Dragon ies (Order Odonata) are often considered to be biosentinels of environmental contamination. Dragon ies (n = 439) belonging to 15 species of eight genera were collected from an abandoned mercury (Hg) mining region in China to investigate the bioaccumulation of total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg). The THg and MeHg concentrations in dragon ies varied widely within ranges of 0.06-19 mg/kg and 0.02-5.7 mg/kg, respectively. THg and MeHg were positively correlated with bodyweight (THg: r 2 = 0.10, P = 0.000; MeHg: r 2 = 0.09, P = 0.000). Signi cant variations were observed among species, with the highest MeHg value (in Orthetrum triangulare) being 5-fold higher than the lowest (in Pantala avescens). These variations were consistent with those of nitrogen isotope (δ 15 N) values. A health risk assessment found hazard quotients for specialist dragon y-consuming birds of up to 7.2, which is 2.4 times greater than the permissible limit of 3, suggesting a potential health risk of exposure.
Dragonflies (Order Odonata) are often considered to be biosentinels of environmental contamination. Dragonflies (n = 439) belonging to 15 species of eight genera were collected from an abandoned mercury (Hg) mining region in China to investigate the bioaccumulation of total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg). The THg and MeHg concentrations in dragonflies varied widely within ranges of 0.06–19 mg/kg and 0.02–5.7 mg/kg, respectively. THg and MeHg were positively correlated with bodyweight (THg: r2 = 0.10, P = 0.000; MeHg: r2 = 0.09, P = 0.000). Significant variations were observed among species, with the highest MeHg value (in Orthetrum triangulare) being 5-fold higher than the lowest (in Pantala flavescens). These variations were consistent with those of nitrogen isotope (δ15N) values. A health risk assessment found hazard quotients for specialist dragonfly-consuming birds of up to 7.2, which is 2.4 times greater than the permissible limit of 3, suggesting a potential health risk of exposure.
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