Dynamics, accumulation factor and mercury sequestration by soils, litter and soil fauna of the Cerrado ecosystem
Hg cycle; Brazilian savannah; Scientometric analysis; Chemical pollution; trophic level.
Mercury (Hg) is found naturally in the environment, presenting different forms and concentrations that make it bioaccumulative, toxic and persistent. Recognized as a primary pollutant of global control, the importance of studies on Hg grew after the adoption of the Minamata Convention in 2013, a legally binding document that regulates mercury mines and emissions around the world. The Cerrado biome, or Brazilian Savanna, is known for its biodiversity, mainly endemic species, and research into the dynamics of this element in this environment is insufficient. The present study will focus on two distinct regions of the Cerrado, one in the Middle Araguaia, which is part of the Araguaia-Tocantins hydrographic basin, and the other in the Águas Amendmentadas Ecological Station (ESECAE), in Brasília-DF. The general objective of the study is to determine the distribution of mercury in the terrestrial ecosystem compartments soil, litter and soil arthropods in the Brazilian Cerrado region. Thus, the thesis is composed of three chapters: the first carries out a scientometric review of global research on Hg in soil, contextualizing the study themes. The second and third chapters delve deeper into Hg concentrations in the soil, litter and soil organisms in the study areas, focusing on understanding the dynamics of this element in these compartments. The emphasis is on Hg in soil organisms and the use of the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) to assess the biomagnification of Hg in the trophic levels of these organisms.