Land use impact on mercury in sediments and macrophytes from a natural lake in the Brazilian savanna

Freshwater ecosystems are essential to human and wildlife survival. They harbor a wide biodiversity that contributes to ecosystem services. In the ecosystem of the Brazilian Savanna, anthropic activities related to environmental pollution that includes mercury (Hg) is of concern. We studied total mercury concentrations ([THg]) in bottom sediments and macrophytes to assess its short-term (2012 and 2019) impact on a natural lake. Temporal changes in [Hg] were assessed with the geoaccumulation index (I-geo) and the sediment quality guidelines (SQG). The land use index (LUI) was used to assess differences in anthropogenic activities and the Normalized Difference Aquatic Vegetation Index (NDAVI) was used to assess macrophyte biomass density. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) was used to assess Hg accumulation in macrophytes relative to sediments. The LUI showed an increase in the intensity of agricultural activities in the vicinities of the lake. The NDAVI indicated an increase in the density of macrophytes in the evaluated period. The I-geo indicated that in all sampling sites, pollution levels in sediments increased in 2019 (I-geo > 0), with concentrations exceeding the SQG in 2019. In 2012, [THg] in sediments ranged from 20.7 to 74.6 ng g(-1), and in 2019 they ranged from 129.1 to 318.2 ng g(- 1). In macrophytes, [THg] ranged from 14.0 to 42.1 ng g(-1) in 2012, to 53.0 and 175.3 ng g(-1) in 2019. [THg] in bottom sediments and macrophytes were significantly higher in the second collection period (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in BAF values between the periods and no significant bioaccumulation in macrophytes (BAF <1). Our results demonstrated that the macrophytes are not sensitive indicators of Hg pollution in lentic environments of the Brazilian Savanna; however, the increased land use intensity (agriculture, automotive traffic, and urban infrastructure) could increase Hg accumulation in sediments and macrophytes in a short time interval.

Automated summary

Freshwater ecosystems are crucial for human and wildlife survival, but anthropogenic activities have led to mercury pollution in the Brazilian Savanna ecosystem. The study found that increased land use intensity may result in an accumulation of mercury in sediments and macrophytes over a short period of time.