1
|
Jeong H, Ali W, Zinck P, Souissi S, Lee JS. Toxicity of methylmercury in aquatic organisms and interaction with environmental factors and coexisting pollutants: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 943:173574. [PMID: 38823721 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Mercury is a hazardous heavy metal that is distributed worldwide in aquatic ecosystems. Methylmercury (MeHg) poses significant toxicity risks to aquatic organisms, primarily through bioaccumulation and biomagnification, due to its strong affinity for protein thiol groups, which results in negative effects even at low concentrations. MeHg exposure can cause various physiological changes, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, metabolic disorders, genetic damage, and immunotoxicity. To assess the risks of MeHg contamination in actual aquatic ecosystems, it is important to understand how MeHg interacts with environmental factors such as temperature, pH, dissolved organic matter, salinity, and other pollutants such as microplastics and organic compounds. Complex environmental conditions can cause potential toxicity, such as synergistic, antagonistic, and unchanged effects, of MeHg in aquatic organisms. This review focuses on demonstrating the toxic effects of single MeHg exposure and the interactive relationships between MeHg and surrounding environmental factors or pollutants on aquatic organisms. Our review also recommends further research on biological and molecular responses in aquatic organisms to better understand the potential toxicity of combinational exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haksoo Jeong
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Wajid Ali
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Artois, UMR 8181 - UCCS - Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide, F-59000 Lille, France; Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, IRD, UMR-8187-LOG, Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, Station Marine de Wimereux, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Philippe Zinck
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Artois, UMR 8181 - UCCS - Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Sami Souissi
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, IRD, UMR-8187-LOG, Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, Station Marine de Wimereux, F-59000 Lille, France; Center of Excellence for Ocean Engineering, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan; Operation Center for Enterprise Academia Networking, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Frankel TE, Tyler E, Willmore C, Odhiambo BK, Giancarlo L. Assessing the presence, concentration, and impacts of trace element contamination in a Chesapeake Bay tributary adjacent to a coal ash landfill (Possum Point, VA). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 339:122768. [PMID: 37858702 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Coal ash (CA) is an industrial waste product that has been shown to contain several neurotoxic constituents such as cadmium, selenium, mercury, lead, and arsenic. Contaminant-laced leachates enter the environment via seepage, runoff, permitted discharge, or accidental spills from CA storage ponds or landfills which may pose a risk to wildlife residing in receiving waterways. In this study, we assessed 1) the presence and concentration of thirteen trace elements (Al, Ca, Mg, Cr, Cd, As, Se, Pb, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, B) in surface water and sediment grab samples using ICP-OES, 2) the temporal variability of trace elements using Pb-210 dated sediment core samples, 3) differences in species diversity using environmental DNA (eDNA) analyses, and 4) the presence and concentration of trace metals in banded killifish (Fundulus diaphanus) epaxial muscle tissue collected from waterways surrounding the Possum Point Power Station (Stafford, VA). Results showed the highest concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Se, Zn, and B in Quantico Creek (QC) adjacent to the coal ash ponds and elevated average cadmium and zinc concentrations compared to both upstream and downstream locations along the Potomac River. Sediment core profiles and Pb-210 analyses showed historical enrichment of several trace elements in QC beginning after the commissioning of the power plant in 1948. When compared to upstream and downstream sites, species diversity was drastically reduced in Quantico Creek based on eDNA identification. Muscle tissues of banded killifish collected in Quantico Creek displayed increased Al, Cd, and Zn concentrations compared to upstream and downstream sites. Collectively, our results demonstrate the potential impacts of coal ash landfills on aquatic ecosystems and suggest that further research is needed to fully inform risk assessment and remediation efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T E Frankel
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Mary Washington, 1301 College Ave, Fredericksburg, VA, 22401, USA.
