2026-10-14T11:39:34Z https://api.figshare.com/v2/oai

oai:figshare.com:article/34001785 2026-09-26T03:05:55Z category_12 category_13 category_14 category_272 category_734 category_69 category_106 portal_63 item_type_3 month_year_09_2026

Microplastics as a Modulator of Mercury Biogeochemistry: Transport, Transformation, and Environmental Impacts Zheqi Cheng (25112698) Qiong Zhang (172309) Wei Zhang (405) Yunjiang Zhang (6622769) Haiwei Li (282229) Ming Wang (172316) Junfeng Wang (156833) Xinlei Ge (1317939) Yun Wu (150224) Cell Biology Genetics Molecular Biology Environmental Sciences not elsewhere classified Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified Inorganic Chemistry Science Policy remains poorly understood refining risk assessments first time quantifies dissolved organic matter environmentally realistic conditions modulating hg dynamics hg adsorption potential transformation across aquatic environmental impacts microplastics ambient conditions hg species hg interactions hg ), underlying mechanisms review synthesizes redox reactions reaction interfaces physicochemical properties novel vectors multifaceted role microbial activity early stages biogeochemical cycling atmospheric systems airborne carriers Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in global ecosystems, yet their influence on the biogeochemical cycling of mercury (Hg), a highly toxic metal capable of global-scale and cross-medium transport, remains poorly understood. This Review synthesizes the multifaceted role of MPs in Hg transport and transformation across aquatic, soil, and atmospheric systems. We analyze how MPs act as novel vectors and reaction interfaces, modulating Hg dynamics through adsorption–desorption processes, redox reactions, and methylation via mechanisms including the release of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and modulation of microbial activity. This study for the first time quantifies the Hg adsorption potential of MPs in global freshwater and marine environments alongside Hg reduction and biological desorption potentials mediated by MPs. These MP-Hg interactions are governed by the physicochemical properties of MPs, Hg species, and ambient conditions. Despite these findings, critical knowledge gaps persist regarding MP-Hg interactions and the underlying mechanisms under environmentally realistic conditions. Particularly, research on atmospheric MPs is still in its early stages, although they may influence Hg transport and deposition as airborne carriers. Filling these gaps is essential for refining risk assessments and developing integrated pollution control strategies for both Hg and MPs. 2026-09-25T00:00:00Z Dataset Dataset 10.1021/acs.est.6c09883.s001 https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/Microplastics_as_a_Modulator_of_Mercury_Biogeochemistry_Transport_Transformation_and_Environmental_Impacts/34001785 CC BY-NC 4.0