Total Hg Concentrations Research Articles

CO2 buildup drove global warming, the Marinoan deglaciation, and the genesis of the Ediacaran cap carbonates

What caused ocean/climate changes that drove Marinoan deglaciation, and the subsequent genesis of Ediacaran cap carbonates remains unclear. To address this issue, we examined the Hg records in Ediacaran cap carbonates from shelf to slope depositional settings in exposures from South China. These cap carbonates show higher total Hg (THg) concentrations (4.9 to 405 ppb), most of which are comparable to that observed in carbonates deposited during non-LIPs periods. The lack of THg/TOC anomalies in these cap carbonates suggests that background volcanic activity, rather than a short-term large igneous province event, drove the Marinoan deglaciation. The cap carbonates show positive Δ199Hg values (0.18 to 0.34 ‰) in slope settings and slightly negative to slightly positive Δ199Hg values (−0.16 to 0.11 ‰) in shelf settings, suggesting a binary mixing of seawater- and terrestrial-derived Hg in early Ediacaran Ocean. We infer that the accumulation of greenhouse gases, due to ongoing volcanic emissions of CO2 and enhanced release of gas hydrates, triggered global warming. This warming led to melting of sea ice cover, enhanced terrestrial inputs of alkalis (e.g., K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+), and large-scale dissolution of atmospheric CO2 into seawater, driving widespread deposition of Ediacaran cap carbonates.

Body burdens and distribution of mercury and selenium in bottlenose, striped and Risso's dolphins along the Adriatic coast: A 20-year retrospective

Top marine predators present high mercury concentrations in their tissues due to biomagnification in the marine food chain. This study reports mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) status, and the Hg:Se molar ratio assessment in bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus), striped (Stenella coeruleoalba) and Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus). Total Hg and Se concentrations were determined in muscle, liver, kidney, lung, spleen, adipose tissue and skin collected from 186 specimens stranded in the Croatian part of Adriatic Sea from 1995 to 2014. Total Hg concentrations in tissue samples ranged from 0.001 in the spleen to 2238 mg/kg wet weight in liver. Se concentrations in dolphin samples ranged from 0.010 to 2916 mg/kg ww. Minimum Se concentration was found in muscle and maximum Se concentration were found in liver of bottlenose dolphin. Hg and Se levels in Risso's dolphins showed higher concentrations in all tissues in comparison to bottlenose and striped dolphins. Significant and positive correlations were observed between age and Hg concentrations (P < 0.05). In 66.6 % of Risso's, 15.3 % of bottlenose dolphins and one stranded striped dolphin in this study, the hepatic concentration of Hg exceeded the higher toxic thresholds (400 mg/kg w.w.) previously defined as evidence of liver damage in marine mammals. The Hg:Se molar ratio in the liver of Risso's dolphin was 0.670. The liver of adult bottlenose dolphins showed expected values (0.870), while the liver of young dolphins had a high ratio (0.750), non-specific for the age group. The Hg:Se molar ratio in the liver of striped dolphins was 0.390, which is lower than the literature values.

Metal contaminants and chloramphenicol in Litopenaeus vannamei and Penaeus silasi at various supply chain stages in Johor Bahru, Malaysia and their health risk assessment

ObjectivesThis present research evaluated the concentrations of metal contaminants (As, Pb, Cd and total Hg) and chloramphenicol as prescribed by the Malaysian Food Act (1983) and Regulations (2021) in Penaeus silasi and Litopenaeus vannamei shrimps sampled from the different supply chain stages (landing sites, major markets and grocers) in Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia at six sampling intervals. MethodsGraphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer and flow injection mercury/hyride system were used to determine the concentration of As, Pb and Cd as well as total Hg, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the concentration of chloramphenicol. ResultsThe median As and Cd concentrations during the six sampling intervals ranged between below detection limit-167.5 mg/kg and 0.46 mg/kg, respectively. The total Hg concentrations ranged between 0.02 and 1.13 mg/kg. Although Pb and chloramphenicol were not detected, As and total Hg concentrations varied significantly across sampling intervals (P < 0.05), exceeded the maximum permitted proportions prescribed by the Malaysian law. Identified as P. silasi, shrimps from landing sites Mersing and Pontian had significantly higher As and total Hg concentrations than those of L. vannamei from major markets and their surrounding grocers (P < 0.05). Alarmingly, Hazard Index for P. silasi from landing sites Mersing and Pontian as well as L. vannamei from major markets and grocers exceeded 1.00. ConclusionHence, formulating suitable intervention programs and devising efficient removal technologies are paramount for benefiting the public at large.

