ROLE OF BACTERIAL ESTERASE ON MERCURY DYNAMICS IN MANGROVE SEDIMENTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21715/GB2358-2812.2019331064Abstract
Tropical estuarine areas present microbial and geochemical conditions that have been pointed out as important conditions to trigger the mechanisms of mercury methylation improving its bioavailability to higher trophic levels. Despite the potential risk of these mechanisms to human health, few studies have reported in situ analysis in costal subtropical ecosystems, relating bacterial activity and mercury concentrations. In the present work we analyse the relationship between some relevant environmental parameters that may stimulate the bacterial activity and control mercury concentrations in the sediments of a tropical mangrove tidal flat. Forty-four samples were collected and analysed for total organic carbon, bacterial organic carbon, lipids, proteins, esterase activity and mercury concentrations and SEM/AVS. The redox potential, temperature and pH were also measured in situ. The results showed intense bacterial activity and increasing mercury levels when compared with local backgrounds. The use of SEM/AVS indicator recommended by USEPA as a criterium to check the sediment quality, did not show enough accuracy to predict the ecological bioavailability risk in sediments with high organic matter content. This methodology requires new approach to help decision making.
Downloads
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright Transfer Statement
The copyright to this article is transferred to Sociedade Brasileira de Geoquímica effective if and when the article is accepted for publication. The author(s) warrant(s) that his/her/their contribution is original and that he/she/they has/have full power to make this grant. The author(s) sign(s) for and accept(s) responsibility for releasing this material The copyright transfer covers the exclusive right and license to reproduce, publish, distribute and archive the article in all forms and media of expression now known or developed in the future, including reprints, translations, photographic reproductions, electronic form (offline, online) or any other reproductions of similar nature.
Author(s) may self-archive an author-created version of his/her/their submitted version, accepted version and final published article on his/her/their own website and or in his/her/their institutional repository. He/she/they may also deposit this version on his/her/their funder’s or funder’s designated repository at the funder’s request or as a result of a legal obligation.
The author(s) retain(s) the right to use his/her/their submitted version, accepted version and final published article for his/her/their further scientific career by including the final article published by Geochimica Brasiliensis in other publications such as dissertations, theses and postdoctoral qualifications provided acknowledgement is given to the original source of publication.
After submission of the agreement signed by the corresponding author(s), changes of authorship or in the order of the authors listed will not be accepted by Sociedade Brasileira de Geoquímica.
Title of article:
Author(s):
Author’s signature:
Place and Date:
