Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuping Xiang, Yingying Guo, Guangliang Liu, Yanwei Liu, Maoyong Song, Jianbo Shi, Ligang Hu, Yongguang Yin, Yong Cai, Guibin Jiang
Summary: In this study, a whole-cell fluorescent biosensor based on Escherichia coli was developed to investigate the bioavailability and microbial activation process of mercury sulfide nanoparticles (HgSNPs). The results showed that HgSNPs had high bioavailability and were partially dissolved inside E. coli cells. The findings highlight the importance of microbial uptake and dissolution of HgSNPs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lijie Zhang, Christina S. Kang-Yun, Xia Lu, Jin Chang, Xujun Liang, Eric M. Pierce, Jeremy D. Semrau, Baohua Gu
Summary: This study investigates the interactions of methanotrophs and Hg(II)methylating bacteria with mercuric mercury and methylmercury in aquatic systems. The results show that the adsorption and uptake dynamics of Hg(II) and MeHg differ between these microorganisms. Although methanotrophs cannot methylate Hg(II), they play important roles in immobilizing both Hg(II) and MeHg, potentially influencing their bioavailability and trophic transfer, and affecting global carbon and mercury cycling.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Chang-ye Hui, Yan Guo, Han Li, Yu-ting Chen, Juan Yi
Summary: A dual-sensing biosensor was constructed with mercury-responsive regulator (MerR) and cadmium-responsive regulator (CadR) as separate sensory elements, and enhanced fluorescent protein (eGFP) and mCherry red fluorescent protein (mCherry) as separate reporters. This biosensor emitted differential double-color fluorescence in response to toxic Hg(II) and red fluorescence in response to toxic Cd(II).
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
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)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Thi Anh Thu Tran, Quang Toan Dinh, Fei Zhou, Hui Zhai, Mingyue Xue, Zekun Du, Gary S. Banuelos, Dongli Liang
Summary: Selenium fertilizer application is an effective strategy to reduce mercury accumulation in crops and mitigate mercury contamination in soils, but the levels of selenium application need to be controlled to avoid synergistic toxic effects with mercury.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuping Xiang, Yingying Guo, Guangliang Liu, Yanwei Liu, Maoyong Song, Jianbo Shi, Ligang Hu, Yongguang Yin, Yong Cai, Guibin Jiang
Summary: A biosensor based on Escherichia coli was developed to assess the bioavailability of particle-bound mercury (HgP). The results showed that HgP uptake by microorganisms was ubiquitous in both oxic and anoxic environments, with enhanced bioavailability under anoxic conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Diego Massazza, Alejandro Javier Robledo, Carlos Norberto Rodriguez Simon, Juan Pablo Busalmen, Sebastian Bonanni
Summary: This study reviewed the electron uptake mechanisms in electroautotrophs and compared biomass yields, growth rates, and electron uptake rates when using chemical electron donors versus electrodes. Factors affecting biofilm development were also analyzed to understand how they condition bacterial adhesion, biofilm growth, and electron uptake, with possible strategies to overcome limitations described.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hui Lin, Yinqiu Yuan, Xiaoman Jiang, Jian-Ping Zou, Xinghui Xia, Shenglian Luo
Summary: This research investigated the bioavailability of pyrene associated with naturally-aged polystyrene (PS) microplastics, revealing that the uptake mechanisms of pyrene varied depending on the size of the microplastics. The study found that smaller microplastics (0-1.5 μm) had higher bioavailability compared to larger microplastics (10-60 μm and 60-230 μm), highlighting the importance of considering microplastic-associated HOCs when assessing water quality and environmental risks in natural waters.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Thibault Sterckeman, Christian Moyne, Tien Dung Le
Summary: This study evaluated current hypotheses of iron acquisition by higher plants quantitatively. The results showed that all plants growing in aerated soils could suffer from extreme iron deficiencies. The rate of ligand excretion is a key parameter in the process of soil iron hydroxide dissolution by organic ligands for iron acquisition by plants.