The relationship between zooplankton vertical distribution and the concentration of aqueous Hg in boreal lakes: A comparative field study

The production of the highly toxic monomethylmercury (MeHg) is heterogenous throughout the water column. Multiple factors have been identified to significantly affect this process, such as an extended anoxic water layer and a deep-water phytoplankton maximum. However, the role of water column heterogeneity on mercury (Hg) cycling is still poorly known, especially concerning the role of zooplankton grazers. Here, four boreal lakes with contrasting characteristics were sampled (i.e., transparency and the presence/absence of fish) at both day and night in order to maximize the heterogeneity in zooplankton abundance both among and within lakes, and to investigate their potential links with Hg vertical heterogeneity. Diel variation of the concentrations of both dissolved total Hg (DTHg) and total Hg (THg) were observed, with night samples significantly higher than day samples. Although this pattern was not related to diel changes in the vertical distribution of zooplankton, results showed that the presence of large copepods (>1.2 mm) and medium-sized (0.6 to 1.2 mm) cladocerans was significantly associated with lower concentrations of DTHg in the water at a given depth, whereas the presence of medium-sized copepods was significantly associated with the concentration of THg. The presence of cladocerans was significantly associated with the ratio between the dissolved MeHg and DTHg (conventionally used as a proxy of methylation potential). Phytoplankton biomass was directly correlated with the concentration of both dissolved and total MeHg and the methylation potential. At the same time, phytoplankton biomass was inversely related to the fraction of DTHg. These results suggest a potential key role of the heterogeneity of biotic factors in the water column, especially of phytoplankton and zooplankton, in the cycling of total Hg and MeHg in boreal lakes.

Relationships between concentrations of mercury and organic carbon in soils allow the identification of Antarctic ice-free areas with enhanced deposition of the metal

Antarctica is a sink for mercury (Hg) and plays an important role in the global Hg cycle. Knowledge about the environmental fate of Hg in Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems, however, remains highly restricted. In this study, we investigated soil Hg in samples from three areas located across a wide latitudinal range from about 62°S to over 74°S with very different climatic and environmental conditions and different potential (natural and anthropogenic) sources of Hg. The highest Hg levels were found in soils beneath mosses and ornithogenic soils in the Antarctic Peninsula, whereas extremely low values were found in coastal East Antarctica. Total Hg concentrations in soil samples from the three study areas were always closely related to those of organic carbon (OC). In corroborating the results of previous studies, this large-scale survey strongly suggests that OC is a dominant driver affecting Hg distribution in Antarctic soils. The observed linear relationship between Hg and OC concentrations, also supported by available literature data, probably, has a general relevance for Antarctic soils, and allows to identify samples affected by enhanced Hg deposition from anthropogenic or natural sources. In providing a better understanding of the biogeochemical cycle of Hg in Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems, this study suggests that soil OC content must be considered to assess Hg distribution patterns in Antarctic soils. In samples (including those of lacustrine sediments, planktonic, and benthic algal mats) unaffected by an accentuated deposition of Hg, the value of the ratio [Hg ng/g]/[OC %] appears to be less than ∼ 11.