| | - E Tyler
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Mary Washington, 1301 College Ave, Fredericksburg, VA, 22401, USA
| | - C Willmore
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Mary Washington, 1301 College Ave, Fredericksburg, VA, 22401, USA
| | - B K Odhiambo
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Mary Washington, 1301 College Ave, Fredericksburg, VA, 22401, USA
| | - L Giancarlo
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, University of Mary Washington, 1301 College Ave, Fredericksburg, VA, 22401, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dutton J. Relationship between trace element concentrations and body length in dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) in the northwest Atlantic Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:87757-87767. [PMID: 37432573 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28465-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) is a popular seafood choice worldwide, however, except for mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se), little is known about the concentration of other trace elements in dolphinfish muscle tissue, especially in the northwest Atlantic Ocean. This study investigated the relationship between body length (61 to 94 cm fork length) and trace element [silver (Ag), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), Hg, manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), Se, and zinc (Zn)] concentrations in muscle tissue of dolphinfish caught off Long Island, New York (n = 16). There was a positive relationship with body length for As and Hg, a negative relationship with body length for Cu and Zn, and no relationship with body length for Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Se. A negative relationship between the Se:Hg molar ratio and body length and Se:Hg molar ratio and Hg concentration was observed. Dolphinfish were low in Hg with only 18.9% (n = 3) of individuals exceeding the U.S. EPA human health criterion of 0.3 µg/g wet weight, making this species a suitable seafood choice to reduce dietary intake of Hg at the investigated body length. All fish had a Se:Hg molar ratio > 1:1 indicating that Se may have a protective effect against Hg toxicity. The selenium health benefit value (HBVSe) for all individuals was > 1, indicating there may be health benefits from consuming dolphinfish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Dutton
- Environmental Studies Program, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, 11530, USA.
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, Aquatic Station, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yin J, Wang L, Huang T, Wang L, Zhang F, Zhang X. A combined survey and exposure study reveals the distribution characteristic of chromium in fish head. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:40630-40640. [PMID: 36622590 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-25013-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the content of chromium (Cr) in three main edible tissues (dorsal muscle, ventral muscle, and head) of 14 different fish species was determined. As expected, Cr level in fish head is generally higher than that in fish muscle. To elucidate the deposition of Cr in the fish head, bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) was chosen as the model fish and a 14-day-exposure experiment of 1 mg/L Cr was subsequently conducted. The fish head was divided into 7 parts, and the results showed that, in different parts of the head, Cr was significantly accumulated in the brain, the muscle after gills, and the muscle of others, and the bone after the fish was exposed to 1-mg/L Cr for 14 days. Additionally, the health risk assessment showed that there was no potential non-carcinogenic risk of consuming the dorsal muscle, the ventral muscle, and the head of the 14 fish species to children, teenagers, and adults as the THQ values were less than 1. However, there was potential carcinogenic risk of consuming the fish head for adults in the 14 fish species. It is worth noting that, in the exposure experiment, the consuming of the lips and the bone of fish head also posed potential carcinogenic risk to adults while there was no potential risk of consuming the total fish head. Overall, compared to the fish muscle, the fish head usually had a high accumulation of Cr, and the Cr was mainly deposited in the position of the bone, which may pose potential carcinogenic risk to adults. Thus, the potential health risk of consuming the fish head is mainly associated with the content of the bone in the head, and, in the health risk assessment, the influence of the bone in the head should be considered, which may overstate the risks as fish head bone is usually not to be eaten.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaojiao Yin
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.,Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Deep Processing of Major Grain and Oil (The Chinese Ministry of Education), College of Food Science and Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Edible Oil Quality and Safety for State Market Regulation, Wuhan Institute for Food and Cosmetic Control, Wuhan, 430012, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Wang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.,Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Taotao Huang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.,Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Long Wang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.,Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Zhang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.,Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuezhen Zhang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China. .,Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yin J, Zhang F, Wang L, Li S, Huang T, Zhang X. A kinetic study on accumulation and depuration of hexavalent chromium in crucian carp (Carassius auratus) reveals the potential health risk of fish head consumption. Food Control 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
6
|
Cresswell T, Prentice E, Howell N, Callaghan P, Metian M, Johansen MP. Bioaccumulation kinetics and internal distribution of the fission products radiocaesium and radiostrontium in an estuarine crab. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 408:124453. [PMID: 33168318 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Crab has been designated by the ICRP as one of twelve reference/model organisms for understanding the impacts of radionuclide releases on the biosphere. However, radionuclide-crab interaction data are sparse compared with other reference organisms (e.g. deer, earthworm). This study used an estuarine crab (Paragrapsus laevis) to investigate the contribution of water, diet and sediment sources to radionuclide (134Cs and 85Sr) bioaccumulation kinetics using live-animal radiotracing. The distribution of each radionuclide within the crab tissues was determined using dissection, whole-body autoradiography and synchrotron X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy (XFM). When moulting occurred during exposure, it caused significant increases in 85Sr bioaccumulation and efflux of 134Cs under constant aqueous exposure. Dietary assimilation efficiencies were determined as 55 ± 1% for 134Cs and 49 ± 3% for 85Sr. 85Sr concentrated in gonads more than other organs, resulting in proportionally greater radiation dose to the reproductive organs and requires further investigation. 134Cs was found in most soft tissues and was closely associated with S and K. Biodynamic modelling suggested that diet accounted for 90-97% of whole-body 137Cs, while water accounted for 59-81% of 90Sr. Our new data on crab, as a representative invertebrate, improves understanding of the impacts of planned or accidental releases of fission radionuclides on marine ecology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tom Cresswell
- ANSTO, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia.
