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Majumdar A, Upadhyay MK, Ojha M, Biswas R, Dey S, Sarkar S, Moulick D, Niazi NK, Rinklebe J, Huang JH, Roychowdhury T. A critical review on the organo-metal(loid)s pollution in the environment: Distribution, remediation and risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175531. [PMID: 39147056 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Toxic metal(loid)s, e.g., mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium are known for several environmental disturbances creating toxicity to humans if accumulated in high quantities. Although not discussed critically, the organo-forms of these inorganic metal(loid)s are considered a greater risk to humans than their elemental forms possibly due to physico-chemical modulation triggering redox alterations or by the involvement of biological metabolism. This extensive review describes the chemical and physical causes of organometals and organometal(loid)s distribution in the environment with ecotoxicity assessment and potential remediation strategies. Organo forms of various metal(loid)s, such as mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), and cadmium (Cd) have been discussed in the context of their ecotoxicity. In addition, we elaborated on the transformation, speciation and transformation pathways of these toxic metal(loid)s in soil-water-plant-microbial systems. The present review has pointed out the status of toxic organometal(loid)s, which is required to make the scientific community aware of this pressing condition of organometal(loid)s distribution in the environment. The gradual disposal and piling of organometal(loid)s in the environment demand a thorough revision of the past-present status with possible remediation strategies prescribed as reflected in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnab Majumdar
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom; School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India.
| | - Munish Kumar Upadhyay
- Centre for Environmental Science & Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur 208016, India
| | - Megha Ojha
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, Pashan, Maharashtra 411008, India
| | - Rakesh Biswas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ulsan, 93 Daehak-ro, Nam-gu, Ulsan, South Korea
| | - Saikat Dey
- Division of Agronomy, School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Narendrapur, Kolkata 700103, India
| | - Sukamal Sarkar
- Division of Agronomy, School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Narendrapur, Kolkata 700103, India
| | - Debojyoti Moulick
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal 741235, India
| | - Nabeel Khan Niazi
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Jen-How Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Tarit Roychowdhury
- School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India
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Che S, Fan Y, Hu X, Yin L, Fu H, She Y. A highly sensitive fluorescent probe based on functionalised ionic liquids for timely detection of trace Hg 2+ and CH 3Hg + in food. Food Chem 2024; 463:141343. [PMID: 39340912 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.141343] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
A novel fluorescent probe was fabricated using fluorescein-based ionic liquids (ILs) to effectively achieve rapid and accurate detection of Hg2+ and CH3Hg+ in food. A probe developed by addition of modified fluorescein into the functionalised ILs presented a promising sensitivity toward Hg2+ and CH3Hg+ at concentrations of 0.4 and 60 nM, respectively. In addition, the novel probe could achieve visual and timely detection of Hg2+ and CH3Hg+ by the naked eyes at concentrations of 0.1 and 1 μM, respectively. The probe could also overcome the interference of potential ions and common organic ligands and detect Hg2+ and CH3Hg+ in real food samples, such as green tea and liquor. The probe could be converted into a paper-based sensor to visually detect Hg2+ and CH3Hg+ at levels as low as 10 nM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siying Che
- College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Fan
- College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Hu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Linlin Yin
- College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Fu
- College of Pharmacy, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Yuanbin She
- College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, People's Republic of China.
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Lim SH, Kim Y, Motta LC, Yang EJ, Rhee TS, Hong JK, Han S, Kwon SY. Near surface oxidation of elemental mercury leads to mercury exposure in the Arctic Ocean biota. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7598. [PMID: 39217169 PMCID: PMC11365953 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51852-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Atmospheric mercury (Hg(0), Hg(II)) and riverine exported Hg (Hg(II)) are proposed as important Hg sources to the Arctic Ocean. As plankton cannot passively uptake Hg(0), gaseous Hg(0) has to be oxidized to be bioavailable. Here, we measured Hg isotope ratios in zooplankton, Arctic cod, total gaseous Hg, sediment, seawater, and snowpack from the Bering Strait, the Chukchi Sea, and the Beaufort Sea. The Δ200Hg, used to differentiate between Hg(0) and Hg(II), shows, on average, 70% of Hg(0) in all biota and differs with seawater Δ200Hg (Hg(II)). Since Δ200Hg anomalies occur via tropospheric Hg(0) oxidation, we propose that near-surface Hg(0) oxidation via terrestrial vegetation, coastally evaded halogens, and sea salt aerosols, which preserve Δ200Hg of Hg(0) upon oxidation, supply bioavailable Hg(II) pools in seawater. Our study highlights sources and pathways in which Hg(0) poses potential ecological risks to the Arctic Ocean biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Hyeon Lim
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Younggwang Kim
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Laura C Motta
- Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
| | - Eun Jin Yang
- Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon, 21990, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Siek Rhee
- Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon, 21990, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Kuk Hong
- Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon, 21990, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghee Han
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae Yun Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea.
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Xu B, Yin RS, Chiaradia M, Miao Z, Griffin WL, Hou ZQ, Yang ZM, O’Reilly SY. Mercury isotope evidence for the importance of recycled fluids in collisional ore systems. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadp7383. [PMID: 39167640 PMCID: PMC11338221 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adp7383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
The sources of fluids and metals in porphyry systems of continental-collision settings are poorly constrained. Mercury isotopes display unique mass-independent fractionation (expressed as Δ199Hg) and may provide important constraints on metal and volatile sources given that Hg is a highly volatile metal. Here, we report Hg isotope data on ore-forming porphyries, barren magmatic rocks, and mantle-derived mafic magmas from southern Tibet. The fertile porphyries and coeval mafic magmas display mainly positive Δ199Hg values (up to +0.25 per mil), while Δ199Hg values in barren magmatic rocks and mafic magmas are largely negative (-0.54 to 0.00 per mil). The positive Δ199Hg values observed here are consistent with seawater and marine sediments, suggesting that the ultimate source of fluids involved in the genesis of post-subduction porphyry copper deposits was the mantle lithosphere metasomatized by previous oceanic plate subduction. Our Hg isotope data provide an alternative view to current metallogenetic models on collisional porphyry systems that focus on melting of the lower continental crust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources, Frontiers Science Center for Deep-time Digital Earth, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
- The Beijing SHRIMP Center, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing 100037, China
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Core to Crust Fluid Systems (CCFS) and GEMOC, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Run-Sheng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Ore Deposit Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, PR China
| | - Massimo Chiaradia
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Geneva, rue des Maraîchers 13, Geneva 1205, Switzerland
| | - Zhuang Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources, Frontiers Science Center for Deep-time Digital Earth, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
| | - William L. Griffin
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Core to Crust Fluid Systems (CCFS) and GEMOC, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Zeng-Qian Hou
- SinoProbe Lab, Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Yang
- SinoProbe Lab, Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Suzanne Y. O’Reilly
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Core to Crust Fluid Systems (CCFS) and GEMOC, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
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Tang Y, Liu Y, He Y, Zhang J, Guo H, Liu W. Quantifying the impact of anthropogenic emissions and aquatic environmental impacts on sedimentary mercury variations in a typical urban river. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 355:124185. [PMID: 38782160 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124185] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
In urban and industrial regions, sedimentary mercury (Hg) serves as the crucial indicator for Hg pollution, posing potential risks to ecology and human health. The physicochemical processes of Hg in aquatic environments are influenced by various factors such as anthropogenic emissions and aquatic environmental impacts, making it challenging to quantify the drivers of total mercury (THg) variations. Here, we analyzed the spatiotemporal variations, quantified driving factors, and assessed accumulation risks of sedimentary THg from the mainstream of a typical urban river (Haihe River). THg in the urban region (37-3237 ng g-1) was significantly higher (t-test, p < 0.01) than in suburban (71-2317 ng g-1) and developing regions (156-916 ng g-1). The sedimentary THg in suburban and developing regions increased from 2003 to 2018, indicating the elevated atmospheric deposition of Hg. Together with the temperature, grain size of sediments, total organic carbon (TOC), the pH and salinity of water, 40 components of parent and substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were first introduced to quantify the driver of sedimentary THg based on generalized additive model. Results showed that anthropogenic emissions, including three PAHs components (31%) and TOC (63%), accounted for 94% of sedimentary THg variations. The aquatic environmental impacts accounted for 5% of sedimentary THg variations. The geo-accumulation index of THg indicated moderate to heavy accumulation in the urban region. This study demonstrates that homologous pollutants such as PAHs can be used to trace sources and variations of Hg pollution, supporting their co-regulation as international conventions regulate pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Science, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Conservation of Ministry of Water Resources, School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China; State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China; Key Laboratory for Earth Surface and Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Science, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Yong He
