Key active mercury methylating microorganisms and their synergistic effects on methylmercury production in paddy soils

Abstract

Rice contamination with neurotoxic methylmercury (MeHg) from paddy soils is an escalating global concern. Identifying the microorganisms responsible for mercury (Hg) methylation in these soils is essential for controlling Hg contamination in the food chain and mitigating health impacts. Current research often focuses on total Hg-methylating microorganisms, overlooking the contributions of active ones, which can lead to either overestimating or neglecting the specific roles of microorganisms in Hg methylation within paddy soils. In this study, active Hg-methylating microorganisms in paddy soils were identified using a combination of DNA-SIP, Hg isotope labelling, and Hg methylation gene sequencing techniques. Our findings revealed that Geobacter and Anaerolinea are pivotal active Hg-methylating microorganisms across a contamination gradient in paddy soils. Transcriptomic analysis of soils from major rice-producing provinces in China confirmed the widespread and synergistic involvement of these microorganisms. Microbial incubation further validated their interaction significantly enhances Hg methylation, with Me¹⁹⁸Hg concentrations increasing 2.8-fold compared to Geobacter alone and 5.2-fold compared to Anaerolinea alone. These findings enhance our understanding of microbial Hg methylation in paddy soils, providing critical insights for accurately predicting soil MeHg load, rice grain MeHg contamination, and human MeHg exposure risks.