| | - Emily Prentice
- ANSTO, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia; NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, PO Box 29, Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia
| | - Nick Howell
- ANSTO, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - Paul Callaghan
- ANSTO, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW 2232, Australia
| | - Marc Metian
- International Atomic Energy Agency Environment Laboratories (IAEA-EL), Radioecology Laboratory, 4a Quai Antoine 1er, Principality of Monaco MC-98000, Monaco
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abu Zeid EH, Khalifa BA, Said EN, Arisha AH, Reda RM. Neurobehavioral and immune-toxic impairments induced by organic methyl mercury dietary exposure in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 230:105702. [PMID: 33264694 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2020.105702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Although substantial knowledge of mercury toxicity in fish has been assembled; until now, studies investigating the toxic impacts in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) following dietary exposure to organic methyl mercury (MeHg) are less prolific. Accordingly, the current study aimed to evaluate the impacts of MeHg on neurobehavioral and immune integrity in Nile tilapia after dietary exposure. Two hundred and twenty-five juvenile Nile tilapia (19.99 ± 0.33 g) were allocated into five groups in triplicates (15 fish/replicate). G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5. O. niloticus were fed corresponding basal diets containing 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mg/kg diet MeHg chloride (MeHgCl) daily for 30 days, zero value represented the control G1 group. The results showed that MeHg induced significant alterations in O. niloticus behavior, the swimming behavior was significantly decreased, while scratching, biting, and fin tugging behaviors were significantly augmented. Moreover; chasing, mouth pushing, and butting behaviors were significantly increased in all the exposed groups. MeHg significantly decreased brain acetylcholine esterase (AChE) and serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels in all the exposed groups. Meanwhile, serum levels of lysozyme (LYZ), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO), and 8 hydroxy 2 deoxyguanosine (8OH2dG) were significantly elevated in all the exposed groups except for serum reduced glutathione (GSH) content was significantly decreased implying oxidative stress (OS), lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein, DNA damage and impaired immune response of the exposed tilapia. MeHg significantly altered transcriptional expression of immune-related genes including (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8, and IL-10) in all the exposed groups. From the obtained outcomes, the present research is the premier to investigate that dietary MeHg exposure in O. niloticus significantly induced neurobehavioral and immune defense impairments in a dose-related manner. This study exhibits that dietary MeHg may pose a potential threat to the O. niloticus populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan H Abu Zeid
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, El-Sharkia Province Zagazig 44511, Egypt.
| | - Bouthaina A Khalifa
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 12211, Egypt
| | - Enas N Said
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Ahmed H Arisha
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt; Department of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rasha M Reda
- Department of Fish Diseases and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ye X, Fisher NS. Minor effects of dietary methylmercury on growth and reproduction of the sheepshead minnow Cyprinodon variegatus and toxicity to their offspring. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 266:115226. [PMID: 32698054 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a neurotoxic compound that is found in virtually all fish and biomagnifies in aquatic food webs. Although MeHg concentrations in marine and estuarine fish are often elevated, the impacts of MeHg on marine and estuarine fish have largely been understudied. To evaluate the impact of dietary MeHg on marine fish reproduction and effects on their offspring, female juvenile sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon variegatus) at three months of age were experimentally exposed to MeHg-contaminated diets for two months and then paired with Hg-free males for spawning. Egg production, hatching success of embryos, time to hatching, survival of larvae, growth of larvae and swimming behavior of larvae were determined. Selenium (Se) was also measured and Se/Hg molar ratios were calculated to assess whether Se reduced MeHg toxicity. MeHg had no significant impact on fish reproduction or on survival and growth of larvae. Larvae produced by MeHg-exposed mothers had concentrations of Hg about 1 ppm (dry wt), or about 12% of that in the muscle of their mothers and consistently displayed 6-15% increased swimming speed relative to controls; the ecological significance of this moderate effect on swimming speed requires further study. The Se/Hg molar ratios in these fish, which were >1 in controls (adults and larvae) and MeHg-exposed larvae but <1 in Hg-exposed adults, did not correlate with MeHg effects. The sheepshead minnow, at a low trophic level, appears to have a high tolerance of MeHg; however, it can pass MeHg to higher trophic levels in marine ecosystems where upper level predators have MeHg concentrations sometimes exceeding US FDA safety limits of 1 ppm wet wt.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiayan Ye
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5000, USA.
