Litterfall-derived organic matter enhances mercury methylation in mangrove sediments of South China

Abstract

Mercury (Hg) contamination in mangrove ecosystems has received increasing attention in recent years. Although many studies have investigated methylmercury (MeHg) contamination and its relationship to a number of environmental factors in mangrove sediments, the production of MeHg in this carbon-rich ecosystem has not been fully evaluated. In this study, we measured the total mercury (THg) and MeHg concentrations in the sediments collected from seven mangrove forests in China. In addition, we examined the origin and quality of sedimentary organic matter (OM), trying to evaluate their influence on the MeHg accumulation in mangrove sediments. We found that litterfall played an important role in regulating THg and MeHg contents in mangrove sediments. THg and MeHg concentrations in the mangrove sediments were positively correlated to OM content and the labile fraction of the OM. Multiple evidence (stable carbon isotopes, monosaccharide compositions, and biogenic silica) suggested that OM in mangrove sediments was dominated by input from litterfall. THg and MeHg concentrations were elevated at the sediments with higher input of mangrove OM. We observed that addition of mangrove litter stimulated the production of MeHg under anaerobic conditions. Overall, our results suggested that litterfall acted as a source of inorganic Hg, labile carbon, and low-molecular-weight OM which greatly favor the Hg methylation. Our study provides new insights into the MeHg production in mangrove sediments.