Mercury Levels Assessment in the Population of Aby and Frambo Villages in the Vinicity of Aby Lagoon in Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa)

The Minamata Convention in the aim to protect human life and the environment, seeks to reduce mercury (Hg) by monitoring it concentrations in the environment. Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) has been identified as the most important anthropogenic source of human exposure to Hg. In this context, the main goal of this study was to assess the level of mercury in hair of two (2) populations living along two lagoons respectively Aby and Tendo, in Ivory Coast. To reach this goal, hair samples of 138 residents were collected and analyzed by using Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectrophotometry (CV-AFS) technique for mercury concentration. Results showed that for the entire population the Hg mean was 2.34 μg/g. Also, they were ranged between 0.15 to 8.53 μg/g and presented substantial differences amongst the villages. In Aby village, we observed the highest Hg concentrations (Mean = 2.62 μg/g). Our findings showed that almost the entire sample group (82%) exceed the USEPA recommended limit, furthermore 56% of them exceed the normal level of WHO and 2% of the respondent has the unhealthy levels of mercury (≥6 μg Hg/g) of hair by WHO standards. Gender differences in hair mercury varies greatly among reports. Lower levels in women’s hair compared to men were reported in the both village. Considering age, the lowest concentrations were observed with children. However, when we take in account the age groups, data suggested that the most exposed sub-population of [18-29] years old is from Aby village in opposite at Frambo village, the same case those who were ≥ 40 years old. It’s convenient to note that, the proportion of Mercury levels would not to be neglected among studied population especially with the resident from Aby village. So, some measures need to be taken at the political level to control mercury contamination.

Statistical study of magnetic holes in the upstream region of Mercury’s bow shock

Magnetic holes are magnetic depression structures that exist widely in many plasma environments.The magnetic holes with durations of>1 s in the solar wind at Mercury’s orbit have drawn much attention,but the properties of the magnetic holes with shorter durations are still unclear.Here,we investigate the magnetic holes with durations of 0.1-100 s in the upstream region of Mercury’s bow shock based on observations by the MESSENGER(MErcury Surface,Space ENvironment,GEochemistry,and Ranging)spacecraft.They can be divided into two groups according to the distribution of their duration:small-duration magnetic holes(SDMHs,<0.6 s)and large-duration magnetic holes(LDMHs,>0.6 s).The duration of each group approximately obeys a log-normal distribution with a median of~0.25 s and 3 s,respectively.Approximately 1.7%(32.6%)of the SDMHs(LDMHs)reduce the magnetic field strength by more than 50%.For both groups,some structures have a linear or quasi-linear polarization,whereas others have an elliptical polarization.The magnetic hole events in both groups tend to have a higher rate of occurrence when the interplanetary magnetic field strength is weaker.Their occurrence rates are also affected by Mercury’s foreshock,which can increase(decrease)the occurrence rate of the SDMHs(LDMHs).This finding suggests that Mercury’s foreshock might be one source of the SDMHs and that the foreshock can destroy some LDMHs.These observations suggest that a new group of magnetic holes with durations of<0.6 s exist in the upstream region of Mercury’s bow shock.

Tb^(3+)-nucleic acid probe-based label-free and rapid detection of mercury pollution in food

Mercury is a threatening pollutant in food,herein,we developed a Tb^(3+)-nucleic acid probe-based label-free assay for mix-and-read,rapid detection of mercury pollution.The assay utilized the feature of light-up fluorescence of terbium ions(Tb^(3+))via binding with single-strand DNA.Mercury ion,Hg^(2+)induced thymine(T)-rich DNA strand to form a double-strand structure(T-Hg^(2+)-T),thus leading to fluorescence reduction.Based on the principle,Hg^(2+)can be quantified based on the fluorescence of Tb^(3+),the limit of detection was 0.0689μmol/L and the linear range was 0.1-6.0μmol/L.Due to the specificity of T-Hg^(2+)-T artificial base pair,the assay could distinguish Hg^(2+)from other metal ions.The recovery rate was ranged in 98.71%-101.34%for detecting mercury pollution in three food samples.The assay is low-cost,separation-free and mix-to-read,thus was a competitive tool for detection of mercury pollution to ensure food safety.

