hg concentration up to 5-times greater than the concentration on the hillslope. The high level of soil Hg migration in the karst forest poses significant ecological risks to groundwater and downstream aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Du
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, Hunan, China
- Huanjiang Observation and Research Station for Karst Ecosystems, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huanjiang 547100, Guangxi, China
| | - Xun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Fei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Longyu Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Nantao Liu
- 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, United States
| | - Jiang Gan
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, Hunan, China
- Huanjiang Observation and Research Station for Karst Ecosystems, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huanjiang 547100, Guangxi, China
| | - Fuping Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, Hunan, China
- Huanjiang Observation and Research Station for Karst Ecosystems, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huanjiang 547100, Guangxi, China
| | - Kelin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, Hunan, China
- Huanjiang Observation and Research Station for Karst Ecosystems, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huanjiang 547100, Guangxi, China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
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20
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Chen C, Huang JH, Li K, Osterwalder S, Yang C, Waldner P, Zhang H, Fu X, Feng X. Isotopic Characterization of Mercury Atmosphere-Foliage and Atmosphere-Soil Exchange in a Swiss Subalpine Coniferous Forest. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:15892-15903. [PMID: 37788478 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
To understand the role of vegetation and soil in regulating atmospheric Hg0, exchange fluxes and isotope signatures of Hg were characterized using a dynamic flux bag/chamber at the atmosphere-foliage/soil interfaces at the Davos-Seehornwald forest, Switzerland. The foliage was a net Hg0 sink and took up preferentially the light Hg isotopes, consequently resulting in large shifts (-3.27‰) in δ202Hg values. The soil served mostly as net sources of atmospheric Hg0 with higher Hg0 emission from the moss-covered soils than from bare soils. The negative shift of δ202Hg and Δ199Hg values of the efflux air relative to ambient air and the Δ199Hg/Δ201Hg ratio among ambient air, efflux air, and soil pore gas highlight that Hg0 re-emission was strongly constrained by soil pore gas evasion together with microbial reduction. The isotopic mass balance model indicates 8.4 times higher Hg0 emission caused by pore gas evasion than surface soil photoreduction. Deposition of atmospheric Hg0 to soil was noticeably 3.2 times higher than that to foliage, reflecting the high significance of the soil to influence atmospheric Hg0 isotope signatures. This study improves our understanding of Hg atmosphere-foliage/soil exchange in subalpine coniferous forests, which is indispensable in the model assessment of forest Hg biogeochemical cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyue Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Jen-How Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
- Environmental Geosciences, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Stefan Osterwalder
- Environmental Geosciences, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chenmeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Peter Waldner
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, 8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Hui Zhang
- 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
| | - 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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Zheng G, Chen Q, Zhou F, Li P. Retention properties and mechanism of agricultural waste maize whisker on atmospheric mercury. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2023; 10:67. [PMID: 38647626 PMCID: PMC10991902 DOI: 10.1186/s40643-023-00683-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant transmitted mainly through the atmosphere, posing a serious threat to biological survival and human health. Porous materials, with high specific surface area, high porosity, and high adsorption, are particularly suitable for the purification of atmospheric Hg mixtures. However, plant porous materials are rarely directly used for atmospheric Hg purification. In this study, the properties and mechanism of maize whisker in removing atmospheric Hg were analyzed. The results show that the Hg content in the whiskers increases significantly as the initial Hg concentration increases, and 79.38% Hg can be removed by 0.2 g maize whiskers after 1 h exposure when the initial Hg concentration is 0.1 μg m-3, indicating that maize whiskers can accumulate atmospheric Hg rapidly and effectively. The hole diameter of the maize whisker is between 0.83 and 3.06 μm, which is suitable for the adsorption of small substances. Correlation analysis shows that maize whiskers have a significant correlation between atmospheric Hg retention and its specific surface area, pore size, medium pore ratio, and micropore ratio, suggesting that the maize whisker hole feature has a significant influence on its ability to retain atmospheric Hg. Compared with the energy profiles before and after Hg treatment, the peak of Mg decreased after Hg adsorption. Fourier infrared spectrometer analysis suggests that functional groups such as -OH, -COOH, and -O- are involved in the adsorption process. The change in pH value shows an obvious effect on the overall change in zeta potential in the adsorption process. Therefore, a variety of mechanisms, including physical adsorption, electrostatic adsorption, complexation, chelation, and ion exchange, are involved in Hg retention with the maize whisker. This study reveals the important potential value of agricultural waste maize whiskers in the purification of atmospheric heavy metal Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiling Zheng
- School of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong, China
| | - Qianxiu Chen
- School of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- School of Food Science, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, Nanjing, 211171, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Peng Li
- School of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong, China.
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22
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Hong Q, Cai X, Li J, Huang W, Qu Z, Yan N, Xu H. Sulfur Dioxide Promoted Mercury Fast Deposition over a Selenite-Chloride-Induced Surface from Wet Flue Gas. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:10882-10890. [PMID: 37436147 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Gaseous elemental mercury (Hg0) extraction from industrial flue gases is undergoing intense research due to its unique properties. Selective adsorption that renders Hg0 to HgO or HgS over metal oxide- or sulfide-based sorbents is a promising method, yet the sorbents are easily poisoned by sulfur dioxide (SO2) and H2O vapor. The Se-Cl intermediate derived from SeO2 and HCl driven by SO2 has been demonstrated to stabilize Hg0. Thus, a surface-induced method was put forward when using γ-Al2O3 supported selenite-chloride (xSeO32--yCl-, named xSe-yCl) for mercury deposition. Results confirmed that under 3000 ppm SO2 and 4% H2O, Se-2Cl exhibited the highest induced adsorption performance at 160 °C and higher humidity can accelerate the induction process. Driven by SO2 under the wet interface, the in situ generated active Se0 has high affinity toward Hg0, and the introduction of Cl- enabled the fast-trapping and stabilization of Hg0 due to its intercalation in the HgSe product. Additionally, the long-time scale-up experiment showed a gradient color change of the Se-2Cl-induced surface, which maintained almost 100% Hg0 removal efficiency over 180 h with a normalized adsorption capacity of 157.26 mg/g. This surface-induced method has the potential for practical application and offers a guideline for reversing the negative effect of SO2 on gaseous pollutant removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinyuan Hong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiangling Cai
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jiaxing Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Wenjun Huang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zan Qu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Naiqiang Yan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Haomiao Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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23
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Yu J, Zhou C, Yang K, Sun Q, Zhang Q, Yang Z, Chen Y. Accumulation Pattern and Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in Permafrost-Affected Agricultural Soils in Northeast China. TOXICS 2023; 11:632. [PMID: 37505598 PMCID: PMC10386694 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11070632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in agricultural soils is of particular concern in China, while its status, ecological risks, and human health hazards have been little studied in the permafrost areas of Northeast China. In this study, 75 agricultural soil samples (0-20 cm) were collected from the Arctic Village, Mo'he City, in the northernmost part of China. The average concentration (mean ± standard deviation) of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn were 12.11 ± 3.66 mg/kg, 0.11 ± 0.08 mg/kg, 52.50 ± 8.83 mg/kg, 12.08 ± 5.12 mg/kg, 0.05 ± 0.02 mg/kg, 14.90 ± 5.35 mg/kg, 22.38 ± 3.04 mg/kg, and 68.07 ± 22.71 mg/kg, respectively. Correlation analysis, cluster analysis, and principal component analysis indicated that As, Cu, Ni, and Zn likely originated from geogenic processes, Hg and Pb from long-range atmospheric transport, Cd from planting activities, and Cr from Holocene alluvium. The geo-accumulation index and enrichment factor showed that As, Cd, Hg, and Zn are enriched in soils. The Nemerow pollution index showed that 66.67%, 24%, and 1.33% of soil samples were in slight, moderate, and heavy pollution levels, respectively, with Hg being the most important element affecting the comprehensive pollution index. The potential ecological risk index showed that 48.00% and 1.33% of soil samples were in the moderate ecological risk and high potential ecological risk levels, respectively. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic human health risk index for adults and children were both less than 1, which was within the acceptable range. This study revealed the accumulation pattern of PTEs in agricultural soils of permafrost regions and provided a scientific basis for research on ecological security and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junbo Yu