Article
Environmental Sciences
I Janeiro-Tato, M. A. Lopez-Anton, D. Baragano, C. Antuna-Nieto, E. Rodriguez, A. Pelaez, J. R. Gallego, M. R. Martinez-Tarazona
Summary: The study found that using carbon foam impregnated with goethite can significantly reduce the availability of Hg in soils, and the proportion of Hg associated with humic acids determines the mobility and availability of Hg. The presence of acidic groups on the surface of the foam can enhance the binding of metal cations, improving Fe immobilization.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiawen Zhou, Zhu Li, Xingchao Zhang, Huimin Yu, Longhua Wu, Fang Huang, Yongming Luo, Peter Christie
Summary: Improving phytoremediation techniques involves understanding plant uptake mechanisms and replenishing the bioavailable pool, which can be effectively explored using stable isotope methods. Stable isotope analysis revealed that replenishment of soil Fe- and Mn-oxide bound Zn boosted Zn uptake by the hyperaccumulator Sedum plumbizincicola during long-term remediation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yoshitaka Oishi
Summary: The study investigated trace metal uptake in moss from local soil using Sr isotope ratios in mountainous areas. The results showed that soil had a strong influence on moss across all elevation ranges, indicating that moss mainly took up Sr from soil.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
S. Randriamamonjy, A. Mouret, E. Metzger, P. Gaudin, C. La, H. Capiaux, P. Launeau, M. Giraud, J. Y. Cornu, T. Lebeau
Summary: Bioaugmentation with Pseudomonas fluorescens can enhance the mobility and bioavailability of copper and other elements in vineyard soils, particularly by increasing metallophore production. The presence and distribution of free metallophore spots, interpreted as pyoverdine, play a significant role in the mobilization of Cu, Fe, and Al. pH has a limited impact on the processes behind element mobility and bioavailability.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Silvia Rita Stazi, Enrica Allevato, Rosita Marabottini, Leonardo Digiesi, Andrea Vannini, Gabriele Chilosi
Summary: The study showed that fertilization with compost can effectively increase soil organic matter content and reduce arsenic accumulation in Swiss chard leaves, leading to improved crop yield and soil fertility in a volcanic area.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Yue Wang, Mathiyazhagan Narayanan, Xiaojun Shi, Xinping Chen, Zhenlun Li, Devarajan Natarajan, Ying Ma
Summary: Heavy metal contamination in soils reduces agricultural yield and negatively impacts ecosystem health. The use of green technology, such as metal-tolerant plants and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), has helped remediate polluted soils. However, global climate change exacerbates the negative effects of climatic stressors on plant growth and metal accumulation. Understanding how PGPB improve environmental stress and metal toxicity while inducing plant tolerance is crucial.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Paul J. Blanchfield, John W. M. Rudd, Lee E. Hrenchuk, Marc Amyot, Christopher L. Babiarz, Ken G. Beaty, R. A. Drew Bodaly, Brian A. Branfireun, Cynthia C. Gilmour, Jennifer A. Graydon, Britt D. Hall, Reed C. Harris, Andrew Heyes, Holger Hintelmann, James P. Hurley, Carol A. Kelly, David P. Krabbenhoft, Steve E. Lindberg, Robert P. Mason, Michael J. Paterson, Cheryl L. Podemski, Ken A. Sandilands, George R. Southworth, Vincent L. St Louis, Lori S. Tate, Michael T. Tate
Summary: The 15-year experiment conducted to reduce fish MeHg concentrations by decreasing Hg additions to a boreal lake and its watershed demonstrated that any reduction in Hg loadings to lakes, whether from direct deposition or runoff, will have immediate benefits to fish consumers.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amina T. Schartup
Summary: This article describes the changes in our understanding of methylmercury over the past 170 years since its discovery, as well as some disasters that have occurred along the way.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaofei Li, Chuling Guo, Xiaohu Jin, Qian Yao, Qianqian Liu, Lijuan Zhang, Guining Lu, John R. Reinfelder, Weilin Huang, Zhi Dang
Summary: In this study, the adsorption mechanism of Cr(VI) onto lepidocrocite facets was investigated using various experimental techniques and theoretical calculations. The results showed that rod-like lepidocrocite with a higher proportion of {001}/{010} exhibited higher Cr(VI) adsorption capacity and site density compared to plate-like lepidocrocite. The study also revealed the different surface structures of Cr(VI) on the {001} and {010} facets, which were both thermodynamically stable.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sofi Jonsson, Michelle G. Nerentorp Mastromonaco, Katarina Gardfeldt, Robert P. Mason
Summary: This study explored the presence and cycling of mercury and its methylated forms in the central Arctic Ocean. The results showed that mercury was enriched in surface waters, while methylated mercury forms were low at the surface and enriched at a certain water depth. Ice may act as a source of mercury to surface waters but not to the methylated mercury forms.
