The health hazard of mercury （Hg） compounds is internationally recognized, and the main pathways for methylmercury （MeHg） intake in humans are through consumption of food, especially fish. Given the large releases...The health hazard of mercury （Hg） compounds is internationally recognized, and the main pathways for methylmercury （MeHg） intake in humans are through consumption of food, especially fish. Given the large releases of Hg to the environment in China, combined with the fast development of hydropower, this issue deserves attention. Provided similar mobilization pathways of Hg in China as seen in reservoirs in North America and Europe one should expect increased Hg contamination in relation to future hydropower reservoir construction in this country. This study presents total Hg （THg） concentrations in wild fish from six Guizhou reservoirs, China. The THg concentrations in fish were generally low despite high background levels in the bedrock and depositions from local point sources. The over all mean ± SD concentration of THg was （0.066 ± 0.078） μg/g （n = 235）. After adjusting for among-reservoir variation in THg, there were significant differences in THg among functional groups of the fish, assumed to re？ect trophic levels. Predicted THg- concentration ratios, retrieved from a mixed linear model, between the functional groups were 9：4：4：1 for carnivorous, omnivorous, planktivorous and herbivorous fish. This result indicated that MeHg accumulation may prevail even under circumstances with short food chains as in this Chinese water system. No fish exceeded recommended maximum THg limit for human consumption set by World Health Organization and the Standardization Administration of China （0.5 μg/g fish wet weight （ww））. Only six fish （2.5%） exceeded the maximum THg limit set by US Environmental Protection Agency （0.3 μg/g fish ww）.展开更多
As indispensable strategic materials for high-tech industries,rare earth elements and yttrium(REY)have become particularly important in recent years,raising the demand of developing new approaches for reclamation of R...As indispensable strategic materials for high-tech industries,rare earth elements and yttrium(REY)have become particularly important in recent years,raising the demand of developing new approaches for reclamation of REY from REY-rich materials such as coal combustion products(CCPs).In this study,five coal-fired power plants(CFPPs)in Guizhou of southwest China were selected for investigating REY concentrations of solid samples,atmospheric emissions,and recovery potentials.REY concentrations of feed fuels are higher in this study(147.2-468.6 mg/kg)than what have been reported previously for coals in China and the world.REY atmospheric emissions are extremely low(38.70-180.11 mg REY/t coal).REY are enriched in bottom ash and fly ash,with average of 658±296 mg/kg and maximum of 1257 mg/kg from the five CFPPs.Relative enrichment factors(REF)of REY in bottom ash and fly ash compared with the feed fuel are 0.86-1.02 and 0.91-1.04,respectively.REY concentrations in desulfurized gypsum are very low(6-17 mg/kg),and that is mostly inherited from limestone.Critical REY(Nd,Eu,Tb,Dy,Y,and Er)in bottom/fly ash account for 34%-39%of the total REY and the outlook coefficients(Cout1)are in the range of 0.89-1.11.This study indicates a promising prospect to reclaim REY from REYrich CCPs(bottom and fly ash)in CFPPs in Guizhou,especially in the central-north Guizhou,although such practices require further technology advancement.展开更多
Photoreduction characteristics of divalent inorganic mercury (Hg2+) in the presence of specific algae species are still not well known.Laboratory experiments were conducted in the present study to identify the effects...Photoreduction characteristics of divalent inorganic mercury (Hg2+) in the presence of specific algae species are still not well known.Laboratory experiments were conducted in the present study to identify the effects of different concentrations of living/dead algae species,including Aphanizomenon flosaquae (AF) and Microcystis aeruginosa (MA),on the photoreduction rate of Hg2+ under various light conditions.The experimental results showed that percentage reduction of Hg2+ was significantly influenced by radiation