- Harbin Center of Natural Resources Integrated Survey, China Geological Survey, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Chuanfang Zhou
- Harbin Center of Natural Resources Integrated Survey, China Geological Survey, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Ke Yang
- Harbin Center of Natural Resources Integrated Survey, China Geological Survey, Harbin 150086, China
- Institute of Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Langfang 065000, China
| | - Qifa Sun
- Harbin Center of Natural Resources Integrated Survey, China Geological Survey, Harbin 150086, China
- Shenyang Center of Geological Survey, CGS, Shenyang 110034, China
| | - Qipeng Zhang
- Harbin Center of Natural Resources Integrated Survey, China Geological Survey, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Zhiwei Yang
- Harbin Center of Natural Resources Integrated Survey, China Geological Survey, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Yangyang Chen
- Harbin Center of Natural Resources Integrated Survey, China Geological Survey, Harbin 150086, China
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Wang T, Yang X, Li Z, Chen W, Wen X, He Y, Ma C, Yang Z, Zhang C. MeHg production in eutrophic lakes: Focusing on the roles of algal organic matter and iron-sulfur-phosphorus dynamics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 457:131682. [PMID: 37270963 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms by which eutrophication affects methylmercury (MeHg) production have not been comprehensively summarized, which hinders accurately predicting the MeHg risk in eutrophic lakes. In this review, we first discussed the effects of eutrophication on biogeochemical cycle of mercury (Hg). Special attentions were paid to the roles of algal organic matter (AOM) and iron (Fe)-sulfur (S)-phosphorus (P) dynamics in MeHg production. Finally, the suggestions for risk control of MeHg in eutrophic lakes were proposed. AOM can affect in situ Hg methylation by stimulating the abundance and activities of Hg methylating microorganisms and regulating Hg bioavailability, which are dependent on bacteria-strain and algae species, the molecular weight and composition of AOM as well as environmental conditions (e.g., light). Fe-S-P dynamics under eutrophication including sulfate reduction, FeS formation and P release could also play crucial but complicated roles in MeHg production, in which AOM may participate through influencing the dissolution and aggregation processes, structural order and surface properties of HgS nanoparticles (HgSNP). Future studies should pay more attention to the dynamics of AOM in responses to the changing environmental conditions (e.g., light penetration and redox fluctuations) and how such variations will subsequently affect MeHg production. The effects of Fe-S-P dynamics on MeHg production under eutrophication also deserve further investigations, especially the interactions between AOM and HgSNP. Remediation strategies with lower disturbance, greater stability and less cost like the technology of interfacial O2 nanobubbles are urgent to be explored. This review will deepen our understanding of the mechanisms of MeHg production in eutrophic lakes and provide theoretical guidance for its risk control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tantan Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Xu Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Zihao Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Wenhao Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Xin Wen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yubo He
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Chi Ma
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Zhongzhu Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Chang Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China.
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25
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Zhou J, Bollen SW, Roy EM, Hollinger DY, Wang T, Lee JT, Obrist D. Comparing ecosystem gaseous elemental mercury fluxes over a deciduous and coniferous forest. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2722. [PMID: 37169778 PMCID: PMC10175444 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38225-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sources of neurotoxic mercury in forests are dominated by atmospheric gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) deposition, but a dearth of direct GEM exchange measurements causes major uncertainties about processes that determine GEM sinks. Here we present three years of forest-level GEM deposition measurements in a coniferous forest and a deciduous forest in northeastern USA, along with flux partitioning into canopy and forest floor contributions. Annual GEM deposition is 13.4 ± 0.80 μg m-2 (coniferous forest) and 25.1 ± 2.4 μg m-2 (deciduous forest) dominating mercury inputs (62 and 76% of total deposition). GEM uptake dominates in daytime during active vegetation periods and correlates with CO2 assimilation, attributable to plant stomatal uptake of mercury. Non-stomatal GEM deposition occurs in the coniferous canopy during nights and to the forest floor in the deciduous forest and accounts for 24 and 39% of GEM deposition, respectively. Our study shows that GEM deposition includes various pathways and is highly ecosystem-specific, which complicates global constraints of terrestrial GEM sinks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhou
- Department of Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA, USA
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Silas W Bollen
- Department of Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Eric M Roy
- Department of Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA, USA
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Ting Wang
- Department of Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - John T Lee
- School of Forest Resources, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Daniel Obrist
- Department of Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA, USA.
- University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Davis, CA, USA.
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26
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Sun R, Cao F, Dai S, Shan B, Qi C, Xu Z, Li P, Liu Y, Zheng W, Chen J. Atmospheric Mercury Isotope Shifts in Response to Mercury Emissions from Underground Coal Fires. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37167064 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Pollutant emissions from coal fires have caused serious concerns in major coal-producing countries. Great efforts have been devoted to suppressing them in China, notably at the notorious Wuda Coalfield in Inner Mongolia. Recent surveys revealed that while fires in this coalfield have been nearly extinguished near the surface, they persist underground. However, the impacts of Hg volatilized from underground coal fires remain unclear. Here, we measured concentrations and isotope compositions of atmospheric Hg in both gaseous and particulate phases at an urban site near the Wuda Coalfield. The atmospheric Hg displayed strong seasonality in terms of both Hg concentrations (5-7-fold higher in fall than in winter) and isotope compositions. Combining characteristic isotope compositions of potential Hg sources and air mass trajectories, we conclude that underground coal fires were still emitting large amounts of Hg into the atmosphere that have been transported to the adjacent urban area in the prevailing downwind direction. The other local anthropogenic Hg emissions were only evident in the urban atmosphere when the arriving air masses did not pass directly through the coalfield. Our study demonstrates that atmospheric Hg isotope measurement is a useful tool for detecting concealed underground coal fires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyu Sun
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Fei Cao
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Shifeng Dai
- College of Geoscience and Survey Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Bing Shan
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Cuicui Qi
- Anhui Academy of Eco-environmental Science Research, Hefei 230071, China
| | - Zhanjie Xu
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Pengfei Li
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Wang Zheng
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jiubin Chen
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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27
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Sonke JE, Angot H, Zhang Y, Poulain A, Björn E, Schartup A. Global change effects on biogeochemical mercury cycling. AMBIO 2023; 52:853-876. [PMID: 36988895 PMCID: PMC10073400 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-023-01855-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Past and present anthropogenic mercury (Hg) release to ecosystems causes neurotoxicity and cardiovascular disease in humans with an estimated economic cost of $117 billion USD annually. Humans are primarily exposed to Hg via the consumption of contaminated freshwater and marine fish. The UNEP Minamata Convention on Hg aims to curb Hg release to the environment and is accompanied by global Hg monitoring efforts to track its success. The biogeochemical Hg cycle is a complex cascade of release, dispersal, transformation and bio-uptake processes that link Hg sources to Hg exposure. Global change interacts with the Hg cycle by impacting the physical, biogeochemical and ecological factors that control these processes. In this review we examine how global change such as biome shifts, deforestation, permafrost thaw or ocean stratification will alter Hg cycling and exposure. Based on past declines in Hg release and environmental levels, we expect that future policy impacts should be distinguishable from global change effects at the regional and global scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen E. Sonke
