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- Title
Effects of two sorbents applied to mercury-contaminated river sediments on bioaccumulation in and detrital processing by Hyalella azteca.
- Authors
Bundschuh, Mirco; Zubrod, Jochen; Seitz, Frank; Newman, Michael
- Abstract
Purpose: Mercury (Hg) released into the environment often accumulates to high concentrations in sediments, creating a potential risk to aquatic wildlife. The in situ application of sorbents such as activated carbon is one promising option for reducing the bioavailability of sediment-bound Hg. Materials and methods: The present study evaluates the influence of contact time of two sorbents (Sedimite and Cowboy biochar) applied to sediment taken downstream and upstream of a historic Hg discharge into the South River (Virginia, USA) on bioaccumulation in and detrital processing by Hyalella azteca. Results and discussion: Hg bioaccumulation decreased when sediments were mixed with both sorbents, but their respective efficiency depended on their initial particle size and contact time. Hyalella showed a slight increase in detrital processing and substantial increase in Hg bioaccumulation when exposed to contaminated relative to uncontaminated sediment. Sedimite adversely affected detrital processing but reduced Hg bioaccumulation. In contrast, Cowboy biochar did not impact detrital processing but appeared to decrease bioaccumulation less effectively than Sedimite. This difference in sorbent efficacy lessened with duration. It remains unclear whether the Sedimite-induced reduction in detrital processing is substantially worse than that associated with natural fines settling on detritus in depositional reaches of rivers. Conclusions: The differences in efficacy of the two materials in reducing bioavailability suggest the need for further studies addressing both the mechanisms causing the reduction in Hg bioavailability as well as associated ecological risks prior to field application of these materials at the larger scale.
- Subjects
MERCURY &; the environment; MERCURY in water; RIVER sediments; BIOACCUMULATION; HYALELLA azteca
- Publication
Journal of Soils & Sediments: Protection, Risk Assessment, & Remediation, 2015, Vol 15, Issue 5, p1265
- ISSN
1439-0108
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s11368-015-1100-z