wavelengths,and dramatically decreased with the presence of algae.The highest percentage reduction of Hg2+ was induced by UV-A,followed by UV-B,visible light and dark for both living and dead AF,and the order was dark > UV-A > UV-B > visible light for both living and dead MA.There were two aspects,i.e.,energy and attenuation rate of light radiation and excrementitious generated from algae metabolisms,were involved in the processes of Hg2+ photoreduction with the presence of algae under different light conditions.The percentage reduction of Hg2+ decreased from 15% to 11% when living and dead AF concentrations increased by 10 times (from 106 to 105 cells/mL),and decreased from11% to ~9% in the case of living and dead MA increased.Algae can adsorb Hg2+ and decrease the concentration of free Hg2+,thus inhibiting Hg2+ photoreduction,especially under the conditions with high concentrations of algae.No significant differences were found in percentage reduction of Hg2+ between living and dead treatments of algae species.The results are of great importance for understanding the role of algae in Hg2+ photoreduction.展开更多
Rice consumption can be a major pathway for mercury（Hg） exposure, which can cause health hazards to Chinese residents. To accurately assess the potential health risks, the bioaccessibility of Hg in rice samples coll...Rice consumption can be a major pathway for mercury（Hg） exposure, which can cause health hazards to Chinese residents. To accurately assess the potential health risks, the bioaccessibility of Hg in rice samples collected at background and Hg-contamination sites was examined using four in vitro methods. The results showed that 〈 50% of the total mercury（THg） was bioaccessible in the studied rice samples. The THg bioaccessibility in the rice samples collected at the Hg-contaminated site was higher than that observed at the background area. The bioaccessibility of arsenic（As） and cadmium（Cd） was also evaluated for comparison of the four in vitro methods used in this study. The Physiologically Based Extraction Test was found to be the most accurate method based on the consistency of the results compared to those reported in previous studies. The estimated daily intakes of THg via rice consumption using the bioaccessibility data were found to meet the recommendation value set by the JECFA and the WHO in both sites. However, the potential health risk was not negligible at the Hg-contaminated sites, due to the high THg concentration and bioaccessibility in the rice samples.展开更多
The increasing emission of primary and gaseous precursors of secondarily formed atmospheric particulate matter due to continuing industrial development and urbanization are leading to an increased public awareness of ...The increasing emission of primary and gaseous precursors of secondarily formed atmospheric particulate matter due to continuing industrial development and urbanization are leading to an increased public awareness of environmental issues and human health risks in China. As part of a pilot study, 12-h integrated fine fraction particulate matter （PM2.5） filter samples were collected to chemically characterize and investigate the sources of ambient particulate matter in Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, southwestern China. Results showed that the 12-h integrated PM2.5 concentrations exhibited a daytime average of 51 ± 22 μg m^-3 （mean -4- standard deviation） with a range of 17-128 μg m^-3 and a nighttime average of 55 ± 32 μg m^-3 with a range of 4-186 μg m^-3. The 24-h integrated PM2.5 concentrations varied from 15 to 157 μg m^-3, with amean value of 53 ± 25 μg m^-3, which exceeded the 24-h PM2.5 standard of 35μg m^-3 set by USEPA, but was below the standard of 75 μg m^-3, set by China Ministry of Environmental Protection. Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry （XRF） was applied to determine PM2.5 chemical element concentrations. The order of concentrations of heavy metals in PM2.5 were iron （Fe） 〉 zinc （Zn） 〉 manganese （Mn） 〉 lead （Pb） 〉 arsenic （As）〉 chromium （Cr）. The total concentration of 18 chemical elements was 13 ± 2 μg m^-3, accounting for 25% in PM2.5, which is comparable to other major cities in China, but much higher than cities outside of China.展开更多