Downregulation of Serum PTEN Expression in Mercury-Exposed Population and PI3K/AKT Pathway-Induced Inflammation

Objective This study investigated the impact of occupational mercury(Hg) exposure on human gene transcription and expression, and its potential biological mechanisms.Methods Differentially expressed genes related to Hg exposure were identified and validated using gene expression microarray analysis and extended validation. Hg-exposed cell models and PTEN lowexpression models were established in vitro using 293T cells. PTEN gene expression was assessed using qRT-PCR, and Western blotting was used to measure PTEN, AKT, and PI3K protein levels. IL-6 expression was determined by ELISA.Results Combined findings from gene expression microarray analysis, bioinformatics, and population expansion validation indicated significant downregulation of the PTEN gene in the high-concentration Hg exposure group. In the Hg-exposed cell model(25 and 10 μmol/L), a significant decrease in PTEN expression was observed, accompanied by a significant increase in PI3K, AKT, and IL-6 expression.Similarly, a low-expression cell model demonstrated that PTEN gene knockdown led to a significant decrease in PTEN protein expression and a substantial increase in PI3K, AKT, and IL-6 levels.Conclusion This is the first study to report that Hg exposure downregulates the PTEN gene, activates the PI3K/AKT regulatory pathway, and increases the expression of inflammatory factors, ultimately resulting in kidney inflammation.

Feasibility Evaluation of Using Biochar-based Permeable Reactive Barrier for the Remediation of Mercury and Arsenic Composite Polluted Water Bodies

This study employed a modified biochar material to construct a permeable reactive barrier(PRB)for the treatment of water bodies polluted with mercury and arsenic.The experimental results demonstrated that the addition of goethite-modified biochar significantly enhanced the remediation efficiency of As(III),achieving a maximum removal rate of 100%.Conversely,pure biochar exhibited high efficiency in the removal of Hg(II),with a maximum removal rate approaching 100%.Furthermore,the pH level of the water significantly influenced the adsorption efficiency of heavy metal ions,with the optimal removal performance observed at a pH of 6.0.The PRB system demonstrated excellent removal rates under low concentrations of heavy metals.However,as the concentration increased,the remediation efficiency exhibited a slight decrease.In summary,the findings of this study provide compelling evidence for the use of modified biochar in the construction of PRBs for the remediation of mercury and arsenic-polluted water bodies.Furthermore,the study reveals the mechanism by which pH and heavy metal concentration influence remediation efficiency.

Substituent Effect on Mercury-199 Chemical Shifts in Some Bisarylmercurials and Aryl(2-benzothiazolylthio) mercurials

The present paper covers the 199 Hg NMR chemical shifts of 24 substituted diphenylmercurials and phenyl(2-benzothiazolylthio)mercurials. There is a good linear relationship between the chemical shift and the Hammett constant of the substituents for both series of compounds, and electron donating substituents cause the chemical shift towards downfield.

Distribution and Controlling Factors of Dissolved Gaseous Mercury and Reactive Mercury in Seawater Near Yangtze River Estuary

Complex hydrocultural conditions in the estuary affect the migration and transformation of mercury.Using two voyages in July and October 2018,Dissolved Gaseous Mercury(DGM)and Reactive Mercury(RHg)were determined to explore the source,transformation and influence of DGM content in the adjacent waters of Yangtze River Estuary in summer and autumn.The results showed the contents of DGM and RHg in summer were higher than those in autumn,and both of them were higher than those in open sea.In summer and autumn,the Yangtze River brought a higher concentration of DGM,and different flow direction and runoff resulted in differences in the high value region of the surface.The emergence of low-oxygen zones in summer was conducive to the production of DGM.In autumn,windy weather allowed seawater disturbances to promote the release of mercury from the underlying sediments,especially in shallow sea in northwest.RHg showed a higher concentration in the offshore than in the open sea in summer,but there was no such trend in autumn,reflecting the influence of less runoff input.DGM is the main product of RHg reduction,and there was a significant positive correlation between DGM and RHg in summer(r=0.356,P<0.05),while the correlation between DGM and RHg was not significant in autumn due to the influence of light intensity,wind speed and nutrients.The exchange flux of mercury in the adjacent waters of the Yangtze River Estuary was higher than that in the open sea.There was no significant difference of the release flux of mercury in summer and autumn.This article highlighted that the input of mercury from the Yangtze River runoff promotes the release of mercury in seawater,and the hypoxic zone caused by eutrophication is conducive to the production of DGM.

