Article
Environmental Sciences
Hasti Ziaei, Balaji Rao, Tea V. Wood, Uriel Garza-Rubalcava, Ashkan Alborzi, Huayun Zhou, Paul Bireta, Nancy Grosso, Danny Reible
Summary: The South River in Waynesboro, Virginia is contaminated with mercury due to historical releases from an industrial facility. Two sampling events were conducted in 2015 to assess mercury concentrations in the bank interstitial waters during base flows and after flooding events. The results showed higher mercury concentrations during bank drainage compared to base flow conditions. Laboratory experiments using South River sediments revealed that drainage cycles can result in high mercury leachate from contaminated sediment. A remedial approach involving sediment removal and the placement of biochar and an armoring layer successfully decreased mercury concentrations.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chongyang Qin, Xiaoyu Xu
Summary: This study investigated the potential for mercury (Hg) methylation in two different aquatic systems. One system, Fourmile Creek (FMC), had a history of Hg pollution from groundwater, while the other, the H02 constructed wetland, only received atmospheric Hg deposition. The study found that FMC had a stronger Hg methylation potential and higher Hg bioavailability compared to the H02 wetland, which was attributed to differences in microbial communities. This study highlights the importance of long-term monitoring and sustainable ecological modifications for Hg-contaminated sites.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Yueqian Chen, Yingying Guo, Yanwei Liu, Yuping Xiang, Guangliang Liu, Qinghua Zhang, Yongguang Yin, Yong Cai, Guibin Jiang
Summary: Mercury and its organic compounds pose significant threats to the environment and human health. Microorganisms play a critical role in the methylation and demethylation of mercury in water and sediments. Bacterial whole-cell biosensors (BWCBs) offer a more accurate and cost-effective approach to assess the bioavailability of mercury compared to traditional methods. This Review provides an overview of the recent advancements in the application of BWCBs for detecting bioavailable mercury and discusses challenges, strategies, and future prospects.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elena Pavoni, Efren Garcia-Ordiales, Stefano Covelli, Pablo Cienfuegos, Nieves Roqueni
Summary: At the Nalon River estuary in Northern Spain, the distribution and partitioning behavior of Hg and MeHg in the water column were studied, showing the influence of river discharge and tidal currents on the prevalence of dissolved and particulate Hg under different seasonal conditions. Particulate MeHg was found to prevail when river flow was low, especially at the estuary mouth, possibly due to resuspension of fine particles caused by strong tidal currents. Compared to total Hg concentration, extremely low amounts of dissolved and particulate MeHg were observed, with strong interactions between MeHg and organic carbon indicating a minimal risk of increased mobility and potential bioaccumulation of MeHg.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Geoffrey Millard, Chris S. Eckley, Todd P. Luxton, David Krabbenhoft, Jennifer Goetz, John McKernan, John DeWild
Summary: This study measured mercury methylation and demethylation rates using stable isotope tracers in sediments and water of a shallow branch of the Nacimiento Reservoir. The results showed high methylmercury concentrations in the hypolimnetic waters and higher methylation rates in littoral sediments during late summer. Modelled results indicated that the remaining hypolimnetic methylmercury could originate from profundal sediments, highlighting the importance of addressing methylation in both the water column and sediment for remediation strategies.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Maxime Leclerc, Dominic E. Ponton, Francois Bilodeau, Dolors Planas, Marc Amyot
Summary: Compared to traditional hydropower plants, run-of-river (ROR) power plants have smaller impounded areas but can still have significant impacts on mercury cycling. This study found that ROR impoundment creates favorable environments for periphyton growth, which can contribute to the bioaccumulation of monomethylmercury (MMHg). The flooding also leads to changes in trophic structures and higher MMHg concentrations in flooded areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jihee Kim, Sae Yun Kwon, Kitae Kim, Seunghee Han