Emission Characteristics of Gaseous and Particulate Mercury from a Subcritical Power Plant Co-Firing Coal and Sludge

Field tests were carried out in a subcritical coal-fired power plant co-firing coal and sludge to analyze the emission characteristics of gaseous and particulate mercury. EPA30B method was applied to determine the mercury speciation in different positions of the flue gas, including the inlet and outlet of the selective catalytic reduction DeNOX system (SCR) and electrostatic precipitator (ESP); PM10 (with aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm) was collected using a cyclone and a Dekati low-pressure impactor (DLPI). Before accessing the SCR, Hg in flue gas from both single coal combustion and co-firing mainly existed as Hg0; the higher content of Hg in sludge than coal led to the much higher Hg0 concentration for co-firing. The total Hg concentration at not only the SCR inlet and outlet but also the ESP inlet did not change obviously. However, Hgp concentration at the ESP inlet increased significantly, accompanied by a decrease in Hg0. The transformation of Hg0 to Hgp appeared to be more distinct for co-firing. The higher HCl concentration of co-firing derived from the much higher Cl content of sludge than coal, and together with the higher ash content of sludge containing more minerals capable of adsorbing Hg0, may lead to the greater transformation from Hg0 to Hg2+ and Hgp when co-firing. After the ESP disposal, nearly all Hgp was removed along with PM10, and most Hg0 was also removed. The removal efficiency of mercury after the ESP was 92.12% under coal firing and 92.83% under co-firing conditions, respectively. The slightly higher mercury removal efficiency under co-firing should be attributed to the complete removal of the higher concentration of Hgp.

Total Mercury (THg) Content in Red Mullet (Mullus barbatus) from Adriatic Sea (Central Mediterranean Sea): Relation to Biological Parameters, Sampling Area and Human Health Risk Assessment

Mercury (Hg) is a pollutant that has toxic effects on ecosystems and biota. As it biomagnifies in the food chain, its presence in edible fish poses a high risk to human health. Herein, total Hg (THg) content was quantified in 2018–2019 using thermal decomposition amalgamation atomic absorption spectrometry in muscle tissue of red mullet (Mullus barbatus), a commercially important species throughout the Adriatic Sea (Central Mediterranean Sea). Specimens were grouped into 16 pools based on sex, reproductive stages, and sampling area. The overall mean value of THg content was 0.20 ± 0.15 mg kg−1 in terms of wet weight. THg levels in males and females showed no statistically significant differences, whereas specimens that were captured in open sea showed a higher THg content than coastal samples. Statistically significant differences between THg content and the reproductive stages of fish were found in females. However, neither lipid content nor fish length were statistically correlated with THg content. The analyzed specimens were considered to be safe food according to EU directives, but it is necessary to exercise caution and further investigate Italian people in the 0–18 age group, because they were found to be exposed to a higher dose of methylmercury than the safety threshold set by the EFSA.

Interrelationships among feather mercury content, body condition and feather corticosterone in a Neotropical migratory bird, the Purple Martin (Progne subis subis)

Purple Martins (Progne subis) are migratory birds that breed in North America and overwinter and complete their molt in South America. Many of the breeding populations are declining. The eastern North American subspecies of Purple Martin (P. subis subis) comprises >90% of all Purple Martins. This subspecies overwinters and molts in the Amazon Basin, a region that is high in mercury (Hg) contamination, which raises the possibility that observed declines in Purple Martins could be linked to Hg exposure. Exposure to Hg results in numerous and systemic negative health outcomes, including endocrine disruption. Corticosterone (CORT) is a primary modulator of the stress and metabolic axes of vertebrates; thus, it is important in meeting metabolic and other challenges of migration. Because feathers accumulate Hg and hormones while growing, quantification of Hg and CORT in feathers provides an opportunity to retrospectively assess Hg exposure and adrenal activity of birds using minimally invasive methods. We evaluated interrelationships among concentrations of total Hg (THg) and CORT in feathers that grew in the Amazon Basin and body condition (mass, fat score) of these birds in North America. Concentrations of THg in Purple Martin feathers ranged from 1.103 to 8.740 μg/g dw, levels associated with negative physiological impacts in other avian species. Concentrations of CORT did not correlate with THg concentration at the time of feather growth. However, we found evidence that THg concentration may negatively impact the ability of Purple Martins to accumulate fat, which could impair migratory performance and survivorship due to the high energy requirements of migration. This finding suggests potential carryover effects of Hg contamination at the wintering grounds in the Amazon to the summer breeding grounds in North America.

