Mercury Accumulation Research Articles

A Novel Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe for Mercury (II) ions and Application in Bio-imaging.

Since the accumulation of mercury (II) ions in the environment and ecosystem causes serious problems to environment and disease, the recognition of Hg2+ ions and its bio-imaging is of high importance. In sight of the advantages of fluorescence probes, a new probe (PMH) was facilely synthesized by incorporating phenylimidazole fluorophore and 3-methyl-2- benzothiazolinone hydrazone hydrochloride monohydrate. The PMH probe exhibited a ratiometric response for Hg2+ ions with fluorescence intensity increasing at 520 nm and decreasing at 445 nm simultaneously. The PMH probe interacted with Hg2+ ions in seconds with high optical stability and showed good selectivity over other metal ions. In addition, the probe has excellent biocompatibility and imaging performance in cells and zebrafish.

Patterns of total mercury and methylmercury bioaccumulation in Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) along the West Antarctic Peninsula

We examined mercury (Hg) accumulation in juvenile and adult subpopulations of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) collected west of the Antarctic Peninsula. Samples were collected along a northern cross-shelf transect beginning near Anvers Island and farther south near the sea ice edge in the austral summers of 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2015. Regardless of geographical position, mean concentrations of total Hg and methylmercury (MeHg), the form of Hg that biomagnifies in marine food webs, were significantly higher in juvenile than adult krill in all years. In 2013, juvenile Antarctic krill collected along the coast near Anvers Island had significantly higher MeHg concentrations than krill collected farther offshore, and in 2013 and 2014, coastal juvenile krill exhibited some of the highest MeHg concentrations of all subpopulations sampled. Across all sampling years, collection in northern (sea ice-free) or southern (sea ice edge) transects did not affect MeHg concentrations of juvenile or adult krill, suggesting similar levels and routes of MeHg exposure across the latitudes sampled. Developmental stage, feeding near the coast, and annual variations in sea ice-driven primary and export production were identified as potentially important factors leading to greater MeHg accumulation in juvenile than adult krill. Krill-dependent predators feeding primarily on juveniles may thus accumulate more MeHg than consumers foraging on older krill. These results report MeHg concentrations in Antarctic krill and will be useful for predicting Hg biomagnification in higher-level consumers in this productive Antarctic ecosystem.

Evaluation of mercury availability to pea parts (Pisum sativum L.) in urban soils: Comparison between diffusive gradients in thin films technique and plant model

The diffusive gradients in thin films technique (DGT) was used for the determination of bioavailable mercury in urban soils, and results were compared to the mercury accumulation by Pisum sativum L. (pea) parts (leaf, root, stem, blossom, legume, and green seed). The total mercury concentration in soil samples was ranged between 0.084 and 0.326 mg kg−1. The soil solutions contained 0.15%–0.20% of mercury present in soils. In the soil solution, 2.21%–3.45% of mercury was available for DGT units. The highest mercury content was determined in the leaf and root of the pea plant, and the lowest in the consumable part of the pea plant (green seed). Mercury concentration in the parts of the pea plant increased over time, alongside the growth of the plant. The effect of acid precipitation on mercury bioavailability was statistically non-significant (p = 0.53). Significant and positive correlations were found between mercury flux into DGT unit, and mercury flux into the root (r = 0.989), leaf (r = 0.985), and stem (r = 0.904) of the pea plant. The obtained results suggest that the DGT method could be used for description of the uptake of mercury by pea plant parts in non-contaminated and slightly contaminated soils.

Neuroprotective Effects and Hepatorenal Toxicity of Angong Niuhuang Wan Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Brain Injury in Rats.

