MeHg Concentrations Research Articles

Matrix in River Water, Sediments, and Biofilms Mitigates Mercury Toxicity to Medaka (Oryzias Latipes).

Impacts of an environmental matrix on mercury (Hg) bioavailability and toxicity to medaka (Oryzias latipes) were investigated in matrix-free controls and treatments with a stepwise increased environmental matrix of river water, sediments, and biofilms. Generally, river water enhanced but the presence of sediments and biofilms reduced Hg bioavailability to medaka up to 105 times, so that Hgtotal concentrations/amounts among different environmental media cannot mirror Hg availability and toxicity to medaka. On average, 12.9 and 12.4% of Hg in medaka was, respectively, methylated to methylmercury (MeHg) in matrix-free and -containing treatments, indicating no influence of the environmental matrix on Hg methylation in medaka. All oxidative stress, inflammatory injury, and malformation parameters correlated strongly and significantly with Hgtotal and MeHg concentrations in medaka, notably with steeper slopes in matrix-free controls than in matrix-containing treatments, highlighting that the environmental matrix mitigated Hg and MeHg toxicity to medaka. Moreover, oxidative stress was more strongly mitigated than inflammatory injury according to the stronger decreases of the regression line slopes from matrix-free to -containing treatments. Here, we have newly identified that the potential of the environmental matrix to decrease Hg bioavailability and mitigate Hg toxicity to fish together could buffer Hg ecotoxicity in the aquatic environment.

Long-term mercury loading and trapping dynamics in a Western North America reservoir

Study RegionThe Carson River including Lahontan Reservoir in Northwestern Nevada, USA Study FocusThe discovery, mining, and processing of silver and gold from the Comstock Lode in northwestern Nevada heavily contaminated the Carson River system with mercury (Hg). The river now contains some of the highest recorded water column and bed sediment Hg concentrations reported in peer-reviewed literature. Acute Hg contamination in river and reservoir bed sediment has led to elevated methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations across all trophic levels of Lahontan Reservoir, culminating in significant health risks to humans. Lahontan Reservoir, located downstream from the mills that processed Comstock ore, has served as a Hg trap since the completion of the dam in 1915. Starting in 1997 and extending through 2021, the U.S. Geological Survey has collected and analyzed hundreds of discrete water samples entering and exiting Lahontan Reservoir for unfiltered total Hg (uf.THg), thereby providing a first-of-its-kind opportunity for studying long-term Hg trapping efficiencies within a western North American reservoir. Continuous time series of uf.THg concentration and flux above and below the reservoir were estimated using the weighted regressions on time, discharge, and season with the Kalman filtering (WRTDS-K) method employed with newly developed methods to account for non-natural (i.e., managed) hydrographs below a reservoir. New hydrological insights for the regionAn estimated 31,650 kg (34.89 US tons) of uf.THg entered Lahontan Reservoir during the 25 year period of analysis, accounting for approximately 0.5% of the total uf.THg estimated to have been released to the Carson River system [6.8 million kg (7500 US tons)] over a multi-decade mining boom. Moreover, approximately 92% of the estimated uf.THg entering Lahontan Reservoir was trapped. On an annual basis, however, trapping efficiencies range between 34% and 98%, and are closely related to the total annual discharge. Results also indicate that flow-normalized uf.THg concentrations and loads above and below the reservoir are trending down.

The Effects of Different Soil Component Couplings on the Methylation and Bioavailability of Mercury in Soil.