Comparison and calibration of methods for ambient reactive mercury quantification

Gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM) is the dominant form of atmospheric mercury (Hg) deposited and sequestered within ecosystems. Thus, accurate, calibrated measurements of GOM are needed. Here, two active membrane-based collection systems (RMAS) were used to determine GOM and particulate-bound Hg (PBM), as well as reactive Hg (RM = GOM + PBM), and compared with two dual-channel systems (DCS) and a Tekran 2537/1130 speciation system. The DCS measured operationally defined GOM by difference, using concentrations of gaseous elemental Hg (GEM) and total gaseous Hg. One DCS was linked to a custom-built, automated calibration system that permeated GEM, HgBr2, or HgCl2. The five systems were co-located for one-year to develop a dataset that would allow for understanding limitations of each system, and assessing measurement accuracy and long-term precision of the calibrator. The Tekran system measured ~14.5 % of the GOM measured by the other systems. The USU and UNR DCS and RMAS were significantly correlated, but the DCS was 50 and 30 % higher, respectively, than the RMAS. The calibrator performed consistently in the field and lab, and the DCS fully recovered GOM injected by the calibrator. Since the uncalibrated DCS measured the same concentrations as the calibrated DCS, they are both accurate methods for measuring RM and/or GOM. Some loss occurred from the RMAS membranes. SynopsisAccurate and calibrated measurements of atmospheric reactive mercury using membranes and two dual-channel systems.

Hg Pollution Indices along the Reis Magos River Basin-Brazil: A Precursory Study.

Mercury is a metal present in the Earth’s crust, but due to human contribution, its concentration can increase, causing environmental impacts to aquatic ecosystems, among others. The Reis Magos River Hydrographic Basin represents economic and socio-environmental importance for the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. However, there are not many publications regarding the quality of water and sediments, so no data is reported concerning the total concentration of Hg. Thus, the present work aimed to evaluate the distribution of total Hg in water and sediments along this hydrographic basin. For a better inference, physicochemical parameters of the water were determined (temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), and salinity), and in the sediments, the contents of matter organic matter, pH, carbonates and granulometry. Mercury determination was performed by Thermodecomposition and Amalgamation Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (TDA AAS) with a DMA-80 spectrometer. The Hg determined in the water was lower than the limit of quantification, 0.14 µg∙L−1, which is lower than the maximum limits recommended by world reference environmental agencies. In the sediment samples, the Hg found were below 170 µg∙kg−1, values below which there is less possibility of an adverse effect on the biota. However, when the degree of anthropic contribution was evaluated using the Geoaccumulation index (IGeo), the contamination factor (CF), and the ecological risk potential index (EF), there was evidence of moderate pollution. Thus, this highlighted the need for monitoring the region since climatic variations and physical-chemical parameters influence the redistribution of Hg between the water/sediment interface.

Elevated Mercury Concentrations and Isotope Signatures (N, C, Hg) in Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) from the Galápagos Marine Reserve and Waters off Ecuador

