Mercury distribution, methylation and volatilization in microcosms with and without the sea anemone Bunodosoma caissarum.
Mar Pollut Bull
; 92(1-2): 105-112, 2015 Mar 15.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-25599628
ABSTRACT
Mercury (Hg) has a complex biogeochemical cycle in aquatic environments. Its most toxic form, methylmercury (MeHg), is produced by microorganisms. This study investigated how the sea anemone Bunodosoma caissarum affects Hg distribution, methylation and volatilization in laboratory model systems. (203)Hg was added to microcosms and its distribution in seawater, specimens and air was periodically measured by gamma spectrometry. MeHg was measured by liquid scintillation. After the uptake period, specimens had a bioconcentration factor of 70 and in microcosms with and without B. caissarum, respectively 0.05% and 0.32% of the initial spike was found as MeHg. After depuration, MeHg in specimens ranged from 0.2% to 2.4% of total Hg. Microcosms with B. caissarum had higher Hg volatilization (58%) than controls (17%), possibly due to Hg(2+) reduction mediated by microorganisms associated with its tissues and mucus secretions. Marine organisms and their associated microbiota may play a role in Hg and MeHg cycling.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Anêmonas-do-Mar
/
Água do Mar
/
Organismos Aquáticos
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Mercúrio
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2015
Tipo de documento:
Article