Use of Mercury Isotopes to Quantify Mercury Exposure Sources in Inland Populations, China

Mercury (Hg) isotopic compositions in hair and dietary sources from Wanshan (WS) Hg mining area, Guiyang (GY) urban area, and Changshun (CS) rural area were determined to identify the major Hg exposure sources of local residents. Rice and vegetables displayed low δ²⁰²Hg and small negative to zero Δ¹⁹⁹Hg, and are isotopically distinguishable from fish which showed relatively higher δ²⁰²Hg and positive Δ¹⁹⁹Hg. Distinct isotopic signatures were also observed for human hair from the three areas. Shifts of 2 to 3‰ in δ²⁰²Hg between hair and dietary sources confirmed mass dependent fractionation of Hg isotopes occurs during metabolic processes. Near zero Δ¹⁹⁹Hg of hair from WS and CS suggested rice is the major exposure source. Positive Δ¹⁹⁹Hg of hair from GY was likely caused by consumption of fish. A binary mixing model based on Δ¹⁹⁹Hg showed that rice and fish consumption accounted for 59% and 41% of dietary Hg source for GY residents, respectively, whereas rice is the major source for WS and CS residents. The model output was validated by calculation of probable daily intake of Hg. Our study suggests that Hg isotopes can be a useful tracer for quantifying exposure sources and understanding metabolic processes of Hg in humans.