We examined how dietary factors recorded by C and N influence Hg uptake in 347 individuals of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), an important subsistence resource from the Galápagos Marine Reserve (Ecuador) and the Ecuadorian mainland coast in 2015-2016. We found no differences in total Hg (THg) measured in red muscle between the two regions and no seasonal differences, likely due to the age of the fish and slow elimination rates of Hg. Our THg concentrations are comparable to those of other studies in the Pacific (0.20-9.60 mg/kg wet wt), but a subset of individuals exhibited the highest Hg concentrations yet reported in yellowfin tuna. Mercury isotope values differed between Δ199 Hg and δ202Hg in both regions (Δ199 Hg = 2.86 ± 0.04‰ vs. Δ199 Hg = 2.33 ± 0.07‰), likely related to shifting food webs and differing photochemical processing of Hg prior to entry into the food web. There were significantly lower values of both δ15 N and δ13 C in tuna from Galápagos Marine Reserve (δ15 N: 8.5-14.2‰, δ13 C: -18.5 to -16.1‰) compared with those from the Ecuadorian mainland coast (δ15 N: 8.3-14.4‰, δ13 C: -19.4 to -11.9‰), of which δ13 C values suggest spatially constrained movements of tuna. Results from the pooled analysis, without considering region, indicated that variations in δ13 C and δ15 N values tracked changes of Hg stable isotopes. Our data indicate that the individual tuna we used were resident fish of each region and were heavily influenced by upwellings related to the eastern Pacific oxygen minimum zone and the Humboldt Current System. The isotopes C, N, and Hg reflect foraging behavior mainly on epipelagic prey in shallow waters and that food web shifts drive Hg variations between these populations of tuna. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2732-2744. © 2022 SETAC.

Lichen transplants as indicators of gaseous elemental mercury concentrations

Lichens play an important role in the biogeochemical cycling of mercury (Hg) and are commonly used as indicators of Hg enrichment in remote and anthropogenically impacted environments. To assess their capacity for Hg uptake and accumulation, we determined the concentration of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) in air and the concentration of total Hg (THg) in transplanted thalli of two lichen species. Lichen transplants and passive air samplers (PASs) were concurrently deployed, side by side, at 10 sites within an abandoned mining area, characterized by large gradients in atmospheric Hg contamination. Highly variable time-weighted GEM concentrations determined by the PASs, ranging from 17 to 4,200 ng/m3, were mirrored by generally high Hg concentrations in transplanted thalli of both Xanthoria parietina (174–8,800 ng/g) and Evernia prunastri (143–5,500 ng/g). Hg concentrations in the two species co-varied linearly indicating about 60% greater Hg accumulation in X. parietina than in E. prunastri. Whereas Hg uptake in the fruticose E. prunastri increased linearly with GEM, a power law equation with a fractional exponent described the uptake in the foliose X. parietina. Extrapolating the relationships observed here to higher GEM levels yielded concentrations in lichen that agree very well with those measured in an earlier fumigation experiment performed under laboratory-controlled conditions. The uptake model of X. parietina was further verified by correctly estimating GEM concentrations from the THg measured in autochthonous thalli collected from the urban area adjacent to the mine site. Passive sampling can effectively provide time-weighted data of suitable spatial resolution to quantitatively describe GEM assimilation by lichens. Therefore, the combined use of passive sampling and lichen transplants can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the role of lichens, and potentially also of other cryptogams, in the deposition of atmospheric Hg to terrestrial ecosystems.

Internal tree cycling and atmospheric archiving of mercury: examination with concentration and stable isotope analyses