Summary: This study estimated the major sources and sinks of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in Kongsfjorden using the SERAFM model. The model was calibrated based on the physical properties of the fjord, Hg runoff coefficients, transformation rate constants, etc., and validated against measured data. The results showed that tidal inflow and glacial runoff were the main sources of THg, while tidal inflow and in situ methylation in shallow halocline water were the main sources of MeHg.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaoquan Liu, Yingjun Wang, Zheng Li, Yue Song, Yanbin Li, Yongguang Yin, Yong Cai
Summary: Riverine mercury is a major source of mercury in coastal oceans, and the Yellow River is the main contributor to mercury contamination in the Bohai Sea. Suspended particulate matter plays a dominant role in the transport of mercury in the river-estuary system. The study highlights distinct patterns in the distribution and transport of total mercury and methylmercury.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuhan Xin, Bingbing Wang, Yin Yuan, Shiliang Wang
Summary: The study measured the content of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MMHg) in Nansi Lake and its inflow river estuaries, and investigated their spatial distribution characteristics and geochemical relationships with sediment mineral phases. The THg and MMHg contents in the lake sediment were lower than those in the inflow river estuary sediment, indicating that the inflow rivers are the primary source of THg and MMHg in Nansi Lake. The distribution of THg and MMHg showed different spatial variations in the sediment, and their relationships with sediment characteristics differed between the estuary and lake sediment.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chenghao Yu, Maodian Liu, Junming Guo, Huiming Lin, Yunyun Yan, Qianru Zhang, Menghan Cheng, Yifan Lu, Xuejun Sun, Xuejun Wang, Xiangliang Pan
Summary: The Yellow River, a high-sediment river, releases significant amounts of mercury and methylmercury into the Bohai Sea. Sediment regulation can increase mercury flux to the ocean, while water diversion has a minimal impact on mercury flux. This study highlights the importance of understanding mercury transport and its impacts on coastal ecosystems.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chenghao Yu, Huiming Lin, Junming Guo, Mao Peng, Maodian Liu, Yindong Tong, Yifan Lu, Xuejun Wang, Xiangliang Pan
Summary: This study investigates the impact of riverine mercury inputs on nearshore waters and the influence of anthropogenic activities on downstream seas. Through field surveys and mass balance models, the study reveals the significant role of rivers in mercury pollution and provides valuable information for water resource management to mitigate methylmercury risks.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Peijia Ku, Martin Tsz-Ki Tsui, Songnian Liu, Kimber B. Corson, Ashley S. Williams, Matthew R. Monteverde, Glenn E. Woerndle, Anne E. Hershey, Parke A. Rublee
Summary: The study found that the impact of the 2014 Dan River coal ash spill on Hg contamination in the river was limited, with Hg pollution in surface sediments and biota largely absent in the first three years after the incident. This suggests that the Hg associated with the coal ash may not be readily available for extensive microbial methylation, providing insights for remediation strategies for similar incidents.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chris S. Eckley, Todd P. Luxton, Christopher D. Knightes, Vishal Shah
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the relative importance of microbial mercury methylation/demethylation and abiotic photodemethylation in aquatic systems, revealing that the rates of MeHg production and degradation in the water column were relatively low but sufficient to account for most of the MeHg observed. Most MeHg production in the water column seemed to occur in the spring, while rates of photodemethylation in surface waters were relatively high but decreased quickly at depths >0.5 m below the surface.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ying-Jie Li, Qi Lin, Zheng-Hua Zhang, Tai-Bao Wei, Bingbing Shi, Hong Yao, You-Ming Zhang
Summary: Numerous new methods have been developed for synthesizing novel nanomaterials with unique functions. One novel strategy involves forming fluorescent nanoparticles in situ, which can efficiently sense Hg2+ in living cells and separate Hg2+ from water.
