Recent progress and advancement in detecting methylmercury using a battery of biosensors and biomolecular-based techniques
A recent article titled "Recent Progress and Advancement in Detecting Methylmercury Using a Battery of Biosensors and Biomolecular-Based Techniques: An Updated Overview," published in TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, provides a comprehensive analysis of the latest advancements in biosensor technologies for detecting methylmercury (MeHg), the most toxic form of mercury.
Authored by A.F.P. Allwin Mabes Raj, Raghuraj Singh Chouhan, Aljoša Košak, Milena Horvat, Aleksandra Lobnik, Tomaž Rijavec, and Aleš Lapanje, the review critically evaluates the performance of various biosensor platforms, considering key parameters such as sensitivity, selectivity, response time, and adaptability. The study highlights recent technological innovations that have enhanced MeHg detection's effectiveness while identifying existing challenges and potential improvements for future research.
A key focus of the article is the need for improved in situ detection methods, particularly for biomedical and environmental monitoring applications. The review discusses how advancements in biosensor design could contribute to real-time detection in aqueous environments, addressing critical limitations of current technologies. The authors emphasize the importance of developing more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable biosensors to facilitate broader applications in scientific research and practical field use.
By providing an updated perspective on state-of-the-art MeHg detection, this study offers valuable insights into the ongoing efforts to enhance biosensor technologies and underscores the significance of continued innovation in this critical area of analytical chemistry.
📖 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trac.2025.118157]
Policy Briefs Highlight Progress in Mercury Management and Monitoring
The GMOS-Train project has released a series of policy briefs addressing key challenges and advancements in global mercury management. These briefs provide insights and recommendations aimed at improving the understanding and control of mercury emissions and their environmental impact.
Key topics include:
- Advancing Global Mercury Management Through Innovation and Collaboration
- Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Minamata Convention on Mercury - Insights from Hydrothermal Mercury Fluxes
- Advancements in Methylmercury (MeHg) Detection Using Biosensors
- Enhancing Global Mercury Emission Scenarios for Effective Environmental Management
- Enhancing Atmospheric Mercury Monitoring
These briefs underline the importance of scientific innovation and policy integration in tackling global mercury pollution.
Luisa Malberti Quintero's PhD defense
Luisa Malberti Quintero (GMOS-train ESR#3) will defend her PhD on Thursday, December 12 at 09:00 (UTC+1) in the Pyrénées Conference Room at GET. A Zoom link is attached below.
Her PhD is entitled "Stable isotope fractionation of carbon and mercury during the experimental formation and degradation of methylmercury"
Abstract:
Methylated mercury (MeHg) plays a critical role in linking the mercury (Hg) and carbon (C) biogeochemical cycles. Upon methylation, inorganic Hg becomes highly toxic, bioaccumulative, and biomagnifying, posing significant risks to human health. However, crucial gaps remain in understanding the pathways (e.g., biotic vs. abiotic methylation), environments (e.g., seawater vs. freshwater vs. sediments), and factors (e.g., chloride ions (Cl⁻), temperature, pH, dissolved organic matter) controlling MeHg formation and degradation in aquatic systems. Stable isotope analysis is a valuable tool for studying these cycles and pathways. Hg isotope studies have revealed mass-independent fractionation (MIF) during photodegradation but only mass-dependent fractionation (MDF) during MeHg formation. Conversely, C isotopes in MeHg and in its pathways are underexplored. The aim of this PhD is to employ C and Hg compound-specific isotope analysis to explore key MeHg formation and degradation pathways. We examined the photodegradation of mono-methylmercury (MMHg), abiotic formation of MMHg and di-methylmercury (DMHg) with methylcobalamin, dark degradation and diffusion of DMHg, and biotic methylation of MMHg by the bacterial strain BerOc1. We found that the presence of Cl⁻ ions was a major controlling factor for reaction kinetics and isotope fractionation. For example, Hg MIF diminished in the presence of Cl⁻, potentially offering a way to differentiate between freshwater and seawater origins of photodegraded MMHg. All the studied pathways introduced C isotope fractionation and corresponding isotope fractionation factors were calculated when possible and are reported in this work. Furthermore, DMHg mobility and degradation introduce Rayleigh-like fractionation to the MMHg and DMHg pools. Overall, our findings provide new data on C and Hg isotope fractionation and highlight the importance of environmental controls in these processes. While caution is needed when extrapolating to natural systems, this work provides insights that could enhance models of MeHg cycling and its controlling factors in aquatic environments.
Jury members:
Gwenael Imfeld, Research Director, CNRS, LIGES, Strasbourg (Referee)
Rosa Rodriguez Martin-Doimeadios, Professor, Toledo University, Spain (Referee)
Andrea Bravo, Professor, Institut de Ciències del Mar, Barcelona, Spain (Referee)
David Point, Research Director, IRD, GET, Toulouse (PhD advisor)
Jeroen E. Sonke, Research Director, CNRS, GET, Toulouse (PhD co-advisor)
Marc DE RAFELIS, Professor, Toulouse University, GET, Toulouse (Examiner)
Sujet: PhD Luisa Malberti
Heure: 12 déc. 2024 09:00 AM Paris
Participer Zoom Réunion
https://ird-fr.zoom.us/j/95005985793?pwd=gwF7RrEh8FldZ9K8lWyVMv0a3WYUlR.1
ID de réunion: 950 0598 5793
Code secret: 229945
Success Story: GMOS-Train Project Tackles Mercury Pollution
The European Commission has spotlighted the GMOS-Train project for its groundbreaking contributions to combating mercury pollution. This EU-funded initiative has advanced global efforts to understand mercury’s behavior in the environment and mitigate its risks to human health and ecosystems.
