Combining of C, N and specific Hg stable isotopes to track bioaccumulation of monomethylmercury in coastal and freshwater seafood
2023
Yang, Shaochen | Li, Ping | Liu, Jinling | Ubaid Ali, Muhammad | Ding, Li | Wang, Bo
Human exposure to monomethylmercury (MMHg) through seafood consumption is a global concern. This study investigates the potential sources and processes of MMHg in seafood of coastal and freshwater areas through combing of δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, and specific Hg (including MMHg and inorganic Hg (IHg)) isotopes. The results showed that δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values exhibit different patterns in coastal and freshwater species. Δ¹⁹⁹HgMMHg/δ²⁰²HgMMHg values suggested that coastal and freshwater seafood undergo similar aqueous MMHg photodegradation processes. The Δ¹⁹⁹HgMMHg values could distinguish that, coastal fish absorb MMHg from water column whereas coastal shellfish absorb MMHg mainly from sediment. The positive values of Δ¹⁹⁹HgIHg in seafood could reflect in vivo MMHg demethylation and IHg reabsorption. Positive correlation between δ¹⁵N and Δ¹⁹⁹HgIHg indicated that aquatic organisms in various trophic levels may have different MMHg demethylation efficiency. We proposed that combining of multiple isotopes can provide overall profiles on aquatic MMHg biogeochemical cycle and bioaccumulation.
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