Seasonal stratification drives bioaccumulation of pelagic mercury sources in eutrophic lakes

Environmental Science and Technology Water
By: , and 

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Abstract

Increased lake eutrophication, influenced by changing climate and land use, alters aquatic cycling and bioaccumulation of mercury (Hg). Additionally, seasonally dynamic lake circulation and plankton community composition can confound our ability to predict changes in biological Hg concentrations and sources. To assess temporal variation, we examined seasonal total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations and stable isotope values in seston, waters, sediments, and fish from two adjacent urban eutrophic lakes in Madison, Wisconsin. In Lake Monona, surface sediment THg concentrations were elevated due to comparably higher urbanization and historical industrial inputs, whereas Lake Mendota sediments had lower concentrations corresponding with largely agricultural and suburban surrounding watershed. Surface water THg and MeHg were similar between lakes and seasonally dynamic, but water profiles exhibited elevated concentrations in the meta- and hypolimnion, highlighting water column MeHg production. Seston MeHg concentrations were often highest at shoulder seasons, possibly owing to metalimnetic MeHg delivery, but also differences in biomass and water clarity. The ∆199Hg and δ202Hg values in seston were similar between lakes, despite differing sediment THg concentrations and values, suggesting a shared bioaccumulated source of MeHg. Measurement of MeHg stable isotopes further elucidated that seston and fish predominantly bioaccumulated pelagic-sourced MeHg.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Seasonal stratification drives bioaccumulation of pelagic mercury sources in eutrophic lakes
Series title Environmental Science and Technology Water
DOI 10.1021/acsestwater.5c00028
Volume 5
Issue 5
Publication Date April 10, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher American Chemical Society
Contributing office(s) Upper Midwest Water Science Center
Description 11 p.
First page 2444
Last page 2454
Country United States
State Wisconsin
Other Geospatial Lake Mendota, Lake Monona
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