Abstract
Mercury (Hg) inputs have particularly impacted the northeastern United States due to its proximity to anthropogenic emissions sources and abundant habitats that efficiently convert inorganic Hg into methylmercury. Intensive research and monitoring efforts over the past 50 years in New York State, USA, have informed the assessment of the extent and impacts of Hg exposure on fishes and wildlife. By synthesizing Hg data statewide, this study quantified temporal trends of Hg exposure, spatiotemporal patterns of risk, the role that habitat and Hg deposition play in producing spatial patterns of Hg exposure in fish and other wildlife, and the effectiveness of current monitoring approaches in describing Hg trends. Most temporal trends were stable, but we found significant declines in Hg exposure over time in some long-sampled fish. The Adirondack Mountains and Long Island showed the greatest number of aquatic and terrestrial species with elevated Hg concentrations, reflecting an unequal distribution of exposure risk to fauna across the state. Persistent hotspots were detected for aquatic species in central New York and the Adirondack Mountains. Elevated Hg concentrations were associated with open water, forests, and rural, developed habitats for aquatic species, and open water and forested habitats for terrestrial species. Areas of consistently elevated Hg were found in areas driven by atmospheric and local Hg inputs, and habitat played a significant role in translating those inputs into biotic exposure. Continued long-term monitoring will be important in evaluating how these patterns continue to change in the face of changing land cover, climate, and Hg emissions.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to thank Greg Lampman and Diane Bertok for coordinating New York State mercury research and providing comments on this manuscript. Data were collected by enumerable scientists over the past 50 years, and without their work this manuscript would not exist. Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Author contributions
EMA led the analysis, prepared figures, and wrote the manuscript. JEG prepared figures and supported the analysis, and MEHB led the data management and supported the analysis. All authors reviewed and revised the manuscript and contributed to the concept of the paper. DCE found funding for the effort.
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This paper was supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Agreement Number 124842. The data set used in this analysis can be accessed upon request through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. EMA led the analysis, prepared figures, and wrote the initial draft of the manuscript. JG prepared figures, supported the analysis, wrote the initial draft of the manuscript; MEHB led the data management and supported the analysis. All authors contributed data and/or reviewed and revised the manuscript and contributed to the concept of the paper. DCE found funding for the effort. The authors have no competing interests to declare.
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Adams, E.M., Gulka, J.E., Yang, Y. et al. Distribution and trends of mercury in aquatic and terrestrial biota of New York, USA: a synthesis of 50 years of research and monitoring. Ecotoxicology 32, 959–976 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-023-02704-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-023-02704-0