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, CNRS/IRD, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse 3, 14 ave Edouard Belin, 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Hélène Angot
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, Grenoble INP, IGE, 1025 rue de la piscine, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Yanxu Zhang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023 Jiangsu China
| | - Alexandre Poulain
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N6N5 Canada
| | - Erik Björn
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Amina Schartup
- Geosciences Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
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28
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Schneider L, Fisher JA, Diéguez MC, Fostier AH, Guimaraes JRD, Leaner JJ, Mason R. A synthesis of mercury research in the Southern Hemisphere, part 1: Natural processes. AMBIO 2023; 52:897-917. [PMID: 36943620 PMCID: PMC10073387 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-023-01832-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies demonstrate a short 3-6-month atmospheric lifetime for mercury (Hg). This implies Hg emissions are predominantly deposited within the same hemisphere in which they are emitted, thus placing increasing importance on considering Hg sources, sinks and impacts from a hemispheric perspective. In the absence of comprehensive Hg data from the Southern Hemisphere (SH), estimates and inventories for the SH have been drawn from data collected in the NH, with the assumption that the NH data are broadly applicable. In this paper, we centre the uniqueness of the SH in the context of natural biogeochemical Hg cycling, with focus on the midlatitudes and tropics. Due to its uniqueness, Antarctica warrants an exclusive review of its contribution to the biogeochemical cycling of Hg and is therefore excluded from this review. We identify and describe five key natural differences between the hemispheres that affect the biogeochemical cycling of Hg: biome heterogeneity, vegetation type, ocean area, methylation hotspot zones and occurence of volcanic activities. We review the current state of knowledge of SH Hg cycling within the context of each difference, as well as the key gaps that impede our understanding of natural Hg cycling in the SH. The differences demonstrate the limitations in using NH data to infer Hg processes and emissions in the SH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Schneider
- School of Culture, History and Language. Australian National University, Coombs Bld 9 Fellows Rd, Acton. Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Jenny A. Fisher
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - María C. Diéguez
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-Universidad Nacional del Comahue), 1250 San Carlos de Bariloche (8400), Quintral Argentina
| | - Anne-Hélène Fostier
- Instituto de Química/Unicamp, Rua Josué de Castro, s/n – Cidade Universitária, Campinas, SP 13083-970 Brazil
| | - Jean R. D. Guimaraes
- Lab. de Traçadores, Inst. de Biofísica, Bloco G, CCS (Centro de Ciências da Saúde), Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Rio de Janeiro, Ilha do Fundão CEP 21941-902 Brazil
| | - Joy J. Leaner
- Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Western Cape Government, 1 Dorp Street, Western Cape, Cape Town, 8001 South Africa
| | - Robert Mason
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340 USA
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29
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Sun R, Zhao T, Fan L, Zhang Y, Wang J, Yang Y, Jiang T, Tong Y. The transformation of soil Hg oxidation states controls elemental Hg release in the greenhouse with applying organic fertilizer. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 454:131520. [PMID: 37146329 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The foliage vegetables cultivated in greenhouse of Hg-contaminated regions suffer from severe Hg contamination issues because of soil elemental Hg (Hg(0)) release. Application of organic fertilizer (OF) is the indispensable part of farming, but its influences on soil Hg(0) release are unclear. A new method of thermal desorption coupled with cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry was developed to measure transformations of Hg oxidation states to elucidate the impact mechanism of OF on Hg(0) release process. Our results showed that the soil Hg(0) concentrations can directly determine its release fluxes. The application of OF causes that oxidizing reactions of Hg(0)/Hg(I) and Hg(I)/Hg(II) are excited; then soil Hg(0) concentrations decreases. Besides, the elevated soil organic matter by amending OF can complex with Hg(II), resulting in that the reductions of Hg(II) to Hg(I) and Hg(0) are inhibited. Additionally, the OF can directly adsorb soil Hg(0), decreasing the removability of Hg(0). Subsequently, the application of OF can significantly inhibit soil Hg(0) release, resulting in a pronounced decrease in interior atmospheric Hg(0) concentrations. Our results provide a novel perspective for enriching the fate of soil Hg that transformation of soil Hg oxidation states plays a crucial role in affecting soil Hg(0) release process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongguo Sun
- School of Chemistry and Material, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Tao Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Material, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Li Fan
- School of Chemistry and Material, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Yutao Zhang
- Engineering Technology Center for Control and Remediation of Soil Contamination, Anshun University, Anshun 561000, China
| | - Jun Wang
- School of Chemistry and Material, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yang Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
| | - Yindong Tong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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30
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Tate MT, Janssen SE, Lepak RF, Flucke L, Krabbenhoft DP. National-Scale Assessment of Total Gaseous Mercury Isotopes Across the United States. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. ATMOSPHERES : JGR 2023; 128:1-15. [PMID: 37593527 PMCID: PMC10430761 DOI: 10.1029/2022jd038276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
With the 2011 promulgation of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the successful negotiation by the United Nations Environment Program of the Minamata Convention, emissions of mercury (Hg) have declined in the United States. While the declines in atmospheric Hg concentrations in North America are encouraging, linking the declines to changing domestic and global source portfolios remains challenging. To address these research gaps, the U.S. Geological Survey initiated the first national-scale effort to establish a baseline of total gaseous mercury stable isotope values at 31 sites distributed across the United States. Results indicated that unique Hg sources, such as Hg evasion from an elemental Hg contaminated site or free tropospheric intrusions in high altitude sites, were distinguishable from background atmospheric values. Minor gradients were observed across the nation, with regions of heavy industrial activity demonstrating lower δ 202 Hg , but no consistent changes in other isotopes such as Δ 199 Hg and Δ 200 Hg were observed. Furthermore, δ 202 Hg was impacted by foliar uptake and senescence but trends varied between forested regions in the northeastern and midwestern United States. These data demonstrate regional emission sources and other environmental variables can impact total gaseous Hg (TGM) isotope values, highlighting the need to characterize atmospheric Hg isotopes over larger geographical areas to evaluate changes related to national and international Hg regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Tate
- Upper Midwest Water Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sarah E Janssen
- Upper Midwest Water Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ryan F Lepak
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Laura Flucke
- Upper Midwest Water Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Madison, WI, USA
- University of Wisconsin, Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David P Krabbenhoft
- Upper Midwest Water Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Madison, WI, USA
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31
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Zhang L, Yin Y, Sun Y, Liang X, Graham DE, Pierce EM, Löffler FE, Gu B. Inhibition of Methylmercury and Methane Formation by Nitrous Oxide in Arctic Tundra Soil Microcosms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:5655-5665. [PMID: 36976621 PMCID: PMC10100821 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Climate warming causes permafrost thaw predicted to increase toxic methylmercury (MeHg) and greenhouse gas [i.e., methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrous oxide (N2O)] formation. A microcosm incubation study with Arctic tundra soil over 145 days demonstrates that N2O at 0.1 and 1 mM markedly inhibited microbial MeHg formation, methanogenesis, and sulfate reduction, while it slightly promoted CO2 production. Microbial community analyses indicate that N2O decreased the relative abundances of methanogenic archaea and microbial clades implicated in sulfate reduction and MeHg formation. Following depletion of N2O, both MeHg formation and sulfate reduction rapidly resumed, whereas CH4 production remained low, suggesting that N2O affected susceptible microbial guilds differently. MeHg formation strongly coincided with sulfate reduction, supporting prior reports linking sulfate-reducing bacteria to MeHg formation in the Arctic soil. This research highlights complex biogeochemical interactions in governing MeHg and CH4 formation and lays the foundation for future mechanistic studies for improved predictive understanding of MeHg and greenhouse gas fluxes from thawing permafrost ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijie Zhang
