Effect of eutrophication on mercury (Hg) dynamics in subtropical reservoirs from a high Hg deposition ecoregion

Abstract

Eutrophication can have opposite effects on mercury (Hg) bioavailability in aquatic systems, by increasing methylmercury (MeHg) production but reducing Hg biomagnification. Globally, the effect of eutrophication on Hg dynamics remains largely untested at lower latitudes such as eastern China, a productive subtropical ecoregion with Hg emission and deposition rates that are among the highest worldwide. Here, we quantify Hg (both MeHg and total Hg, THg) concentrations, Hg bioaccumulation, and Hg biomagnification rates in reservoir food webs across a gradient of eutrophication indicated by chlorophyll a (Chl a), zooplankton density, and total phosphorus (TP). We also assess the effect of hydrogeomorphic (HGM) features on Hg concentrations in water and biota. Water THg concentrations were strongly correlated with TP and were greater in reservoirs at higher elevations with short water retention times (WRT). Zooplankton and top predator THg concentrations were negatively correlated with Chl a, suggesting algal biodilution; evidence for zooplankton density dilution was also found when subtropical reservoirs were compared at a global scale with temperate lakes. Mercury bioaccumulation and biomagnification factors, respectively, did not correlate with increasing Chl a or zooplankton density suggesting no effect of plankton density on Hg trophic transfer. In subtropical reservoirs, eutrophication is associated with lower Hg concentrations in biota but does not explain Hg biomagnification; HGM features (i.e., elevation, WRT) and land use (i.e., % crop) appear to also influence Hg concentrations and bioaccumulation in reservoir food webs.