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface and Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Science, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Jiaodi Zhang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, South Kensington Campus, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Huaming Guo
- Key Laboratory of Groundwater Conservation of Ministry of Water Resources, School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China; State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Wenxin Liu
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface and Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Science, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
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Xie J, Zhang G, Guo J, Chen C, Wu Q, Luo M, Chen D, Peng X, He L, Li Y, Zhang Q, Li A, Lin T, Jiang G. Unveiling the Presence of Short- and Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins in the Hadal Trenches of the Western Pacific Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39145972 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c07255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
This study delves into the unexplored distribution and accumulation of chlorinated paraffins (CPs), pervasive industrial contaminants used as flame retardants and plasticizers, within the hadal trenches, some of Earth's most isolated marine ecosystems. Analysis of sediments from the Mussau (MS) and Mariana trench (MT) reveals notably high total CP concentrations (∑SCCPs + ∑MCCPs) of 10,963 and 14,554 ng g-1 dw, respectively, surpassing those in a reference site in the western Pacific abyssal plain (8533 ng g-1 dw). In contrast, the New Britain Trench (NBT) exhibits the lowest concentrations (2213-5880 ng g-1 dw), where CP distribution correlates with clay content, δ13C and δ15N values, but little with total organic carbon and depth. Additionally, amphipods from these trenches display varying CP levels, with MS amphipods reaching concerning concentrations (8681-16,138 ng g-1 lw), while amphipods in the MT-1 site show the lowest (4414-5010 ng g-1 lw). These bioaccumulation trends appear to be primarily influenced by feeding behaviors (δ13C) and trophic levels (δ15N). Utilizing biota-sediment accumulation factor values and principal component analysis, we discern that CPs in sediment may come from surface-derived particulate organic matters, while those in amphipods may come from the above carrion. Our findings elucidate the profound impacts of the emerging pollutants on the Earth's least explored marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingqian Xie
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Gaoxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Jiehong Guo
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan 49931, United States
| | - Chuchu Chen
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Min Luo
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Duofu Chen
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xiaotong Peng
- Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Lisheng He
- Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Yingming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Qinghua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - An Li
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Tian Lin
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
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Xie J, Zhang G, Chen C, Luo M, Xu H, Chen D, Liu R, Li Y, Zhang Q, Zhang Y, Peng X, He L, Lin T, Jiang G. Tracing Organophosphate Ester Pollutants in Hadal Trenches─Distribution, Possible Origins, and Transport Mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:4392-4403. [PMID: 38362876 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09884] [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: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Unraveling the mysterious pathways of pollutants to the deepest oceanic realms holds critical importance for assessing the integrity of remote marine ecosystems. This study tracks the transport of pollutants into the depths of the oceans, a key step in protecting the sanctity of these least explored ecosystems. By analyzing hadal trench samples from the Mariana, Mussau, and New Britain trenches, we found the widespread distribution of organophosphate ester (OPE) flame retardants but a complex transport pattern for the OPE in these regions. In the Mariana Trench seawater column, OPE concentrations range between 17.4 and 102 ng L-1, with peaks at depths of 500 and 4000 m, which may be linked to Equatorial Undercurrent and topographic Rossby waves, respectively. Sediments, particularly in Mariana (422 ng g-1 dw), showed high OPE affinity, likely due to organic matter serving as a transport medium, influenced by "solvent switching", "solvent depletion", and "filtering processes". Amphipods in the three trenches had consistent OPE levels (29.1-215 ng g-1 lipid weight), independent of the sediment pollution patterns. The OPEs in these amphipods appeared more linked to surface-dwelling organisms, suggesting the influence of "solvent depletion". This study highlights the need for an improved understanding of deep-sea pollutant sources and transport, urging the establishment of protective measures for these remote marine habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingqian Xie
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Gaoxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Chuchu Chen
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Min Luo
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Hongzhou Xu
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Duofu Chen
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Rulong Liu
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Yingming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qinghua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xiaotong Peng
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Lisheng He
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Tian Lin
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Yang L, Yu B, Liu H, Ji X, Xiao C, Cao M, Fu J, Zhang Q, Hu L, Yin Y, Shi J, Jiang G. Foraging behavior and sea ice-dependent factors affecting the bioaccumulation of mercury in Antarctic coastal waters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169557. [PMID: 38141978 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169557] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
To elucidate the potential risks of the toxic pollutant mercury (Hg) in polar waters, the study of accumulated Hg in fish is compelling for understanding the cycling and fate of Hg on a regional scale in Antarctica. Herein, the Hg isotopic compositions of Antarctic cod Notothenia coriiceps were assessed in skeletal muscle, liver, and heart tissues to distinguish the differences in Hg accumulation in isolated coastal environments of the eastern (Chinese Zhongshan Station, ZSS) and the antipode western Antarctica (Chinese Great Wall Station, GWS), which are separated by over 4000 km. Differences in odd mass-independent isotope fractionation (odd-MIF) and mass-dependent fractionation (MDF) across fish tissues were reflection of the specific accumulation of methylmercury (MeHg) and inorganic Hg (iHg) with different isotopic fingerprints. Internal metabolism including hepatic detoxification and processes related to heart may also contribute to MDF. Regional heterogeneity in iHg end-members further provided evidence that bioaccumulated Hg origins can be largely influenced by polar water circumstances and foraging behavior. Sea ice was hypothesized to play critical roles in both the release of Hg with negative odd-MIF derived from photoreduction of Hg2+ on its surface and the impediment of photochemical transformation of Hg in water layers. Overall, the multitissue isotopic compositions in local fish species and prime drivers of the heterogeneous Hg cycling and bioaccumulation patterns presented here enable a comprehensive understanding of Hg biogeochemical cycling in polar coastal waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yang
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ben Yu
- National Research Center for Environmental Analysis and Measurement, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Hongwei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaomeng Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Cailing Xiao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Mengxi Cao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Jianjie Fu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Qinghua Zhang
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Ligang Hu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jianbo Shi
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Apportionment and Control of Aquatic Pollution, School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Guibin Jiang
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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Sow M, Wagne MM, Dassié EP, Tendeng PS, Maury-Brachet R. Mercury distribution in fish organs sampled along the Mauritanian Atlantic coast and their potential human health risks. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115683. [PMID: 37866054 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
This paper aimed at assessing total mercury concentration in seven common fish species (Auxis rochei, Caranx rhonchus, Sardina pilchardus, Sardinella aurita, Sardinella maderensis, Scomber colias and Trachurus trecae) and a relationship between Hg organotropism and food regimes along the Mauritanian Atlantic coast. Results show that total mercury concentration in fish collected along five sites ranged from 0.027 to 0.533 mg/kg dry weight. Significant differences were observed among species depending on feeding behavior. Muscle tissues of carnivorous fish presented significantly higher levels of total mercury than that of omnivorous fish, except for Scomber colias, suggesting mercury biomagnification through the food chain. Significant differences in mercury concentrations were observed between muscle tissues and liver, for Auxis rochei, Trachurus trecae, and Caranx rhonchus. The mean concentrations in the different species are however low and none of the concentration values exceed the World Health Organization's threshold for human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamedou Sow
- University of Bordeaux, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33120 Arcachon, France.
