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Benthic methylmercury production in lacustrine ecosystems of Nahuel Huapi National Park, Patagonia, Argentina

January 1, 2009

Seasonal trends of benthic methylmercury (methyl-Hg) production were examined in both littoral and open water sites of three lakes (Escondido, Moreno, and Morenito) in the North Andean Patagonia region of Argentina. Potentials of methyl-Hg production were measured by amending sediment samples with inorganic 197Hg(II), incubating for either 24 and 32 h at room temperature, and subsequently assaying the radiolabelled organomercury produced. Seasonal variations of benthic methyl-Hg production were studied but no significant correlation was observed. Lake littoral sites exhibited up to two fold higher methyl-Hg production potentials in most cases. Sediment from lakes Moreno and Morenito generally exhibited much lower (up to 10 fold) methyl-Hg production potentials than those from Lake Escondido, possibly due to differences in particulate and dissolved organic matter quantity and quality, which is higher in Lake Escondido and primarily allochthonous, whereas in lakes Moreno and Morenito is primarily autochthonous.

This study represents the first to directly examine benthic microbial Hg(II)-methylation in aquatic ecosystems of Patagonia.

Publication Year 2009
Title Benthic methylmercury production in lacustrine ecosystems of Nahuel Huapi National Park, Patagonia, Argentina
DOI 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2009.07.055
Authors Guevara S. Ribeiro, S.P. Catan, M. Marvin-DiPasquale
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Chemosphere
Index ID 70036084
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Toxic Substances Hydrology Program
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