Article
Environmental Sciences
R. P. Mason, M. Coulibaly, G. Hansen, H. Inman, P. K. Myer, K. M. Yao
Summary: Artisanal and small-scale gold mining, energy production, and other industrial inputs are a major source of anthropogenic mercury in aquatic environments. This study focuses on the understudied estuarine waters of Cote d'Ivoire and suggests that the local population may be exposed to unsafe levels of methylmercury through fish consumption. The findings highlight the importance of addressing local sources of mercury contamination and the transportation of mercury used in gold mining activities.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amina T. Schartup, Anne L. Soerensen, Helene Angot, Katlin Bowman, Noelle E. Selin
Summary: This study examines the response of Arctic Ocean mercury (Hg) concentrations to various factors and simulates future environmental changes. The findings suggest that anthropogenic Hg emissions and sea-ice cover changes have a significant impact on Hg concentrations in the Arctic Ocean, while river inputs contribute to increased concentrations. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of taking prompt and ambitious measures to reduce Hg concentrations in the Arctic region.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yundang Wu, Xiao Zhu, Xinxin Wang, Zhixin Lin, John R. Reinfelder, Fangbai Li, Tongxu Liu
Summary: A new electron shuttling pathway was discovered in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 using the lipophilic electron mediator resazurin. This pathway is independent of the Mtr pathway and relies on the involvement of FccA, CctA, and CymA. The findings provide new insights into the role of exogenous electron mediators in electron shuttling in natural and engineered biogeochemical systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Limnology
Xiaoshuai He, Yi-Sheng Chen, Shin-Jing Ang, Jen-Chieh Shiao, Chun-Mao Tseng, John R. Reinfelder
Summary: The sources of methylmercury (MeHg) in Pacific bluefin tuna (PBT) from the western North Pacific Ocean (WPO) were investigated using mercury stable isotopes. The study found that the source of MeHg accumulated by PBT changes as they age, with larger PBT accumulating more MeHg from epipelagic prey in the Kuroshio extension. In addition, the sources of MeHg in the WPO food web appear to be different from those in the central and eastern North Pacific.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Maodian Liu, Robert P. Mason, Penny Vlahos, Michael M. Whitney, Qianru Zhang, Joseph K. Warren, Xuejun Wang, Zofia Baumann
Summary: This study investigated the seasonal and tidal variations of mercury and methylmercury in Long Island Sound, revealing that the riverine input of organic matter and inorganic mercury stimulates methylmercury production, and tidal cycles further contribute to the remobilization of deposited mercury. The findings highlight the significance of water column biogeochemical processes in regulating methylmercury levels in temperate estuarine ecosystems.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Emily Seelen, Van Liem-Nguyen, Urban Wunsch, Zofia Baumann, Robert Mason, Ulf Skyllberg, Erik Bjorn
Summary: This study demonstrates that the concentration of thiol compounds associated with dissolved organic matter controls the bioavailability of methylmercury in aquatic systems.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Ryan S. D. Calder, Amina T. Schartup
Summary: Interest in the health implications of Earth science research has grown significantly. Recommendations often lack causal reasoning and overlook predictable responses, while also failing to consider the media or vulnerable communities. Analysis of physical and social mechanisms, as well as tradeoffs, is needed for effective policy benefits.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yanxu Zhang, Peipei Wu, Ruochong Xu, Xuantong Wang, Lili Lei, Amina T. Schartup, Yiming Peng, Qiaotong Pang, Xinle Wang, Lei Mai, Ruwei Wang, Huan Liu, Xiaotong Wang, Arjen Luijendijk, Eric Chassignet, Xiaobiao Xu, Huizhong Shen, Shuxiu Zheng, Eddy Y. Zeng
Summary: Marine plastic pollution is a potential threat to the ecosystem, but its sources and magnitudes are still unclear. This study adopts a top-down approach using observed sea surface plastic concentrations and ocean transport models to reduce the uncertainty of global plastic discharge. The optimal estimation of plastic emissions varies about 1.5 orders of magnitudes: 0.70 (0.13-3.8 as a 95% confidence interval) million metric tons yr(-1) at the present day. It is suggested that more accurate emission inventories, data for abundance in the seawater and other compartments, and precise model parameters are needed to further reduce the uncertainty of the estimate.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ashu Dastoor, Helene Angot, Johannes Bieser, Jesper H. Christensen, Thomas A. Douglas, Lars-Eric Heimburger-Boavida, Martin Jiskra, Robert P. Mason, David S. McLagan, Daniel Obrist, Peter M. Outridge, Mariia Petrova, Andrei Ryjkov, Kyra A. St Pierre, Amina T. Schartup, Anne L. Soerensen, Kenjiro Toyota, Oleg Travnikov, Simon J. Wilson, Christian Zdanowicz
Summary: This article provides a comprehensive assessment of the present-day total mercury mass balance in the Arctic. The majority of mercury is transported to the Arctic via air and ocean transport, and the deposition mainly occurs in terrestrial ecosystems, particularly in soils. Rivers and coastal erosion transfer a significant amount of terrestrial mercury to the Arctic Ocean, in approximate balance with net terrestrial mercury deposition. The revised Arctic Ocean mercury mass balance suggests that the deposition to the ocean and mercury burial in inner-shelf sediments are underestimated, calling for the need for seasonal observations.
NATURE REVIEWS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Anne L. Soerensen, Aryeh Feinberg, Amina T. Schartup
Summary: This study investigates the anthropogenic impact on selenium (Se) concentrations in herring from the Baltic Sea. The researchers find a decline in Se concentrations in herring muscle and liver samples over several decades, indicating the influence of atmospheric emissions and riverine inputs on coastal fish species. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the sources and variability of Se in coastal food webs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2022)