| | - Moulaye M Wagne
- Institut Mauritanien de Recherches Océanographiques et des Pêches, LEMMC- Laboratoire d'Etudes des Milieux Marins et Côtiers, BP 22 Nouadhibou, Mauritania
| | - Emilie P Dassié
- University of Bordeaux, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33120 Arcachon, France
| | - Paul S Tendeng
- BirdLife International | Africa Partnership, Dakar, Senegal
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Yang S, Li P, Sun K, Wei N, Liu J, Feng X. Mercury isotope compositions in seawater and marine fish revealed the sources and processes of mercury in the food web within differing marine compartments. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 241:120150. [PMID: 37269625 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities and climate change have significantly increased mercury (Hg) levels in seawater. However, the processes and sources of Hg in differing marine compartments (e.g. estuary, marine continental shelf (MCS) or pelagic area) have not been well studied, which makes it difficult to understand Hg cycling in marine ecosystems. To address this issue, the total Hg (THg) concentration, methylmercury (MeHg) concentration and stable Hg isotopes were determined in seawater and fish samples collected from differing marine compartments of the South China Sea (SCS). The results showed that the estuarine seawater exhibited substantially higher THg and MeHg concentrations than those in the MCS and pelagic seawater. Significantly negative δ202Hg (-1.63‰ ± 0.42‰) in estuarine seawater compared with that in pelagic seawater (-0.58‰ ± 0.08‰) may suggest watershed input and domestic sewage discharge of Hg in the estuarine compartment. The Δ199Hg value in estuarine fish (0.39‰ ± 0.35‰) was obviously lower than that in MCS (1.10‰ ± 0.54‰) and pelagic fish (1.15‰ ± 0.46‰), which showed that relatively little MeHg photodegradation occurred in the estuarine compartment. The Hg isotope binary mixing model based on Δ200Hg revealed that approximately 74% MeHg in pelagic fish is derived from atmospheric Hg(II) deposition, and over 60% MeHg in MCS fish is derived from sediments. MeHg sources for estuarine fish may be highly complex (e.g. sediment or riverine/atmospheric input) and further investigations are warranted to clarify the contribution of each source. Our study showed that Hg stable isotopes in seawater and marine fish can be used to identify the processes and sources of Hg in different marine compartments. This finding is of great relevance to the development of marine Hg food web models and the management of Hg in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaochen Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Kaifeng Sun
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Nan Wei
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Jinling Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
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11
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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: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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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12
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Yuan J, Liu Y, Chen S, Peng X, Li YF, Li S, Zhang R, Zheng W, Chen J, Sun R, Heimbürger-Boavida LE. Mercury Isotopes in Deep-Sea Epibenthic Biota Suggest Limited Hg Transfer from Photosynthetic to Chemosynthetic Food Webs. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:6550-6562. [PMID: 37042785 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01276] [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: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Deep oceans receive mercury (Hg) from upper oceans, sediment diagenesis, and submarine volcanism; meanwhile, sinking particles shuttle Hg to marine sediments. Recent studies showed that Hg in the trench fauna mostly originated from monomethylmercury (MMHg) of the upper marine photosynthetic food webs. Yet, Hg sources in the deep-sea chemosynthetic food webs are still uncertain. Here, we report Hg concentrations and stable isotopic compositions of indigenous biota living at hydrothermal fields of the Indian Ocean Ridge and a cold seep of the South China Sea along with hydrothermal sulfide deposits. We find that Hg is highly enriched in hydrothermal sulfides, which correlated with varying Hg concentrations in inhabited biota. Both the hydrothermal and cold seep biota have small fractions (<10%) of Hg as MMHg and slightly positive Δ199Hg values. These Δ199Hg values are slightly higher than those in near-field sulfides but are 1 order of magnitude lower than the trench counterparts. We suggest that deep-sea chemosynthetic food webs mainly assimilate Hg from ambient seawater/sediments and hydrothermal fluids formed by percolated seawater through magmatic/mantle rocks. The MMHg transfer from photosynthetic to chemosynthetic food webs is likely limited. The contrasting Hg sources between chemosynthetic and trench food webs highlight Hg isotopes as promising tools to trace the deep-sea Hg biogeochemical cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Yuan
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, 300072 Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, 300072 Tianjin, China
| | - Shun Chen
- Deep Sea Science Division, Institute of Deep Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 572000 Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Xiaotong Peng
- Deep Sea Science Division, Institute of Deep Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 572000 Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Yu-Feng Li
- CAS-HKU Joint Laboratory of Metallomics on Health and Environment, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Beijing Metallomics Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Songjing Li
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, 300072 Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, 300072 Tianjin, China
| | - Wang Zheng
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, 300072 Tianjin, China
| | - Jiubin Chen
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, 300072 Tianjin, China
| | - Ruoyu Sun
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, 300072 Tianjin, China
| | - Lars-Eric Heimbürger-Boavida
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS/INSU, Université de Toulon, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO) UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France
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13
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Ali E, Patel N, Patel S, Asaduzzaman A. Quantum Chemical Investigation of Snow-Mercury Interactions and Their Implication of Mercury Deposition in the Arctic. J Phys Chem A 2023; 127:2554-2563. [PMID: 36917741 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.2c08551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Elemental gaseous Hg is emitted into the atmosphere through various anthropogenic and natural processes. Mercury's different species and respective transport ranges, atmospheric physical and chemical transformations, and interaction with the earth's surfaces all contribute to the global cycling of toxic mercury. Under sunlight, halogens, ozone, and nitro species oxidize the emitted elemental Hg to gaseous Hg (II) molecules, which deposit onto the snow and ice surfaces in the Arctic. To investigate the fate of deposited mercury, a quantum chemical investigation was conducted using first-principles density functional theory (DFT) to analyze the interaction between various mercury molecules and snow clusters of differing sizes. Results show that all oxidized mercury molecules: XHgY, BrHgOX, BrHgXO XHgOH, XHgO2H, and XHgNO2, with X, Y = Cl, Br, and I atoms have thermodynamically stable interactions with snow clusters. Further, the adsorption energy of all mercury molecules increases with increasing size of snow clusters. Additionally, the orientations of deposited mercury molecules on the cluster surface also influence the mercury-snow interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emaan Ali
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology, Pennsylvania State University - Harrisburg, Middletown, Pennsylvania 17057, United States
| | - Nandini Patel
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology, Pennsylvania State University - Harrisburg, Middletown, Pennsylvania 17057, United States
| | - Shrina Patel
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology, Pennsylvania State University - Harrisburg, Middletown, Pennsylvania 17057, United States
| | - Abu Asaduzzaman
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology, Pennsylvania State University - Harrisburg, Middletown, Pennsylvania 17057, United States
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14
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Liu Y, Zhang Z, Ji M, Hu A, Wang J, Jing H, Liu K, Xiao X, Zhao W. Comparison of prokaryotes between Mount Everest and the Mariana Trench. MICROBIOME 2022; 10:215. [PMID: 36476562 PMCID: PMC9727886 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-022-01403-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mount Everest and the Mariana Trench represent the highest and deepest places on Earth, respectively. They are geographically separated, with distinct extreme environmental parameters that provide unique habitats for prokaryotes. Comparison of prokaryotes between Mount Everest and the Mariana Trench will provide a unique perspective to understanding the composition and distribution of environmental microbiomes on Earth. RESULTS Here, we compared prokaryotic communities between Mount Everest and the Mariana Trench based on shotgun metagenomic analysis. Analyzing 25 metagenomes and 1176 metagenome-assembled genomes showed distinct taxonomic compositions between Mount Everest and the Mariana Trench, with little taxa overlap, and significant differences in genome size, GC content, and predicted optimal growth temperature. However, community metabolic capabilities exhibited striking commonality, with > 90% of metabolic modules overlapping among samples of Mount Everest and the Mariana Trench, with the only exception for CO2 fixations (photoautotrophy in Mount Everest but chemoautotrophy in the Mariana Trench). Most metabolic pathways were common but performed by distinct taxa in the two extreme habitats, even including some specialized metabolic pathways, such as the versatile degradation of various refractory organic matters, heavy metal metabolism (e.g., As and Se), stress resistance, and antioxidation. The metabolic commonality indicated the overall consistent roles of prokaryotes in elemental cycling and common adaptation strategies to overcome the distinct stress conditions despite the intuitively huge differences in Mount Everest and the Mariana Trench. CONCLUSION Our results, the first comparison between prokaryotes in the highest and the deepest habitats on Earth, may highlight the principles of prokaryotic diversity: although taxa are habitat-specific, primary metabolic functions could be always conserved. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqin Liu
- Center for Pan-third Pole Environment, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mukan Ji
- Center for Pan-third Pole Environment, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Aoran Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- International Center for Deep Life Investigation (IC-DLI), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Jing Wang
- International Center for Deep Life Investigation (IC-DLI), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- SJTU Yazhou Bay Institute of Deepsea Sci-Tech, Yongyou Industrial Park, Sanya, 572024, China
| | - Hongmei Jing
- Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Keshao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
- International Center for Deep Life Investigation (IC-DLI), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
- SJTU Yazhou Bay Institute of Deepsea Sci-Tech, Yongyou Industrial Park, Sanya, 572024, China.