Soil composition can influence the chemical forms and bioavailability of soil mercury (Hg). However, previous studies have predominantly focused on the influence of individual components on the biogeochemical behavior of soil Hg, while the influence of various component interactions among several individual factors remain unclear. In this study, artificial soil was prepared by precisely regulating its components, and a controlled potted experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of various organic and inorganic constituents, as well as different soil textures resulting from their coupling, on soil Hg methylation and its bioavailability. Our findings show that inorganic components in the soils primarily exhibit adsorption and fixation effects on Hg, thereby reducing the accumulation of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in plants. It is noteworthy that iron sulfide simultaneously resulted in an increase in soil MeHg concentration (277%). Concentrations of THg and MeHg in soil with peat were lower in rice but greater in spinach. A correlation analysis indicated that the size of soil particles was a crucial factor affecting the accumulation of Hg in plants. Consequently, even though fulvic acid activated soil Hg, it significantly increased the proportion of soil particles smaller than 100.8 μm, thus inhibiting the accumulation of Hg in plants, particularly reducing the concentration of THg (93%) and MeHg (85%) in water spinach. These results demonstrate that the interaction of organic and inorganic components can influence the biogeochemical behavior of soil Hg not only through their chemical properties, but also by altering the soil texture.

Impacts of forest harvesting on mercury concentrations and methylmercury production in boreal forest soils and stream sediment

Methylmercury (MeHg) is the most neurotoxic and bioaccumulative form of mercury (Hg) present in the terrestrial and aquatic food sources of boreal ecosystems, posing potential risks to wildlife and human health. Harvesting impacts on Hg methylation and MeHg concentrations in forest soils and stream sediment are not fully understood. In this study, a field investigation was carried out in 4 harvested and 2 unharvested boreal forest watersheds, before and after harvest, to better understand impacts on Hg methylation and MeHg concentration in soils and stream sediment, including their responses to different forest management practices. Changes in total Hg (THg) and MeHg concentrations, first-order potential rate constants for Hg methylation and MeHg demethylation (Kmeth and Kdemeth) as well as total carbon content and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio post-harvest in upland, wetland and riparian soils and stream sediment were assessed and compared. Increases in MeHg production were minimal in upland, wetland or riparian soils after harvest. Sediment in streams with minor buffer protection (∼3 m), greater fractions (>75%) of harvested watershed area and more road construction had significantly increased THg and MeHg concentrations, %-MeHg, Kmeth and total carbon content post-harvest. From these patterns, we infer that inputs of carbon and inorganic Hg into harvest-impacted stream sediment are likely sourced from the harvested upland areas and stimulate in situ MeHg production in stream sediment. These findings indicate the importance of stream sediment as potential MeHg pools in harvested forest watersheds. The findings also demonstrate that forest management practices aiming to mitigate organic matter and Hg inputs to streams can effectively alleviate harvesting impacts on Hg methylation and MeHg concentrations in stream sediment.

Home-produced eggs: An important pathway of methylmercury exposure for residents in mercury mining areas, southwest China

In light of the documented elevated concentrations of total mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in poultry originating from Hg-contaminated sites, a knowledge gap persists regarding the levels of Hg found in home-produced eggs (HPEs) and the associated dietary exposure risks in regions affected by Hg mining. To address this knowledge gap, a comprehensive investigation was undertaken with the primary objectives of ascertaining the concentrations of THg and MeHg in HPEs and evaluating the potential hazards associated with the consumption of eggs from the Wanshan Hg mining area in Southwest China. The results showed that THg concentrations in HPEs varied within a range of 10.5–809 ng/g (with a geometric mean (GM) of 64.1 ± 2.7 ng/g), whereas MeHg levels spanned from 1.3 to 291 ng/g (GM, 23.1 ± 3.4 ng/g). Remarkably, in half of all eggs, as well as those collected from regions significantly impacted by mining activities, THg concentrations exceeded the permissible maximum allowable value for fresh eggs (50 ng/g). Consumption of these eggs resulted in increased exposure risks associated with THg and MeHg, with GM values ranging from 0.024 to 0.17 µg/kg BW/day and 0.0089–0.066 µg/kg BW/day, respectively. Notably, the most substantial daily dosage was observed among children aged 2–3 years. The study found that consuming HPEs could result in a significant IQ reduction of 34.0 points for the whole mining area in a year. These findings highlight the potential exposure risk, particularly concerning MeHg, stemming from the consumption of local HPEs by residents in mining areas, thereby warranting serious consideration within the framework of Hg exposure risk assessment in mining locales.