Mercury(Hg) in rice is drawing mounting concern since methylmercury(MeHg) was found capable of accumulating in rice. In-vitro bioaccessibility is a feasible and reliable method to assess the health effects of Hg in ri...Mercury(Hg) in rice is drawing mounting concern since methylmercury(MeHg) was found capable of accumulating in rice. In-vitro bioaccessibility is a feasible and reliable method to assess the health effects of Hg in rice and has been utilized in a number of studies. This study was done to investigate the impact of cultivar, planting location, and cooking on the total mercury(THg) and MeHg bioaccessibility of rice, for which multiple statistical analysis methods were used to analyze the significance of their effects. The THg concentrations of rice samples taken from non-Hg contaminated areas of China were all below 15 ng/g and their MeHg concentrations were below 2 ng/g. Cooking could significantly reduce the MeHg bioaccessibility of rice because the MeHg was mainly combined with protein and the protein will be denatured during the cooking process, and then the denatured MeHg is difficult to be dissolved into the liquid phase. Indica-and japonica-type rice cultivars did not show significant differentiation in either the concentration of Hg or its bioaccessibility. However, the glutinous rice type differed significantly from the above rice types, and it showed greater bioaccessibility of THg and MeHg due to its distinct protein contents and starch properties. Planting location can affect the Hg concentration in rice and THg bioaccessibility but has a limited impact on MeHg bioaccessibility. Based on these results, two macro factors(rice cultivar, planting location) are presumed to impact Hg bioaccessibility by how they affect micro factors(i.e., Hg forms).展开更多
To understand its source,distribution,storage,and translocation in the subtropical forest ecosystems,mercury(Hg)concentrations and stable isotopes in forest biomass tissues(foliage,branch,bark,and trunk)were investiga...To understand its source,distribution,storage,and translocation in the subtropical forest ecosystems,mercury(Hg)concentrations and stable isotopes in forest biomass tissues(foliage,branch,bark,and trunk)were investigated at Ailao Mountain National Nature Reserve,Southwest China.The total Hg(THg)concentrations in the samples show the following trend:mature foliage(57±19 ng g-1)>bark(11±4.0 ng g-1)>branch(5.4±2.5 ng g-1)>trunk(1.6±0.7 ng g-1).Using the measured THg concentrations and the quantity of respective biomasses,the Hg pools in the forest are:wood(60±26μg m-2)>bark(51±18μg m-2)>foliage(41±11μg m-2)>branch(26±8.3μg m-2).The tree biomasses displayed negativeδ202Hg(-1.83‰to-3.84‰)andΔ199Hg(-0.18‰to-0.62‰).The observedΔ200Hg(-0.08‰to 0.04‰)is not significantly from zero.AΔ199Hg/Δ201Hg ratio of 1.05 was found in tree biomasses,suggesting that mercury has undergone Hg(Ⅱ)photoreduction processes.A Hg-isotope based binary mixing model suggests that Hg in the tree biomasses mainly originated from foliage uptake of atmospheric Hg0,constituting 67%,80%,and 77%of Hg in wood,branch,and bark,respectively.Our study sheds new light on the transportation and sources of Hg in the subtropical forest ecosystems.展开更多
The transformation of mercury(Hg) in the environment plays a vital role in the cycling of Hg and its risk to the ecosystem and human health. Of particular importance are Hg oxidation/reduction and methylation/demethyl...The transformation of mercury(Hg) in the environment plays a vital role in the cycling of Hg and its risk to the ecosystem and human health. Of particular importance are Hg oxidation/reduction and methylation/demethylation processes driven or mediated by the dynamics of light, microorganisms, and organic carbon, among others. Advances in understanding those Hg transformation processes determine our capacity of projecting and mitigating Hg risk. Here, we provide a critical analysis of major knowledge gaps in our understanding of Hg transformation in nature, with perspectives on approaches moving forward. Our analysis focuses on Hg transformation processes in the environment, as well as emerging methodology in exploring these processes. Future avenues for improving the understanding of Hg transformation processes to protect ecosystem and human health are also explored.展开更多
