Physiological and climate controls on foliar mercury uptake by European tree species

Despite the importance of vegetation uptake of atmospheric gaseous elemental mercury (Hg(0)) within the global Hg cycle, little knowledge exists on the physiological, climatic and geographic factors controlling stomatal uptake of atmospheric Hg(0) by tree foliage. We investigate controls on foliar stomatal Hg(0) uptake by combining Hg measurements of 3,569 foliage samples across Europe with data on tree species traits and environmental conditions. To account for foliar Hg accumulation over time, we normalized foliar Hg concentration over the foliar life period from the simulated start of the growing season to sample harvest. The most relevant parameter impacting daily foliar stomatal Hg uptake was tree functional group (deciduous versus coniferous trees). On average, we measured 3.2 times higher daily foliar stomatal Hg uptake rates in deciduous leaves than in coniferous needles of the same age. Across tree species, for foliage of beech and fir, and at two out of three forest plots with more than 20 samples, we found a significant (p < 0.001) increase in foliar Hg values with respective leaf nitrogen concentrations. We therefore suggest, that foliar stomatal Hg uptake is controlled by tree functional traits with uptake rates increasing from low to high nutrient content representing low to high physiological activity. For pine and spruce needles, we detected a significant linear decrease of daily foliar stomatal Hg uptake with the proportion of time, during which vapor pressure deficit (VPD) exceeded the species-specific threshold values of 1.2 kPa and 3 kPa, respectively. The proportion of time within the growing season, during which surface soil water content (ERA5-Land) in the region of forest plots was low correlated negatively with corresponding foliar Hg uptake rates of beech and pine. These findings suggest that stomatal uptake of atmospheric Hg(0) is inhibited under high VPD conditions and/or low soil water content due the regulation of stomatal conductance to reduce water loss under dry conditions. We therefore propose, that foliar Hg measurements bear the potential to serve as proxy for stomatal conductance. Other parameters associated with forest sampling sites (latitude and altitude), sampled trees (average age and diameter at breast height) or regional satellite observation-based transpiration product (GLEAM) did not significantly correlate with daily foliar Hg uptake rates. We conclude that tree physiological activity and stomatal response to VPD and soil water content should be implemented in a stomatal Hg model, to assess future Hg cycling under different anthropogenic emission scenarios and global warming.

Mercury Uptake and Transport by Plants in Aquatic Environments: A Meta-Analysis

The use of phytoremediation technology to remove heavy metal ions from aquatic environments or reduce their toxicity offers the possibility of restoring the ecological environment of polluted water bodies. Based on available literature on heavy metal absorption by aquatic plants, we conducted a meta-analysis to study the absorptive capacities of different plants as well as the factors that influence their Hg-absorption performance. Seventeen plant families, including Araceae, Haloragaceae, Hydrocharitaceae, and Poaceae, have a strong Hg-absorption capacity. The root systems of aquatic plants belonging to these families are primarily responsible for this remediation function, and only a limited proportion of Hg+ that enters a plant via the root system is transferred to other plant organs. Additionally, the diversity of plant life habits (e.g., floating, submerged, and emergent) and the water pH significantly influence the ability of plants to absorb Hg. It is expected that this study will provide a reference for the cultivation of aquatic plants for restoring the ecological environment of Hg-polluted water bodies.

Mercury uptake by Paspalum distichum L. in relation to the mercury distribution pattern in rhizosphere soil

Paspalum distichum L. was tested to evaluate their phytoremediation capacity for Hg contaminated soil through analyzing the dissipation of Hg in soil through a greenhouse study by using self-made rhizos box. Original soil samples were collected at Hg mining site with serious Hg contamination and a control site, respectively. Planting of P. distichum. L last for 60 days. Soil and plant samples were collected from four periods (0 d, 20 d, 40 d and 60 d) and soil samples were collected from five different rhizosphere distance in horizontal direction (0–2 cm, 2-4cm, 4-6cm, 6-8cm,8-10cm). The results showed that the presence of P. distichum. L significantly accelerated the Hg dissipation in soil compared with control. Hg concentration in the rhizospheric soil was affected by the plant growth period and the distance to the plant roots. The closer of soil to the root of P. distichum. L, the lower mercury concentration in soil. During the 60-day growing period, the concentrations of total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) reduced by 45% and 64%, respectively, in the rhizosphere (0-2cm) of Hg contaminated soil. However, MeHg concentration was increased near the roots (0–4 cm) during the initial growing period (0–20 d), which may be attributed to the influence of root exudates. Root is the major part for Hg accumulation in P. distichum. L. The low ratio between Hg concentrations in underground and aboveground tissues indicated that it seemed difficult for Hg translocation from root to shoot. The highest THg (9.71 ± 3.09 µg·g− 1) and MeHg (26.97 ± 0.98 ng·g− 1) value in root of P. distichum. L were observed at the 20th day when P. distichum. L grown in Hg contaminated soil. The results of chemical fractions analyses showed that elemental Hg and residual Hg were the two major speciations followed by organic bound Hg in the Hg contaminated soil, which indicated the high bioavailability and ecological potential risk of Hg in Hg contaminated soil.