Article
Ecology
Craig A. Emmerton, Paul E. Drevnick, Jessica A. Serbu, Colin A. Cooke, Jennifer A. Graydon, Megan Reichert, Marlene S. Evans, Mark E. McMaster
Summary: This study investigates the concentrations and yields of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in small tributaries and major transboundary rivers, and associates these patterns with THg concentrations in fish tissues. The results show that landscape conditions influence the changes of Hg in rivers and the concentrations of Hg in fish tissues. Site-specific monitoring of THg and MeHg concentrations in water and fish is crucial for assessing regional-level patterns in fish tissue concentrations.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Marrugo-Negrete, Jose Pinedo-Hernandez, Siday Marrugo-Madrid, Enrique Navarro-Frometa, Sergi Diez
Summary: The study evaluated the concentration of trace metals and potential ecological risk in sea cucumber and sediments at Cispata Bay in Colombia's Caribbean Coast. Major findings include the decreasing trend of trace metal concentrations in biota and sediments, with Cu levels indicating adverse biological effects and Hg exhibiting the highest bioconcentration factor. Human activities, particularly agricultural practices, were identified as the main sources of metal pollution, and sea cucumbers may serve as bioindicator species for monitoring metal contamination.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jose Marrugo-Negrete, Jose Pinedo-Hernandez, Siday Marrugo-Madrid, Sergi Diez
Summary: The study revealed severe trace element pollution in the San Jorge River in Colombia, with high ecological risks associated with mining activities. Various pollution indices indicated environmental deterioration and adverse biological effects caused by copper, lead, nickel, zinc, and mercury contamination from mining activities. Multiyear discharges of hazardous chemicals have led to high pollution levels for copper, lead, and cadmium in the river.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Harry Gutierrez-Mosquera, Jose Marrugo-Negrete, Sergi Diez, Gladis Morales-Mira, Luis Javier Montoya-Jaramillo, M. P. Jonathan
Summary: The study assessed total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg) levels in various environmental compartments in abandoned gold mining ponds (AGMPs) and mining areas in Western Colombia to evaluate the present environmental conditions and human health risks. The findings indicate potential chronic effects due to elevated THg levels, particularly in fish, posing a threat to human health. Monitoring of mercury species in different compartments is recommended to mitigate environmental hazards in the region.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Clelia Calao-Ramos, Andrea G. Bravo, Roberth Paternina-Uribe, Jose Marrugo-Negrete, Sergi Diez
Summary: The study assessed mercury exposure in gold miners in Colombia, finding that burning mercury and fish consumption were significant predictors of mercury exposure. Some miners had mercury concentrations above safe levels set by health organizations, indicating the need for health education programs in certain regions.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Siday Marrugo-Madrid, Manuel Salas-Moreno, Harry Gutierrez-Mosquera, Carlos Salazar-Camacho, Jose Marrugo-Negrete, Sergi Diez
Summary: To fulfill the requirements of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, it is important to monitor mercury contamination in freshwater ecosystems near artisanal and small scale gold mining (ASGM) areas. This study examined the feasibility of using the diffusive gradient in thin-films (DGT) technique to detect and quantify labile mercury and other metals in a hard-to-reach gold mining district in Colombia. The results showed that the labile mercury concentrations were higher in abandoned mining ponds compared to the river water, and the labile concentrations of other metals were related to their proximity to ASGM activities.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Leonomir Cordoba-Tovar, Jose Marrugo-Negrete, Pablo Ramos Baron, Sergi Diez
Summary: Biomagnification of trace elements is increasingly evident in aquatic ecosystems, with mercury, arsenic, and selenium exhibiting different potential for biomagnification. The process is influenced by environmental and ecological factors, and involves key organisms.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Siday Marrugo-Madrid, Jose Pinedo-Hernandez, Roberth Paternina-Uribe, Jose Marrugo-Negrete, Sergi Diez
Summary: This study evaluated the risk to human health from consuming fruits, tubers, and fish contaminated with mercury and arsenic in a Colombian area affected by gold mining activities. The results showed that children and women of childbearing age had higher levels of methylmercury intake than the recommended safety limits. The intake of arsenic and mercury exceeded the safety levels for most population groups. There was also a potential risk of carcinogenicity from arsenic intake through food. Therefore, safety control mechanisms and environmental education strategies are crucial to protect the health of residents in areas impacted by gold mining activities.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carlos Salazar-Camacho, Manuel Salas-Moreno, Siday Marrugo-Madrid, Roberth Paternina-Uribe, Jose Marrugo-Negrete, Sergi Diez