Continuous measurements of speciated atmo- spheric mercury （Hg）, including gaseous elemental mer- cury （GEM）, particulate mercury （PHg）, and reactive gaseous mercury （RGM） were conducted in Guizhou Pro- vince,...Continuous measurements of speciated atmo- spheric mercury （Hg）, including gaseous elemental mer- cury （GEM）, particulate mercury （PHg）, and reactive gaseous mercury （RGM） were conducted in Guizhou Pro- vince, southwestern China. Guiyang Power Plant （GPP）, Guiyang Wujiang Cement Plant, Guizhou Aluminum Plant （GAP）, and Guiyang Forest Park （GFP） in Guiyang were selected as study sites. Automatic Atmospheric Mercury Speciation Analyzers （Tekran 2537A） were used for GEM analysis. PHg and RGM were simultaneously collected by a manual sampling system, including elutriator, coupler/ impactor, KCl-coated annular denuder, and a filter holder. Results show that different emission sources dominate different species of Hg. The highest average GEM value was 22.2 ±28.3 ng·m-3 and the lowest 6.1 ± 3.9 ng·m-3, from samples collected at GPP and GAP, respectively. The maximum average PHg was 1984.9 pg·m-3 and the mini- mum average 55.9 pg·m-3, also from GPP and GAP, respectively. Similarly, the highest average RGM of 68.8 pg·m-3 was measured at GPP, and the lowest level of 20.5 pg·m-3 was found at GAP. We conclude that coal combustion sources are still playing a key role in GEM; traffic contributes significantly to PHg; and domestic pol- lution dominates RGM.展开更多
Seepage from Hg mine wastes and calcines contains high concentrations of mercury （Hg）. Hg pollution is a major environmental problem in areas with abandoned mercury mines and retorting units. This study evaluates fa...Seepage from Hg mine wastes and calcines contains high concentrations of mercury （Hg）. Hg pollution is a major environmental problem in areas with abandoned mercury mines and retorting units. This study evaluates factors, especially the hydrological and sedimentary variables, governing temporal and spatial variation in levels and state of mercury in streams impacted by Hg contaminated runoff. Samples were taken during different flow regimes in the Wanshan Hg mining area in Guizhou Province, China. In its headwaters the sampled streams/rivers pass by several mine wastes and calcines with high concentration of Hg. Seepage causes serious Hg contamination to the downstream area. Concentrations of Hg in water samples showed significant seasonal variations. Periods of higher flow showed high concentrations of total Hg （THg） in water due to more particles being re-suspended and transported. The concentrations of major anions （e.g., Cl-, F-, NO3- and SO4^2-） were lower during higher flow due to dilution. Due to both sedimentation of particles and dilution from tributaries the concentration of THg decreased from 2100 ng/L to background levels （〈 50 ng/L） within 10 km distance downstream. Sedimentation is the main reason for the fast decrease of the concentration, it accounts for 69% and 60% for higher flow and lower flow regimes respectively in the upper part of the stream. Speciation calculation of the dissolved Hg fraction （DHg） （using Visual MINTEQ） showed that Hg（OH）2 associated with dissolved organic matter is the main form of Hg in dissolved phase in surface waters in Wanshan （over 95%）.展开更多
Effective biomarkers are necessary to better understand the human mercury(Hg) exposure levels. However, mismatched biomarker sampling method causes extra uncertainty in assessing the risk of Hg exposure. To compare th...Effective biomarkers are necessary to better understand the human mercury(Hg) exposure levels. However, mismatched biomarker sampling method causes extra uncertainty in assessing the risk of Hg exposure. To compare the differences between hair and fingernail, and further understand the excretion rates of methylmercury(MeHg) and inorganic mercury(IHg) via hair and fingernails, the total mercury(THg), Me Hg, and IHg concentrations in paired hair and fingernail samples were investigated through paired samples collected from two typical mining areas, Wanshan mercury mine area(WMMA) and Hezhang zinc smelting area(HZSA). The positive correlation in THg, MeHg, and IHg