Bioaccumulation of potentially toxic trace elements (As, Cd, Hg, In, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn) and methylmercury in an Indian tarantula Thrigmopoeus truculentus (Pocock 1899) of the Western Ghats

ABSTRACT Spiders are good bioindicators of ecological contamination by potentially toxic trace elements such as As, Cd, Hg, In, Ni, Pb, Se Zn and methylmercury (MeHg). Here, we investigated their bioaccumulation in an Indian tarantula, Theraphosidae spider Thrigmopoeus truculentus inhabiting mud embankments along a national highway in the Western Ghats mountains, and the soil contamination. Concentrations in soil were higher than the soil environmental quality criteria of different countries for Cd, Zn and Ni. Concentrations in whole-body of tarantulas (n = 7) were Zn > Se > [Cd, As, Pb, Ni] > In > total mercury (THg) > MeHg. Concentrations of Zn, Cd, Se, THg and MeHg were significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to soil, suggesting biomagnification. Our work and the review of past data suggest that spiders can biomagnify Zn, Cd, Se, THg and MeHg; but not Pb, As, In and Ni. For As, Zn, Se, Cd, In and THg, correlations between concentrations in tarantula appendages and whole-body were significant (p < 0.05), suggesting that a non-lethal approach be explored where only appendages of larger tarantulas are analysed. Overall, the Theraphosidae species showed the potential to be used as an indicator of bioaccumulation, and their usefulness should be further explored.

Linking Mesoscale Spatial Variation in Methylmercury Production to Bioaccumulation in Tidal Marsh Food Webs.

Differences in sediment biogeochemistry among tidal marsh features with different hydrological and geomorphological characteristics, including marsh interiors, marsh edges, first-order channels, and third-order channels, can result in spatial variation in MeHg production and availability. To better understand the link between MeHg production in sediments and bioaccumulation in primary and secondary consumer invertebrates and fish, we characterized mesoscale spatial variation in sediment biogeochemistry and MeHg concentrations of sediments, water, and consumer tissues among marsh features. Our results indicated that marsh interiors had biogeochemical conditions, including greater concentrations of organic matter and sulfate reduction rates, that resulted in greater MeHg concentrations in sediments and surface water particulates from marsh interiors compared to other features. Tissue MeHg concentrations of consumers also differed among features, with greater concentrations from marsh edges and interiors compared to channels. This spatial mismatch of MeHg concentrations in sediments and water compared to those in consumers may have resulted from differences in behavior and physiology among consumers that influenced the spatial scale over which MeHg was integrated into tissues. Our results highlight the importance of sampling across a suite of marsh features and considering the behavioral and physiological traits of sentinel taxa for contaminant monitoring studies.

Causes of low mercury levels in fish from the Three Gorges Reservoir, China

Previous studies have suggested that growth dilution may be an important factor contributing to the low fish Hg levels in China. To evaluate the impact of growth rate to MeHg bioaccumulation in fish in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), this study used two fish species, Aristichthys nobilis (A. nobilis) and Coilia nasus (C. nasus), which differ significantly in their growth rates. A combined bioenergetic-toxicokinetic model was used to simulate methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in these two species. The model simulations were compared with the field data and showed good fits. It explained 44.0% and 46.5% of the variation in MeHg concentrations in A. nobilis and C. nasus, respectively. Sensitivity analysis revealed that growth rate accounted for 50.9% and 16.0% of MeHg concentrations in A. nobilis and C. nasus, respectively. This indicated that growth rate was the most critical factor affecting MeHg concentrations in fast-growing fish, such as A. nobilis. However, in species with low growth rate, such as C. nasus, the effect of growth rate was not as prominent as that in fast-growing fish. As a result, MeHg elimination rates and diet MeHg levels could offset the effect of growth, and become the decisive factors for MeHg concentrations in slow-growing fish.