| | - Nicholas S Fisher
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5000, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang X, Wang WX. Determination of the Low Hg Accumulation in Rabbitfish ( Siganus canaliculatus) by Various Elimination Pathways: Simulation by a Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:7440-7449. [PMID: 32408739 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c00772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) in fish poses a great threat to human health. Consumption of low-Hg-level fish species (e.g., rabbitfish, Siganus canaliculatus) could be one possible solution to balance the nutrient benefits and Hg exposure. However, the underlying mechanisms for the low Hg accumulation in rabbitfish remain unclear. This study quantitatively described the disposition of inorganic Hg(II) and methylmercury (MeHg) in rabbitfish under different exposure routes by constructing a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. The results strongly suggested that effective elimination (estimated rate constant of 0.060, 0.065, and 0.020 d-1 for waterborne Hg(II)-, dietary Hg(II)-, and MeHg-exposed fish, respectively) was the main reason for the low Hg accumulation in rabbitfish. By quantifying the possible pathways for Hg elimination, our study revealed that biliary coupled with fecal excretion played an important role in the elimination of dietary Hg. Although the biliary excretion rate for MeHg was remarkable (6.8 ± 2.2 d-1) and the excreted amount per day could reach up to 790 ng, most of the MeHg in the bile was reabsorbed by the intestine and transferred back to the liver through enterohepatic circulation, leading to a prolonged retention time in the fish body. Moreover, branchial excretion dominated the Hg(II) elimination following aqueous exposure, suggesting a flexible alteration on elimination pathways against different exposure scenarios. The present study provided important understanding of the unique strategies adopted by rabbitfish to maintain the low Hg levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xun Wang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Xiong Wang
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dutton J, Venuti VM. Comparison of Maternal and Embryonic Trace Element Concentrations in Common Thresher Shark (Alopias vulpinus) Muscle Tissue. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 103:380-384. [PMID: 31236632 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-019-02667-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study compared the concentration of essential (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Se, Zn) and nonessential (Ag, As, Cd, Hg, Pb) trace elements in the muscle tissue of a pregnant common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus) to the concentration in the three embryos. With the exception of Ag, Cd, Cr, and Ni which were below the detection limit, all other elements accumulated in the embryo muscle tissue. The Se:Hg molar ratios in the embryos averaged 9.8, indicating that Se may have a protective role against Hg toxicity during this early life stage. Maternal transfer as a source of trace elements in sharks should not be overlooked and future studies need to focus on how reproductive strategy influences this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Dutton
- Environmental Studies Program, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, 11530, USA.
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, Aquatic Station, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA.