concentrations( p < 0.01) between hair and fingernail samples indicated that those two biomarkers can be corrected in application of assessing human Hg exposure. Compared to fingernails, the hair was suggested to be a more sensitive biomarker as the concentration of THg, MeHg and IHg were 2~4 times higher than those in fingernails. Furthermore, the amounts of THg, MeHg, and IHg excreted via hair were 70~226 times higher than that excreted via fingernails, and the hair plays a more important role than fingernails in the excretion of Hg from human bodies. Present study therefore provides some new insights to better understand the fate of human assimilated Hg.展开更多
文摘The health hazard of mercury （Hg） compounds is internationally recognized, and the main pathways for methylmercury （MeHg） intake in humans are through consumption of food, especially fish. Given the large releases of Hg to the environment in China, combined with the fast development of hydropower, this issue deserves attention. Provided similar mobilization pathways of Hg in China as seen in reservoirs in North America and Europe one should expect increased Hg contamination in relation to future hydropower reservoir construction in this country. This study presents total Hg （THg） concentrations in wild fish from six Guizhou reservoirs, China. The THg concentrations in fish were generally low despite high background levels in the bedrock and depositions from local point sources. The over all mean ± SD concentration of THg was （0.066 ± 0.078） μg/g （n = 235）. After adjusting for among-reservoir variation in THg, there were significant differences in THg among functional groups of the fish, assumed to re？ect trophic levels. Predicted THg- concentration ratios, retrieved from a mixed linear model, between the functional groups were 9：4：4：1 for carnivorous, omnivorous, planktivorous and herbivorous fish. This result indicated that MeHg accumulation may prevail even under circumstances with short food chains as in this Chinese water system. No fish exceeded recommended maximum THg limit for human consumption set by World Health Organization and the Standardization Administration of China （0.5 μg/g fish wet weight （ww））. Only six fish （2.5%） exceeded the maximum THg limit set by US Environmental Protection Agency （0.3 μg/g fish ww）.
基金Project supported by the K.C.Wong Education FoundationNational Natural Science Foundation of China(U1612442)+3 种基金Key Grant for Creative Research Groups of Guizhou Provincial Education Department(Qian-Jiao-He KY Zi2016047)Young Scientific Talents Growth Project of Guizhou Provincial Education Department(Qian-Jiao-He KY Zi 2016252)Doctoralof Zunyi Normal University(Zun-Shi BS 201815)Science and Technology Project of Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Department(Qian-Ke-He-Ping-Tai-RenCai 20175727-07)。
文摘As indispensable strategic materials for high-tech industries,rare earth elements and yttrium(REY)have become particularly important in recent years,raising the demand of developing new approaches for reclamation of REY from REY-rich materials such as coal combustion products(CCPs).In this study,five coal-fired power plants(CFPPs)in Guizhou of southwest China were selected for investigating REY concentrations of solid samples,atmospheric emissions,and recovery potentials.REY concentrations of feed fuels are higher in this study(147.2-468.6 mg/kg)than what have been reported previously for coals in China and the world.REY atmospheric emissions are extremely low(38.70-180.11 mg REY/t coal).REY are enriched in bottom ash and fly ash,with average of 658±296 mg/kg and maximum of 1257 mg/kg from the five CFPPs.Relative enrichment factors(REF)of REY in bottom ash and fly ash compared with the feed fuel are 0.86-1.02 and 0.91-1.04,respectively.REY concentrations in desulfurized gypsum are very low(6-17 mg/kg),and that is mostly inherited from limestone.Critical REY(Nd,Eu,Tb,Dy,Y,and Er)in bottom/fly ash account for 34%-39%of the total REY and the outlook coefficients(Cout1)are in the range of 0.89-1.11.This study indicates a promising prospect to reclaim REY from REYrich CCPs(bottom and fly ash)in CFPPs in Guizhou,especially in the central-north Guizhou,although such practices require further technology advancement.