Angong Niuhuang Wan (AGNHW) is a classic prescription in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used for stroke treatment, but its efficacies remain to be confirmed. With its arsenic- and mercury-containing materials, the application of AGNHW raises great safety concerns. Herein, we aim to explore the neuropharmacological effects against cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury and evaluate the toxicological effects of AGNHW for better use. Male SD rats were subjected to 2 h of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and following 22 h of reperfusion. AGNHW (257 mg/kg, 1× AGNHW) were orally administered for pharmacological effects and 257, 514, and 1,028 mg/kg (equivalent to 1×, 2×, 4× AGNHW) were used for the toxicological study. The results revealed that AGNHW treatment reduced the infarct size and protected the blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity in the MCAO rat ischemic stroke model. AGNHW treatment up-regulated bcl-2 expression and down-regulated the expressions of Bax, p47phox, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), and inhibited the expressions and activities of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, and reserved tight junction protein zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and claudin-5 in the ischemic brains. These results indicated that the neuroprotective mechanisms of AGNHW could be associated with its antioxidant properties by inhibiting oxidative/nitrative stress-mediated MMP activation and protecting tight junction proteins in the ischemic brains. Administration of 1× AGNHW for 7 days would not induce the accumulation of mercury in blood, liver, and kidney at day 14. Administration of 2× AGNHW and 4× AGNHW for 7 days increased the level of mercury in the kidney. For arsenic level, administration of 1× AGNHW for 7 days would increase the level of arsenic in the liver and blood without increase of arsenic in the kidney at day 14. Administration of 2× AGNHW and 4× AGNHW for 7 days would further increase the level of arsenic in the liver and blood. There is no influence on body weight, organ index, histological structures, and renal and liver functions. These results suggest that short-term treatment of AGNHW within 1 week should be safe and has neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury.

Accumulation of Atmospheric Mercury in Glacier Cryoconite over Western China.

Cryoconite is a granular aggregate, comprised of both mineral and biological material, and known to accumulate atmospheric contaminants. In this study, cryoconite was sampled from seven high-elevation glaciers in Western China to investigate the spatial and altitudinal patterns of atmospheric mercury (Hg) accumulation in the cryoconite. The results show that total Hg (HgT) concentrations in cryoconite were significant with relatively higher Hg accumulation in the southern glaciers (66.0 ± 29.3 ng g-1), monsoon-influenced regions, than those in the northern glaciers (42.5 ± 20.7 ng g-1), westerlies-influenced regions. The altitudinal profile indicates that HgT concentrations in the northern glaciers decrease significantly with altitude, while those in the southern glaciers generally increase toward higher elevations. Unexpectedly high accumulation of methyl-Hg (MeHg) with an average of 1.0 ± 0.4 ng g-1 was also detected in the cryoconite samples, revealing the surface of cryoconite could act as a potential site for Hg methylation in alpine environments. Our preliminary estimate suggests a storage of ∼34.3 ± 17.4 and 0.65 ± 0.28 kg of HgT and MeHg from a single year of formation process in the glacier cryoconite. Therefore, glacier cryoconite could play an important role in Hg storage and transformation, which may result in downstream effects on glacier-fed ecosystems under climate warming scenario.

SCARECROW promoter-driven expression of a bacterial mercury transporter MerC in root endodermal cells enhances mercury accumulation in Arabidopsis shoots.

Mercury accumulation in Arabidopsis shoots is accelerated by endodermis specific expression of fusion proteins of a bacterial mercury transporter MerC and a plant SNARE SYP121 under control of SCARECROW promoter. We previously demonstrated that the CaMV 35S RNA promoter (p35S)-driven ubiquitous expression of a bacterial mercury transporter MerC, fused with SYP121, an Arabidopsis SNARE protein increases mercury accumulation of Arabidopsis. To establish an improved fine-tuned mercury transport system in plants for phytoremediation, the present study generated and characterized transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing MerC-SYP121 specifically in the root endodermis, which is a crucial cell type for root element uptake. We generated four independent transgenic Arabidopsis lines expressing a transgene encoding mCherry-MerC-SYP121 under the control of the endodermis-specific SCARECROW promoter (hereafter pSCR lines). Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that expression levels of the transgene in roots of the pSCR lines were 3-23% of the p35S driven-overexpressing line. Confocal microscopy analysis showed that mCherry-MerC-SYP121 was dominantly expressed in the endodermis of the meristematic zone as well as in the mature zone of the pSCR roots. Mercury accumulation in shoots of the pSCR lines exposed to inorganic mercury was overall higher than the wild-type and comparable to the p35S over-expressing line. These results suggest that endodermis-specific expression of the MerC-SYP121 fusion proteins in plant roots sufficiently enhances mercury uptake and accumulation into shoots, which would be an ideal phenotype for phytoremediation of mercury-contaminated environments.