Concentrations and Yields of Mercury, Methylmercury, and Dissolved Organic Carbon From Contrasting Catchments in the Discontinuous Permafrost Region, Western Canada

AbstractClimate change and permafrost thaw may impact the mobilization of terrestrial dissolved organic carbon (DOC), mercury (Hg), and neurotoxic methylmercury (MeHg) into aquatic ecosystems; thus, understanding processes that control analyte export in northern catchments is needed. We monitored water chemistry for 3 years (2019–2021) at a peatland catchment (Scotty Creek) and a mixed catchment (Smith Creek) in the Dehcho (Northwest Territories), within the discontinuous permafrost zone of boreal western Canada. The peatland catchment had higher DOC and dissolved MeHg, but lower total Hg concentrations (mean ± standard deviation; 19 ± 2.6 mg DOC L−1; 0.08 ± 0.04 ng DMeHg L−1; 1.1 ± 0.3 ng THg L−1) than the mixed catchment (12 ± 4.4 mg DOC L−1; 0.05 ± 0.01 ng DMeHg L−1; 3.1 ± 2.2 ng THg L−1). Analyte concentrations increased with discharge at the mixed catchment, suggesting transport limitation and the flushing of near‐surface, organic‐rich flow paths during wet periods. In contrast, analyte concentrations in the peatland catchment were not primarily associated with discharge. MeHg concentrations, MeHg:THg, and MeHg:DOC increased with water temperature, suggesting enhanced Hg methylation during warmer periods. Mean open water season DOC and total MeHg yields were greater and more variable from the peatland than the mixed catchment (1.1–6.6 vs. 1.4–2.4 g DOC m−2; 5.2–36 vs. 6.1–10 ng MeHg m−2). Crucial storage thresholds controlling runoff generation likely drove greater inter‐annual variability in analyte yields from the peatland catchment. Our results suggest climate change may influence the production and transport of MeHg from boreal‐Arctic catchments as temperatures increase, peatlands thaw, and runoff generation is altered.

Dietary shifts drive the slowdown of declining methylmercury related health risk in China

Chinese population suffers severe health risk from dietary methylmercury (MeHg) exposure. However, the temporal change of such risk and socioeconomic driving factors remain unknown. This study investigates this issue by compiling time-series inventory of China's MeHg-related health risk at the provincial scale and revealing critical socioeconomic influencing factors through structural decomposition analysis. Results show that the per-fetus IQ decrements from dietary MeHg exposure have declined by 60% nationally during 2004–2019. Such decline results from the joint effects of dietary shifts (contributing 44%) and the decrease of MeHg concentrations in foods consumed (contributing 56%). However, the declining trend has slowed down since 2014 and even leveled off after 2016, which is mainly affected by dietary pattern changes. Especially, the increased intake level and proportion of fishes in underdeveloped provinces of China have dominated the slowdown of declining trend after 2016. Moreover, the affluence and education levels have significantly negative associations with per-fetus IQ decrements. Rich and well-educated people have higher ability of risk perception, which indicates the importance of rational consumption patterns. Our findings can help develop socioeconomic regulatory policies on reducing per-fetus IQ decrements from dietary MeHg exposure in China.

Sources and melt flux of methylmercury in sea ice on the Chukchi Plateau, Arctic Ocean

To identify the major source and melt flux of Hg in sea ice, we measured total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations from sea ice cores collected from the Chukchi Plateau, Arctic Ocean. The THg maxima were found in the surface section (0–40 cm) of the cold cores (−2.3 ± 0.19 °C) and middle section (30–75 cm) of the warm cores (−1.9 ± 0.38 °C), whereas MeHg concentrations were nearly constant by core depth in the cold and warm cores. Using the enrichment factor mixing model, we estimated seawater to be the dominant source of THg over atmospheric deposition, both in the cold (89.1–99.6 %) and warm cores (98.4–99.7 %). The preliminary input estimation for MeHg showed that in situ methylation, instead of seawater input, was the potential source of MeHg in sea ice. The sea ice melt flux of MeHg in the Arctic Ocean was estimated to be 231 ± 77 kg yr−1 in the period of 2010–2020, which is insignificant compared with other external sources, such as atmospheric deposition, river discharge, and coastal erosion. Based on the results of the present study, the ongoing decline of sea ice extent related to polar amplification is likely to enhance MeHg production in sea ice in late spring and summer as a result of the improved light availability and consequent promotion of algal and microbial activities.

