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Uncovering mercury accumulation and the potential for bacterial bioremediation in response to contamination in the Singalila National Park

Summary

Researchers discovered significant mercury pollution in the Singalila National Park in the Indian Himalayas, particularly at its highest peak. The mercury likely travels through the air from polluted regions below and accumulates due to the cold mountain climate. Scientists identified several bacteria that can tolerate and remove mercury, which could potentially help clean up these contaminated areas and protect the rare wildlife living there.

Background

Mercury accumulation in high-altitude ecosystems has been documented in montane regions globally, with the Himalayas emerging as a potential sink for this toxic heavy metal. The Singalila National Park in the Eastern Himalayas, located adjacent to heavily polluted regions and major atmospheric mercury sources, offers an ideal study area for investigating long-range mercury transport and cold trapping phenomena.

Objective

To assess mercury contamination levels across the Singalila National Park, particularly at Sandakphu (3636 m), the highest peak in West Bengal, and to identify mercury-tolerant bacterial strains with potential for bioremediation of contaminated environments.

Results

Mercury concentrations in topsoil ranged from 0.068-6.77 mg/kg, significantly exceeding WHO/BIS permissible limits (0.05 mg/kg). Mercury was detected in vegetation, water bodies, and precipitation, with highest accumulation in moss (0.367 mg/kg) and litterfall (0.240 mg/kg). Four bacterial strains were identified with mercury removal capacities of 82.35%, 75.21%, 61.95%, and 37.47%, with MTS2C and MTS3A showing the greatest potential for bioremediation.

Conclusion

The Singalila National Park exhibits severe mercury contamination likely from atmospheric long-range transport and cold trapping, posing significant ecological risks to the region’s flora, fauna, and local communities. Mercury-tolerant bacterial strains identified offer promising candidates for future bioremediation strategies, and the findings underscore the need for continued monitoring of mercury pollution in Eastern Himalayan ecosystems.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Field Study and Laboratory Investigation,
  • Source: PMID: 39881141
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