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China.
| | - Weishu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
- International Center for Deep Life Investigation (IC-DLI), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
- SJTU Yazhou Bay Institute of Deepsea Sci-Tech, Yongyou Industrial Park, Sanya, 572024, China.
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15
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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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16
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Zhang L, Yin Y, Li Y, Cai Y. Mercury isotope fractionation during methylmercury transport and transformation: A review focusing on analytical method, fractionation characteristics, and its application. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 841:156558. [PMID: 35710002 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156558] [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: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg), a potent neurotoxin, can be formed, migrated and transformed in environmental compartments, accompanying with unique mass-dependent and mass-independent fractionation of mercury (Hg). These Hg isotope fractionation signals have great potential to probe the transformation and transport of MeHg in aquatic environments. However, the majority of studies to date have focused on total Hg isotopic composition, with less attention to the isotopic fractionation of MeHg due to technical difficulties in analysis, which severely hinders the understanding of MeHg isotopic fractionation and its applications. This review a) evaluates the reported analytical methods for Hg isotopic composition of MeHg, including online and offline measurement techniques; b) summarizes the extent and characteristics of Hg isotopic fractionation during MeHg transport and transformation, focusing on methylation, demethylation, trophic transfer and internal metabolism; and c) briefly discusses several applications of MeHg isotopic fractionation signatures in estimating the extent of photodemethylation, tracing the source of Hg species, and diagnosing reaction mechanisms. Additionally, the existing problems and future directions in MeHg isotope fractionation are highlighted to improve the analytical protocol for Hg isotope fractionation and deepen our understanding of Hg isotope fractionation in the biogeochemical cycling of MeHg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, 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
| | - Yong Cai
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States.
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17
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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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18
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Song Z, Sun R, Zhang Y. Modeling mercury isotopic fractionation in the atmosphere. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 307:119588. [PMID: 35688392 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) stable isotope analysis has become a powerful tool to identify Hg sources and to understand its biogeochemical processes. However, it is challenging to link the observed Hg isotope fractionation to its global cycling. Here, we integrate source Hg isotope signatures and process-based Hg isotope fractionation into a three-dimensional isotope model based on the GEOS-Chem model platform. Our simulated isotope compositions of total gaseous Hg (TGM) are broadly comparable with available observations across global regions. The isotope compositions of global TGM, potentially distinguishable over different regions, are caused by the atmospheric mixture of anthropogenic, natural, and re-emitted Hg sources, superimposed with competing processes, notably gaseous Hg(0) dry deposition and Hg redox transformations. We find that Hg(0) dry deposition has a great impact on the isotope compositions of global TGM and drives the seasonal variation of δ202Hg in forest-covered regions. The atmospheric photo-reduction of Hg(Ⅱ) dominates over Hg(0) oxidation in driving the global Δ199Hg (and Δ201Hg) distribution patterns in TGM. We suggest that the magnitude of isotope fractionation associated with atmospheric aqueous-phase Hg(Ⅱ) reduction is likely close to aquatic Hg(Ⅱ) reduction. Our model provides a vital tool for coupling the global atmospheric Hg cycle and its isotope fractionation at various scales and advances our understanding of atmospheric Hg transfer and transformation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengcheng Song
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ruoyu Sun
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, 300072, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanxu Zhang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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19
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Le Croizier G, Sonke JE, Lorrain A, Serre S, Besnard L, Schaal G, Amezcua-Martinez F, Point D. Mercury stable isotopes suggest reduced foraging depth in oxygen minimum zones for blue sharks. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 181:113892. [PMID: 35810652 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113892] [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: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) are currently expanding across the global ocean due to climate change, leading to a compression of usable habitat for several marine species. Mercury stable isotope compositions provide a spatially and temporally integrated view of marine predator foraging habitat and its variability with environmental conditions. Here, we analyzed mercury isotopes in blue sharks Prionace glauca from normoxic waters in the northeastern Atlantic and from the world's largest and shallowest OMZ, located in the northeastern Pacific (NEP). Blue sharks from the NEP OMZ area showed higher Δ199Hg values compared to sharks from the northeastern Atlantic, indicating a reduction in foraging depth of approximately 200 m. Our study suggests for the first time that blue shark feeding depth is altered by expanding OMZs and illustrates the use of mercury isotopes to assess the impacts of ocean deoxygenation on the vertical foraging habitat of pelagic predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaël Le Croizier
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Joel Montes Camarena S/N, Mazatlán 82040, Sin., México.
| | - Jeroen E Sonke
- UMR Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi Pyrénées (OMP), 14 avenue Edouard Belin, 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Anne Lorrain
- Univ Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, LEMAR, F-29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Sandrine Serre
- Univ Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, LEMAR, F-29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Lucien Besnard
- Univ Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, LEMAR, F-29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Gauthier Schaal
- Univ Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, LEMAR, F-29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Felipe Amezcua-Martinez
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Joel Montes Camarena S/N, Mazatlán 82040, Sin., México
| | - David Point
- UMR Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi Pyrénées (OMP), 14 avenue Edouard Belin, 31400 Toulouse, France
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20
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Effects of Mercury Contamination on Microbial Diversity of Different Kinds of Soil. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10050977. [PMID: 35630421 PMCID: PMC9144551 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil microorganisms promote the recovery of contaminated soil by influencing the cyclic transformation of various substances. In this study, we investigated the impact of mercury pollution on the structure, composition, and main populations of soil microbial communities using a high-throughput sequencing method and observed that mercury pollution significantly influenced the diversity, structure, and distribution pattern of microbial communities. Furthermore, during mercury pollution, the Shannon and Chao indices decreased for the bacterial communities and increased for the fungal communities. Mercury pollution mainly reduced the relative abundances of Proteobacteria (16.2−30.6%), Actinomycetes (24.7−40.8%), and other dominant bacterial phyla. The relative abundance of Ascomycota decreased by 17.4% and 16.7% in alkaline and neutral soils, respectively, whereas the relative abundance of unclassified_k_Fungi increased by 26.1% and 28.6%, respectively. In acidic soil, Ascomycota increased by 106.3% and unclassified_k_Fungi decreased by 71.2%. The results of redundancy and correlation analyses suggested that soil microbial diversity was significantly correlated with soil properties such as pH, cation exchange capacity, soil organic carbon, and total nitrogen (p < 0.05) under different treatments. Our findings highlight the impact of Hg pollution on soil microbial communities, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for the bioremediation of soil Hg pollution.