Ecology and environmental characteristics influence methylmercury bioaccumulation in coastal invertebrates

Quantifying mercury (Hg) concentrations in invertebrates is fundamental to determining risk for bioaccumulation in higher trophic level organisms in coastal food webs. Bioaccumulation is influenced by local mercury concentrations, site geochemistry, individual feeding ecologies, and trophic position. We sampled seven species of invertebrates from five coastal sites in the Minas Basin, Bay of Fundy, and determined body concentrations of methylmercury (MeHg), total mercury (THg), and stable isotopes of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C). To evaluate the effects of environmental chemistry on Hg production and bioaccumulation, bulk sediments from all sites were analysed for THg, %Loss on ignition (LOI) (carbon), and sulfur isotopes (δ34S), and concentrations of MeHg, Total Organic Carbon (TOC), sulfate, and sulfide were measured in porewaters. The mean concentration of MeHg in tissues for all invertebrates sampled was 10.03 ± 7.04 ng g−1). MeHg in porewater (mean = 0.22–1.59 ng L−1) was the strongest predictor of invertebrate MeHg, but sediment δ34S (−0.80–14.1‰) was also a relatively strong predictor. δ34S in tissues (measured in three species; Corophium volutator, Ilyanassa obsoleta, and Littorina littorea) were positively related to MeHg in invertebrates (r = 0.55, 0.22, and 0.71 respectively), and when used in combination with δ15N and δ13C values improved predictions of Hg concentrations in biota. Hg concentrations in the amphipod Corophium volutator (mean MeHg = 10.60 ± 1.90 ng g−1) were particularly well predicted using porewater and sediment chemistry, highlighting this species as a useful bioindicator of Hg contamination in sediments of the Bay of Fundy.

Mercury sources and budget for the Snake River above a hydroelectric reservoir complex

Understanding sources of mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) to a water body is critical for management but is often complicated by poorly characterized Hg inputs and in situ processes, such as inorganic Hg methylation. In this study, we determined inorganic Hg and MeHg concentrations and loads (filter-passing and particulate fractions) for a semi-arid 164-kilometer stretch of the Snake River above the Hells Canyon Complex, a Hg-impaired hydroelectric reservoir complex on the Idaho-Oregon border, and used water quality measurements and Hg stable isotope ratios to create a comprehensive Hg source budget for the river. Results show that whereas most of the streamflow to the study reach comes from the main branch of the Snake River (i.e., the upstream watershed), major tributaries within the study reach contribute a greater proportion of inorganic Hg and MeHg loads. Mercury stable-isotope analyses highlight that Hg within the tributaries is predominantly associated with geologic deposits and snowmelt sources, the latter reflecting wet deposition. Surprisingly, irrigation return drains contribute 40–50 % of particulate inorganic Hg loads despite being ≤4.3 % of the overall water budget. Together, tributaries and irrigation return drains account for 97–100 % of the inorganic Hg and streamflow to the study reach, but ~65 % of the MeHg, indicating in-stream and riparian methylation may be an important and previously unrecognized source of MeHg. Streamflow, total suspended solids, dissolved organic carbon, and agricultural land cover were found to be important controls on the mobilization and transport of different Hg species and fractions. This study represents the first fluvial budget for Hg in the Snake River that accounts for particulate and filter-passing Hg species from both major tributaries and irrigation return drains, and expands our understanding of Hg sources and methylation processes within semi-arid environments. This information is critical to inform management decisions related to elevated Hg burdens in biota.