- Environmental
Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
- Department
of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
| | - Yongchao Yin
- Biosciences
Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
- Center
for Environmental Biotechnology, University
of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
- Department
of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Yanchen Sun
- Center
for Environmental Biotechnology, University
of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Xujun Liang
- Environmental
Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - David E. Graham
- Biosciences
Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Eric M. Pierce
- Environmental
Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Frank E. Löffler
- Biosciences
Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
- Center
for Environmental Biotechnology, University
of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
- Department
of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
- Department
of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Baohua Gu
- Environmental
Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
- Department
of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
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32
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Liu N, Cai X, Jia L, Wang X, Yuan W, Lin CJ, Wang D, Feng X. Quantifying Mercury Distribution and Source Contribution in Surface Soil of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Using Mercury Isotopes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:5903-5912. [PMID: 36976750 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Long-range transport and atmospheric deposition of gaseous mercury (Hg0) result in significant accumulation of Hg in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). However, there are significant knowledge gaps in understanding the spatial distribution and source contribution of Hg in the surface soil of the QTP and factors influencing Hg accumulation. In this study, we comprehensively investigated Hg concentrations and isotopic signatures in the QTP to address these knowledge gaps. Results show that the average Hg concentration in the surface soil ranks as follows: forest (53.9 ± 36.9 ng g-1) > meadow (30.7 ± 14.3 ng g-1) > steppe (24.5 ± 16.1 ng g-1) > shrub (21.0 ± 11.6 ng g-1). Hg isotopic mass mixing and structural equation models demonstrate that vegetation-mediated atmospheric Hg0 deposition dominates the Hg source in the surface soil, with an average contribution of 62 ± 12% in forests, followed by 51 ± 10% in shrub, 50 ± 13% in steppe, and 45 ± 11% in meadow. Additionally, geogenic sources contribute 28-37% of surface soil Hg accumulation, and atmospheric Hg2+ inputs contribute 10-18% among the four types of biomes. The Hg pool in 0-10 cm surface soil over the QTP is estimated as 8200 ± 3292 Mg. Global warming, permafrost degradation, and anthropogenic influences have likely perturbed Hg accumulation in the soil of QTP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nantao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xinyuan Cai
- 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
| | - Longyu Jia
- 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
| | - Wei Yuan
- 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, United States
| | - Dingyong Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
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33
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Xu H, Hong Q, Zhang ZY, Cai X, Fan Y, Liu Z, Huang W, Yan N, Qu Z, Zhang L. SO 2-Driven In Situ Formation of Superstable Hg 3Se 2Cl 2 for Effective Flue Gas Mercury Removal. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:5424-5432. [PMID: 36939455 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Flue gas mercury removal is mandatory for decreasing global mercury background concentration and ecosystem protection, but it severely suffers from the instability of traditional demercury products (e.g., HgCl2, HgO, HgS, and HgSe). Herein, we demonstrate a superstable Hg3Se2Cl2 compound, which offers a promising next-generation flue gas mercury removal strategy. Theoretical calculations revealed a superstable Hg bonding structure in Hg3Se2Cl2, with the highest mercury dissociation energy (4.71 eV) among all known mercury compounds. Experiments demonstrate its unprecedentedly high thermal stability (>400 °C) and strong acid resistance (5% H2SO4). The Hg3Se2Cl2 compound could be produced via the reduction of SeO32- to nascent active Se0 by the flue gas component SO2 and the subsequent combination of Se0 with Hg0 and Cl- ions or HgCl2. During a laboratory-simulated experiment, this Hg3Se2Cl2-based strategy achieves >96% removal efficiencies of both Hg0 and HgCl2 enabling nearly zero Hg0 re-emission. As expected, real mercury removal efficiency under Se-rich industrial flue gas conditions is much more efficient than Se-poor counterparts, confirming the feasibility of this Hg3Se2Cl2-based strategy for practical applications. This study sheds light on the importance of stable demercury products in flue gas mercury treatment and also provides a highly efficient and safe flue gas demercury strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haomiao Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qinyuan Hong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zhao-Yang Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Thermal Aging, Key Laboratory of Thin Film and Microfabrication (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiangling Cai
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yurui Fan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zhisong Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Chemical Engineering of Xinjiang Bingtuan, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China
| | - Wenjun Huang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Naiqiang Yan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zan Qu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lizhi Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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34
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Yuan T, Zhang P, Song Z, Huang S, Wang X, Zhang Y. Buffering effect of global vegetation on the air-land exchange of mercury: Insights from a novel terrestrial mercury model based on CESM2-CLM5. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 174:107904. [PMID: 37012193 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The vegetation uptake of atmospheric elemental mercury [Hg(0)] and its subsequent littering are critical processes of the terrestrial Hg cycles. There is a large uncertainty in the estimated global fluxes of these processes due to the knowledge gap in the underlying mechanisms and their relationship with environmental factors. Here, we develop a new global model based on the Community Land Model Version 5 (CLM5-Hg) as an independent component of the Community Earth System Model 2 (CESM2). We explore the global pattern of gaseous elemental Hg [Hg(0)] uptake by vegetation and the spatial distribution of litter Hg concentration constrained by observed datasets as well as its driving mechanism. The annual vegetation uptake of Hg(0) is estimated as 3132 Mg yr-1, which is considerably higher than previous global models. The scheme of dynamic plant growth including stomatal activities substantially improves the estimation for global terrestrial distribution of Hg, compared to the leaf area index (LAI) based scheme that is often used by previous models. We find the global distribution of litter Hg concentrations driven by vegetation uptake of atmospheric Hg(0), which are simulated to be higher in East Asia (87 ng/g) than in the Amazon region (63 ng/g). Meanwhile, as a significant source for litter Hg, the formation of structural litter (cellulose litter + lignin litter) results in a lagging effect between Hg(0) deposition and litter Hg concentration, implying the buffering effect of vegetation on the air-land exchange of Hg. This work highlights the importance of vegetation physiology and environmental factors in understanding the vegetation sequestration of atmospheric Hg globally, and calls for greater efforts to protect forests and afforestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Yuan
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Zhengcheng Song
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Shaojian Huang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Xun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Yanxu Zhang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China; Frontiers Science Center for Critical Earth Material Cycling, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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35
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Lozano-Bilbao E, Lozano G, Jurado-Ruzafa A, Hardisson A, Rubio C, Paz S, Martín V, Gutiérrez ÁJ. Interdecadal variations of the mercury content in Scomber colias in Canary Islands. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:8347-8353. [PMID: 36418833 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24378-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a very dangerous toxic metal that bioaccumulates very easily in organisms, and it migrates through the food web. The specimens studied in this study were Scomber colias. In the results obtained for the years 1973, 1992, and 2021, the concentration of mercury has been decreasing considerably over the decades, starting with 0.23 ± 0.04 mg/kg in 1973, and having less than half in 2021 with 0.11 ± 0.01 mg/kg. This may be due to the laws imposed by the countries against pollution and to a greater extent in the elimination of mercury; thanks to these measures it has been possible to reduce the concentration of mercury by half in S. colias. Otherwise, the conservation and availability of historical collections of living beings should be considered an unvalued source of information which could help to monitor legislation measures launched to ameliorate the human impact on the natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Lozano-Bilbao
- Departamento de Biología Animal Y Edafología Y Geología, Unidad Departamental de Ciencias Marinas, Universidad de La Laguna, 38206, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Laguna, Spain.