Assessment of Mercury Concentrations in Water and Fish Tissue Analysis in Kaw Lake, Oklahoma, 2022

The Kaw Nation has been collecting water, sediment, and fish samples from Kaw Lake and upper Arkansas River from 2007 to present to examine the concentrations of Mercury and other heavy metals to protect the health of the tribal members. Kaw Lake is in the North-Central part of Oklahoma. Kaw Lake is a permanent water body constructed in 1976 by the Army of Corps of Engineers. The Lake is consistently fed by the Arkansas River and other tributaries as runoff coming all the way from Colorado through Kansas to Kaw Lake of Oklahoma. The Lake has a surface area of 26.64 square miles (69 km2) and shoreline of 168 miles (270 km) with a total drainage area of 56,345 square miles (145,393 km2) and an average water depth of 8 meters. The water and fish samples were collected from 7 sites of Kaw Lake, once in a month and the fish samples once in a year during summertime, early July to end of July. The fish samples focused on 5 sport, predator, and bottom dwelling species of large consumable size, greater than 200 mm length and 560 grams weight. The five fish sampled were Catfish, White bass, Largemouth and Smallmouth bass, Black and White crappie. The fish and water samples were sent to Accurate Environmental Labs for detailed analysis. Predator species were analyzed as fillet and the bottom dwellings as a whole fish using EPA Method 7471A-M. Mercury from Water and Fish Tissue Samples were analyzed by Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry. The laboratory analysis indicated that all the Mercury concentration in the fish samples except in Blue Catfish and Spotted Bass fall below the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 0.5 mg/kg.

Synthesis of Sustainable Sulfur-Rich Copolymers as Mercury Sorbents at 130℃ Using Tung Oil as an Activator

Sulfur-rich copolymers made through inverse vulcanization exhibit a wide range of potentially valuable applications, for example as adsorbents to capture mercury pollution. Among the diverse second monomers of the copolymers, vegetable oil is a renewable resource, and recycled cooking oils have an important role in saving natural products. However, they need relatively high temperatures(160–180 ℃) to react with sulfur. To develop a low-temperature(130 ℃) reaction process for non-conjugated vegetable oil, we incorporate a small amount of tung oil, which contains conjugated trienes that can produce highly active free radicals during reactions. A variety of analytical techniques(proton nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and dynamic mechanical analysis) are used to characterize the chemical structures and physical properties of the copolymers. The addition of tung oil is found to significantly improve the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the copolymers. We also investigate the effect of different ratios of raw materials on the gel time, free sulfur content, glass transition temperature T_(g), and degradation temperature of the copolymers. We find that increasing the amount of tung oil in the raw material mixture decreases the gel time and free sulfur content, but increases T_(g) and the degradation temperature. The copolymers exhibit a high adsorption capacity for mercury ions up to 33 mg Hg^(2+) per gram of adsorbent. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using sulfur-rich copolymers as effective mercury removal adsorbents, with the potential for further improvement by foaming the copolymers into porous materials.

Mercury accumulation,distribution,and isotopic composition in tissues of the Collared Scops Owl(Otus lettia)