| | - Vittoria M Venuti
- Environmental Studies Program, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, 11530, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang X, Wang WX. The three 'B' of fish mercury in China: Bioaccumulation, biodynamics and biotransformation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 250:216-232. [PMID: 30999199 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global toxic pollutant and has raised the world's attention for decades. In this study, we reviewed the fish mercury levels in China (both marine and freshwater, as well as wild and farmed) documented over the past decade and their controlling environmental and biological factors. China is the largest contributor of global Hg cycling and the largest nation for the consumption and export of fish and fish product, thus Hg level in fish becomes a critical issue for food safety and public health. In China, Hg in fish is generally accumulated at a low level, but significant geographical differences were evident and formed the "hot spots" from the north to the south. For marine fish, the east (median: 70 ng g-1 ww, range: 5.0-330 ng g-1 ww) and southeast (median: 72 ng g-1 ww, range: 0.3-329 ng g-1 ww) of China have higher total Hg concentrations than the other coastal areas. For freshwater fish, Tibetan Plateau exhibited the highest total Hg levels (median: 104 ng g-1 ww, range: 5.0-868 ng g-1 ww). Risk assessment of the exposure of low-Hg-level fish to China's population deserves more attention and detailed fish consumption advisories to specific populations are urgently needed. The biokinetic model is a useful tool to characterize the underlying processes involved in Hg accumulation by fish. The diet (Hg concentration, speciation, food quality and quantity) and growth appear to be the important factors affecting the Hg levels of fish in China. The Hg biotransformation can also make contributions to Hg speciation and overall accumulation in fish. The intestinal microbes play an important role in Hg biotransformation and the potential for minimizing Hg contamination in fish deserves further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xun Wang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Wen-Xiong Wang
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Taylor VF, Buckman KL, Seelen EA, Mazrui NM, Balcom PH, Mason RP, Chen CY. Organic carbon content drives methylmercury levels in the water column and in estuarine food webs across latitudes in the Northeast United States. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 246:639-649. [PMID: 30605819 PMCID: PMC6363875 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.12.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Estuaries are dynamic ecosystems which vary widely in loading of the contaminant methylmercury (MeHg), and in environmental factors which control MeHg exposure to the estuarine foodweb. Inputs of organic carbon and rates of primary production are important influences on MeHg loading and bioaccumulation, and are predicted to increase with changes in climate and land use pressures. To further understand these influences on MeHg levels in estuarine biota, we used a field study approach in sites across different temperature regions, and with varying organic carbon levels. In paired comparisons of sites with high vs. low organic carbon, fish had lower MeHg bioaccumulation factors (normalized to water concentrations) in high carbon sites, particularly subsites with large coastal wetlands and large variability in dissolved organic carbon levels in the water column. Across sites, MeHg level in the water column was strongly tied to dissolved organic carbon, and was the major driver of MeHg concentrations in fish and invertebrates. Higher primary productivity (chlorophyll-a) was associated with increased MeHg partitioning to suspended particulates, but not to the biota. These findings suggest that increased inputs of MeHg and loss of wetlands associated with climate change and anthropogenic land use pressure will increase MeHg concentrations in estuarine food webs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V F Taylor
- Department of Earth Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA.
| | - K L Buckman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - E A Seelen
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT, USA
| | - N M Mazrui
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT, USA
| | - P H Balcom
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - R P Mason
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT, USA
| | - C Y Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Li W, Wang WX. Inter-species differences of total mercury and methylmercury in farmed fish in Southern China: Does feed matter? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 651:1857-1866. [PMID: 30317173 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
China is now the largest producer of marine farmed fish and there is a considerable concern of seafood safety due to potential mercury contamination. We analyzed both the total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in nine species of commercial fish from two marine-cage farms in Southern China. 13C and 15N stable isotopes were concurrently analyzed to identify the artificial feed sources and the trophic levels of farmed fish. Mercury concentrations of all species were much lower than the human health screening values and safety limits established by different countries. Mercury levels in artificial pellets were the main determinants of Hg accumulation in fish between two sites, while somatic growth dilution and size also played an important role. Among the different fish tissues, muscle was a major reservoir for Hg and contained the highest ratio of MeHg/THg, and liver was the second important organ for Hg accumulation in most fish species. Intestine was a critical organ for Hg biotransformation with its %MeHg differing greatly among different fish species. δ15N analysis could not be used to determine the trophic levels in culturing systems where artificial practices were involved. Based on the δ13C signatures, five species of fish were identified to solely feed on the artificial pellets, yet the Hg bioaccumulation differed significantly among these species. We therefore concluded that Hg bioaccumulation in different fish species may be dependent on their internal Hg biotransformation as well as their biokinetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanze Li