Mercury pollution, amplified by industrial activities and climate change, poses significant challenges, particularly due to its bioaccumulation in fish consumed by humans. GMOS-Train focused on improving mercury monitoring and creating advanced modeling tools to support global policy initiatives like the Minamata Convention.
The project brought together 15 PhD researchers from around the world, whose work has deepened understanding of mercury’s transformation and movement through air, water, and soil. Their research has not only clarified mercury’s impact on marine life and food chains but also informed more effective public health and environmental policies.
Prof. Milena Horvat emphasized, “We developed robust tools and infrastructure, ensuring consistent, comparable results that support both scientific research and policy-making. Our efforts continue to drive global collaboration and innovation.”
This success highlights the pivotal role of EU-backed research in addressing critical environmental challenges and fostering the next generation of scientific leaders.
GMOS-Train and MCHgMAP Workshop: Addressing Challenges in Mercury Dynamics Modelling Across Atmosphere, Oceans, and Land
From 9 to 11 October 2024, mercury scientists convened in Portorož, Slovenia, for a collaborative workshop aimed at advancing the understanding of how mercury emissions and releases influence environmental mercury levels. This event brought together two key scientific initiatives: the Global Mercury Observation Training Network (GMOS-Train) and the Multi-Compartment Mercury Modelling and Analysis Project (MCHgMAP).
Dr. Ashu Dastoor from Environment Canada led the MCHgMAP discussions, with the team focusing on refining computer models that simulate mercury dynamics across different environmental compartments. Participants reviewed previous atmospheric and oceanic mercury models and agreed to rerun simulations using updated mercury emission data. These new findings will be presented at the upcoming Open-Ended Scientific Group (OESG) meeting in March 2025, supporting the Minamata Convention's efforts in addressing global mercury pollution.
On the GMOS-Train side, Dr. Milena Horvat from the Jožef Stefan Institute chaired the network's final meeting. GMOS-Train, funded by the European Union, has successfully trained a new generation of PhD students in mercury science, with many already contributing to OESG efforts. Additional researchers volunteered to support the OESG by joining the expert roster.
Representing the Minamata Convention Secretariat, Senior Programme Management Officer Mr. Eisaku Toda chaired a session on mercury emissions, emphasizing the importance of integrating scientific findings into policy frameworks.
The joint workshop highlighted the critical role of collaboration between scientific networks and policy-making bodies in addressing the global challenges posed by mercury pollution.
Dr. Johannes Bieser Presents Keynote on Mercury Modelling at 40th ITM Conference
In a keynote lecture at the 40th International Technical Meeting on Air Pollution Modelling and its Applications (ITM), Dr. Johannes Bieser shared findings from the GMOS-Train project. His presentation focused on the application of multi-compartment modeling of mercury (MCHgMAP) to support the Minamata Convention’s effectiveness evaluation.
The ITM conference, established in 1969 under NATO-CCMS, remains a leading platform for discussing the latest advancements in air pollution modeling. Dr. Bieser’s keynote emphasized the importance of GMOS-Train’s findings in enhancing global understanding of mercury transport and its environmental impacts. This work plays a crucial role in assessing international efforts to reduce mercury pollution in accordance with the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
Day 2 and 3 of GMOS-Train and MCHgMAP Workshop
The workshop concluded with a joint session that outlined the steps for the next phase of MCHgMAP simulations, integrating new data and improving model accuracy. Participants also reflected on the workshop’s achievements and planned future collaborations.
As the meeting wrapped up, attendees left with a shared commitment to continue enhancing the scientific understanding of mercury pollution and its impacts on the environment.
The workshop provided a significant platform for scientists to collaborate, share knowledge, and contribute to the global effort to mitigate mercury pollution, in alignment with the objectives of the Minamata Convention.
First Day of GMOS-Train and MCHgMAP Workshop in Portorož
The MCHgMAP coordination meeting
The MCHgMAP coordination meeting will be held from October 9-11, 2024, in Portorož,
Slovenia, organized by the Meteorological Synthesizing Centre – East (MSC-E), in collaboration with the Jožef
Stefan Institute and the EU GMOS-Train project.
WORKSHOP AGENDA
GMOS-Train and MCHgMAP Workshop: Registration OPEN
Join Us at the Joint GMOS-Train and MCHgMAP Workshop in Portorož, Slovenia – October 9-11, 2024
We are excited to announce that the AGENDA for the Joint GMOS-Train and MCHgMAP Workshop, taking place from October 9-11, 2024, in the beautiful coastal town of Portorož, Slovenia, has been finalized.
Registration Now Open!
We invite you to register for the workshop officially.
Travel Information
To assist with your planning, we have provided detailed travel information to ensure you can easily reach the event location.
We look forward to your active participation and valuable contributions. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with experts and peers in the field.