Abstract. Trees predominantly take up mercury (Hg) from the atmosphere via stomatal assimilation of gaseous elemental Hg (GEM). Hg is oxidised in leaves/needles and transported to other tree anatomy including bole wood, where it can be stored long-term. Using Hg associated with growth rings facilitates archiving of historical GEM concentrations. Nonetheless, there are significant knowledge gaps on the cycling of Hg within trees. We investigate Hg archived in tree rings, internal tree Hg cycling, and differences in Hg uptake mechanisms in Norway spruce and European larch sampled within 1 km of a HgCl2-contaminated site using total Hg (THg) and Hg stable isotope analyses. Tree ring samples are indicative of significant increases in THg concentrations (up to 521 µg kg−1) from the background period (BGP; facility closed; 1992–present) to secondary industrial period (2ndIP; no HgCl2 wood treatment; 1962–1992) to primary industrial period (1stIP; active HgCl2 wood treatment; ≈ 1900–1962). Mass-dependent fractionation (MDF) Hg stable isotope data are shifted negative during industrial periods (δ202Hg of 1stIP: −4.32 ± 0.15 ‰, 2ndIP: −4.04 ± 0.32 ‰, BGP: −2.83 ± 0.74 ‰; 1 SD). Even accounting for a ≈ −2.6 ‰ MDF shift associated with stomatal uptake, these data are indicative of emissions derived from industrial activity being enriched in lighter isotopes associated with HgCl2 reduction and Hg0 volatilisation. Similar MDF (δ202Hg: −3.90 ± 0.30 ‰; 1 SD) in bark Hg (137 ± 105 µg kg−1) suggests that stomatal assimilation and downward transport is also the dominant uptake mechanism for bark Hg (reflective of negative stomatal-uptake MDF shift) rather than deposition to bark. THg was enriched in sapwood of all sampled trees across both tree species. This may indicate long-term storage of a fraction of Hg in sapwood or xylem solution. We also observed a small range of odd-isotope mass-independent fractionation (MIF). Differences in Δ199Hg between periods of different industrial activities were significant (Δ199Hg of 1stIP: 0.00 ± 0.03 ‰, 2ndIP: −0.06 ± 0.04 ‰, BGP: −0.13 ± 0.03 ‰; 1 SD), and we suggest MIF signatures are conserved during stomatal assimilation (reflect source MIF signatures). These data advance our understanding of the physiological processing of Hg within trees and provide critical direction to future research into the use of trees as archives for historical atmospheric Hg.

Mercury, organic matter, iron, and sulfur co-cycling in a ferruginous meromictic lake

Mercury (Hg) speciation in natural waters is controlled by redox conditions and microbiological activity. Water columns of meromictic lakes have large and stable redox chemical and biological gradients that allow the investigation of many Hg chemical transformations. In this study, Hg speciation (elemental Hg = Hg0, methylated Hg = MeHg) and partitioning between truly dissolved (<3 kDa), colloidal (<0.45 μm and >3 kDa), and particulate (>0.45 μm) fractions, were determined throughout a high-resolution water column profile in the ferruginous meromictic Lake Pavin (Massif Central, France) in July 2018. Total Hg concentrations (THg) in water ranged between 0.4 and 8.8 pmol L−1. The particulate phase represented 10–70% of the THg, with a peak found in the mesolimnion associated with the particulate organic carbon maximum. In the mesolimnion, the colloidal fraction represented 12–68% of THg, and the highest value was found at the top of the sulfidic zone, whereas the truly dissolved Hg species (70 ± 9%) dominated in all the rest of the sulfidic zone. MeHg ranged from less than 10% of THg in the oxic mixolimnion to more than 90% in the anoxic monimolimnion. The Hg methylation was most active within the suboxic zone where iron and sulfate reduction are occurring. These results, associated with those of the partition of organic matter (OM), sulfur, and iron, in conjunction with thermodynamic calculations, allow us to present a conceptual scheme for the Hg cycle in the lake. Atmospheric Hg deposited onto surface waters of the lake is partially photo-reduced and returned to the air, another part is scavenged by biogenic particulate matter and conveyed at depth by settling organic material. Water stratification and redox changes create a sequence of reactions from oxic to ferruginous waters where Hg is successively (i) desorbed from particulate OM where mineralization occurs, (ii) adsorbed onto iron-oxy(hydr)oxides, (iii) desorbed where they dissolved, (iv) precipitate as HgS, (v) methylated, and (vi) reduced as Hg0 in the deepest part of the lake. In brief, the (micro)biological uptake, OM, iron and sulfur recycling, through associated microbial consortia, control the Hg cycling in the Pavin waters.

Elemental mercury accumulation in Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laubach.