KEAP1 polymorphisms and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with exposure to prenatal MeHg from the Seychelles Child Development Study Nutrition Cohort 2

BackgroundHumans differ in the metabolism of the neurotoxicant methyl mercury (MeHg). This variation may be partially due to variation in genes encoding the transcription factor Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and its negative regulator Kelch-like ECH-Associated Protein 1 (KEAP1), which regulate glutathione and related transporter and antioxidant proteins that play a role in the metabolism and neurotoxicity of MeHg. AimTo elucidate a potential risk from genetic variation in NFE2L2 (encoding NRF2) and KEAP1 toward prenatal mercury exposure and child neurodevelopmental outcomes at 20 months and 7 years of age in a population with variable prenatal exposure to MeHg from maternal fish consumption. Material and MethodsNutrition Cohort 2 is a mother–child cohort in the Republic of Seychelles. Children were genotyped for NFE2L2 (rs2364723, rs13001694) and KEAP1 (rs8113472, rs9676881) polymorphisms (N = 1285 after removing siblings). Total mercury (Hg) was measured in cord blood as a biomarker for prenatal MeHg exposure. Child neurodevelopmental outcomes included the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II administered at 20 months of age, and outcomes across multiple neurodevelopmental domains from 14 tests administered in children and 3 instruments completed by parents when children were 7 years of age. ResultsThe mean cord blood MeHg concentration was 34 (95% CI 11, 75) µg/L. None of the four polymorphisms had a significant association (p < 0.05) with either cord MeHg or neurodevelopmental test results at 20 months. There were no significant associations between either NFE2L2 polymorphism and any developmental test scores. At 7 years, children carrying KEAP1 rs8113472 CA showed significantly worse performance on psychomotor function than children with the CC variant (finger tapping, dominant hand: β − 1.19, SE 0.34; finger tapping, non-dominant hand: β − 0.92, SE 0.31) and worse social communication (SCQ Total: β 0.65, SE 0.27). Children carrying rs8113472 AA, versus children with CC, showed significantly better performance on social communication (SRS Total: β − 8.88, SE 3.60). Children carrying KEAP1 rs9676881 AG, versus children with GG, showed significantly worse performance on psychomotor function (trailmaking A time: β 8.66, SE 3.37) and cognition (KBIT Matrices: β − 0.96, SE 0.36). ConclusionNo associations between NFE2L2 and KEAP1 polymorphisms and MeHg concentration were identified. However, at 7 years, KEAP1 polymorphisms were associated with differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes in children from a population with high fish intake.

A high spatial resolution dataset for methylmercury exposure in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

Dietary methylmercury (MeHg) exposure increases the risk of many human diseases. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is the world’s most populous bay area and people there might suffer a high risk of dietary MeHg exposure. However, there lacks a time-series high spatial resolution dataset for dietary MeHg exposure in the GBA. This study constructs a high spatial resolution (1 km × 1 km) dataset for dietary MeHg exposure in the GBA during 2009–2019. It first constructs the dietary MeHg exposure inventory for each county/district of the GBA, based on MeHg concentrations of foods (i.e., rice and fish in this study) and per capita rice and fish intake. Subsequently, this study spatializes the dietary MeHg exposure inventory at 1 km × 1 km scale, using gridded data for food consumption expenditure as the proxy. This dataset can describe the spatially explicit hotspots, distribution patterns, and variation trend of dietary MeHg exposure in the GBA. This dataset can support spatially explicit evaluation of MeHg-related health risks in the GBA.

