We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Methylmercury Biogeochemistry in Freshwater Ecosystems: A Review Focusing on DOM and Photodemethylation.
- Authors
Klapstein, Sara J.; O’Driscoll, Nelson J.
- Abstract
Mercury contamination is a growing concern for freshwater food webs in ecosystems without point sources of mercury. Methylmercury (MeHg) is of particular concern, as this is the form of mercury that crosses the blood-brain barrier and is neurotoxic to organisms. Wetlands and benthic sediments have high organic content and low oxygen availability. Anaerobic bacteria drive the metabolic function in these ecosystems and subsequently can methylate mercury. The bioavailability of MeHg is controlled by physicochemical characteristics such as pH, binding affinities, and dissolved organic matter (DOM). Similarly, photodemethylation is influenced by similar characteristics and thereby the two processes should be studied in tandem. The degradation of MeHg through photochemistry is an effective destruction mechanism in freshwater lakes. This review will highlight the uncertainties and known effects of DOM on subsequent photoreactions that lead to the occurrence of mercury photodemethylation and reduction in mercury bioavailability in freshwater ecosystems.
- Subjects
MERCURY poisoning; METHYLMERCURY &; the environment; WATER quality monitoring; DISSOLVED organic matter; PHOTOCHEMISTRY
- Publication
Bulletin of Environmental Contamination & Toxicology, 2018, Vol 100, Issue 1, p14
- ISSN
0007-4861
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s00128-017-2236-x