Mercury is a ubiquitous contaminant known to accumulate in wildlife,particularly bird species at higher trophic levels.Knowledge of tissue-specific Hg distributions aids our understanding of Hg bioaccumulation in organisms.In this study,one adult and three juvenile Collared Scops Owls(Otus lettia)were studied to elucidate the bioaccumulation of Hg in body tissues.Six tissues and organs(feathers,nails,heart,liver,gizzard,and muscle),as well as gastric contents,were examined for total Hg(THg)and methylmercury(MeHg)contents,Hg isotopic compositions including mass-dependent fractionation(MDF;δ202Hg)and mass-independent fractionation(MIF;Δ199Hg andΔ201Hg),and C(δ13C)and N(δ15N)isotopic compositions.Tissue-specific THg and MeHg concentrations in the adult were in the ranges of 150–1360 ng/g and17–1060 ng/g,and lower in the juveniles at 91–419 ng/g and 67–350 ng/g,respectively.Theδ^(202)Hg values in the adult were strongly negative at-1.75‰±0.17‰compared with the juveniles at-0.99‰±0.25‰.The adult exhibited lower MIF values than the juveniles,at0.23‰±0.07‰forΔ^(199)Hg and 0.2‰±0.11‰forΔ^(201)Hg,comparedwith0.81‰±0.09‰and0.66‰±0.07‰,respectively.The lower adult MDF and MIF values suggest that the adult tended to accumulate negative Hg isotopes but the juvenile's positive Hg isotopes.Differences between adult and juvenile tissue Hg concentrations indicate that metabolic processes play an important role in Hg accumulation.

Increasing Anthropogenic Mercury Pollution over the Last 200 Years Revealed by Lagoonal Sediments from Hainan Island,South China

The toxic heavy metal mercury(Hg)has significantly enhanced the global Hg cycle influenced by human activities over the last century.In this study,we presented a high-resolution Hg deposition history between∼1780 and 2015 AD in a sediment core from Xincun Lagoon,located in the southeastern Hainan Island,South China,and analyzed it in conjunction with geochemical elements,grain-size distribution,organic matter,and HYSPLIT backward trajectory simulation.The objective was to investigate the influencing factors affecting historical Hg deposition in relatively remote regions and assess the extent of the effects of natural background and human activities.The results showed that the Hg in the sediment was deposited primarily through atmospheric deposition,which was closely related to regional and even global human activities.Anthropogenic Hg contamination increased gradually from the 1830s to 1850s,possibly due to Hg emissions from Opium Wars I and II occurring in southeastern China.High broad peaks of anthropogenic Hg were observed during the 1910s to 1950s and in the 1980s,likely associated with the two world wars and modern Chinese wars.In addition,a further sharp increase in anthropogenic Hg from the mid-1970s to the present occurred,likely originating from the intense industrial activities in China triggered by the reform and opening-up policy of China in 1978 and some countries in Southeast Asia.

On the Attribution of Mercury’s Perihelion Precession

Although Newtonian gravity and general relativity predicted the precession of Mercury perihelion historically, many improved methods continue to predict the precession of Mercury during recent decades of years. Uncertainties in various predictions and observations suggest that the attribution of Mercury’s precession is still not well understood. This paper argues that the cause of Mercury’s precession is not gravity, but the inertia of material motion left over from the formation of the solar system. According to this inertia theory, the planetary precession is associated with the ratio of total mass-energy density of the system to the mass-energy of the Sun and its change over time. If other factors are not changed with time, the perihelion precession of planets per orbit is proportional to his distance relative to the Sun. The conclusions of this paper can provide more effective factor considerations for the complete description of various astronomical events and phenomena using general relativity equations.

Modulation mechanism of aquaporins by mercury revealed by solid-state NMR and molecular dynamics simulations

In a recent paper,the structural basis of mercury-mediated changes in aquaporins'(AQPs)function has been revealed at the atomic level by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance(ssNMR)spectroscopy and molecular dynamics(MD)simulations[1].This work has demonstrated an interesting case of metal ion-protein interaction.It provided valuable insights on how mercury ions achieve opposite regulations of AQP permeability by disrupting the hydrogen bonding network around arginine residues(https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.2c10240).

Ethanolic extract of Abrus precatorius leaves protected against mercury chloride-induced hepatocellular damage and cerebral Na+/K+-ATPase dysfunction in wistar rats

