Inhibition of methylmercury uptake by freshwater phytoplankton in presence of algae-derived organic matter

As the first step of methylmercury (MeHg) entry into the aquatic food webs, MeHg uptake by phytoplankton is crucial in determining the final human MeHg exposure risks. MeHg availability to plankton is regulated by dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the water, while the extent of the impacts can vary largely based on the sources of DOM. Here, we investigated impacts of DOM sources on MeHg bioconcentration by three freshwater phytoplankton species (i.e. S. quadricauda, Chlorella sp., Microcystis elabens) in the laboratory system. We found that algae-derived DOM would prohibited the cellular MeHg bioconcentration by a percent up to 77-93%, while the soil-derived DOM didn't show similar inhibition effects. DOM characterization by the excitation-emission matrices, Fourier transform infrared spectrum, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem quad-rupole time of flight mass spectrometry shown that the molecular size of S-containing compound, rather than thiol concentration, has played a crucial role in regulating the MeHg uptake by phytoplankton. Climate change and increasing nutrient loadings from human activities may affect plankton growth in the freshwater, ultimately changing the DOM compositions. Impacts of these changes on cellular MeHg uptakes by phytoplankton should be emphasized when exploring the aquatic Hg cycling and evaluating their risks to human beings and wild life.

Automated summary

The source of dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays a crucial role in regulating the uptake of methylmercury (MeHg) by phytoplankton, with algae-derived DOM showing inhibitory effects on MeHg bioconcentration. The molecular size of S-containing compounds in DOM has been found to be a key factor in controlling MeHg uptake by phytoplankton. Changes in DOM compositions due to climate change and human activities may impact plankton growth and MeHg uptake, ultimately affecting the risks to human health and wildlife.