Assessing mercury exposure to water and fish of the Mackenzie watershed using a Bayesian network analysis

Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 21(2), P. 396 - 413

Published: Jan. 6, 2025

Abstract Bayesian Network Relative Risk Models (BN-RRM) were developed to assess recent (2005–2020) risk of mercury (Hg) exposure the freshwater ecosystems Great Slave Lake (GSL) and Mackenzie River Basin (MRB) in Canadian Northwest Territories. is defined as probability a specified adverse outcome; here outcome was environmental Hg concentrations exceeding regulatory guidelines (thresholds values) established protect health humans aquatic biota. Environmental models monitoring studies organized into probabilistic (Bayesian network) model which considered six input pathways, including atmospheric deposition, release from permafrost thaw, terrestrial transfer via soil erosion, proximity mining, fossil fuel developments, retrogressive thaw slumps (RPTS). Sensitivity analysis used spatial trends influence sources tissue five keystone fish species (lake whitefish, lake trout, northern pike, walleye, burbot) are essential for food security people MRB. The species, by toxicological dose-response curves, generally low but greatest GSL where size, mine proximity, erosion identified be important explanatory variables. These BN-RRMs provide framework integrate advances cycling modeling, identify gaps efforts, calculate endpoints under alternative scenarios mitigation measures. For example, predicted that successful implementation Minamata Treaty, corresponding 35%–60% reduction would translate ∼1.2-fold concentrations. In this way, these can form basis decision-support tool comparing ranking risk-reduction initiatives.

Language: Английский

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Contrasting Magnitude and Timing of Pulsed Aqueous Methylmercury Bioaccumulation across a Reservoir Food Web

Environmental Science & Technology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 17, 2025

Water column hypoxia is a key process influencing methylmercury (MeHg) production and availability in waterbodies worldwide. During seasonal destratification, large, short-lived pulses of aqueous MeHg may be released into the subsequently mixed water column, but little known about fate these pulses, particularly whether there are concomitant increases uptake aquatic food webs. We examined magnitude timing across several trophic guilds relative to reservoir stratification status using biweekly mercury data from water, zooplankton, fish (Bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus Smallmouth Bass, Micropterus dolomieu). Zooplankton concentrations increased by up 250% during concurrent with concentrations. filter-passing were positively correlated when was (R2 = 0.95) destratifying 0.57) not while stratified 0.21). Mercury adult bluegill juveniles both species 20–70% following responses lagging 4–8 weeks behind those zooplankton MeHg. piscivorous bass varied over course study. Our findings demonstrate responsiveness webs availability, suggesting that could play an important role biotic exposure within downstream reservoirs.

Language: Английский

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Artisanal and small-scale gold mining and biodiversity: a global literature review

Ecotoxicology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 33(4-5), P. 484 - 504

Published: May 7, 2024

Language: Английский

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The global challenge of reducing mercury contamination from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM): evaluating solutions using generic theories of change

Ecotoxicology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 33(4-5), P. 506 - 517

Published: March 2, 2024

Mercury contamination from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) currently accounts for 37% of the global total, often affecting tropical regions where regulations, if they exist, are poorly enforced. Ingestion by people other animals damages nervous, reproductive, cognitive systems. Despite efforts many organizations governments to curb mercury releases ASGM, it is increasing globally. There possible interventions, all with significant complexity cost. Therefore, we recommend taking an established systematic approach articulate current situation construct theories change (ToC) different interventions any government or organization trying solve this problem. Here present a high-level analysis generic ToC support more coordinated that explicitly builds upon previous experience identify organization- situation-appropriate engagement on issue. We then illustrate use these models specific policy-focused entry point. This includes through (1) Minamata Convention Mercury; (2) existing national laws policies connected ASGM contamination; (3) indigenous local communities meet governments' legal obligations. By methodically articulating assumptions about connections among actions, desired outcomes, create effective will encourage coordination cooperation practitioners maximize their investments broad environmental socio-political outcomes necessary address pernicious

Language: Английский

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Mercury exposure and trophic ecology of urban nesting black-legged kittiwakes from France

Chemosphere, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 363, P. 142813 - 142813

Published: July 8, 2024

Seabirds are increasingly used as bioindicators for assessing the chemical contamination of marine ecosystems, including by mercury (Hg) worldwide. However, some geographical areas still poorly documented, metropolitan France that is home to 28 seabird species black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla, in part southern limit North Atlantic range species. Here, we investigated Hg and trophic ecology kittiwakes breeding harbour Boulogne-sur-Mer, Northern France. Mean blood concentration was 4.81 ± 1.20 μg g

Language: Английский

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Global fishing patterns amplify human exposures to methylmercury

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 121(40)

Published: Sept. 23, 2024

Global pollution has exacerbated accumulation of toxicants like methylmercury (MeHg) in seafood. Human exposure to MeHg been associated with long-term neurodevelopmental delays and impaired cardiovascular health, while many micronutrients seafood are beneficial health. The largest source for general populations originates from marine fish that harvested the global ocean sold commercial market. Here, we use high-resolution catch data fisheries an empirically constrained spatial model examine origins magnitudes extracted ocean. Results suggest tropical subtropical account >70% because they major fishing grounds large pelagic fishes natural biogeochemistry this region facilitates seawater production. Compounding issue, (selenium omega-3 fatty acids) lowest warm, low-latitude regions may be further depleted by future warming. Our results imply extensive harvests species industrial fisheries, particularly tropics, drive public health concerns related exposure. We estimate 84 99% subsistence entities globally likely exceed thresholds based on typical rates consumption. highlight need both stringent controls better accounting human nutrition choices.

Language: Английский

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Accessible, low-mercury, and nutritious fishes provide win-wins for conservation and public health

One Earth, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 8(1), P. 101174 - 101174

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Riverine songbirds capture high levels of atmospheric mercury pollution from brown food webs in forests by mercury isotopic evidence

Journal of Hazardous Materials, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 488, P. 137347 - 137347

Published: Jan. 25, 2025

Language: Английский

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Significant synergistic emission reduction of atmospheric mercury in coal-fired industrial boilers in China

Journal of Hazardous Materials, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 137370 - 137370

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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The role of seabird foraging strategies on the uptake of mercury: a case study using gulls and shearwaters from the Portuguese coast

Journal of Hazardous Materials, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 489, P. 137673 - 137673

Published: Feb. 19, 2025

Language: Английский

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