Plants are sources of medicinal compounds,and they play a crucial role in human health maintenance.Abrus precatorius is one of the important medicinal plants that have been alleged for their medicinal properties.This research unraveled the pharmacological effect of ethanolic extract of Abrus precatorius on lipid peroxidation,liver parameters,and Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase activity in HgCl_(2) treated wistar rats.Twenty-four(24)albino wistar rats weighing between 150-200 g were distributed into four groups of 6 animals each.Group A(control)received normal saline(0.9% NaCl),group B received 400 mg/kg of the extract only,group C received 4 mg/kg HgCl_(2) only,and group D received 400 mg/kg of extract+4 mg/kg of HgCl_(2).The treatment lasted for two weeks,and the animals were sacrificed on the 15th day.The blood,brains and livers were collected and used for assay of lipid peroxidation,liver function,and sodium pump activity.The results of liver function test revealed an elevated(P<0.05)level of serum aspartate transaminase,alanine transaminase,alkaline phosphatase,and total bilirubin in the group that received HgCl_(2) only(group C)when compared with the normal control(group A)that received normal saline only.However,the administration of extract in group D led to a marked(P<0.05)reduction in the activities of these enzymes and the level of total bilirubin when compared to the negative control(group C).On the contrary,HgCl_(2) caused a significant(P<0.05)reduction in serum total protein and albumin levels,but the extract reversed the effect of HgCl_(2) by elevating their concentrations.Nonetheless,the effect elicited by this extract is comparable to group A which received normal saline.Moreso,the result of lipid peroxidation revealed that HgCl_(2) treatment caused a marked(P<0.05)increase in the formation of lipid peroxidation adducts in both liver and brain homogenates in group C.On the contrary,administration of Abrus precatorius extract profoundly(P<0.05)inhibited HgCl_(2)-induced lipid peroxidation in group D.In addition,HgCl_(2) inhibited the activity of cerebral Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase,but the extract restored normalcy by increasing the activity of the enzyme in group D.Consequently,the results obtained justify the traditional use of Abrus precatorius and suggest that Abrus precatorius leaves may be used for management of liver diseases,oxidative stress-linked diseases and some neurodegenerative ailments.

The Association of Mercury and ALT with Obesity in Korean Adults Using Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 11 Years(KNHANES 2005,2008-2017)

The association between heavy metals in the blood and obesity has been examined in many studies.However,inconsistencies have been observed in the results of these studies.The present study was conducted using data from 119,181 participants of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(KNHANES)for 11 years in 2005 and between 2008 and 2017.The subjects with missing heavy metal blood tests,health interview data,and health examination data were excluded from the study.The study population comprised 1,844 individuals(972 men,and 872 women)who were eligible for inclusion.It was found that obesity and abdominal obesity were associated with an increase in both blood mercury(P<0.001)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)(P<0.001).After adjusting the confounding factors,those with concurrent high levels of ALT and the highest tertile of mercury showed an increased risk of obesity(odds ratio 4.46,95%confidence interval 2.23-8.90,P<0.001)as well as abdominal obesity(odds ratio 5.36,95%confidence interval 2.57-11.17,P<0.001).The interrelationship of mercury and ALT with the parameters of body mass index(P for interaction=0.009)and waist circumference(P for interaction=0.012),respectively,have been observed to be significant,suggesting that the reciprocal relationship could contribute to obesity and abdominal obesity.

三维球状BiOI/BiOBr异质结光催化剂制备及其光催化脱汞性能

光催化氧化技术是治理污染物排放的重要手段。目的为增强BiOBr对可见光的利用率并提高其光催化活性,方法采用共沉淀法制备碘掺杂的三维球状BiOI/BiOBr异质结光催化剂,使用X射线衍射、紫外-可见漫反射光谱、扫描电子显微镜扫描、N2吸附-脱附、X射线光电子能谱和电子自旋共振波谱等对样品结构进行表征,开展光催化脱除单质汞(Hg0)性能研究。结果结果表明,随着I含量升高,BiOBr衍射峰逐渐降低,BiOI衍射峰逐渐增强;BiOI/BiOBr复合光催化剂保留了BiOBr的三维微球形貌,BiOI均匀分散于BiOBr表面,且复合后比表面积有所提高,较大的表面积能提供更多的反应空间,促进活性自由基产生和提高光催化剂性能;与BiOBr相比,复合光催化剂的带隙能降低,可见光响应能力大幅增强。BiOI/BiOBr光催化脱汞性能高于单纯BiOI与单纯BiOBr;BiOI和BiOBr摩尔比为2∶8时,光催化剂脱汞效率高达98%,是单纯BiOBr的2.58倍;酸性条件下制备的BiOI/BiOBr异质结光催化剂会与碱性溶液反应,引起光催化剂成分的变化,进而影响光催化剂的催化性能;Hg0高效光催化氧化过程中,阴离子超氧自由基(•O_(2)^(-))和空穴(h^(+))是主要活性物质。结论研究结果可为卤氧化铋光催化剂的复合制备及其在脱汞领域的应用提供理论依据。

