The effects of mariculture activities on the adsorption/desorption and chemical fractionations of mercury on sediments

► Mariculture activities enhanced the adsorption capacities of Hg2+ on sediments. ► Most of newly adsorbed Hg2+ was bonded with organic matter, sulfur and particles. ► The iron and manganese associated Hg2+ in MS was significantly lower than in RS. ► The newly adsorbed Hg2+ was more stable in MS than in RS.