Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026

An Anaerobic Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Mercury and Cadmium
Published on: December 17, 2018
Mercury distribution, methylation and volatilization in microcosms with and without the sea anemone Bunodosoma
Nafisa Rizzini Ansari1, Raquel Rose Silva Correia2, Marcos Antônio Fernandez3
1Departamento de Geoquímica, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Outeiro de São João Batista s/n, Instituto de Química, 5° andar, Centro, Niterói, RJ 24020-141, Brazil.
Abstract:
Mercury (Hg) has a complex biogeochemical cycle in aquatic environments. Its most toxic form, methylmercury (MeHg), is produced by microorganisms. This study investigated how the sea anemone Bunodosoma caissarum affects Hg distribution, methylation and volatilization in laboratory model systems. (203)Hg was added to microcosms and its distribution in seawater, specimens and air was periodically measured by gamma spectrometry. MeHg was measured by liquid scintillation. After the uptake period, specimens had a bioconcentration factor of 70 and in microcosms with and without B. caissarum, respectively 0.05% and 0.32% of the initial spike was found as MeHg. After depuration, MeHg in specimens ranged from 0.2% to 2.4% of total Hg. Microcosms with B. caissarum had higher Hg volatilization (58%) than controls (17%), possibly due to Hg(2+) reduction mediated by microorganisms associated with its tissues and mucus secretions. Marine organisms and their associated microbiota may play a role in Hg and MeHg cycling.
Related Concept Videos
Marine Microbial Ecology
Deep Sea Microbial Ecology
Microbes and the Sulfur Cycle
Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs
Microbial Mats
Microbes and Other Elemental Cycles