- Marine Environmental Laboratory, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China; Department of Ocean Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clearwater Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Wen-Xiong Wang
- Marine Environmental Laboratory, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China; Department of Ocean Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clearwater Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lescord GL, Johnston TA, Branfireun BA, Gunn JM. Percentage of methylmercury in the muscle tissue of freshwater fish varies with body size and age and among species. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2018; 37:2682-2691. [PMID: 30024049 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
It is commonly assumed that most (>95%) of the mercury (Hg) found in fish muscle is the toxic form, methylmercury (MeHg), due to its efficient assimilation and retention in biotic tissue. However, this assumption is largely based on studies examining the percentage of MeHg (%MeHg [the fraction of total Hg as MeHg]) in muscle from mostly large-bodied predatory fish; less is known about the %MeHg in smaller bodied individuals or those of different trophic guilds. The present study analyzed MeHg and total Hg concentrations in the muscle of 2 large-bodied piscivores (walleye and northern pike), one large-bodied benthivore (white sucker), and 2 small-bodied forage fish (sculpins and shiners) across a broad size range. We found substantially lower %MeHg than the commonly assumed 95% in several fish (e.g., 17 individuals had <70% MeHg). Muscle %MeHg significantly increased with size and age in all species except walleye, which had significantly higher %MeHg than pike or suckers, particularly in smaller and younger fish (e.g., 18-21% higher at 10 g; 5-11% higher at 500 g). Results of predictive modeling suggest that muscle %MeHg is higher in pelagic-feeding fish and those with lower lipid content, although model results varied significantly among species. According to our findings, total Hg measurement in muscle is not an appropriate proxy for MeHg in smaller fish from all species, an important consideration for future piscine Hg studies and monitoring. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2682-2691. © 2018 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas A Johnston
- Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - John M Gunn
- Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang R, Wang WX. Diet-specific trophic transfer of mercury in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): Biodynamic perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 234:288-296. [PMID: 29182973 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.11.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study tested the hypothesis that different diets could modulate mercury (Hg) trophic transfer by concurrently altering the transfer of energy (in terms of growth) and transfer of Hg (in terms of biodynamic process). Firstly, we conducted a 40-d laboratory bioaccumulation experiment, in which tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was exposed to inorganic mercury (Hg[II]) and methylmercury (MeHg) via feeding on three distinct diets (macrophyte, freshwater shrimp, and commercial pellets) at a fixed ingestion rate of 0.065 g g-1 d-1. During the dietary exposure period, tilapia exhibited Hg species- and diet-dependent Hg trophic transfer patterns and diet-specific growth rates. We then employed a biokinetic model to assess how diet-specific biodynamics and/or diet-specific growth rates modulated the overall Hg bioaccumulation and trophic transfer. The diet-specific assimilation efficiencies (AEs) were monitored using radioisotope technique, and the determined AEs of Hg(II) (8.6%-29.7%) varied by 3.5 times among diets whereas the MeHg AEs (94.4%-97.1%) were not affected. The biokinetic modeling further revealed that Hg(II) trophic transfer in tilapia was controlled by the diet-specific AEs, while MeHg trophic transfer was governed by the diet-specific growth rates. Specifically, a diet-derived high growth rate reduced the MeHg trophic transfer in pellets-fed tilapia, and the overall accumulated MeHg level in fish was under the control of both somatic growth dilution and dietary MeHg influx. Moreover, we observed that the Hg levels (mainly as MeHg) in fast-growing farmed tilapia were significantly lower than wild-living tilapia after 100 d exposure in the field, attributed to somatic growth dilution (SGD). Both the laboratory and field study therefore demonstrated the importance of diet-derived SGD in modulating mercury trophic transfer in aquatic food webs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, China; Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Wen-Xiong Wang
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong; Marine Environmental Laboratory, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang C, Baumann Z, Madigan DJ, Fisher NS. Contaminated Marine Sediments As a Source of Cesium Radioisotopes for Benthic Fauna near Fukushima. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:10448-10455. [PMID: 27571161 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b02984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Marine animals, seawater, and sediment near Fukushima, Japan have become contaminated with 134Cs and 137Cs released in March 2011 from the damaged Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. Radiocesium concentrations in some benthic fauna declined more slowly than in pelagic fish in the same region. We tested the hypothesis that benthic fish remained more contaminated due to the bioavailability of radiocesium in sediments. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that the assimilation efficiency of 137Cs was 16% in polychaetes ingesting Fukushima sediment, up to 55% in crabs ingesting polychaetes, and about 80% in fish ingesting worms. In addition, all animals acquired Cs directly from the aqueous phase, but this accounted for only 1.2-2.5% of their total body burden. Thus, diet accounted for nearly all of the total body burden of Cs in these animals. Rate constants of Cs loss from animal tissues were 20% d-1 for polychaetes, 10% d-1 for crabs, and 6% d-1 for fish after acquisition of Cs from water; rate constants following dietary uptake were 45% d-1, 14% d-1, and 5% d-1 for polychaetes, crabs, and fish, respectively. A bioaccumulation model indicated that the transfer factors of Cs from sediments and the trophic transfer factors from worms to predators were about 1. Overall, sediment-bound Cs is sufficiently bioavailable to deposit-feeding polychaetes, and macrofauna assimilate Cs from these polychaetes to account for >90% of their body burden. This helps to explain the longer retention of Cs in bottom-dwelling fish near Fukushima.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cuiyu Wang
