Anthropogenic activities enhance mercury methylation in sediments of a multifunctional lake: Evidence from dissolved organic matter and mercury-methylating microorganisms

Multifunctional lakes are highly susceptible to anthropogenic influences, potentially introducing exogenous pollutants or nutrients into aquatic sediments. This, in turn, affects the mercury (Hg) methylation in the sediments. This study was conducted in the Changshou Lake, a representative multifunctional lake in southwestern China, with a specific focus on investigating the Hg variations, the potential of Hg methylation, and the influential factors affecting the methylation process within sediments across different functional areas. The results revealed significant variations in total Hg concentrations between the ecological culture area (area I), the ecological tourism area (area II), and the wetland protection area (area III), suggesting the possibility of exogenous Hg introduction associated with human activities. Furthermore, sediments from areas I and II displayed a greater potential for Hg methylation. This was ascribed to the enhanced diversity and relative abundance of Hg-methylating microorganisms, especially Geobacteraceae, induced by elevated levels of dissolved organic carbon in these two areas from human activities like historical cage culture. This study provides evidence that anthropogenic activities enhance the process of Hg methylation in the sediments of multifunctional lakes, highlighting the necessity of implementing comprehensive scientific water quality management practices to mitigate the negative impacts of human influences on these unique ecosystems.