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21
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Chen X, Zheng L, Sun R, Liu S, Li C, Chen Y, Xu Y. Mercury in sediment reflecting the intensive coal mining activities: Evidence from stable mercury isotopes and Bayesian mixing model analysis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 234:113392. [PMID: 35272196 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Severe environmental issues are caused by long-term coal mining activities; however, the process of mercury (Hg) response in mining subsidence area sediments (MSAS) is still unclear, and direct evidence showing the relationship between Hg accumulation mechanism in sediments and mining activities is lacking. In this study, the characteristics of total mercury (THg) content in MSAS were investigated. Moreover, Hg isotopes were obtained to determine the main sources and environmental process of mercury in MSAS, and a MixSIAR mixing model was first used to estimate the potential Hg sources. The THg content ranged from 27.5 to 113.9 ng/g, with a mean of 65.8 ± 29.4 ng/g, exceeding the local soil background value (19.7 ng/g). The Hg in MSAS was affected by clay and organic matter. The Δ199Hg and Δ201Hg in the sediments varied from - 0.05-0.05‰ (mean: -0.01 ± 0.03‰) and - 0.07-0.01‰ (mean: -0.02 ± 0.03‰), respectively, with the fitting results suggesting that a photochemical reaction occurred in some of the Hg in the sediments prior to deposition. The results of the MixSIAR mixing model revealed that the Hg in MSAS was mainly derived from gangue, soil erosion, coal, fly ash, and feed, and their corresponding percentage contribution was 51.5 ± 9.6%, 23.8 ± 13.1%, 13.9 ± 7.9%, 8.1 ± 5.4%, and 3.1 ± 1.4%, respectively. Hg isotopes can be used to trace the transport and transformation of environmental pollutants, and this may provide an important reference for the assessment and prevention of Hg pollution in typical areas such as coal mining and coal-fired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Chen
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Mine Ecological Remediation, Hefei 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Liugen Zheng
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Mine Ecological Remediation, Hefei 230601, Anhui, China.
| | - Ruoyu Sun
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Sikui Liu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Mine Ecological Remediation, Hefei 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Chang Li
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory for Mine Ecological Remediation, Hefei 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Yongchun Chen
- National Engineering Laboratory of Coal Mine Ecological Environment Protection, Huainan 232001, Anhui, China
| | - Yanfei Xu
- National Engineering Laboratory of Coal Mine Ecological Environment Protection, Huainan 232001, Anhui, China
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22
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Barkay T, Gu B. Demethylation─The Other Side of the Mercury Methylation Coin: A Critical Review. ACS ENVIRONMENTAL AU 2022; 2:77-97. [PMID: 37101582 PMCID: PMC10114901 DOI: 10.1021/acsenvironau.1c00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The public and environmental health consequences of mercury (Hg) methylation have drawn much attention and considerable research to Hg methylation processes and their dynamics in diverse environments and under a multitude of conditions. However, the net methylmercury (MeHg) concentration that accumulates in the environment is equally determined by the rate of MeHg degradation, a complex process mediated by a variety of biotic and abiotic mechanisms, about which our knowledge is limited. Here we review the current knowledge on MeHg degradation and its potential pathways and mechanisms. We describe detoxification by resistant microorganisms that employ the Hg resistance (mer) system to reductively break the carbon-mercury (C-Hg) bond producing methane (CH4) and inorganic mercuric Hg(II), which is then reduced by the mercuric reductase to elemental Hg(0). Very recent research has begun to elucidate a mechanism for the long-recognized mer-independent oxidative demethylation, likely involving some strains of anaerobic bacteria as well as aerobic methane-oxidizing bacteria, i.e., methanotrophs. In addition, photochemical and chemical demethylation processes are described, including the roles of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and free radicals as well as dark abiotic demethylation in the natural environment about which little is currently known. We focus on mechanisms and processes of demethylation and highlight the uncertainties and known effects of environmental factors leading to MeHg degradation. Finally, we suggest future research directions to further elucidate the chemical and biochemical mechanisms of biotic and abiotic demethylation and their significance in controlling net MeHg production in natural ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Barkay
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, United States
| | - Baohua Gu
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
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23
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Sun L, Chen W, Yuan D, Zhou L, Lu C, Zheng Y. Distribution and Transformation of Mercury in Subtropical Wild-Caught Seafood from the Southern Taiwan Strait. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:855-867. [PMID: 33792858 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02695-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Wild-caught seafood contains significant amounts of mercury. Investigating the mercury accumulation levels in wild-caught seafood and analyzing its migration and transformation are of great value for assessing the health risks of mercury intake and for the tracking of mercury sources. We determined the concentrations and stable mercury isotopic compositions (δ202Hg, Δ199Hg, Δ200Hg, and Δ201Hg) of 104 muscle samples collected from 38 species of seafood typically harvested from the Taiwan Shallow Fishing Ground (TSFG), Southern Taiwan Strait. Overall, the concentrations of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) ranged from 11 to 479 ng/g (dry weight, dw) and 10 to 363 ng/g (dw), respectively, and were below the threshold value established by the USEPA and the Chinese government. Demersal and near-benthic species accumulated more mercury than pelagic or mesopelagic species. The characteristics of mercury isotopes in wild-caught marine species differed in terms of vertical and horizontal distribution. Considering the known peripheral land sources of mercury (Δ199Hg ≈ 0), the mercury in seafood from the TSFG (Δ199Hg > 0) did not originate from anthropogenic emissions. The ratio of Δ199Hg and Δ201Hg (1.18 ± 0.03) suggested that the photoreduction of Hg (II) and the photo-degradation of MeHg equally contributed to mass-independent fractionation. Based on the values of Δ199Hg/δ202Hg (1.18 ± 0.03), about 67% of the mercury in seawater had undergone microbial demethylation prior to methylation and entering the seafood. Additionally, the vertical distribution of Δ200Hg in seafood from different water depths implies that mercury input was in part caused by atmospheric deposition. Our results provide detailed information on the sources of mercury and its transfer in the food web in offshore fishing grounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lumin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Estuarine Ecological Security and Environmental Health, Education Department of Fujian, Tan Kah Kee College, Xiamen University, Zhangzhou, 363105, China.
- Key Laboratory of the Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Ministry of Education, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361105, China.
| | - Weijia Chen
- Key Laboratory of Estuarine Ecological Security and Environmental Health, Education Department of Fujian, Tan Kah Kee College, Xiamen University, Zhangzhou, 363105, China
- Key Laboratory of the Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Ministry of Education, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361105, China
| | - Dongxing Yuan
- Key Laboratory of the Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Ministry of Education, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361105, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Estuarine Ecological Security and Environmental Health, Education Department of Fujian, Tan Kah Kee College, Xiamen University, Zhangzhou, 363105, China
| | - Changyi Lu
- Key Laboratory of Estuarine Ecological Security and Environmental Health, Education Department of Fujian, Tan Kah Kee College, Xiamen University, Zhangzhou, 363105, China
- Key Laboratory of the Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Ministry of Education, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361105, China
| | - Yingjie Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Estuarine Ecological Security and Environmental Health, Education Department of Fujian, Tan Kah Kee College, Xiamen University, Zhangzhou, 363105, China
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24
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Substantial accumulation of mercury in the deepest parts of the ocean and implications for the environmental mercury cycle. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2102629118. [PMID: 34903647 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2102629118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities have led to widespread contamination with mercury (Hg), a potent neurotoxin that bioaccumulates through food webs. Recent models estimated that, presently, 200 to 600 t of Hg is sequestered annually in deep-sea sediments, approximately doubling since industrialization. However, most studies did not extend to the hadal zone (6,000- to 11,000-m depth), the deepest ocean realm. Here, we report on measurements of Hg and related parameters in sediment cores from four trench regions (1,560 to 10,840 m), showing that the world's deepest ocean realm is accumulating Hg at remarkably high rates (depth-integrated minimum-maximum: 24 to 220 μg ⋅ m-2 ⋅ y-1) greater than the global deep-sea average by a factor of up to 400, with most Hg in these trenches being derived from the surface ocean. Furthermore, vertical profiles of Hg concentrations in trench cores show notable increasing trends from pre-1900 [average 51 ± 14 (1σ) ng ⋅ g-1] to post-1950 (81 ± 32 ng ⋅ g-1). This increase cannot be explained by changes in the delivery rate of organic carbon alone but also need increasing Hg delivery from anthropogenic sources. This evidence, along with recent findings on the high abundance of methylmercury in hadal biota [R. Sun et al, Nat. Commun. 11, 3389 (2020); J. D. Blum et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 117, 29292-29298 (2020)], leads us to propose that hadal trenches are a large marine sink for Hg and may play an important role in the regulation of the global biogeochemical cycle of Hg.