Tools for non-invasive sampling of metal accumulation and its effects in Mediterranean pond turtle populations inhabiting mining areas

Among reptiles, freshwater turtle species have high potential for metal accumulation because of their long lifespan or their aquatic and terrestrial habits. In order to monitor metal bioaccumulation, determine potential toxic effects, and investigate tools for non-invasive metal sampling in reptiles, we studied lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) accumulation in Mediterranean pond turtles (Mauremys leprosa) inhabiting two former mining areas, one of them with high environmental concentrations of Pb (Sierra Madrona-Alcudia Valley district) and the other one with high environmental concentrations of Hg (Almadén district). Individuals from the Pb mining area showed mean blood concentrations (i.e. 5.59 μg Pb/g dry weight, d.w.) that were higher than those measured in other populations. Blood Hg concentrations were highest (8.83 μg Hg/g d.w.) in the site close to the former Hg mines, whereas blood Hg concentrations in terrapins from another site of Almadén district, located ∼28 km downstream, were not different from locations at the non-mining area. Animals from the Pb-contaminated site showed evidence of oxidative stress, whereas those from the Hg-contaminated site showed increased activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, as well as reduced circulating levels of the main endogenous antioxidant peptide, glutathione. Concentrations measured in feces and carapace scutes were useful indicators to monitor blood concentrations of Pb, but not of Hg. Our results provide evidence of the usefulness of freshwater turtles as sentinels of chronic metal pollution, and validate non-invasive tools to advance Pb monitoring in reptiles.

Influence of the flood pulse on mercury accumulation in detritivorous, herbivorous and omnivorous fish in Brazilian Amazonia.

Hg accumulation in fish is influenced by several factors including seasonality. In the Amazon, ecosystems are marked by strong seasonal variation in precipitation, which leads to drastic changes in the water level of lakes and rivers. The aim of this study was to evaluate Hg levels in muscle of detritivorous, herbivorous and omnivorous fish from an Amazon lake (Madeira River Basin, Amazonas, Brazil) over four seasons (rising water, high water, falling water and low water). We hypothesized that total Hg concentration varies during the seasons. The results indicate that total Hg levels in detritivorous fish were higher in rising and low water seasons while in herbivorous and omnivorous fish the total Hg concentration was higher during the rising water season. The hypothesis was supported by the results. Additionally, the study provides evidence that Hg levels in fish with different feeding habits are influenced by the flood pulse of the Amazon region.

Levels of heavy metals in the straightfin barb Enteromius paludinosus (Peters 1852) from River Malewa, Naivasha, Kenya.

There have been several studies on heavy metals in Lake Naivasha. However, none of them has reported the levels of mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr). Moreover, there are no studies on the heavy metals' concentrations in the straightfin barb (Enteromius paludinosus, Peters 1852), a fish species that hosts a parasite (Ligula intestinalis), the latter having been reported to have a high ability to absorb heavy metals from its host. This paper therefore addresses the accumulation of heavy metals, namely arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in the tissues of straightfin barb, Enteromius paludinosus (Peters 1852) from the mouth of River Malewa in Lake Naivasha, Kenya. A total of 1307 fish were collected during the month of November 2017. Water samples, sediment samples, 25 fish muscle tissues, and its endoparasite, the cestode Ligula intestinalis, were isolated, and heavy metal concentrations were determined using the thermal-electron atomic absorption spectrophotometer at the Lake Nakuru Water Quality Testing Laboratory. The concentrations of heavy metals in the sediment were below the lowest effect level in sediment, threshold effect concentration in sediment, severe effect concentration in sediment, and the shale values of sedimentary rocks thus showing no sign of pollution. In the muscle tissues of the fish, As, Cr, Pb, and Hg showed high levels with mean concentrations of 5.0696, 22.0854, 45.2108, and 1.5458mg/kg ww, respectively. Bioconcentration factors further supported the observation that trace element accumulation was higher in fish compared with sediment and water. The target hazard quotients of As, Cr, Pb, and Hg obtained for both the female and male were > 1 indicating a possible health risk associated with the consumption of E. paludinosus. The bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) for L. intestinalis were 2.4093, 2.1873, 5.8601, and 5.1395 for As, Cr, Pb, and Hg, respectively, indicating the potential of the cestode in the accumulation of heavy metals from the host; hence, it can be used as an accumulation bioindicator.

Correction to: Mercury accumulation, speciation, and temporal trends in Atlantic Stingrays (Hypanus sabinus).

The corrections are: In the 2nd sentence of the Statistical Analyses section, the current sentence lacks important statistical assumption wording.