| | - Gonzalo Lozano
- Departamento de Biología Animal Y Edafología Y Geología, Unidad Departamental de Ciencias Marinas, Universidad de La Laguna, 38206, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Laguna, Spain
| | - Alba Jurado-Ruzafa
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía. Centro Oceanográfico de Canarias, Dársena Pesquera S/N, 38180, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Arturo Hardisson
- Departamento de Obstetricia Y Ginecología, PediatríaMedicina Preventiva Y Salud PúblicaToxicologíaMedicina Legal Y Forense Y Parasitología. Área de Toxicología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Laguna, Spain
| | - Carmen Rubio
- Departamento de Obstetricia Y Ginecología, PediatríaMedicina Preventiva Y Salud PúblicaToxicologíaMedicina Legal Y Forense Y Parasitología. Área de Toxicología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Laguna, Spain
| | - Soraya Paz
- Departamento de Obstetricia Y Ginecología, PediatríaMedicina Preventiva Y Salud PúblicaToxicologíaMedicina Legal Y Forense Y Parasitología. Área de Toxicología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Laguna, Spain
| | - Verónica Martín
- Canary Health Service, 35004, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Ángel J Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Obstetricia Y Ginecología, PediatríaMedicina Preventiva Y Salud PúblicaToxicologíaMedicina Legal Y Forense Y Parasitología. Área de Toxicología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Laguna, Spain
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36
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Peraza I, Chételat J, Richardson M, Jung TS, Awan M, Baryluk S, Dastoor A, Harrower W, Kukka PM, McClelland C, Mowat G, Pelletier N, Rodford C, Ryjkov A. Diet and landscape characteristics drive spatial patterns of mercury accumulation in a high-latitude terrestrial carnivore. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285826. [PMID: 37186585 PMCID: PMC10184919 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Limited information exists on mercury concentrations and environmental drivers of mercury bioaccumulation in high latitude terrestrial carnivores. Spatial patterns of mercury concentrations in wolverine (Gulo gulo, n = 419) were assessed across a 1,600,000 km2 study area in relation to landscape, climate, diet and biological factors in Arctic and boreal biomes of western Canada. Hydrogen stable isotope ratios were measured in wolverine hair from a subset of 80 animals to assess the spatial scale for characterizing environmental conditions of their habitat. Habitat characteristics were determined using GIS methods and raster datasets at two scales, the collection location point and a 150 km radius buffer, which was selected based on results of a correlation analysis between hydrogen stable isotopes in precipitation and wolverine hair. Total mercury concentrations in wolverine muscle ranged >2 orders of magnitude from 0.01 to 5.72 μg/g dry weight and varied geographically, with the highest concentrations in the Northwest Territories followed by Nunavut and Yukon. Regression models at both spatial scales indicated diet (based on nitrogen stable isotope ratios) was the strongest explanatory variable of mercury concentrations in wolverine, with smaller though statistically significant contributions from landscape variables (soil organic carbon, percent cover of wet area, percent cover of perennial snow-ice) and distance to the Arctic Ocean coast. The carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios of wolverine muscle suggested greater mercury bioaccumulation could be associated with feeding on marine biota in coastal habitats. Landscape variables identified in the modelling may reflect habitat conditions which support enhanced methylmercury transfer to terrestrial biota. Spatially-explicit estimates of wet atmospheric deposition were positively correlated with wolverine mercury concentrations but this variable was not selected in the final regression models. These landscape patterns provide a basis for further research on underlying processes enhancing methylmercury uptake in high latitude terrestrial food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Peraza
- Geography and Environmental Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Chételat
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Murray Richardson
- Geography and Environmental Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas S Jung
- Department of Environment, Government of Yukon, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Malik Awan
- Department of Environment, Government of Nunavut, Igloolik, Nunavut, Canada
| | - Steve Baryluk
- Environment and Natural Resources, Government of the Northwest Territories, Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada
| | - Ashu Dastoor
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Air Quality Research Division, Dorval, Quebec, Canada
| | - William Harrower
- Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Piia M Kukka
- Department of Environment, Government of Yukon, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
| | - Christine McClelland
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Garth Mowat
- Ministry of Forests, British Columbia Government, Nelson, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicolas Pelletier
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christine Rodford
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrei Ryjkov
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Air Quality Research Division, Dorval, Quebec, Canada
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Wei Y, He J, Xue Y, Nie Y, Liu X, Wu L. Spatial distribution of multi-elements in moss revealing heavy metal precipitation in London Island, Svalbard, Arctic. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 315:120398. [PMID: 36228845 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120398] [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: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The Arctic is a sink for major pollutants in the Northern Hemisphere, and is an ideal place to investigate the migration of concerned metals on the local environment. In this study, 13 elements including Li, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb were determined in mosses (Dicranum angustum) from London Island in Ny-Ålesund. The results showed that the concentrations of different elements varied greatly at different altitudes, while their distributions in low (0-200 m) and high (200-300 m) altitudes based on cluster analysis were significantly different. Among them, Li, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, and As showed significant positive correlations with elevation. This result may be due to the influence of key environmental factors such as elements transported by the airborne dust carried by winds, and surface runoff from snow meltwater. Multiple receptor models (PCA, PMF, and UNMIX) were employed to discuss the sources of metals in mosses from London Island. Elements that showed positive correlation with altitude were attributed to natural sources, and Zn, Cd, Hg, and Pb, which lacked apparent correlation with elevation, were interpreted as from anthropogenic sources by the models. Among them, Zn, Cd, and Hg were from long-range deposition, while Pb was from mixed industrial sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Wei
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Jianuo He
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Yulu Xue
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environments, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Yaguang Nie
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China.
| | - Xiaodong Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environments, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Lijun Wu
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
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Jonsson S, Mastromonaco MN, Wang F, Bravo AG, Cairns WRL, Chételat J, Douglas TA, Lescord G, Ukonmaanaho L, Heimbürger-Boavida LE. Arctic methylmercury cycling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 850:157445. [PMID: 35882324 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic mercury (Hg) undergoes long-range transport to the Arctic where some of it is transformed into methylmercury (MeHg), potentially leading to high exposure in some Arctic inhabitants and wildlife. The environmental exposure of Hg is determined not just by the amount of Hg entering the Arctic, but also by biogeochemical and ecological processes occurring in the Arctic. These processes affect MeHg uptake in biota by regulating the bioavailability, methylation and demethylation, bioaccumulation and biomagnification of MeHg in Arctic ecosystems. Here, we present a new budget for pools and fluxes of MeHg in the Arctic and review the scientific advances made in the last decade on processes leading to environmental exposure to Hg. Methylation and demethylation are key processes controlling the pool of MeHg available for bioaccumulation. Methylation of Hg occurs in diverse Arctic environments including permafrost, sediments and the ocean water column, and is primarily a process carried out by microorganisms. While microorganisms carrying the hgcAB gene pair (responsible for Hg methylation) have been identified in Arctic soils and thawing permafrost, the formation pathway of MeHg in oxic marine waters remains less clear. Hotspots for methylation of Hg in terrestrial environments include thermokarst wetlands, ponds and lakes. The shallow sub-surface enrichment of MeHg in the Arctic Ocean, in comparison to other marine systems, is a possible explanation for high MeHg concentrations in some Arctic biota. Bioconcentration of aqueous MeHg in bacteria and algae is a critical step in the transfer of Hg to top predators, which may be dampened or enhanced by the presence of organic matter. Variable trophic position has an important influence on MeHg concentrations among populations of top predator species such as ringed seal and polar bears distributed across the circumpolar Arctic. These scientific advances highlight key processes that affect the fate of anthropogenic Hg deposited to Arctic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofi Jonsson
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | - Feiyue Wang
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, and Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Andrea G Bravo
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Warren R L Cairns
- CNR Institute of Polar Sciences and Ca' Foscari University, Venice, Italy
| | - John Chételat
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Thomas A Douglas
- U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Fort Wainwright, AK, USA
| | - Gretchen Lescord
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada and Laurentian University, Vale Living with Lakes Center, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | - Liisa Ukonmaanaho
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), P.O. Box 2, FI-00791 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lars-Eric Heimbürger-Boavida
- CNRS/INSU,Aix Marseille Université,Université de Toulon, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), Marseille, France
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Aggarwal R, Kumar S, Virender, Kumar A, Mohan B, Sharma D, Kumar V. Development of heterocyclic 2,7-diamino-3-phenylazo-6-phenylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine as antimicrobial agent and selective probe for UV–visible and colorimetric detection of Hg2+ ions. Microchem J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2022.107991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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40
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Integrative Metallomics Studies of Toxic Metal(loid) Substances at the Blood Plasma–Red Blood Cell–Organ/Tumor Nexus. INORGANICS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/inorganics10110200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, an estimated 9 million deaths per year are caused by human exposure to environmental pollutants, including toxic metal(loid) species. Since pollution is underestimated in calculations of the global burden of disease, the actual number of pollution-related deaths per year is likely to be substantially greater. Conversely, anticancer metallodrugs are deliberately administered to cancer patients, but their often dose-limiting severe adverse side-effects necessitate the urgent development of more effective metallodrugs that offer fewer off-target effects. What these seemingly unrelated events have in common is our limited understanding of what happens when each of these toxic metal(loid) substances enter the human bloodstream. However, the bioinorganic chemistry that unfolds at the plasma/red blood cell interface is directly implicated in mediating organ/tumor damage and, therefore, is of immediate toxicological and pharmacological relevance. This perspective will provide a brief synopsis of the bioinorganic chemistry of AsIII, Cd2+, Hg2+, CH3Hg+ and the anticancer metallodrug cisplatin in the bloodstream. Probing these processes at near-physiological conditions and integrating the results with biochemical events within organs and/or tumors has the potential to causally link chronic human exposure to toxic metal(loid) species with disease etiology and to translate more novel anticancer metal complexes to clinical studies, which will significantly improve human health in the 21st century.