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University , Stony Brook, New York 11794-5000, United States
| | - Zofia Baumann
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University , Stony Brook, New York 11794-5000, United States
| | - Daniel J Madigan
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University , Stony Brook, New York 11794-5000, United States
| | - Nicholas S Fisher
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University , Stony Brook, New York 11794-5000, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Peng X, Liu F, Wang WX. Organ-specific accumulation, transportation, and elimination of methylmercury and inorganic mercury in a low Hg accumulating fish. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2016; 35:2074-2083. [PMID: 26756981 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Low mercury (Hg) concentrations down to several nanograms Hg per gram of wet tissue are documented in certain fish species such as herbivorous fish, and the underlying mechanisms remain speculative. In the present study, bioaccumulation and depuration patterns of inorganic Hg(II) and methylmercury (MeHg) in a herbivorous rabbitfish Siganus canaliculatus were investigated at organ and subcellular levels following waterborne or dietary exposures. The results showed that the efflux rate constants of Hg(II) and MeHg were 0.104 d(-1) and 0.024 d(-1) , respectively, and are probably the highest rate constants recorded in fish thus far. The dietary MeHg assimilation efficiency (68%) was much lower than those in other fish species (∼90%). The predominant distribution of MeHg in fish muscle was attributable to negligible elimination of MeHg from muscle (< 0) and efficient elimination of MeHg from gills (0.12 d(-1) ), liver (0.17 d(-1) ), and intestine (0.20 d(-1) ), as well as efficient transportation of MeHg from other organs into muscle. In contrast, Hg(II) was much more slowly distributed into muscle but was efficiently eliminated by the intestine (0.13 d(-1) ). Subcellular distribution indicated that some specific membrane proteins in muscle were the primary binding pools for MeHg, and both metallothionein-like proteins and Hg-rich granules were the important components in eliminating both MeHg and Hg(II). Overall, the present study's results suggest that the low tissue Hg concentration in the rabbitfish was partly explained by its unique biokinetics. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2074-2083. © 2016 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Peng
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fengjie Liu
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wen-Xiong Wang
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Chen H, Mu L, Cao J, Mu J, Klerks PL, Luo Y, Guo Z, Xie L. Accumulation and effects of Cr(VI) in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) during chronic dissolved and dietary exposures. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2016; 176:208-216. [PMID: 27162070 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Revised: 04/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Chromium (Cr) is an essential metal and a nutritional supplement for both human and agricultural uses. It is also a pollutant from a variety of industrial uses. These uses can lead to elevated Cr levels in aquatic environments, where it can enter and affect aquatic organisms. Its accumulation and subsequent effects in fish have received relatively little attention, especially for chronic exposure. In the present study, Japanese medaka were chronically exposed to dissolved or dietary Cr(VI) for 3 months. Cr accumulation in liver, gills, intestine, and brain was evaluated. Effects on the antioxidant system, nervous system (acetylcholinesterase, AChE), digestive system (α-glucosidase, α-Glu), and tissue histology (liver and gills) were also assessed. Cr accumulation was observed in the intestine and liver of fish exposed to Cr-contaminated brine shrimp. However, chronic dissolved Cr exposure led to significant Cr accumulation in all organs tested. Analysis of the subcellular distribution of Cr in medaka livers revealed that 37% of the Cr was present in the heat stable protein fraction. The dissolved Cr exposure had pronounced effects on the antioxidant system in the liver, with an elevated ratio of reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) and decreases in GSH and glutathione S-transferase (GST). The α-Glu activity in the intestine was significantly inhibited. In addition, Cr exposure caused histopathological alterations in the gills and liver. In general, the effects of dietary Cr were relatively minor, possible due to the much lower accumulation in the fish. Our results imply that Japanese medaka accumulate Cr mainly via uptake of dissolved Cr(VI).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongxing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Lei Mu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Jinling Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Husbandry and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Jingli Mu
- Division of Marine Chemistry, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China
| | - Paul L Klerks
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, P. O. Box 43602, Lafayette, LA 70504-3602, USA
| | - Yongju Luo
- Guangxi Academy of Fishery Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China.
