PREDICTING METHYLMERCURY TRANSFER AND TOXICITY BASED ON PHYTOPLANKTON POPULATION SIZE

Abstract

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a toxic form of mercury that can bioaccumulate in aquatic food webs, posing serious health risks to humans and wildlife. Microalgae, as the first and largest step of MeHg bioaccumulation in aquatic food webs, play a crucial role in the biogeochemical cycling of MeHg in aquatic environments. This review highlights the recent findings on MeHg accumulation processes in microalgae at the molecular level, including uptake, distribution, toxicity, and complexation of MeHg in green microalgae cultures. The paper outlines the key factors that influence MeHg uptake by microalgae, including concentrations of organic matter, reduced sulfur species, and selenium compounds. The review also discusses the role of eutrophication in promoting MeHg formation and accumulation in aquatic food webs. The data presented in the review can be used to better predict MeHg transfer and toxicity in the aquatic food web based on MeHg concentration and phytoplankton population size