基金supported by the Science and Technology Department of Guizhou Province(No.Qiankehe LH zi [2017]7334hao)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2017M613005)+2 种基金Foundation of Guizhou Educational Committee(No.Qian jiao he KY[2016]135)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41563012)the Doctoral Scientific Research Foundation of Guizhou Normal University for 2014
文摘Photoreduction characteristics of divalent inorganic mercury (Hg2+) in the presence of specific algae species are still not well known.Laboratory experiments were conducted in the present study to identify the effects of different concentrations of living/dead algae species,including Aphanizomenon flosaquae (AF) and Microcystis aeruginosa (MA),on the photoreduction rate of Hg2+ under various light conditions.The experimental results showed that percentage reduction of Hg2+ was significantly influenced by radiation wavelengths,and dramatically decreased with the presence of algae.The highest percentage reduction of Hg2+ was induced by UV-A,followed by UV-B,visible light and dark for both living and dead AF,and the order was dark > UV-A > UV-B > visible light for both living and dead MA.There were two aspects,i.e.,energy and attenuation rate of light radiation and excrementitious generated from algae metabolisms,were involved in the processes of Hg2+ photoreduction with the presence of algae under different light conditions.The percentage reduction of Hg2+ decreased from 15% to 11% when living and dead AF concentrations increased by 10 times (from 106 to 105 cells/mL),and decreased from11% to ~9% in the case of living and dead MA increased.Algae can adsorb Hg2+ and decrease the concentration of free Hg2+,thus inhibiting Hg2+ photoreduction,especially under the conditions with high concentrations of algae.No significant differences were found in percentage reduction of Hg2+ between living and dead treatments of algae species.The results are of great importance for understanding the role of algae in Hg2+ photoreduction.
文摘Rice consumption can be a major pathway for mercury（Hg） exposure, which can cause health hazards to Chinese residents. To accurately assess the potential health risks, the bioaccessibility of Hg in rice samples collected at background and Hg-contamination sites was examined using four in vitro methods. The results showed that 〈 50% of the total mercury（THg） was bioaccessible in the studied rice samples. The THg bioaccessibility in the rice samples collected at the Hg-contaminated site was higher than that observed at the background area. The bioaccessibility of arsenic（As） and cadmium（Cd） was also evaluated for comparison of the four in vitro methods used in this study. The Physiologically Based Extraction Test was found to be the most accurate method based on the consistency of the results compared to those reported in previous studies. The estimated daily intakes of THg via rice consumption using the bioaccessibility data were found to meet the recommendation value set by the JECFA and the WHO in both sites. However, the potential health risk was not negligible at the Hg-contaminated sites, due to the high THg concentration and bioaccessibility in the rice samples.
基金The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through its Office of Research and Development, partially funded and participated in the research described here through cooperative agreement CR-833232-01 through the U.S. National Science Foundation-National Research Council Research Associateship Awardfunded by the National Key Basic Research Program of China (2013CB430004)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 40773067)
文摘The increasing emission of primary and gaseous precursors of secondarily formed atmospheric particulate matter due to continuing industrial development and urbanization are leading to an increased public awareness of environmental issues and human health risks in China. As part of a pilot study, 12-h integrated fine fraction particulate matter （PM2.5） filter samples were collected to chemically characterize and investigate the sources of ambient particulate matter in Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, southwestern China. Results showed that the 12-h integrated PM2.5 concentrations exhibited a daytime average of 51 ± 22 μg m^-3 （mean -4- standard deviation） with a range of 17-128 μg m^-3 and a nighttime average of 55 ± 32 μg m^-3 with a range of 4-186 μg m^-3. The 24-h integrated PM2.5 concentrations varied from 15 to 157 μg m^-3, with amean value of 53 ± 25 μg m^-3, which exceeded the 24-h PM2.5 standard of 35μg m^-3 set by USEPA, but was below the standard of 75 μg m^-3, set by China Ministry of Environmental Protection. Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry （XRF） was applied to determine PM2.5 chemical element concentrations. The order of concentrations of heavy metals in PM2.5 were iron （Fe） 〉 zinc （Zn） 〉 manganese （Mn） 〉 lead （Pb） 〉 arsenic （As）〉 chromium （Cr）. The total concentration of 18 chemical elements was 13 ± 2 μg m^-3, accounting for 25% in PM2.5, which is comparable to other major cities in China, but much higher than cities outside of China.
