Mercury and other trace elements distribution and profiling of microbial community in the surface sediments of East Siberian Sea. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chaudhary, Dhiraj Kumar; Karki, Hem Prakash; Bajagain, Rishikesh; Kim, Hwansuk; Rhee, Tae Siek; Hong, Jong Kuk; Han, Seunghee; Choi, Young-Gyun; Hong, Yongseok
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 185:Part A(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: Total mercury -- Methylmercury -- Trace elements -- Microbial communities -- Surface sediment -- Arctic; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114319
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), various trace elements, and microbial communities were measured in surface sediments of the East Siberian Sea (ESS). The results showed that the average values of THg and MeHg were 58.8 ± 15.21 μg/kg and 0.50 ± 0.22 μg/kg, respectively. The notable levels of trace elements present in both surface sediment and porewater were Al, Fe, and Mn. The enrichment factor and geoaccumulation index analyses found that both natural phenomena and anthropogenic activities contributed to elevated concentrations of metals in the ESS. The redox proxy metals, pH, and SO4 2− were the major factors influencing the THg and MeHg distributions. Microbial profiles were substantially affected by metals and other abiotic factors. Proteobacteria and Thaumarchaeota were the most abundant phyla. Overall, the findings presented here facilitate the understanding of the current status of metal contamination, its influencing factors, and metal-microbiota-interactions in ESS. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: THg, MeHg, and most of the trace elements were higher in ST01, ST02, ST37 and ST38 sites of ESS. Hg distribution was affected by pH, SO4 −− and redox proxy metals (Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, As). EF and Igeo values showed exogenous metal pollution existed in the ESS. Microbes belonging to Proteobacteria and Thaumarcheota phyla were predominant in ESS. THg, MeHg, and other metals notably influence the bacterial and archaeal communities.