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25
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Liu Y, Chen J, Liu J, Gai P, Au Yang D, Zheng W, Li Y, Li D, Cai H, Yuan W, Li Y. Coprecipitation of Mercury from Natural Iodine-Containing Seawater for Accurate Isotope Measurement. Anal Chem 2021; 93:15905-15912. [PMID: 34806358 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c03060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Oceans play a key role in the global mercury (Hg) cycle, but studies on Hg isotopes in seawater are rare due to the extremely low Hg concentration and the lack of a good preconcentration method. Here, we introduce a new coprecipitation method for separating and preconcentrating Hg from seawater for accurate isotope measurement. The coprecipitation was achieved by sequential addition of 0.5 mL of 0.5 M CuSO4, 1 mL of 0.5 M Na2S, and 1 mL of 0.5 M CuSO4 reagents, which allowed for quantitatively precipitating Hg from up to 10 L of seawater. The protocol was validated by testing synthetic solutions with varying Hg and iodide (I-) concentrations and by comparing the reaction times of various reagents added. The method resulted in a quantitative recovery of 98 ± 12% (n = 32, two standard deviations, 2 SD) and a relatively low procedure blank (103 pg of Hg, n = 8). The precipitates were filtrated and analyzed for Hg isotopes. Repeated measurements of synthetic seawaters spiked with certificated standard materials (NIST 3133 and 3177) using the entire method gave identical Hg isotope ratios with near-quantitative Hg recovery, indicating no isotope fractionation during preconcentration. A total of six nearshore seawater samples from the Yellow Sea and the Bohai Sea (China) were analyzed using the coprecipitation method. The data showed a large fractionation of Hg isotopes and revealed the possible impact of both atmospheric and anthropogenic inputs to the coastal seawater Hg budget, implying the potential application of this method in studying marine Hg systematics and global Hg cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry (SKLEG), Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiubin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry (SKLEG), Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.,School of Earth System Science (SESS), Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jianfeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry (SKLEG), Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.,School of Earth System Science (SESS), Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Pengxue Gai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry (SKLEG), Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.,School of Earth System Science (SESS), Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - David Au Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry (SKLEG), Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Wang Zheng
- School of Earth System Science (SESS), Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yanbin Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Dan Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Hongming Cai
- School of Earth System Science (SESS), Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- School of Earth System Science (SESS), Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yuansheng Li
- Polar Research Institute of China, Shanghai 200136, China
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26
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Schneider L, Rose NL, Myllyvirta L, Haberle S, Lintern A, Yuan J, Sinclair D, Holley C, Zawadzki A, Sun R. Mercury atmospheric emission, deposition and isotopic fingerprinting from major coal-fired power plants in Australia: Insights from palaeo-environmental analysis from sediment cores. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 287:117596. [PMID: 34426387 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite Australia's high reliance on coal for electricity generation, no study has addressed the extent to which mercury (Hg) deposition has increased since the commissioning of coal-fired power plants. We present stratigraphic data from lake sediments in the Hunter Valley (New South Wales) and Latrobe Valley (Victoria), where a significant proportion of Australia's electricity is generated via coal combustion. Mercury deposition in lake sediments increased in the 1970s with the commissioning of coal-fired power plants, by a factor of 2.9-times in sediments of Lake Glenbawn (Hunter Valley) and 14-times in Traralgon Reservoir (Latrobe Valley). Sediments deposited after the commissioning of power plants have distinct Hg isotope compositions, similar to those of combusted coals. Mercury emission, estimated using an atmospheric model (CALPUFF), was higher in the Latrobe Valley than in the Hunter Valley. This is a result of higher Hg concentrations in lignite coal, lax regulation and older pollution-control technologies adopted by coal-fired power plants in the Latrobe Valley. Near-source deposition of Hg in Australia is significantly higher than North America and Europe, where better emission controls (e.g. wet flue gas desulfurization) have been in effect for decades. The challenge for Australia in years to come will be to ratify the Minamata Convention and develop better regulation policies to reduce Hg emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Schneider
- School of Culture, History and Language. The Australian National University, Coombs Bld. 9, Fellows Rd, 2601, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Dept of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Lauri Myllyvirta
- Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Simon Haberle
- School of Culture, History and Language. The Australian National University, Coombs Bld. 9, Fellows Rd, 2601, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Anna Lintern
- Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, 3800, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jingjing Yuan
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, 300072, Tianjin, China
| | - Darren Sinclair
- Centre for Change Governance, Institute of Governance and Policy Analysis, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - Cameron Holley
- School of Law, Society and Criminology, Faculty of Law & Justice, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Atun Zawadzki
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia
| | - Ruoyu Sun
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, 300072, Tianjin, China.
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27
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Yang S, Wang B, Qin C, Yin R, Li P, Liu J, Point D, Maurice L, Sonke JE, Zhang L, Feng X. Compound-Specific Stable Isotope Analysis Provides New Insights for Tracking Human Monomethylmercury Exposure Sources. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:12493-12503. [PMID: 34468125 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Monomethylmercury (MMHg) exposure can induce adverse neurodevelopmental effects in humans and is a global environmental health concern. Human exposure to MMHg occurs predominately through the consumption of fishery foods and rice in Asia, but it is challenging to quantify these two exposure sources. Here, we innovatively utilized MMHg compound-specific stable isotope analyses (MMHg-CSIA) of the hair to quantify the human MMHg sources in coastal and inland areas, where fishery foods and rice are routinely consumed. Our data showed that the fishery foods and rice end members had distinct Δ199HgMMHg values in both coastal and inland areas. The Δ199HgMMHg values of the human hair were comparable to those of fishery foods but not those of rice. Positive shifts in the δ202HgMMHg values of the hair from diet were observed in the study areas. Additionally, significant differences in δ202Hg versus Δ199Hg were detected between MMHg and inorganic Hg (IHg) in the human hair but not in fishery foods and rice. A binary mixing model was developed to estimate the human MMHg exposures from fishery foods and rice using Δ199HgMMHg data. The model results suggested that human MMHg exposures were dominated (>80%) by fishery food consumption and were less affected by rice consumption in both the coastal and inland areas. This study demonstrated that the MMHg-CSIA method can provide unique information for tracking human MMHg exposure sources by excluding the deviations from dietary surveys, individual MMHg absorption/demethylation efficiencies, and the confounding effects of IHg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaochen Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Chongyang Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Runsheng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Ore Deposit Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Jinling Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - David Point
- Observatory Midi-Pyrénées, Geosciences Environment Toulouse Laboratory, Research Institute for the Development (IRD), University of Toulouse and CNRS, Toulouse 31400, France
| | - Laurence Maurice
- Observatory Midi-Pyrénées, Geosciences Environment Toulouse Laboratory, Research Institute for the Development (IRD), University of Toulouse and CNRS, Toulouse 31400, France
| | - Jeroen E Sonke
- Observatory Midi-Pyrénées, Geosciences Environment Toulouse Laboratory, Research Institute for the Development (IRD), University of Toulouse and CNRS, Toulouse 31400, France
| | - Leiming Zhang
- Air Quality Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto M3H 5T4, Canada
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Xi'an 710061, China
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28
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Wang B, Chen M, Ding L, Zhao Y, Man Y, Feng L, Li P, Zhang L, Feng X. Fish, rice, and human hair mercury concentrations and health risks in typical Hg-contaminated areas and fish-rich areas, China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 154:106561. [PMID: 33895437 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) from consuming contaminated fish has been a major concern for decades. Besides, human MeHg exposure through rice consumption has been recently found to be important in some Asian countries. China is the largest country on mercury (Hg) production, consumption, and anthropogenic emission. However, the health risks of human Hg exposure are not fully understood. A total of 624 fish, 299 rice, and 994 human hair samples were collected from typical Hg-contaminated areas and major fish-rich areas to assess the health risks from human Hg exposure in China. Fish and rice samples showed relatively low Hg levels, except the rice in the Wanshan Hg mining area (WMMA). Human hair total Hg (THg) and MeHg concentrations were significantly elevated in WMMA, Zhoushan (ZS), Xiamen (XM), Qingdao (QD), and zinc smelting area (ZSA), and 85% of hair samples in WMMA, 62% in ZS, 40% in XM, 26% in QD, and 17% in ZSA had THg concentrations exceeding the limit set by the USEPA (1 μg/g). Rice consumption was the main pathway (>85%) for human MeHg exposure in the studied Hg-contaminated areas. Meanwhile, fish was the primary human MeHg exposure source (>85%) in coastal cities. Therefore, soil remediation in typical Hg-contaminated areas and scientific guidance for fish consumption in coastal provinces are urgently needed to reduce the health risks from human Hg exposure in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- 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
| | - Min Chen
- School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Li Ding
- School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yuhang Zhao
- School of Resource and Environment, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yi Man
- 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
| | - Lin Feng
- School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Leiming Zhang
- Air Quality Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto M3H 5T4, Canada
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Xi'an 710061, China
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29
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García Barcia L, Pinzone M, Lepoint G, Pau C, Das K, Kiszka JJ. Factors affecting mercury concentrations in two oceanic cephalopods of commercial interest from the southern Caribbean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 168:112408. [PMID: 33965692 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) concentrations have significantly increased in oceans during the last century. This element accumulates in marine fauna and can reach toxic levels. Seafood consumption is the main pathway of methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity in humans. Here, we analyzed total Hg (T-Hg) concentrations in two oceanic squid species (Ommastrephes bartramii and Thysanoteuthis rhombus) of an increasing commercial interest off Martinique, French West Indies. Stable isotope ratios reveal a negative linear relationship between δ15N or δ13C in diamondback squid samples. No significant trend was observed between δ34S values and T-Hg concentrations, contrasting with the sulfate availability and sulfide abundance hypotheses. This adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting Hg methylation via sulfate-reducing bacteria is not the main mechanism driving Hg bioavailability in mesopelagic organisms. All squid samples present T-Hg levels below the maximum safe consumption limit (0.5 ppm), deeming the establishment of a commercial squid fishery in the region safe for human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura García Barcia
- Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st, North Miami, FL 33181, USA.
