Examining the role of nanoparticles in the formation and degradation of methylated mercury in the ocean

研究纳米粒子在海洋中甲基化汞的形成和降解中的作用

• 批准号: 1607913
• 负责人: Robert Mason
• 金额: $ 33万
• 依托单位: University of Connecticut
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2016
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2016-08-15 至 2021-07-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1607913&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Examining; role; nanoparticles; formation; degradation

In this project funded by the Environmental Chemistry Program in the Chemistry Division at the National Science Foundation, Professors Robert Mason and Jing Zhao of the University of Connecticut examine the role of nanoparticles in controlling the reactions between various forms of mercury in the ocean. Specifically, in contrast to freshwater environments, dimethylmercury is found in all ocean waters where measurements have been made. There is little information on its formation mechanisms. The investigators have preliminary evidence to indicate that it may be formed by reactions that involve nanoparticles and other surfaces. It is known that methylmercury, an organic form of mercury found in the ocean, is mostly formed by bacteria that react with inorganic mercury. Reactive surfaces are also be important in the degradation of methylmercury. The project trains a graduate student in diverse aspects of environment chemistry, and engages undergraduates and high school students, providing avenues for research, teaching and outreach. The investigators incorporate the research into ongoing outreach programs. They use the information generated from the project in developing their graduate and undergraduate teaching curricula. The results are published in the peer-reviewed literature, with the graduate student as the lead author. The investigators conduct laboratory experiments with both commercially manufactured and natural nanomaterials to examine the potential importance of metal nanoparticles in forming metallic and organic forms of mercury under conditions applicable to the ocean. Techniques used in these experiments include UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy, electron microscopy and mass spectrometry. Mercury analyses require instruments that are specifically designed for measurement of the different forms of mercury at low concentrations. The results of this research enhance our understanding of the processes that form methylated mercury in the ocean which, when bioaccumulated into seafood is an important human health concern. Professors Mason and Zhao incorporate their findings into their outreach communications with managers and regulators interested in mitigating the impacts of anthropogenic mercury emissions on the biosphere through such treaties as the Minamata Convention.

在国家科学基金会化学部的环境化学计划资助的该项目中，康涅狄格大学的罗伯特·梅森（Robert Mason）教授和郑Zhao研究了纳米颗粒在控制海洋各种形式的汞之间的反应中的作用。具体而言，与淡水环境相比，在进行测量的所有海水中都发现了二甲基汞。关于其形成机制的信息很少。 研究人员的初步证据表明，它可能是由涉及纳米颗粒和其他表面的反应形成的。众所周知，在海洋中发现的一种有机形式的甲基马凝集主要由与无机汞反应的细菌形成。 反应性表面在甲基汞的降解中也很重要。该项目训练一名研究生在环境化学的各个方面，并吸引了本科生和高中生，为研究，教学和推广提供了途径。研究人员将研究纳入正在进行的外展计划中。 他们利用项目从项目中产生的信息来开发其研究生和本科教学课程。结果发表在同行评审的文献中，研究生为主要作者。 研究人员使用商业生产和天然纳米材料进行实验室实验，以检查金属纳米颗粒在适用于海洋条件下形成金属和有机形式的汞的潜在重要性。这些实验中使用的技术包括紫外可见和荧光光谱，电子显微镜和质谱法。汞分析需要专门设计用于低浓度下不同形式的汞的仪器。这项研究的结果增强了我们对在海洋中形成甲基化汞的过程的理解，当生物蓄积时，这是人类健康的重要问题。梅森教授和赵教授将他们的发现纳入了与有兴趣减轻人类汞发射对生物圈的影响的经理和监管机构的外展沟通中，该条约是Minamata公约。

项目成果

The precipitation, growth and stability of mercury sulfide nanoparticles formed in the presence of marine dissolved organic matter

海洋溶解有机物存在下形成的硫化汞纳米粒子的沉淀、生长和稳定性

• DOI: 10.1039/c7em00593h
• 发表时间: 2018
• 期刊: Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts
• 作者: Mazrui, Nashaat M.;Seelen, Emily;King'ondu, Cecil K.;Thota, Sravan;Awino, Joseph;Rouge, Jessica;Zhao, Jing;Mason, Robert P.
• 通讯作者: Mason, Robert P.

Abiotic Reduction of Mercury(II) in the Presence of Sulfidic Mineral Suspensions

• DOI: 10.3389/fenvc.2021.660058
• 发表时间: 2021-06-14
• 期刊: FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY
• 作者: Coulibaly, Mariame;Mazrui, Nashaat M.;Mason, Robert P.
• 通讯作者: Mason, Robert P.