Variability in methylmercury exposure across migratory terrestrial bird species: Influencing factors, biomagnification and potential risks

Despite China's considerable mercury (Hg) emissions, monitoring of methylmercury (MeHg) levels in its terrestrial environments remains limited. This study examined the occurrence and accumulation of MeHg in body feathers of 12 migratory terrestrial bird species originating from Siberia and northeastern China. Considerable variations in foraging habits and MeHg levels were observed among these species. Accipiters, including Eurasian and Japanese sparrowhawks (A. gularis and A. nisus) and northern goshawk (A. gentilis), along with insectivorous songbirds including grey-backed thrush (T. hortulorum) and orange-flanked bluetail (T. cyanurus), showed notable levels of MeHg (0.62–1.20 mg/kg). Up to 25 % of the individuals within these species were classified as low-risk based on feather Hg toxicity thresholds, while the remaining species fell into the no-risk category. Despite showing enriched δ15N, MeHg concentrations in short-eared and long-eared owls (A. flammeus and A. otus) were lower than in sparrowhawks. The herbivorous oriental turtle dove (S. orientalis) exhibited significantly lower MeHg levels compared to all other species. There was a significant positive correlation between MeHg concentrations and δ15N across species, highlighting the substantial biomagnification potential of MeHg within the terrestrial food web. Additionally, we found significantly higher MeHg levels in adults than juveniles in both sparrowhawk species. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of utilizing migratory bird feathers for monitoring terrestrial Hg contamination, and underscore the importance of further assessment.

Seasonal riverine inputs may affect diet and mercury bioaccumulation in Arctic coastal zooplankton

Climate change driven increases in permafrost thaw and terrestrial runoff are expected to facilitate the mobilization and transport of mercury (Hg) from catchment soils to coastal areas in the Arctic, potentially increasing Hg exposure of marine food webs. The main aim of this study was to determine the impacts of seasonal riverine inputs on land-ocean Hg transport, zooplankton diet and Hg bioaccumulation in an Arctic estuary (Adventfjorden, Svalbard). The Adventelva River was a source of dissolved and particulate Hg to Adventfjorden, especially in June and July during the river's main discharge period. Stable isotope and fatty acid analyses suggest that zooplankton diet varied seasonally with diatoms dominating during the spring phytoplankton bloom in May and with increasing contributions of dinoflagellates in the summer months. In addition, there was evidence of increased terrestrial carbon utilization by zooplankton in June and July, when terrestrial particles contributed substantially to the particulate organic matter pool. Total (TotHg) and methyl Hg (MeHg) concentrations in zooplankton increased from April to August related to increased exposure to riverine inputs, and to shifts in zooplankton diet and community structure. Longer and warmer summer seasons will probably increase riverine runoff and thus Hg exposure to Arctic zooplankton.

Mercury concentrations in sediments and oysters in a temperate coastal zone: a comparison of farmed and wild varieties.

Oyster aquaculture has progressively increased to meet growing demands for seafood worldwide; however, its effects on methylmercury (MeHg) production in sediment and accumulation in oysters are largely unknown. In this study, total Hg (THg) and MeHg in sediments collected from aquaculture and reference sites and in farmed and wild oysters were measured and compared to explore potential factors that regulate MeHg production and bioaccumulation at the aquaculture sites. The results showed that the mean concentrations of THg and MeHg in varying sediment depths at the aquaculture site were 34 ± 4.1 ng g-1 and 16 ± 12 pg g-1, respectively. In comparison, the mean concentrations of THg and MeHg in sediments at the reference site were 25 ± 2.5 ng g-1 and 63 ± 28 pg g-1, respectively. While the MeHg/THg in the aquaculture sediments increased with organic carbon content, the slope of MeHg/THg versus organic carbon content was suppressed by high concentrations of dissolved sulfide in the pore water. Multiple parameters (total sulfur, total nitrogen and acid volatile sulfide in sediment, and dissolved sulfide in pore water) showed significant negative relationships with MeHg/THg in the sediment, and the total sulfur content in the sediment showed the highest inverse correlation factor with MeHg/THg (r = - 0.83). The mean concentrations of THg and MeHg in farmed oysters (mean weight 3.2 ± 1.5 g) were 36 ± 10 ng g-1 and 15 ± 6.7 ng g-1, respectively, while those in wild oysters (mean weight 0.92 ± 0.32 g) were 47 ± 9.9 ng g-1 and 15 ± 6.7 ng g-1, respectively. Concerning oysters of the same size range, THg and MeHg levels were higher in farmed oysters than in wild oysters despite the faster growth rate of farmed oysters, suggesting that the Hg content of food sources is more important than growth dilution rates in the control of Hg levels. The mean hazardous quotient for MeHg in farmed oyster was calculated as 0.044 ± 0.020, suggesting no expected health risk from farmed oyster consumption.