DISTRIBUTION OF MERCURY IN NATURAL AND URBAN ENVIRONMENTS OF KARELIA, NORTHWEST RUSSIA

Purpose. We studied accumulation of mercury in the main natural and urban environments of Karelia, Northwest Russia, and assessed potential sources of mercury in a human body. Methods. A total of 200 samples of soil, vegetation, water, surface water, sediments and fish were collected. An analysis of samples was carried out by cold steam atomic absorption method. Diagrams of mercury distribution in soil, birch leaves and lichens were created. Data on fish consumption by the population of Petrozavodsk and Medvezhyegorsk are studied. The concentration of mercury in fish muscles most consumed in Petrozavodsk and Medvezhyegorsk was estimated. Results. Levels of mercury accumulation in soil and vegetation in the studied settings do not exceed the standards adopted in Russia. The same was observed for mercury concentration in water and sediments. Calculation of mercury intake showed that there is a 3-fold difference in the annual intake of mercury in the human body due to differences in the structure of fish consumption in these cities. Summary. External factors do not lead to higher concentrations of mercury in the main natural and urban environments of Karelia. High concentration of mercury in biological samples of pregnant women in the Medvezhyegorsk district is due to the peculiarities of the diet of the local population - the predominance in the diet of freshwater fish (pike, perch, pike perch) caught directly in the Onega lake.

Mercury and methylmercury concentrations, sources and distribution in submarine canyon sediments (Capbreton, SW France): Implications for the net methylmercury production

Submarine canyons are important stocks of commercial interest fish, whose consumption is one of the main monomethymercury (MeHg) exposure to humans. Currently, biogeochemistry of mercury in those biologically productive system is unknown. In this work, inorganic mercury (Hg(II)) and organic mercury (MeHg) distributions were measured in sedimentary accumulative zones (slopes and terraces) against adjacent continental shelf sediments. Hg compound concentrations in these sediments show a huge range of concentrations (Hg(II) ranging from 18 to 973 ng g−1 and MeHg ranging from 0.07 to 2.03 ng g−1) exhibiting factors 50 and 20 fold, respectively. Higher values of mercury compounds were observed in canyon locations suggesting a high accumulation of mercury associated with higher values of clay fraction and organic matter content. The reactivity of mercury was investigated in sediment of three locations along Capbreton submarine canyon axis using slurry incubations experiments and isotopic tracers. Specific methylation and demethylation rate constants (kM and kD) were calculated. Results clearly showed that MeHg concentrations in these sediments are controlled by competing and simultaneous methylation and demethylation reactions mainly mediated by biotic process. Mercury reactivity was found higher in coastal stations compared to the offshore station due to more labile organic matter which may stimulate microbial activities. However, higher net MeHg production was estimated for the offshore station due to high Hg(II) concentrations suggesting a potential MeHg source for such marine environments.

The Toxicological Effects of Mercury Exposure in Marine Fish.

Since the Minamata incident in Japan, the public have become increasingly aware of the negative health effects caused by mercury pollution in the ocean. Consequently, there has been significant interest in the health of humans eating fish exposed to mercury (Hg). However, the toxicity of mercury to the marine fish themselves has received far less attention. In this review, we summarize mercury accumulation in marine fish and the toxicological effects of mercury exposure. Results showed that the bioaccumulation of mercury in marine fish was highly variable, and its concentration was affected by the specific physiological and ecological characteristics of different fish species. Mercury exposure can produce teratogenic, neurotoxic effects, and reproductive toxicity. These effects can then cause harm to cells, tissues, proteins and genes, and ultimately, the survival, growth, and behavior of marine fish. Future studies should afford more attention to the toxicological effect of mercury exposure upon marine fish.

Effects of Precipitation on Mercury Accumulation on Subtropical Montane Forest Floor: Implications on Climate Forcing