基金supported by the research fund of Guizhou Minzu University (No. GZMUZK[2021]YB14)the open research fund of Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China (No. QJH-KY[2020]247)。
文摘Mercury(Hg) in rice is drawing mounting concern since methylmercury(MeHg) was found capable of accumulating in rice. In-vitro bioaccessibility is a feasible and reliable method to assess the health effects of Hg in rice and has been utilized in a number of studies. This study was done to investigate the impact of cultivar, planting location, and cooking on the total mercury(THg) and MeHg bioaccessibility of rice, for which multiple statistical analysis methods were used to analyze the significance of their effects. The THg concentrations of rice samples taken from non-Hg contaminated areas of China were all below 15 ng/g and their MeHg concentrations were below 2 ng/g. Cooking could significantly reduce the MeHg bioaccessibility of rice because the MeHg was mainly combined with protein and the protein will be denatured during the cooking process, and then the denatured MeHg is difficult to be dissolved into the liquid phase. Indica-and japonica-type rice cultivars did not show significant differentiation in either the concentration of Hg or its bioaccessibility. However, the glutinous rice type differed significantly from the above rice types, and it showed greater bioaccessibility of THg and MeHg due to its distinct protein contents and starch properties. Planting location can affect the Hg concentration in rice and THg bioaccessibility but has a limited impact on MeHg bioaccessibility. Based on these results, two macro factors(rice cultivar, planting location) are presumed to impact Hg bioaccessibility by how they affect micro factors(i.e., Hg forms).
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41430754)。
文摘To understand its source,distribution,storage,and translocation in the subtropical forest ecosystems,mercury(Hg)concentrations and stable isotopes in forest biomass tissues(foliage,branch,bark,and trunk)were investigated at Ailao Mountain National Nature Reserve,Southwest China.The total Hg(THg)concentrations in the samples show the following trend:mature foliage(57±19 ng g-1)>bark(11±4.0 ng g-1)>branch(5.4±2.5 ng g-1)>trunk(1.6±0.7 ng g-1).Using the measured THg concentrations and the quantity of respective biomasses,the Hg pools in the forest are:wood(60±26μg m-2)>bark(51±18μg m-2)>foliage(41±11μg m-2)>branch(26±8.3μg m-2).The tree biomasses displayed negativeδ202Hg(-1.83‰to-3.84‰)andΔ199Hg(-0.18‰to-0.62‰).The observedΔ200Hg(-0.08‰to 0.04‰)is not significantly from zero.AΔ199Hg/Δ201Hg ratio of 1.05 was found in tree biomasses,suggesting that mercury has undergone Hg(Ⅱ)photoreduction processes.A Hg-isotope based binary mixing model suggests that Hg in the tree biomasses mainly originated from foliage uptake of atmospheric Hg0,constituting 67%,80%,and 77%of Hg in wood,branch,and bark,respectively.Our study sheds new light on the transportation and sources of Hg in the subtropical forest ecosystems.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. U2032201 and 21976193 )the Canada Research Chairs Program。
文摘The transformation of mercury(Hg) in the environment plays a vital role in the cycling of Hg and its risk to the ecosystem and human health. Of particular importance are Hg oxidation/reduction and methylation/demethylation processes driven or mediated by the dynamics of light, microorganisms, and organic carbon, among others. Advances in understanding those Hg transformation processes determine our capacity of projecting and mitigating Hg risk. Here, we provide a critical analysis of major knowledge gaps in our understanding of Hg transformation in nature, with perspectives on approaches moving forward. Our analysis focuses on Hg transformation processes in the environment, as well as emerging methodology in exploring these processes. Future avenues for improving the understanding of Hg transformation processes to protect ecosystem and human health are also explored.
