RETRACTED: Assessing Mercury Contamination Levels in the Sediments of Two Pyrenean Lakes
Mercury, a trace metal, is a persistent environmental pollutant that can be detected even in remote regions, including high-mountain lakes. This study examined mercury concentrations in the sediment of two lakes in the French Pyrenees, the Legunabens and Labant lakes. Sediment samples were collected...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-10-01
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| Series: | Diversity |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/16/10/627 |
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| Summary: | Mercury, a trace metal, is a persistent environmental pollutant that can be detected even in remote regions, including high-mountain lakes. This study examined mercury concentrations in the sediment of two lakes in the French Pyrenees, the Legunabens and Labant lakes. Sediment samples were collected using a Hon-Kajak Sediment Corer, and mercury concentrations were measured following the EPA 7473 method with a direct mercury analyzer (DMA-80). Mercury levels reached up to 283 ng g<sup>−1</sup> in the Legunabens lake and up to 110 ng g<sup>−1</sup> in the Labant lake, possibly linked to the mining history of the Ariège department and atmospheric deposition from distant sources. These findings indicate significant contamination, ranging from an 8% to 42% probability of generating adverse biological effects according to Canadian standards, and approximately 90% higher concentrations compared to average mercury concentrations in other Pyrenean lakes. Such contamination poses potential risks to aquatic life and the environment due to mercury’s toxicity and bioaccumulation in microorganisms. |
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| ISSN: | 1424-2818 |