AbstractProcesses facilitated by precipitation play an important role on mercury (Hg) accumulation on forest floor and therefore key to Hg cycling in forest ecosystems. Sites along the windward slope of 1,250 to 2,400 m at Mt. Ailao, Southwestern China, have higher precipitation than the leeward slope sites. In this study, measurements of Hg concentration and associated stable isotope composition for soil, fresh, and degraded litterfall samples were made at sites along two slopes of Mt. Ailao to quantify the direct and indirect effects of precipitation on Hg accumulation on forest floor. Higher soil Hg concentrations, larger litterfall Hg depositions, and faster litter decomposition rates were observed on the windward slope (1,250–2,400 m). Data of Hg isotopic signatures suggest that Hg in surface soils is mainly derived from litterfall Hg input. Precipitation enhances litterfall Hg deposition by increasing litter biomass production, reduces litter decomposition rate, facilitates short‐term Hg uptake to decomposing litter, and potentially increases microbial activity that increases Hg loss via microbial reduction or runoff. Structural equation modeling results support that the indirect effect of precipitation on increased biomass production merge as the most important factor controlling soil Hg variation. Given the climate forcing on global precipitation pattern and vegetation growth cycle, Hg biogeochemical cycling is likely to continue to evolve under the changing climate.

Mapping the Evolution of Mercury (Hg) Research in the Amazon (1991⁻2017): A Scientometric Analysis.

Because the Amazon rain forest is ecologically relevant on a global scale, we applied scientometric techniques to integrate studies dealing with mercury research in this unique ecosystem between 1991 and 2017. Using a combination of co-authorship and co-citation analyses, keyword mapping and overlay visualization of topics in the field, this article identified three major areas in the 26-year period of mercury research: (1) human exposure to mercury (artisanal small-scale gold mining-ASGM) and methylmercury through fish consumption, and their respective risks for human health; (2) mercury accumulation in the environment and its relation to ASGM and atmospheric concentration; and (3) mercury geochemistry and its presence in soils, sediments, and water. The paper also identified the leading institutions related to the published research and respective influential scholars in the context of this study. Overall, the analyses revealed patterns of convergence and divergence between authors, specialization, and interdisciplinary engagement in mercury investigation, thus highlighting strengths and weaknesses of research topics in the field. This scientometric approach could be a useful tool to monitor/assess the implementation of the Minamata Convention.

Toxicity effects of mercury and silver nanoparticles on common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the toxic effects of mercury (Hg) and silver nanoparticles (AgNP) on histopathologic damage, mercury accumulation, and behavior pattern of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). In this regard, the fish were divided into six groups of Hg (one concentration), AgNPs (two concentrations), and Hg + AgNPs mixture (two concentrations) and one control group. Histopathological anomalies of various tissues of common carp was investigated using hematoxylin-eosin method. In this study, some histopathological changes in the intestine of carp such as degeneration, hemorrhage, increase in the number of goblet cells, and necrosis in the chemicals tested during different periods are observed. Moreover, results showed that the mercury uptake in tissues of common carp was increased in the presence of silver nanoparticles, so that the highest uptake of mercury in tissues was in gill tissues. In conclusion, the results indicated that the silver nanoparticles enhanced the toxicity and uptake of mercury in tissues of carp.

Ectopic expression of a bacterial mercury transporter MerC in root epidermis for efficient mercury accumulation in shoots of Arabidopsis plants

For mercury phytoextraction, we previously demonstrated in Arabidopsis thaliana that a constitutive and ubiquitous promoter-driven expression of a bacterial mercury transporter MerC fused with SYP121, a plant SNARE for plasma membrane protein trafficking increases plant mercury accumulation. To advance regulation of ectopic expression of the bacterial transporter in the plant system, the present study examined whether merC-SYP121 expression driven by a root epidermis specific promoter (pEpi) is sufficient to enhance mercury accumulation in plant tissues. We generated five independent transgenic Arabidopsis plant lines (hereafter pEpi lines) expressing a transgene encoding MerC-SYP121 N-terminally tagged with a fluorescent protein mTRQ2 under the control of pEpi, a root epidermal promoter. Confocal microscopy analysis of the pEpi lines showed that mTRQ2-MerC-SYP121 was preferentially expressed in lateral root cap in the root meristematic zone and epidermal cells in the elongation zone of the roots. Mercury accumulation in shoots of the pEpi lines exposed to inorganic mercury was overall higher than the wild-type and comparable to the over-expressing line. The results suggest that cell-type specific expression of the bacterial transporter MerC in plant roots sufficiently enhances mercury accumulation in shoots, which could be a useful phenotype for improving efficiency of mercury phytoremediation.

