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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

Experimental Column Setup for Studying Anaerobic Biogeochemical Interactions Between Iron (Oxy)Hydroxides, Trace Elements, and Bacteria

Experimental Column Setup for Studying Anaerobic Biogeochemical Interactions Between Iron (Oxy)Hydroxides, Trace Elements, and Bacteria

Published on: December 19, 2017

Mercury speciation and effects on soil microbial activities.

Irenus A Tazisong¹, Zachary N Senwo, Miranda I Williams

¹College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Alabama A&M University, Normal, Alabama 35762, USA. irenus.tazisong@aamu.edu

Journal of Environmental Science and Health. Part A, Toxic/Hazardous Substances & Environmental Engineering

|March 20, 2012

Summary

Mercury

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An Anaerobic Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Mercury and Cadmium

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Published on: December 17, 2018

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Last Updated: May 24, 2026

Experimental Column Setup for Studying Anaerobic Biogeochemical Interactions Between Iron (Oxy)Hydroxides, Trace Elements, and Bacteria

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Published on: December 19, 2017

An Anaerobic Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Mercury and Cadmium

An Anaerobic Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Mercury and Cadmium

Published on: December 17, 2018

Area of Science:

Environmental Chemistry
Soil Science
Microbiology

Background:

Understanding mercury (Hg) speciation in soils is crucial for assessing its toxicity to soil microbes and their activities.
Mercury's chemical forms, amounts, reactions, and mobility significantly impact soil and environmental health.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate Hg speciation in four soil types spiked with Hg.
To evaluate the effects of Hg on soil microbial respiration and enzyme activities (amidohydrolases and phosphatase).

Main Methods:

Mercury speciation was analyzed using a modified sequential procedure under acidic and alkaline conditions.
Soil microbial respiration and enzyme activities were determined by incubating soils and measuring CO(2) evolution and enzyme activity.

Main Results:

The water-soluble Hg fraction was consistently low (<1%), while the residual fraction was dominant (>80%) under acidic conditions in most soils.
The exchangeable Hg fraction was more abundant under alkaline conditions, suggesting favorable desorption.
Mercury suppressed soil respiration, and amidohydrolases were more sensitive to Hg toxicity than phosphatases.

Conclusions:

The form of Hg in soils influences its bioavailability and toxicity.
Soil microbial respiration and enzyme activities can serve as bioindicators of heavy metal contamination.