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Xia J, Wang J, Zhang L, Wang X, Yuan W, Peng T, Zheng L, Tian W, Feng X. Migration and transformation of soil mercury in a karst region of southwest China: Implications for groundwater contamination. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 226:119271. [PMID: 36283232 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119271] [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: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Guizhou Province is located in the heart of a karst zone in southwest China, which is one of the largest karst areas in the world. Given the fragile surface ecosystem and highly developed underground karst structure, the migration and transformation of soil Hg may impact groundwater quality in karst environments with high Hg background concentrations. This study examines the vertical migration and transformation of soil mercury (Hg) in two karst catchments, Huilong and Chenqi, with the former containing high Hg contents associated with mineralization and the latter representing regional background Hg. The results show that the soil Hg pool in the Huilong catchment was as high as 44.4 ± 4.2 g m-2, whereas in the Chenqi catchment was only 0.17±0.02 g m-2. Compared with farmland soil, forest soil showed a significant loss of Hg. The results of L3 X-ray absorption near edge structure of Hg indicated that α-HgS, the primary mineral of Hg ore, gradually changed to other mineral types during soil formation. In Huilong catchment, the proportion of organic bound Hg(SR)2 out of total Hg decreased from 44.0% to 20.3% when soil depth increased from 10 cm to 160 cm in farmland soil profile and from 39.3% to 34.5% in forest soil profile, while the proportion of ionic Hg increased with soil depth, from 4.2% to 10.7% in the farmland soil profile and from 6.7% to 11.6% in the forestland soil profile. Results from the triple-mixing isotope model show that soil Hg accounts for more than 80% Hg in groundwater in the two catchments. Results from this study indicate potential risks of soil Hg entering into groundwater in this karst area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jicheng Xia
- 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
| | - Jianxu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Leiming Zhang
- Air Quality Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto, ON M3H 5T4, Canada
| | - Xun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Tao Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; Puding Karst Ecosystem Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Puding 562100, China
| | - Lirong Zheng
- Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Weijun Tian
- 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
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
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Mercury isotopic evidence for the importance of particles as a source of mercury to marine organisms. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2208183119. [PMID: 36279440 PMCID: PMC9636975 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2208183119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The origin of methylmercury in pelagic fish remains unclear, with many unanswered questions regarding the production and degradation of this neurotoxin in the water column. We used mercury (Hg) stable isotope ratios of marine particles and biota to elucidate the cycling of methylmercury prior to incorporation into the marine food web. The Hg isotopic composition of particles, zooplankton, and fish reveals preferential methylation of Hg within small (< 53 µm) marine particles in the upper 400 m of the North Pacific Ocean. Mass-dependent Hg isotope ratios (δ
202
Hg) recorded in small particles overlap with previously estimated δ
202
Hg values for methylmercury sources to Pacific and Atlantic Ocean food webs. Particulate compound specific isotope analysis of amino acids (CSIA-AA) yield δ
15
N values that indicate more-significant microbial decomposition in small particles compared to larger particles. CSIA-AA and Hg isotope data also suggest that large particles (> 53 µm) collected in the equatorial ocean are distinct from small particles and resemble fecal pellets. Additional evidence for Hg methylation within small particles is provided by a statistical mixing model of even mass–independent (Δ
200
Hg and Δ
204
Hg) isotope values, which demonstrates that Hg within near-surface marine organisms (0–150 m) originates from a combination of rainfall and marine particles. In contrast, in meso- and upper bathypelagic organisms (200–1,400 m), the majority of Hg originates from marine particles with little input from wet deposition. The occurrence of methylation within marine particles is supported further by a correlation between Δ
200
Hg and Δ
199
Hg values, demonstrating greater overlap in the Hg isotopic composition of marine organisms with marine particles than with total gaseous Hg or wet deposition.