Electro-magnetic Field Radiation of Mobile Phones As A Cause of Increased Release of Mercury from Amalgam Fillings and Risk of Harmful Effects on Health

The aim of the research is to determine whether there was synergism between mobile phone exposure and higher release and accumulation of mercury in tissues of the individuals with amalgam fillings. For this purpose, the computer electro-magnetic simulation and the Bi-Digital O-Ring Test (BDORT) method were used. For the electro-magnetic simulation, the FIT method (Finite Integration technique - numerical simulation method for calculation elelctromagnentic fields in space, expecialy in body) was used and the results of the electric field and Specific absorption rate (SAR) in the tooth model with and without amalgam fillings were obtained. Specific absorption rate is a measure of the rate at which energy is absorbed by the human body when exposed to a radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic field. It is dose for absorbed electromagnetic radiation which is dependent on frequency and can be associated with the adverse effect of tissue heating. Standards indicate SAR values that should not be exceeded. The numerical result of absorption electro-magnetic energy shows increased value of the electric field, magnetic field, induced currents and SAR in teeth with fillings. These results indicated the possible explanation of the increased release mechanism of the mercury (Hg) when using mobile phones. The Bi-Digital O-Ring Test method tested the levels of mercury in the body, liver, and urine in a group of examinees who had amalgam fillings and used cell phones. By using indirect BDORT we examined groups of examinees 10 with and 10 examinees without amalgam fillings. By using BDORT we measaured level ofHg in the body and urin samples in all examinees before exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of mobile phone and after 15 minutes of exposure of mobile phone EMF. The results showed significantly higher level of Hg in urin after exposure of EMF of mobile phone, only in a group of examinees with amalgam fillings. The results showed significant matches with some published papers by other researchers. These effects might cause potential organism disorders and represent secondary harmful effects of electro-magnetic radiation on the health of individuals. This approach throws a new light in clarifying the interplay of cellular electro-magnetic radiation and increased the release of mercury from the amalgam fillings. Increased toxic effects are imposed by themselves as possible.

Mercury accumulation and biotransportation in wetland biota affected by gold mining

Phytoremediation is a cost-effective, eco-friendly technology for the removal of metals from polluted areas. In this study, six different plant species (Datura stramonium, Phragmites australis, Persicaria lapathifolia, Melilotus alba, Panicum coloratum, and Cyperus eragrostis) growing in a gold mine contaminated wetland were investigated as potential phytoremediators of mercury. The accumulation of total mercury and methylmercury in plant tissues was determined during the wet and dry seasons to establish the plants' variability in accumulation. The highest accumulation of total mercury was in the tissues of Phragmites australis with recorded concentrations of 806, 495, and 833μgkg-1 in the roots, stem, and leaves, respectively, during the dry season. The lowest accumulation levels were recorded for Melilotus alba during both seasons. The highest amount of the methylmercury was found in Phragmites australis during the dry season with a value of 618μgkg-1. The accumulation and biotransportation were not significantly different between the seasons for some plants. The results of this study indicated that plants growing in wetlands can be used for phytoremediation of mercury and suggest the choice of species for constructed wetlands.

Mercury accumulation from food decreases collembolans' growth

In the terrestrial environment, mercury (Hg) contamination can be originated from different inorganic and metal-organic sources, redistributed and transformed in soils. In the present study, the effects of contaminated food with environmentally relevant concentrations of Hg were evaluated in the soil-dwelling invertebrate Folsomia candida. Changes in growth rate and Hg bioaccumulation levels were observed at different concentrations of Hg in food, which can be complementary for data already available for reproduction and survival from standardized protocols. Collembolan growth was recorded every two days, and their growth rate along with a Von Bertalanffy's growth curve were derived showing that growth was dependent on Hg food concentration. Also, the final length of animals reflected the Hg concentration in food, with differences in all treatments comparing to non-exposed organisms. Toxicokinetic patterns from different Hg concentrations in food were not significantly different during the uptake phase, but differences were found in the depuration phase. Combining the two approaches, collembolans seem to invest their energy for depuration processes, neglecting other vital processes, such as growth. Also, contaminated food avoidance possibly occurred, thus decreasing their feeding and contaminant intake. Therefore, growth tests in collembolans can act as complementary tools to bioaccumulation and reproductive assays, towards a mechanistic understanding of how organisms use their energy upon contamination. Changes in growth rate, even at low and environmentally relevant concentrations, could be a warning signal when occurring in species with key roles in ecosystems. Also, this study highlights the importance of these complementary tests for a better and complete approach to risk assessment studies.