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Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Electrostatic Method to Remove Particulate Organic Matter from Soil
Published on: February 10, 2021
Mercury-Organic Matter Interactions in Soils and Sediments: Angel or Devil?
Mei He1, Lei Tian2, Hans Fredrik Veiteberg Braaten3
1School of Resources and Environment, Yangtze University, Wuhan, 430100, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Many studies have suggested that organic matter (OM) substantially reduces the bioavailability and risks of mercury (Hg) in soils and sediments; however, recent reports have supported that OM greatly accelerates Hg methylation and increases the risks of Hg exposure. This study aims to summarize the interactions between Hg and OM in soils and sediments and improve our understanding of the effects of OM on Hg methylation. The results show that OM characteristics, promotion of the activity of Hg-methylating microbial communities, and the microbial availability of Hg accounted for the acceleration of Hg methylation which increases the risk of Hg exposure. These three key aspects were driven by multiple factors, including the types and content of OM, Hg speciation, desorption and dissolution kinetics and environmental conditions.
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