基金support was provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.40773067)
文摘Continuous measurements of speciated atmo- spheric mercury （Hg）, including gaseous elemental mer- cury （GEM）, particulate mercury （PHg）, and reactive gaseous mercury （RGM） were conducted in Guizhou Pro- vince, southwestern China. Guiyang Power Plant （GPP）, Guiyang Wujiang Cement Plant, Guizhou Aluminum Plant （GAP）, and Guiyang Forest Park （GFP） in Guiyang were selected as study sites. Automatic Atmospheric Mercury Speciation Analyzers （Tekran 2537A） were used for GEM analysis. PHg and RGM were simultaneously collected by a manual sampling system, including elutriator, coupler/ impactor, KCl-coated annular denuder, and a filter holder. Results show that different emission sources dominate different species of Hg. The highest average GEM value was 22.2 ±28.3 ng·m-3 and the lowest 6.1 ± 3.9 ng·m-3, from samples collected at GPP and GAP, respectively. The maximum average PHg was 1984.9 pg·m-3 and the mini- mum average 55.9 pg·m-3, also from GPP and GAP, respectively. Similarly, the highest average RGM of 68.8 pg·m-3 was measured at GPP, and the lowest level of 20.5 pg·m-3 was found at GAP. We conclude that coal combustion sources are still playing a key role in GEM; traffic contributes significantly to PHg; and domestic pol- lution dominates RGM.
基金support from State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry,and Chinese Academy of Sciences during sampling in Wanshan
文摘Seepage from Hg mine wastes and calcines contains high concentrations of mercury （Hg）. Hg pollution is a major environmental problem in areas with abandoned mercury mines and retorting units. This study evaluates factors, especially the hydrological and sedimentary variables, governing temporal and spatial variation in levels and state of mercury in streams impacted by Hg contaminated runoff. Samples were taken during different flow regimes in the Wanshan Hg mining area in Guizhou Province, China. In its headwaters the sampled streams/rivers pass by several mine wastes and calcines with high concentration of Hg. Seepage causes serious Hg contamination to the downstream area. Concentrations of Hg in water samples showed significant seasonal variations. Periods of higher flow showed high concentrations of total Hg （THg） in water due to more particles being re-suspended and transported. The concentrations of major anions （e.g., Cl-, F-, NO3- and SO4^2-） were lower during higher flow due to dilution. Due to both sedimentation of particles and dilution from tributaries the concentration of THg decreased from 2100 ng/L to background levels （〈 50 ng/L） within 10 km distance downstream. Sedimentation is the main reason for the fast decrease of the concentration, it accounts for 69% and 60% for higher flow and lower flow regimes respectively in the upper part of the stream. Speciation calculation of the dissolved Hg fraction （DHg） （using Visual MINTEQ） showed that Hg（OH）2 associated with dissolved organic matter is the main form of Hg in dissolved phase in surface waters in Wanshan （over 95%）.
基金funded by t he Strategic Priority Research Programs of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Pan-TPE, XDA20040502 )the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 41877405 , U1612442 , U1812403 )。
文摘Effective biomarkers are necessary to better understand the human mercury(Hg) exposure levels. However, mismatched biomarker sampling method causes extra uncertainty in assessing the risk of Hg exposure. To compare the differences between hair and fingernail, and further understand the excretion rates of methylmercury(MeHg) and inorganic mercury(IHg) via hair and fingernails, the total mercury(THg), Me Hg, and IHg concentrations in paired hair and fingernail samples were investigated through paired samples collected from two typical mining areas, Wanshan mercury mine area(WMMA) and Hezhang zinc smelting area(HZSA). The positive correlation in THg, MeHg, and IHg concentrations( p < 0.01) between hair and fingernail samples indicated that those two biomarkers can be corrected in application of assessing human Hg exposure. Compared to fingernails, the hair was suggested to be a more sensitive biomarker as the concentration of THg, MeHg and IHg were 2~4 times higher than those in fingernails. Furthermore, the amounts of THg, MeHg, and IHg excreted via hair were 70~226 times higher than that excreted via fingernails, and the hair plays a more important role than fingernails in the excretion of Hg from human bodies. Present study therefore provides some new insights to better understand the fate of human assimilated Hg.
