Climate-Driven Alterations in the Mercury Cycle: Implications for Wildlife Managers Through a One Health Lens

Jennifer L. Wilkening (), Angelika L. Kurthen, Kelly Guilbeau, Dominic A. Libera, Sarah J. Nelson and Jaron Ming
Additional contact information
Jennifer L. Wilkening: Natural Resource Program Center, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Collins, CO 80525, USA
Angelika L. Kurthen: Natural Resource Program Center, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Collins, CO 80525, USA
Kelly Guilbeau: Science Applications, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Lafayette, LA 70517, USA
Dominic A. Libera: Natural Resource Program Center, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Collins, CO 80525, USA
Sarah J. Nelson: Appalachian Mountain Club, Gorham, NH 03581, USA
Jaron Ming: Natural Resource Program Center, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Collins, CO 80525, USA

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 4, 1-22

Abstract: Mercury (Hg) is a naturally occurring element, but atmospheric Hg has increased due to human activities since the industrial revolution. When deposited in aquatic environments, atmospheric Hg can be converted to methyl mercury (MeHg), which bioaccumulates in ecosystems and can cause neurologic and endocrine disruption in high quantities. While higher atmospheric Hg levels do not always translate to higher contamination in wildlife, museum specimens over the past 2 centuries have documented an increase in species that feed at higher trophic levels. Increased exposure to pollutants presents an additional threat to fish and wildlife populations already facing habitat loss or degradation due to global change. Additionally, Hg cycling and bioaccumulation are primarily driven by geophysical, ecological, and biogeochemical processes in the environment, all of which may be modulated by climate change. In this review, we begin by describing where, when, and how the Hg cycle may be altered by climate change and how this may impact wildlife exposure to MeHg. Next, we summarize the already observed physiological effects of increased MeHg exposure to wildlife and identify future climate change vulnerabilities. We illustrate the implications for wildlife managers through a case study and conclude by suggesting key areas for management action to mitigate harmful effects and conserve wildlife and habitats amid global change.

Keywords: global change; pollutants; synergistic stressors; national wildlife refuge; climate change vulnerability; one health; changing hydrology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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