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Dietz R, Wilson S, Loseto LL, Dommergue A, Xie Z, Sonne C, Chételat J. Special issue on the AMAP 2021 assessment of mercury in the Arctic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 843:157020. [PMID: 35764153 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This Editorial presents an overview of the Special Issue on advances in Arctic mercury (Hg) science synthesized from the 2021 assessment of the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP). Mercury continues to travel to Arctic environments and threaten wildlife and human health in this circumpolar region. Over the last decade, progress has been achieved in addressing policy-relevant uncertainties in environmental Hg contamination. This includes temporal trends of Hg, its transport to and within the Arctic, methylmercury cycling, climate change influences, biological effects of Hg on fish and wildlife, human exposure to Hg, and forecasting of Arctic responses to different future scenarios of anthropogenic Hg emissions. In addition, important contributions of Indigenous Peoples to Arctic research and monitoring of Hg are highlighted, including through projects of knowledge co-production. Finally, policy-relevant recommendations are summarized for future study of Arctic mercury. This series of scientific articles presents comprehensive information relevant to supporting effectiveness evaluation of the United Nations Minamata Convention on Mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Dietz
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Simon Wilson
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) Secretariat, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Lisa L Loseto
- Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N6, Canada; Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Aurélien Dommergue
- Institut des Géosciences de l'Environnement, Univ Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IRD, Grenoble INP, France
| | - Zhouqing Xie
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Christian Sonne
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - John Chételat
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada
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44
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Yuan W, Wang X, Lin CJ, Wu F, Luo K, Zhang H, Lu Z, Feng X. Mercury Uptake, Accumulation, and Translocation in Roots of Subtropical Forest: Implications of Global Mercury Budget. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:14154-14165. [PMID: 36150175 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plant roots are responsible for transporting large quantities of nutrients in forest ecosystems and yet are frequently overlooked in global assessments of Hg cycling budgets. In this study, we systematically determined the distribution of total Hg mass and its stable isotopic signatures in a subtropical evergreen forest to elucidate sources of Hg in plant root tissues and the associated translocation mechanisms. Hg stored in roots and its isotopic signatures show significant correlations to those found in surrounding soil at various soil depths. The odd mass-independent fractionation (MIF) of root Hg at a shallow soil depth displays a -0.10‰ to -0.50‰ negative transition compared to the values in aboveground woody biomass. The evidence suggests that root Hg is predominantly derived from surrounding soil, rather than translocation of atmospheric uptake via aboveground tissues. The cortex has a more negative mass-dependent fractionation (MDF) of -0.10‰ to -1.20‰ compared to the soil samples, indicating a preferential uptake of lighter isotopes by roots. The similar MDF and odd-MIF signals found in root components imply limited Hg transport in roots. This work highlights that Hg stored in plant roots is not a significant sink of atmospheric Hg. The heterogeneous distribution of Hg mass in roots of various sizes represents a significant uncertainty of current estimates of Hg pool size in forest ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yuan
- 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
| | - Che-Jen Lin
- Center for Advances in Water and Air Quality, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas 77710, United States
| | - Fei 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
| | - Kang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Zhiyun Lu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla 666303, 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
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McLagan DS, Schwab L, Wiederhold JG, Chen L, Pietrucha J, Kraemer SM, Biester H. Demystifying mercury geochemistry in contaminated soil-groundwater systems with complementary mercury stable isotope, concentration, and speciation analyses. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:1406-1429. [PMID: 34981096 PMCID: PMC9491299 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00368b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Interpretation of mercury (Hg) geochemistry in environmental systems remains a challenge. This is largely associated with the inability to identify specific Hg transformation processes and species using established analytical methods in Hg geochemistry (total Hg and Hg speciation). In this study, we demonstrate the improved Hg geochemical interpretation, particularly related to process tracing, that can be achieved when Hg stable isotope analyses are complemented by a suite of more established methods and applied to both solid- (soil) and liquid-phases (groundwater) across two Hg2+-chloride (HgCl2) contaminated sites with distinct geological and physicochemical properties. This novel approach allowed us to identify processes such as Hg2+ (i.e., HgCl2) sorption to the solid-phase, Hg2+ speciation changes associated with changes in groundwater level and redox conditions (particularly in the upper aquifer and capillary fringe), Hg2+ reduction to Hg0, and dark abiotic redox equilibration between Hg0 and Hg(II). Hg stable isotope analyses play a critical role in our ability to distinguish, or trace, these in situ processes. While we caution against the non-critical use of Hg isotope data for source tracing in environmental systems, due to potentially variable source signatures and overprinting by transformation processes, our study demonstrates the benefits of combining multiple analytical approaches, including Hg isotope ratios as a process tracer, to obtain an improved picture of the enigmatic geochemical behavior and fate of Hg at contaminated legacy sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S McLagan
- Institute for Geoecology, Technical University of Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany.
- Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - L Schwab
- Department of Environmental Geosciences, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - J G Wiederhold
- Department of Environmental Geosciences, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - L Chen
- Institute for Geoecology, Technical University of Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - J Pietrucha
- Institute for Geoecology, Technical University of Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - S M Kraemer
- Department of Environmental Geosciences, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - H Biester
- Institute for Geoecology, Technical University of Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany.
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Dastoor A, Wilson SJ, Travnikov O, Ryjkov A, Angot H, Christensen JH, Steenhuisen F, Muntean M. Arctic atmospheric mercury: Sources and changes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 839:156213. [PMID: 35623517 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Global anthropogenic and legacy mercury (Hg) emissions are the main sources of Arctic Hg contamination, primarily transported there via the atmosphere. This review summarizes the state of knowledge of the global anthropogenic sources of Hg emissions, and examines recent changes and source attribution of Hg transport and deposition to the Arctic using models. Estimated global anthropogenic Hg emissions to the atmosphere for 2015 were ~2220 Mg, ~20% higher than 2010. Global anthropogenic, legacy and geogenic Hg emissions were, respectively, responsible for 32%, 64% (wildfires: 6-10%) and 4% of the annual Arctic Hg deposition. Relative contributions to Arctic deposition of anthropogenic origin was dominated by sources in East Asia (32%), Commonwealth of Independent States (12%), and Africa (12%). Model results exhibit significant spatiotemporal variations in Arctic anthropogenic Hg deposition fluxes, driven by regional differences in Hg air transport routes, surface and precipitation uptake rates, and inter-seasonal differences in atmospheric circulation and deposition pathways. Model simulations reveal that changes in meteorology are having a profound impact on contemporary atmospheric Hg in the Arctic. Reversal of North Atlantic Oscillation phase from strongly negative in 2010 to positive in 2015, associated with lower temperature and more sea ice in the Canadian Arctic, Greenland and surrounding ocean, resulted in enhanced production of bromine species and Hg(0) oxidation and lower evasion of Hg(0) from ocean waters in 2015. This led to increased Hg(II) (and its deposition) and reduced Hg(0) air concentrations in these regions in line with High Arctic observations. However, combined changes in meteorology and anthropogenic emissions led to overall elevated modeled Arctic air Hg(0) levels in 2015 compared to 2010 contrary to observed declines at most monitoring sites, likely due to uncertainties in anthropogenic emission speciation, wildfire emissions and model representations of air-surface Hg fluxes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashu Dastoor
- Air Quality Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2121 Trans-Canada Highway, Dorval, Québec H9P 1J3, Canada.