Spatial distribution and speciation of mercury in a recovering deepwater redfish (Sebastes mentella) population from St. Lawrence Estuary and Gulf, Canada

Mercury (Hg) pollution poses a significant threat to the environment, particularly in the form of methylmercury (MeHg). However, little is known about the distribution and influencing factors of Hg in deep-sea (>200m) fish, which is crucial for assessing potential health risks to fish and humans. In Canada, the deepwater redfish (Sebastes mentella) has been designated as an endangered species. After a 25-year fishing moratorium, the redfish population in the St. Lawrence Estuary and Gulf is recovering, and resuming of commercial fishing and human consumption are expected. This study aimed to investigate the distribution of MeHg and total Hg (THg) in the muscle of redfish, as well as the factors influencing its distribution, and to assess the potential human health risks associated with redfish consumption. The redfish samples (n = 123) were collected by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in 2019. The concentrations of THg and MeHg in redfish muscle were determined to be 93.3 ± 183 ng/g (mean ± SD, wet weight) and 78.2 ± 149 ng/g, respectively. Large redfish (>30 cm) accumulated 20 to 30 times more Hg than small redfish (17–30 cm). Small redfish from the Estuary-Western Gulf had higher levels of MeHg and THg than those from the Laurentian Channel and the Northeast Gulf, but the Hg availability to redfish among the three areas were similar. Significant predictors of MeHg concentrations in redfish muscle were determined to be fish length, muscle moisture, δ15N, and N%. MeHg consumption by the general population with an average fish consumption rate is not anticipated to have adverse effects. This study establishes a baseline for future Hg monitoring in the deep water environments in this region. Further research is required to elucidate the cause-effect relationships between various environmental/biological parameters and Hg accumulation in deep-sea biota.

Ecohydrology of two northern Wisconsin bogs

AbstractThe dynamics of water and solutes were investigated in two northern bog ponds using sensor networks and discrete water samples. Embedded sensors monitored water level (S), precipitation (P), evaporation (E), water temperature (T) and specific conductivity (SC) in the peatlands and encircled ponds at 30 min time intervals from 2009 to 2015. Pond water chemistry was monitored seasonally from 2000 to 2020. Daily hydrographs and water budgets indicated that both bogs are ombrotrophic systems, perched above the local water table. Although the predominant flowpath for liquid water was precipitation → pond → peatland → underlying glacial deposits, evaporation accounted for 70% to 90% of water losses. High dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the ponds resulted from transient reversals of flowpath and from molecular diffusion across the peatland/pond interface (a tea bag effect). DOM of peatland origin dominated pond water chemistry, regulating the concentration of important metals, major nutrients and the acid–base status of both bog ponds. Elevated concentrations of Fe, Hg and MeHg in the ponds reflected ligand binding by DOM. The formation of DOM‐Fe‐PO4 complexes likely accounted for &gt;3‐fold higher P concentration relative to nearby clearwater lakes. Linear regression of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) against the anion deficit indicated that DOM contributed up to 6.6 mEq of strong acid per gramme carbon in pond waters. Winter maxima in the seasonal cycles of DOC, Ca, Mg, N, P, Hg and MeHg in both bog ponds were attributable, in large part, to salting out during ice formation. We conclude that multiple methods are needed to understand the dynamics of water and solutes in bog ecosystems.