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Abstract Details

(2020) Ecosystem Controls on Methylmercury Production by Periphyton Biofilms in a Contaminated Stream: Implications for Predictive Modeling

Brooks S, Schwartz G, Olsen T & Muller K

https://doi.org/10.46427/gold2020.267

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13h: Room 4, Wednesday 24th June 22:12 - 22:15

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Submitted by Stefanie Helmrich on Wednesday 24th June 21:46
Hi. Thank you for your presentation. Are there any indicators that could explain why there is faster demethylation and slower methylation under dark conditions?
Hi Stefanie, thanks for the question. One working hypothesis we have discussed for faster methylation in the light has to do with low molecular weight thiol (e.g., cysteine) production by the photosynthesizing algae. We know they produce these thiol compounds to offset oxidative stress during photosynthesis concurrently these compounds have a high binding affinity for Hg. Some lab studies have demonstrated that these compounds enhance Hg methylation. We have made some attempts to measure diel patterns in thiol production in biofilms and are still working to evaluate this hypothesis. As for faster demethylation in the dark, I wouldn't say we have any strong leads at this point.

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