Hg Speciation and Stable Isotope Signatures in Human Hair As a Tracer for Dietary and Occupational Exposure to Mercury

• DOI: 10.1021/es202353m
• Publication Date: 2011-10-18T09:08:06Z
• Authors: Laure Laffont; Jeroen E. Sonke; Laurence Maurice; Selma Luna Monrroy; Jaime Chincheros; David Amouroux; Philippe Behra
• Keywords: Mercury; Mass-independent fractionation; Methylmercury; Genetic algorithm

Exposure of humans and wildlife to various inorganic organometallic forms mercury (Hg) may induce adverse health effects. While human populations in developed countries are mainly exposed marine fish monomethylmercury (MMHg), this is not necessarily the case for developing diverse indigenous people. Identification Hg exposure sources from biomonitor media such as urine or hair would be useful combating exposure. Here we report on stable isotope signatures speciation across different gold miner, urban Bolivia France. We found evidence both mass-dependent fractionation (MDF) mass-independent (MIF) all samples. Three limiting cases dominant (IHg), freshwater MMHg, MMHg used define approximate source signatures. Knowing signatures, then estimated Bolivian miner populations. Modeled IHg levels correspond well measured concentrations (R = 0.9), demonstrating that miners can monitored samples following either its chemical isotopic composition. Different among appear living working conditions, including proximity small towns, artisanal vs large scale mining activity.