The aquatic macrophyte Eichhornia crassipes has great potential for the control of Hg pollution in the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the capability of E. crassipes to accumulate elemental mercury (Hg0). The plants were exposed for 30days to 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80mg of Hg0 in a 1-L Hoagland medium with the Hg0 settled at the bottom of the flask. The roots of the plants did not touch the mercury during the treatment. After exposure, the total Hg (T-Hg) concentrations in the roots, leaves, and stems were measured using a direct mercury (Hg) analyzer. The highest concentrations were found at 80mg Hg0 treatment in the roots, leaves, and stems, in that order. The translocation factor indicated a poor capability of Hg to translocate from the roots to the shoots. The relative growth and the root-length inhibition measurements showed that the differences between Hg0 treatments were not significant. In addition, the treatments negatively affected the chlorophyll concentration. The carotenoid content was found to be significantly different at 20 and 40mg of Hg0in 1 L. Regarding the carbonyl index in root proteins, significant differences compared to control were foundat the highest Hg treatment. Based on these results, it was shown that E. crassipes is able to take up elementalHg from Hoagland medium. However, the Hg0 treatments did not show a strong stress-response activation mechanism in the evaluatedplant tissues.

Needle age and precipitation as drivers of Hg accumulation and deposition in coniferous forests from a southwestern European Atlantic region

Vegetation and climate are critical in the biogeochemical cycle of Hg in forest ecosystems. The study assesses the influence of needle age and precipitation on the accumulation of Hg in needle biomass and its deposition by litterfall in thirty-one pine plantations spread throughout two biogeographical regions in SW Europe. Well-developed branches of Pinus pinaster were sampled and pine needles were classified according to 4 age classes (y0, y1, y2, y3). The concentration of total Hg (THg) was analyzed in the samples and Hg content in needle biomass and its deposition by litterfall were estimated. The concentration of total Hg (THg) increased with needle age ranging from 9.1 to 32.7 μg Hg kg−1 in the youngest and oldest needles, respectively. The rate of Hg uptake (HgR) three years after needle sprouting was 10.2 ± 2.3 μg Hg kg−1 yr−1, but it decreased with needle age probably due to a diminution in photosynthetic activity as needles get older. The average total Hg stored in needle biomass (HgWt) ranged from 5.6 to 87.8 mg Hg ha−1, with intermediate needle age classes (y1 and y2) accounting for 70% of the total Hg stored in the whole needle biomass. The average deposition flux of Hg through needle litterfall (HgLt) was 1.5 μg Hg m−2 yr−1, with the y2 and y3 needles contributing most to the total Hg flux. The spatial variation of THg, HgWt and HgLt decreased from coastal pine stands, characterized by an oceanic climate, to inland pine stands, a feature closely related to the dominant precipitation regime in the study area. Climatic conditions and needle age are the main factors affecting Hg accumulation in tree foliage, and should be considered for an accurate assessment of forest Hg pools at a regional scale and their potential consequences in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems.

Geochemistry signatures of mercury in soils of the Amazon rainforest biome

Mercury (Hg) toxicity in soils depends on Hg species and other physical and chemical attributes, as selenium (Se) hotspots in soils, particularly relevant in Amazonian soils. The study of Hg species and their relations in representative locations of the Amazon rainforest biome is critical for assessing the potential risks of Hg in this environment. This work aimed to determine the concentration of total Hg and its species (Hg0, Hg22+ and Hg2+), and to correlate Hgtotal concentration with total elemental composition, magnetic susceptibility, and physicochemical attributes of Amazon soils. Nine sites in the Amazon rainforest biome, Brazil, were selected and analyzed for their chemical, physical, and mineralogical attributes. The clay fraction of the studied Amazon soils is dominated by kaolinite, goethite, hematite, gibbsite, and quartz. Mica was also found in soils from the States of Acre and Amazonas. Hgtotal ranged from 21.5 to 208 μg kg−1 (median = 104 μg kg−1), and the concentrations did not exceed the threshold value established for Brazilian soils (500 μg kg−1). The Hg2+ was notably the predominant species. Its occurrence and concentration were correlated with the landscape position and soil attributes. Hgtotal was moderately and positively correlated with TiO2, clay, and Se. The findings showed that geographic location, geological formation, and pedological differences influence the heterogeneity and distribution of Hgtotal in the studied soil classes. Thus, a detailed characterization and knowledgment of the soil classes is very important to clarify the complex behavior of this metal in the Amazon rainforest biome.