汞矿周边农田蔬菜生物碳阻控汞富集和转运的效果

【目的】探究生物碳钝化汞污染土壤的效果。【方法】设置低、中、高3种汞污染土壤区,分别施加1000 kg/667 m^(2)生物碳,探讨瓜果、根茎类农田蔬菜生物碳阻控汞富集和转运效果。【结果】生物碳施加后,蔬菜对汞的转运表现为根部富集最高,向茎、叶、果实部位依次减弱,大小顺序为:丝瓜>豆角>茄子>辣椒>豇豆>黄瓜,富集系数分别降低了53.3%、20.6%、14.7%、10.5%和8%,豆角和豇豆阻控作用最为明显,而辣椒最弱;土壤汞含量会影响阻控效果,豆角、黄瓜、豇豆分别在低、中和高汞土壤中阻控效果最好,汞浓度对丝瓜影响最小。【结论】生物碳能针对不同蔬菜对汞的富集起到一定阻控作用,其结果可为钝化修复汞污染土壤的实际应用提供理论依据。

响应曲面法优化磁性生物质炭吸附水中汞离子特性研究

以玉米秸秆为原材料制备了生物质基炭,经共沉淀法成功制备了磁性生物质碳(Fe_(3)O_(4)@C)用于吸附水中的汞离子。采用控制变量法探究了4个单因素(溶液pH、温度、吸附剂投入量、吸附时间)对磁性生物质炭吸附Hg^(2+)效率的影响,发现pH值和投入量的影响程度较大,吸附时间次之,温度影响较小。借助上述实验结果,使用Design Expert软件,通过Box-Behnken设计汞吸附实验,成功构建了汞吸附效率与上述影响因素之间的回归模型;借助响应曲面法分析,精确确定了最佳的工艺条件。经平行实验验证,磁性生物质炭对水中Hg^(2+)的吸附效率可达到98.91%,经过吸附处理后的含汞废水达到可排放标准。

致密砂岩气藏微观孔隙结构多尺度联合表征

致密砂岩的微观孔隙结构对气藏的开发至关重要。文中以临兴地区下石盒子组盒8段为研究对象,采用多种实验方法对致密砂岩孔隙结构进行精确表征。研究结果显示:致密砂岩主要孔隙类型为长石溶孔和岩屑溶孔,其次为粒间孔、晶间孔和微裂隙;高压压汞、CO_(2)吸附、N_(2)吸附以及渗吸-核磁等实验结果均反映了研究区致密砂岩孔隙结构具有较好的连通性;多尺度联合法表征的致密砂岩孔径分布以微孔为主,介孔次之,大孔最少;微孔的大量分布为比表面积做出主要贡献,介孔、大孔贡献较少,孔容主要由微孔、介孔贡献,大孔贡献较少;核磁共振计算的孔径分布比例与多尺度联合法的计算值在介孔、大孔阶段具有较好一致性,在微孔阶段,多尺度联合法的计算值大于核磁共振法,表明微孔为气藏的主要气体储集空间,而介孔和大孔为气体运移的主要通道,多尺度联合法在致密砂岩储层孔隙结构精细表征方面更具特色。

大幅宽多谱段高光谱红外探测器研究

报道了基于分子束外延(Molecular Beam Epitaxy,MBE)碲镉汞(Mercury Cadmium Telluride,MCT)技术的大幅宽、多谱段、大像元高光谱红外探测器的最新研究进展。采用MBE技术制备出高质量MCT材料;采用成熟的n-on-p技术路线制备探测芯片,并针对特殊形状的大像元进行了优化;高光谱专用读出电路设计针对短波、窄谱段、小信号等典型特征进行了优化,并针对光谱应用加入行增益可调等功能设计。测试结果表明,组件基本性能良好,有效像元率大于99.5%,平均量子效率优于70%。