Biomonitoring and assessment of monomethylmercury exposure in aqueous systems using the DGT technique

A series of laboratory experiments was conducted under realistic environmental conditions to test the ability of the Diffusive Gradient in Thin film (DGT) technique to mimic monomethylmercury (MMHg) bioaccumulation by a clam (Macoma balthica, Baltic clam). Using isotope enriched MMHg as tracers, bioavailability was determined by comparing the rate of MMHg uptake by novel DGT devices and sentinel organism over time. Experiments were conducted under varying conditions of salinity and MMHg speciation. Depending on MMHg level and speciation in the dissolved phase, MMHg uptake rates by the sentinel organism varied greatly from 0.4 to 2.4 L g− 1 d− 1. Reproducibilities of MMHg uptakes by DGT and clams were estimated at 7 and 38%, respectively. A significant linear relationship (log basis) between MMHg accumulation by DGT and clams was observed (r2 = 0.89). The study demonstrates that DGT results reasonably predict MMHg uptake by clams from the aqueous phase and provide the basis for application of the DGT device as a surrogate for sentinel organism for monitoring bioavailable MMHg.

► We investigate the potential of DGT devices to act as surrogates for sentinel organism.
► We compare monomethylmercury accumulation in DGT devices and in clams from the dissolved phase.
► We examine the effects of salinity and MMHg speciation on MMHg accumulation by DGT and clams.
► For all laboratory experiments, a strong overall correlation between MMHg accumulations in clams and DGTs is observed.