| | - Simon J Wilson
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP). The Fram Centre, Box 6606 Stakkevollan, 9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Oleg Travnikov
- Meteorological Synthesizing Centre-East, EMEP, 2nd Roshchinsky proezd, 8/5, 115419 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrei Ryjkov
- Air Quality Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2121 Trans-Canada Highway, Dorval, Québec H9P 1J3, Canada
| | - Hélène Angot
- Extreme Environments Research Laboratory, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Valais Wallis, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Jesper H Christensen
- Department of Environmental Science, iClimate, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Frits Steenhuisen
- Arctic Centre, University of Groningen, Aweg 30, 9718CW Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marilena Muntean
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Via E. Fermi 2749 (T.P. 123), I-21027 Ispra, VA, Italy
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47
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Beet CR, Hogg ID, Cary SC, McDonald IR, Sinclair BJ. The Resilience of Polar Collembola (Springtails) in a Changing Climate. CURRENT RESEARCH IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 2:100046. [PMID: 36683955 PMCID: PMC9846479 DOI: 10.1016/j.cris.2022.100046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Assessing the resilience of polar biota to climate change is essential for predicting the effects of changing environmental conditions for ecosystems. Collembola are abundant in terrestrial polar ecosystems and are integral to food-webs and soil nutrient cycling. Using available literature, we consider resistance (genetic diversity; behavioural avoidance and physiological tolerances; biotic interactions) and recovery potential for polar Collembola. Polar Collembola have high levels of genetic diversity, considerable capacity for behavioural avoidance, wide thermal tolerance ranges, physiological plasticity, generalist-opportunistic feeding habits and broad ecological niches. The biggest threats to the ongoing resistance of polar Collembola are increasing levels of dispersal (gene flow), increased mean and extreme temperatures, drought, changing biotic interactions, and the arrival and spread of invasive species. If resistance capacities are insufficient, numerous studies have highlighted that while some species can recover from disturbances quickly, complete community-level recovery is exceedingly slow. Species dwelling deeper in the soil profile may be less able to resist climate change and may not recover in ecologically realistic timescales given the current rate of climate change. Ultimately, diverse communities are more likely to have species or populations that are able to resist or recover from disturbances. While much of the Arctic has comparatively high levels of diversity and phenotypic plasticity; areas of Antarctica have extremely low levels of diversity and are potentially much more vulnerable to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare R. Beet
- Te Aka Mātuatua - School of Science, Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato - University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
- International Centre for Terrestrial Antarctic Research, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Ian D. Hogg
- Te Aka Mātuatua - School of Science, Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato - University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
- Canadian High Arctic Research Station, Polar Knowledge Canada, Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Canada
| | - S. Craig Cary
- Te Aka Mātuatua - School of Science, Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato - University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
- International Centre for Terrestrial Antarctic Research, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Ian R. McDonald
- Te Aka Mātuatua - School of Science, Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato - University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
- International Centre for Terrestrial Antarctic Research, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Brent J. Sinclair
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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48
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Yuan S, Chen J, Hintelmann H, Cai H, Yuan W, He S, Zhang K, Zhang Y, Liu Y. Event-Based Atmospheric Precipitation Uncovers Significant Even and Odd Hg Isotope Anomalies Associated with the Circumpolar Vortex. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:12713-12722. [PMID: 35978561 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c02613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The determination of the mass-independent fractionation of even Hg isotopes (even-MIF, Δ200Hg) in atmospheric samples adds another intriguing feature to the Hg isotope system. Despite our lack of sufficient experimental verification and the momentary absence of a valid mechanism to explain its occurrence, even-MIF could be instrumental in understanding the cycle and deposition of atmospheric Hg. In contrast to slightly positive Δ200Hg values (<0.30‰) frequently observed in most atmospheric samples, large Δ200Hg values (up to 1.24‰) determined in precipitation from Peterborough (Ontario, Canada) stand out and could provide valuable information for the origin of the even-MIF mystery. We now report a systematic analysis of high-resolution rainfall and snowfall samples collected in winter during cold weather at Peterborough, Canada. Dissolved and particulate Hg both displayed large variations of odd-MIF (from -0.93‰ to 2.02‰ for Δ199Hg), which may result from long-range transportation, as the negative odd-MIF in particulate Hg is likely a result of long-distance transport of arctic atmospheric Hg(II). Dissolved Hg revealed significant even-MIF values (from 0.25‰ to 1.19‰ for Δ200Hg) and a negative relationship between Δ200Hg and Δ204Hg, which provide further evidence for the previously proposed conceptual model of Δ200Hg. Disconnected odd-MIF and even-MIF trends were detected in sequentially collected precipitation samples, which further suggests different sources or mechanisms for Δ199Hg and Δ200Hg. Particularly, the high Δ200Hg values highlight the transport of stratospheric Hg through a polar vortex to the sampling region, stimulating further systematic investigation. The new Δ200Hg data for particulate Hg add to existing information on atmospheric Hg(II) worldwide, suggesting a global distribution of Hg characterized by even-MIF in the atmosphere, and further constrain the model of atmospheric Hg deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengliu Yuan
- Chemistry Department, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8, Canada
| | - Jiubin Chen
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Holger Hintelmann
- Chemistry Department, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8, Canada
| | - Hongming Cai
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng He
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, Guizhou 550002, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, Guizhou 550002, People's Republic of China
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49
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MacSween K, Stupple G, Aas W, Kyllönen K, Pfaffhuber KA, Skov H, Steffen A, Berg T, Mastromonaco MN. Updated trends for atmospheric mercury in the Arctic: 1995-2018. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 837:155802. [PMID: 35550896 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The Arctic region forms a unique environment with specific physical, chemical, and biological processes affecting mercury (Hg) cycles and limited anthropogenic Hg sources. However, historic global emissions and long range atmospheric transport has led to elevated Hg in Arctic wildlife and waterways. Continuous atmospheric Hg measurements, spanning 20 years, and increased monitoring sites has allowed a more comprehensive understanding of how Arctic atmospheric mercury is changing over time. Time-series trend analysis of TGM (Total Gaseous Mercury) in air was performed from 10 circumpolar air monitoring stations, comprising of high-Arctic, and sub-Arctic sites. GOM (gaseous oxidised mercury) and PHg (particulate bound mercury) measurements were also available at 2 high-Arctic sites. Seasonal mean TGM for sub-Arctic sites were lowest during fall ranging from 1.1 ng m-3 Hyytiälä to 1.3 ng m-3, Little Fox Lake. Mean TGM concentrations at high-Arctic sites showed the greatest variability, with highest daily means in spring ranging between 4.2 ng m-3 at Amderma and 2.4 ng m-3 at Zeppelin, largely driven by local chemistry. Annual TGM trend analysis was negative for 8 of the 10 sites. High-Arctic seasonal TGM trends saw smallest decline during summer. Fall trends ranged from -0.8% to -2.6% yr-1. Across the sub-Arctic sites spring showed the largest significant decreases, ranging between -7.7% to -0.36% yr-1, while fall generally had no significant trends. High-Arctic speciation of GOM and PHg at Alert and Zeppelin showed that the timing and composition of atmospheric mercury deposition events are shifting. Alert GOM trends are increasing throughout the year, while PHg trends decreased or not significant. Zeppelin saw the opposite, moving towards increasing PHg and decreasing GOM. Atmospheric mercury trends over the last 20 years indicate that Hg concentrations are decreasing across the Arctic, though not uniformly. This is potentially driven by environmental change, such as plant productivity and sea ice dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina MacSween
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Air Quality Research Division, Science and Technology Branch Environment and Climate Change Canada, Government of Canada, Canada.
| | - Geoff Stupple
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Air Quality Research Division, Science and Technology Branch Environment and Climate Change Canada, Government of Canada, Canada
| | - Wenche Aas
- NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Instituttveien 18, 2027 Kjeller, Norway
| | - Katriina Kyllönen
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Air Quality, Erik Palménin aukio 1, FI-00560 Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Henrik Skov
- Department of Environmental Science, iClimate, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Alexandra Steffen
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Air Quality Research Division, Science and Technology Branch Environment and Climate Change Canada, Government of Canada, Canada
| | - Torunn Berg
- Norwegian University for Technology and Science, Department of Chemistry, Høgskoleringen 5, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
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50
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Gao Z, Zheng W, Li Y, Liu Y, Wu M, Li S, Li P, Liu G, Fu X, Wang S, Wang F, Cai Y, Feng X, Gu B, Zhong H, Yin Y. Mercury transformation processes in nature: Critical knowledge gaps and perspectives for moving forward. J Environ Sci (China) 2022; 119:152-165. [PMID: 35934460 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The transformation of mercury (Hg) in the environment plays a vital role in the cycling of Hg and its risk to the ecosystem and human health. Of particular importance are Hg oxidation/reduction and methylation/demethylation processes driven or mediated by the dynamics of light, microorganisms, and organic carbon, among others. Advances in understanding those Hg transformation processes determine our capacity of projecting and mitigating Hg risk. Here, we provide a critical analysis of major knowledge gaps in our understanding of Hg transformation in nature, with perspectives on approaches moving forward. Our analysis focuses on Hg transformation processes in the environment, as well as emerging methodology in exploring these processes. Future avenues for improving the understanding of Hg transformation processes to protect ecosystem and human health are also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Gao
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, and Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Wang Zheng
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Yanbin Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Yurong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Mengjie Wu
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shouying Li
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Guangliang Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Xuewu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Shuxiao Wang
- School of Environment and State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Feiyue Wang
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, and Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Yong Cai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Baohua Gu
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, USA
| | - Huan Zhong
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China; Environmental and Life Sciences Program (EnLS), Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2, Canada.
| | - Yongguang Yin
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
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