Summary: The Atrato River basin in Colombia, known for its high biodiversity, is heavily impacted by gold mining, resulting in potential human health risks from mercury and arsenic in fish. This study assessed the distribution of heavy metals in fish species and the associated health risks for inhabitants along the river basin. The results revealed high concentrations of mercury and arsenic in fish, posing potential risks to human health. Carnivorous fish species were found to have the greatest impact on inhabitants' health, with some areas exceeding the safe intake thresholds for mercury.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cesar Argumedos De la Ossa, Andres Fernando Ramirez-Giraldo, Katy Arroyo-Alvis, Jose Marrugo-Negrete, Sergi Diez
Summary: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between neuropsychological performance and exposure to mercury and arsenic in Colombian children and adolescents. The findings showed that a majority of the participants had mercury and arsenic levels above the reference values, and there were significant correlations between exposure levels and certain neuropsychological test performances.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Siday Marrugo-Madrid, Claudia Fontas, Gulsah Kurt, Carlos Salazar-Camacho, Manuel Salas-Moreno, Harry Gutierrez-Mosquera, Jose Marrugo-Negrete, Sergi Diez
Summary: In this study, a benzoylthiourea-based diffusive gradient in thin film (DGT) technique was developed for determining bioavailable mercury. The DGT-BTP1 gel showed stable binding capacity and satisfactory extraction performance compared to the well-established DGT-3MFS gel. Field measurements in Quito River demonstrated the effectiveness of DGT-BTP1 in monitoring mercury concentration.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gerlane de Medeiros Costa, Wilkinson Lopes Lazaro, Thaysa Costa Hurtado, Paulo Eduardo Teodoro, Jean Remy Davee Guimaraes, Aurea Regina Alves Ignacio, Manoel dos Santos Filho, Sergi Diez
Summary: There is still debate about the most suitable tissue to indicate mercury body burden in birds, with blood, feathers, and bill sheath being considered relevant. Feathers and bill sheath had higher mercury concentrations compared to claws, liver, and muscle. Ringed kingfishers had higher mercury values than Amazon kingfishers, and Amazon kingfishers from different rivers showed differences in mercury concentrations in claws and feathers.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Angel Cruz-Esquivel, Sergi Diez, Jose Luis Marrugo-Negrete
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the concentrations of total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), and arsenic (As), as well as their genotoxic effects on fish species in freshwater habitats impacted by gold mining activities in Northern Colombia. The results showed significant genetic damage in the exposed groups compared to the control group, as indicated by the micronucleus (MN) and erythrocytic nuclear alterations (ENA) tests. The concentrations of THg, MeHg, and As in tissue samples were also significantly higher in the exposed groups, with the Bajo Cauca region posing the highest risk.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Leonomir Cordoba-Tovar, Jose Marrugo-Negrete, Pablo Andres Ramos Baron, Clelia Rosa Calao-Ramos, Sergi Diez
Summary: In this study, concentrations of mercury, methylmercury, and arsenic in the Atrato River were measured, and nuclear degenerations in the fish from the river were explored for the first time. The results showed that mercury and methylmercury concentrations in fish exceeded the WHO limit for populations at risk, while arsenic concentrations were below the international standard. Mercury concentrations in water exceeded the USEPA threshold, whereas arsenic concentrations were below the threshold. The study suggests that the Atrato River basin needs to be monitored and restored according to the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Leonomir Cordoba-Tovar, Jose Marrugo-Negrete, Pablo Andres Ramos Baron, Sergi Diez
Summary: The Atrato River basin, an important tropical biome, has suffered severe ecological deterioration due to gold mining, posing threats to wildlife and human health. This study measured the concentrations of mercury and arsenic in sediments and assessed the associated ecological and human health risks. The results showed moderate contamination levels of mercury and increasing contamination of arsenic, indicating potential toxic risks to aquatic biota and adverse effects on human populations, particularly children.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Laura Suarez-Criado, Pablo Rodriguez-Gonzalez, Jose Marrugo-Negrete, J. Ignacio Garcia Alonso, Sergi Diez
Summary: To distinguish between routes of mercury exposure in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) communities and identify contamination sources, the study analyzed Hg species composition in human hair samples from six major gold mining regions in Colombia. The results showed that the median concentration of total mercury (THg) was higher than the reference dose recommended by the EPA, and a significant difference was observed among different fish consumption groups. The study also found that individuals involved in ASGM tasks had a higher Hg(II)/THg ratio compared to those not involved, suggesting that Hg(II) determination could be a useful indicator for evaluating direct exposure to mercury vapors.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)