Mercury deposition and redox transformation processes in peatland constrained by mercury stable isotopes

Chuxian Li (), Martin Jiskra, Mats B. Nilsson, Stefan Osterwalder, Wei Zhu, Dmitri Mauquoy, Ulf Skyllberg, Maxime Enrico, Haijun Peng, Yu Song, Erik Björn and Kevin Bishop
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Chuxian Li: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Martin Jiskra: University of Basel
Mats B. Nilsson: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Stefan Osterwalder: Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich
Wei Zhu: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Dmitri Mauquoy: University of Aberdeen
Ulf Skyllberg: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Maxime Enrico: Universite de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, TotalEnergies, LFCR, IPREM
Haijun Peng: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Yu Song: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Erik Björn: Umeå University
Kevin Bishop: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Peatland vegetation takes up mercury (Hg) from the atmosphere, typically contributing to net production and export of neurotoxic methyl-Hg to downstream ecosystems. Chemical reduction processes can slow down methyl-Hg production by releasing Hg from peat back to the atmosphere. The extent of these processes remains, however, unclear. Here we present results from a comprehensive study covering concentrations and isotopic signatures of Hg in an open boreal peatland system to identify post-depositional Hg redox transformation processes. Isotope mass balances suggest photoreduction of HgII is the predominant process by which 30% of annually deposited Hg is emitted back to the atmosphere. Isotopic analyses indicate that above the water table, dark abiotic oxidation decreases peat soil gaseous Hg0 concentrations. Below the water table, supersaturation of gaseous Hg is likely created more by direct photoreduction of rainfall rather than by reduction and release of Hg from the peat soil. Identification and quantification of these light-driven and dark redox processes advance our understanding of the fate of Hg in peatlands, including the potential for mobilization and methylation of HgII.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43164-8

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