Bioaccumulation of Mercury and Radiocesium in Waterfowl Introduced to a Site with Legacy Contamination.

Despite the propensity of waterfowl species to readily accumulate anthropogenic contaminants within polluted environments, few studies have examined bioaccumulation rates over time when entering such a contaminated site. We examined mercury (Hg) and radiocesium (137 Cs) bioaccumulation over time in two waterfowl species released into a wetland system containing legacy contamination on the US Department of Energy's Savannah River Site in South Carolina. Released birds were collected at select time intervals over an exposure period of 94 days. We quantified total Hg concentrations in blood, muscle, and liver tissues, and 137 Cs activity in whole-body and muscle tissues. The relationship between the contaminant burdens of different body tissue types was examined over time. Likely a result of microhabitat selection, mallards in our study readily accumulated both Hg and 137 Cs at consistent rates over time within our study system, while ring-neck ducks did not. The findings demonstrated that whole blood can be used as a robust, nondestructive sampling alternative to estimate Hg burdens within muscle and liver, and whole-body 137 Cs activity is a good predictor of muscle burdens. Understanding such bioaccumulation information in waterfowl is useful for the assessment of the potential health risk in wildlife, as well as being important for human risk assessment toward the consumption of popular game species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2479-2487. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

The First Exposure Assessment of Mercury Levels in Hair among Pregnant Women and Its Effects on Birth Weight and Length in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia.

(1) Background: Methylmercury (MeHg) exposure during pregnancy is an important issue due to its possible adverse health effects on fetus. To contribute the development of assessment system of Hg exposure through fish consumption and health effects on children, we examined the hair Hg levels in pregnant women and birth weight and length. (2) Methods: In 2018, a cohort study was conducted on 118 pregnant women-infant pairs from six community health centers in the northern coastal area in Central Java Indonesia. Data on mothers’ characteristics during pregnancy, birth outcomes, and fish consumption were collected. Total Hg concentrations were determined from hair samples. (3) Results: The median (min-max) of the maternal hair Hg level was 0.434 (0.146–8.105) µg/g. Pregnant women living in lowland areas, near the sea, showed higher hair Hg concentration and fish consumption than those in highland areas {[0.465 (0.146–8.105) vs. 0.385 (0.150–1.956) µg/g; p = 0.043] and [(85.71 (0–500.0) vs. 49.76 (0.0–428.57) g/day; p < 0.01], respectively}. The maternal hair Hg level had no association with baby’s birth weight and length. (4) Conclusions: The median maternal hair Hg is at a low level and had no association with infant birth weight and length in this study subjects.

Differences in Mercury Concentrations in Water and Hydrobionts of the Crimean Saline Lakes: Does Only Salinity Matter?

Of significant scientific and public concern is the high toxicity, significant bioaccumulation, and magnified concentration within the food web of mercury (Hg). Hg content both dissolved and in suspended forms in water as well as in biomass of different hydrobiont taxa was studied in 18 saline lakes in Crimea from 2012 to 2021. The impact of different factors (salinity, seasonality, anthropogenic activities, geological background, etc.) was analyzed. The generalization of data for all lakes showed that the average concentration of Hg in dissolved form was 129 ng L−1, varying over a wide range. The content of Hg in total suspended substrates was an average of 151 ng L−1, and the total content of Hg in lake water averaged 291 ng L−1. Geological background and anthropogenic activities can determine the total Hg content in lakes. In most lakes, a significant positive correlation was noted between the concentration of one, two, or all three indicators of Hg content and the month of the year, with indicators increasing from winter through to autumn. When analyzing the entire data array, a significant positive correlation was found between the concentration of the suspended form of Hg and salinity; such correlation between the concentration of the dissolved form of Hg and salinity was absent. The highest average Hg concentrations in biomasses were noted in Artemia and were the lowest in plants. Geological background and human activity contribute to high Hg content in lakes. Hydrobionts can significantly influence the distribution and behavior of Hg, being an important factor of its cycle in the lakes.