Surprising link discovered between spiders and mercury spreading through food chain

MADISON, Wis. —

Spiders living near lakes and rivers could be the hidden culprits transferring mercury pollution from water to land, a new study warns.

Mercury is a harmful metal that can enter waterways through industrial pollution and other human activities. It can also come from natural sources. When ingested, mercury can cause digestive issues and even severe kidney or brain damage in animals. Once it enters the water, bacteria quickly convert mercury into its most toxic form, methylmercury. This form of mercury becomes increasingly concentrated as it moves up the food chain.

The Role of Spiders in Mercury Pollution

The study, conducted by researchers with the American Chemical Society (ACS), focuses on spiders that live close to lakes and rivers and eat aquatic insects like dragonflies. These predators eat insects from the water and can later become prey for land animals such as birds, bats, and amphibians.

The researchers led by Dr. Sarah Janssen collected long-jawed spiders near two tributaries of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. The team also sampled sediments, dragonfly larvae, and yellow perch fish in these waterways to measure and identify the sources of mercury. They found that the type and origin of mercury in the sediments matched those found further up the aquatic food chain, including in spiders and fish.

The researchers conclude that long-jawed spiders could explain how mercury pollution moves from water environments to wildlife on land. This information could be crucial in developing tools to monitor remediation activities.

However, not all species of spiders were found to be carriers for transferring mercury up the food chain. The study suggests that while some spider species can be a conduit for mercury contamination, others may not play such a role.

Eating Fish ‘Safely’ Depends on the Season

Unlike spiders, fish have a well-known association with mercury poisoning. A previous study conducted in Finland reveals that fish carry high or low levels of mercury depending on the season. The study found that mercury concentration was significantly higher in the winter among some fish, while the start of warmer months in summer and autumn produced the lowest mercury levels in fish.

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South West News Service writer James Gamble contributed to this report.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 14: Life Below Water
• SDG 15: Life on Land

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
• SDG 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
• SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 3.9: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• Indicator for SDG 6.3: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.
• Indicator for SDG 14.1: Amount of marine debris per unit area, especially plastics.
• Indicator for SDG 15.1: Coverage by protected areas of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

The article addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to the issues discussed. These include SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Based on the content of the article, specific targets under these SDGs can be identified. For SDG 3, the target is to substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and pollution. For SDG 6, the target is to improve water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals. For SDG 14, the target is to prevent and reduce marine pollution from land-based activities. And for SDG 15, the target is to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.

The article mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards these targets. For SDG 3.9, the indicator is the number of deaths and illnesses attributed to pollution and contamination. For SDG 6.3, the indicator is the proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality. For SDG 14.1, the indicator is the amount of marine debris per unit area, especially plastics. And for SDG 15.1, the indicator is the coverage by protected areas of important sites for biodiversity.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: studyfinds.org

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