| | - Marianna Pinzone
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège B6c, 11 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Gilles Lepoint
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège B6c, 11 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Cédric Pau
- Comité Régional des Pêches Maritimes et des Élevages Marins, Martinique, French West Indies, France
| | - Krishna Das
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège B6c, 11 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Jeremy J Kiszka
- Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st, North Miami, FL 33181, USA
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30
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Du M, Peng X, Zhang H, Ye C, Dasgupta S, Li J, Li J, Liu S, Xu H, Chen C, Jing H, Xu H, Liu J, He S, He L, Cai S, Chen S, Ta K. Geology, environment, and life in the deepest part of the world's oceans. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 2:100109. [PMID: 34557759 PMCID: PMC8454626 DOI: 10.1016/j.xinn.2021.100109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The hadal zone, mostly comprising of deep trenches and constituting of the deepest part of the world’s oceans, represents the least explored habitat but one of the last frontiers on our planet. The present scientific understanding of the hadal environment is still relatively rudimentary, particularly in comparison with that of shallower marine environments. In the last 30 years, continuous efforts have been launched in deepening our knowledge regarding the ecology of the hadal trench. However, the geological and environmental processes that potentially affect the sedimentary, geochemical and biological processes in hadal trenches have received less attention. Here, we review recent advances in the geology, biology, and environment of hadal trenches and offer a perspective of the hadal science involved therein. For the first time, we release high-definition images taken by a new full-ocean-depth manned submersible Fendouzhe that reveal novel species with an unexpectedly high density, outcrops of mantle and basaltic rocks, and anthropogenic pollutants at the deepest point of the world’s ocean. We advocate that the hydration of the hadal lithosphere is a driving force that influences a variety of sedimentary, geochemical, and biological processes in the hadal trench. Hadal lithosphere might host the Earth’s deepest subsurface microbial ecosystem. Future research, combined with technological advances and international cooperation, should focus on establishing the intrinsic linkage of the geology, biology, and environment of the hadal trenches. This paper provides a comprehensive review on hadal geology, environment, and biology, as well as potential interactions among them For the first time, we release high-definition images taken by a new full-ocean-depth manned submersible Fendouzhe The hydration of the hadal lithosphere is a driving force that influences a variety of sedimentary, geochemical, and biological processes in the hadal trench The development of deep-sea technology and international cooperation will greatly promote the progress of hadal science
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengran Du
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Xiaotong Peng
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
- Corresponding author
| | - Haibin Zhang
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Cong Ye
- China Ship Scientific Research Center, Wuxi 214082, China
| | - Shamik Dasgupta
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Jiwei Li
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Jiangtao Li
- State Key Lab of Marine Geology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shuangquan Liu
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Hengchao Xu
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Chuanxu Chen
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Hongmei Jing
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Hongzhou Xu
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Shunping He
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Lisheng He
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Shanya Cai
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Shun Chen
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Kaiwen Ta
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
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Sanei H, Outridge PM, Oguri K, Stern GA, Thamdrup B, Wenzhöfer F, Wang F, Glud RN. High mercury accumulation in deep-ocean hadal sediments. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10970. [PMID: 34040077 PMCID: PMC8155115 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90459-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocean sediments are the largest sink for mercury (Hg) sequestration and hence an important part of the global Hg cycle1. Yet accepted global average Hg flux data for deep-ocean sediments (> 200 m depth) are not based on measurements on sediments but are inferred from sinking particulates2. Mercury fluxes have never been reported from the deepest zone, the hadal (> 6 km depth). Here we report the first measurements of Hg fluxes from two hadal trenches (Atacama and Kermadec) and adjacent abyssal areas (2–6 km). Mercury concentrations of up to 400 ng g−1 were the highest recorded in marine sediments remote from anthropogenic or hydrothermal sources. The two trench systems differed significantly in Hg concentrations and fluxes, but hadal and abyssal areas within each system did not. The relatively low recent mean flux at Kermadec was 6–15 times higher than the inferred deep-ocean average1,3, while the median flux across all cores was 22–56 times higher. Thus, some hadal and abyssal sediments are Hg accumulation hot-spots. The hadal zone comprises only ~ 1% of the deep-ocean area, yet a preliminary estimate based on sediment Hg and particulate organic carbon (POC) fluxes suggests total hadal Hg accumulation may be 12–30% of the estimate for the entire deep-ocean. The few abyssal data show equally high Hg fluxes near trench systems. These results highlight a need for further research into deep-ocean Hg fluxes to better constrain global Hg models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Sanei
- Lithospheric Organic Carbon (LOC) Group, Department of Geoscience, Aarhus University, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Peter M Outridge
- Lithospheric Organic Carbon (LOC) Group, Department of Geoscience, Aarhus University, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark. .,Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, 601 Booth St, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0E8, Canada. .,Department of Environment and Geography, Center for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Kazumasa Oguri
- Research Institute for Global Change, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, 237-0061, Japan.,Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, HADAL and Nordcee, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Gary A Stern
- Department of Environment and Geography, Center for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Bo Thamdrup
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, HADAL and Nordcee, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Frank Wenzhöfer
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, HADAL and Nordcee, 5230, Odense M, Denmark.,HGF-MPG Group for Deep Sea Ecology and Technology, Alfred-Wegener-Institute Helmholtz-Center for Polar and Marine Research, 27570, Bremerhaven, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Feiyue Wang
- Department of Environment and Geography, Center for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Ronnie N Glud
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, HADAL and Nordcee, 5230, Odense M, Denmark.,Department of Ocean and Environmental Science, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan.,Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS), University of Southern Denmark, Fioniavej 34, 5230, Odense, Denmark
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Amin S, Asif T, Khan M, Usinowicz E, Mitra D, Asaduzzaman A. Structural, energetic and vibrational properties of oxidized mercury in the gas and aqueous phases. COMPUT THEOR CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.comptc.2021.113186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Minet A, Manceau A, Valada-Mennuni A, Brault-Favrou M, Churlaud C, Fort J, Nguyen T, Spitz J, Bustamante P, Lacoue-Labarthe T. Mercury in the tissues of five cephalopods species: First data on the nervous system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 759:143907. [PMID: 33333333 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), one of the elements most toxic to biota, accumulates within organisms throughout their lifespan and biomagnifies along trophic chain. Due to their key role in marine systems, cephalopods constitute a major vector of Hg in predators. Further, they grow rapidly and display complex behaviours, which can be altered by neurotoxic Hg. This study investigated Hg concentrations within 81 cephalopod specimens sampled in the Bay of Biscay, which belonged to five species: Eledone cirrhosa, Sepia officinalis, Loligo vulgaris, Todaropsis eblanae and Illex coindetii. Hg concentrations were measured in the digestive gland, the mantle muscle and the optic lobes of the brain. The digestive gland and the mantle were tissues with the most concentrated Hg among all species considered (up to 1.50 μg.g-1 dw), except E. cirrhosa. This benthic cephalopod had 1.3-fold higher Hg concentrations in the brain (up to 1.89 μg.g-1 dw) than in the mantle, while other species had 2-fold lower concentrations of Hg in the brain than in the mantle. Brain-Hg concentrations can be predicted from muscle-Hg concentrations for a given species, which facilitates the assessment of Hg toxicokinetics in cephalopods. In the most contaminated E. cirrhosa individual, the chemical form of Hg in its digestive gland, mantle muscle and optic lobes, was determined using High energy-Resolution X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (HR XANES) spectroscopy. In the digestive gland, 33 ± 11% of total Hg was inorganic Hg speciated as a dicysteinate complex (Hg(Cys)2), which suggested that the demethylation of dietary MeHg occurs in this organ. All Hg found in the mantle muscle and the optic lobes is methylated and bound to one cysteinyl group (MeHgCys complex), which implies that dietary MeHg is distributed to these tissues via the bloodstream. These results raised the questions regarding interspecific differences observed regarding Hg brain concentrations and the possible effect of Hg on cephalopod functional brain plasticity and behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Minet
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Alain Manceau
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, ISTerre, CNRS, CS 40700, 38058 Grenoble, France
| | - Anaïs Valada-Mennuni
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Maud Brault-Favrou
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Carine Churlaud
- 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
| | - Thành Nguyen
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France; Université des Sciences et des Technologies de Hanoï (USTH), 18 Hoàng Quốc Việt, Nghĩa Đô, Cầu Giấy, Hà Nội, Viet Nam
| | - Jérôme Spitz
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 5 Allées de l'Océan, 17000 La Rochelle, France; Observatoire PELAGIS, UMS 3462 CNRS -La Rochelle Université, 5 Allées de l'Océan, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 rue Descartes, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Thomas Lacoue-Labarthe
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France.
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Cao F, Meng M, Shan B, Sun R. Source apportionment of mercury in surface soils near the Wuda coal fire area in Inner Mongolia, China. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:128348. [PMID: 33297273 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Wuda coalfield, Inner Mongolia, China, has been suffering from serious coal fire disaster for more than half a century. In the past decade, the central and local governments have carried out many fire-fighting projects to put out the coal fires, but coal fires still sporadically occur in the coalfield. Previous studies showed that coal fires could release large amounts of mercury (Hg) into the environment. Meanwhile, the rapid industrial development in recent years in Wuda area has also discharged a certain amount of Hg. Identification and quantification of the Hg emitted from coal fires and industrial sources is critical to formulate appropriate environmental policies. This study determined Hg isotope compositions in different types of coals from Wuda coal fire area and surface soils with different distances to the coal fire area, with an aim of anchoring the potential Hg sources in soils. The results showed that the coals had moderately negative δ202Hg (-2.02∼-1.21‰) and slightly negative Δ199Hg (-0.14-0.00‰), while the soils generally had more positive δ202Hg (-1.97∼-0.26‰) and Δ199Hg (-0.07-0.04‰) with distinct isotope ranges among different sampling sites. According to characteristic Hg isotope compositions of different sources, we concluded that the Hg in Wuda soils mainly sourced from cement plants and coal fires, and coal fires were still an important Hg contamination source in Wuda area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Cao
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Mei Meng
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Bing Shan
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Ruoyu Sun
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
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Cui J, Yu Z, Mi M, He L, Sha Z, Yao P, Fang J, Sun W. Occurrence of Halogenated Organic Pollutants in Hadal Trenches of the Western Pacific Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:15821-15828. [PMID: 33211967 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c04995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The hadal trenches are the most remote and inaccessible habitats on earth and were once believed to be pristine. A recent study has reported the detection of high levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in endemic amphipods from two hadal trenches (Mariana and Kermadec) in the Western Pacific, implicating that the trenches are indeed polluted. However, a fundamental question remains unanswered, if and to what extent such the physical environment of the trenches is polluted by POPs. In this study, we sampled Mariana, Mussau, and New Britain trenches and analyzed samples of amphipods, sediment, and suspended particulate matter (SPM). Our results show that the amphipods contained elevated levels of PCBs and PBDEs, comparable to those reported in the earlier study. We also detected significantly high concentrations (up to 1343 ng g-1 lw) of chlorinated pesticides, such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes and chlordanes. Furthermore, four brominated natural products (BNPs), which structurally resembled methoxylated brominated diphenyl ethers or polybrominated biphenyls, were identified in the endemic amphipods. However, neither POPs nor BNPs were detected in sediments or SPM. Taken together, we propose that the POPs detected in endemic amphipods likely resulted from bioaccumulation by feeding on polluted large detritus (e.g., carrion) falling to the trench bottoms from the surface ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juntao Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhiqiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Mei Mi
- Key Laboratory of Mineralogy and Metallogeny, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Lisheng He
- Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Zhongli Sha
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Geology and Environment, Center of Deep Sea Research, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Peng Yao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Jiasong Fang
- Laboratory for Marine Mineral Resources, Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China
- Hadal Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
- College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, United States
| | - Weidong Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Geology and Environment, Center of Deep Sea Research, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Mineral Resources, Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China
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Abstract
Mercury is a globally distributed neurotoxic pollutant that can be biomagnified in marine fish to levels that are harmful for consumption by humans and other animals. The degree to which mercury has infiltrated the oceans yields important information on the biogeochemistry of mercury and its expected effects on fisheries during changing mercury emissions scenarios. Mercury isotope measurement of biota from deep-sea trenches was used to demonstrate that surface-ocean-derived mercury has infiltrated the deepest locations in the oceans. It was found that when fish living in the surface ocean die and their carcasses sink (along with marine particles), they transfer large amounts of mercury to the trench foodwebs leading to high concentrations of mercury in trench biota. Mercury isotopic compositions of amphipods and snailfish from deep-sea trenches reveal information on the sources and transformations of mercury in the deep oceans. Evidence for methyl-mercury subjected to photochemical degradation in the photic zone is provided by odd-mass independent isotope values (Δ199Hg) in amphipods from the Kermadec Trench, which average 1.57‰ (±0.14, n = 12, SD), and amphipods from the Mariana Trench, which average 1.49‰ (±0.28, n = 13). These values are close to the average value of 1.48‰ (±0.34, n = 10) for methyl-mercury in fish that feed at ∼500-m depth in the central Pacific Ocean. Evidence for variable contributions of mercury from rainfall is provided by even-mass independent isotope values (Δ200Hg) in amphipods that average 0.03‰ (±0.02, n = 12) for the Kermadec and 0.07‰ (±0.01, n = 13) for the Mariana Trench compared to the rainfall average of 0.13 (±0.05, n = 8) in the central Pacific. Mass-dependent isotope values (δ202Hg) are elevated in amphipods from the Kermadec Trench (0.91 ±0.22‰, n = 12) compared to the Mariana Trench (0.26 ±0.23‰, n = 13), suggesting a higher level of microbial demethylation of the methyl-mercury pool before incorporation into the base of the foodweb. Our study suggests that mercury in the marine foodweb at ∼500 m, which is predominantly anthropogenic, is transported to deep-sea trenches primarily in carrion, and then incorporated into hadal (6,000-11,000-m) food webs. Anthropogenic Hg added to the surface ocean is, therefore, expected to be rapidly transported to the deepest reaches of the oceans.
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