| | - Zhongbao Guo
- Guangxi Academy of Fishery Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Lingtian Xie
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Liaoning 110016, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chen H, Cao J, Li L, Wu X, Bi R, Klerks PL, Xie L. Maternal transfer and reproductive effects of Cr(VI) in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) under acute and chronic exposures. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2016; 171:59-68. [PMID: 26748265 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2015.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Maternal transfer of metals can be an important exposure route for animals. The maternal transfer of Cr and its effects on reproduction in fish are still largely unknown. In this study, Japanese medaka were exposed to a sublethal Cr(VI) concentration for 6 days (acute) and for 3 months (chronic). Chromium accumulation in the gonads, maternal transfer of Cr, and effects of Cr on the reproduction, histopathology and expressions of antioxidants in the gonads were evaluated. Both acute and chronic exposures resulted in significant Cr accumulation in gonads, eggs and larvae. In chronic Cr-exposed fish, approximately 61% of the Cr accumulated in the ovary was depurated by spawning during the first 3 days after exposure, suggesting that maternal transfer is a very important pathway for accumulation in offspring. The chronic exposure caused decreases in body weight, standard length, gonad weight, gonad-somatic index (GSI) and fecundity. The last of these was most severely affected: the total number of broods and eggs per female decreased by 57.1% and 75.9%, respectively. Moreover, egg weight and fertilization rate were also reduced (by approximately 20%) following chronic Cr(VI) exposure. Histopathological analyses showed that the Cr exposure resulted in the onset of follicular atresia and a reduction in the number of mature oocytes, along with a reduction in abundance of mature spermatozoa in testes. The GSH/GSSG ratio was greatly elevated after chronic Cr(VI) exposure, implying that GSH played a role in scavenging the reactive oxygen species generated by the reduction of Cr(VI) inside cells. This study provides evidence for the maternal transfer of Cr, highlights the importance of spawning in Cr depuration from the ovary, and demonstrates that chronic Cr(VI) exposure has serious impacts on reproduction in the Japanese medaka. Our results suggest that the issue of chronic Cr pollution deserves more attention than it has received to date.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongxing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Jinling Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Husbandry and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China
| | - Lixia Li
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Xing Wu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Ran Bi
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Paul L Klerks
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, P.O. Box 43602, Lafayette, LA 70504-3602, United States
| | - Lingtian Xie
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Li L, Chen H, Bi R, Xie L. Bioaccumulation, subcellular distribution, and acute effects of chromium in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2015; 34:2611-2617. [PMID: 26096885 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Revised: 05/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Chromium (Cr) is an essential element but is toxic to aquatic organisms at elevated concentrations. In the present study, adult Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) were exposed to a sublethal hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) concentration via dissolved and dietary exposures for 6 d. Various measurements of Cr were made: bioaccumulation in different tissues, subcellular distribution in the liver, effects on antioxidants and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and Cr-induced lipid peroxidation. The results showed that bioaccumulation increased dramatically in all tested tissues from dissolved exposure but only significantly in the intestine from dietary treatment, implying that dissolved exposure may be predominant for Cr accumulation in medaka. Subcellular distribution revealed that Cr accumulated in the liver was mainly (46%) associated with the heat-stable protein fraction. Among the antioxidants examined, catalase (CAT) responded to dissolved Cr exposure in most tissues whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) was less responsive. Malondialdehyde concentrations were significantly elevated in most tissues examined in the dissolved Cr-exposed fish, but were only elevated in the liver and intestine in the dietary Cr-exposed fish. The AChE activity in the brain was stimulated by 49% in the dissolved Cr-exposed fish. Reductions in condition factor and gonadosomatic index were also observed. These data help in an understanding of Cr tissue distribution and the acute effects of Cr in Japanese medaka.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Li
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongxing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Ran Bi
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingtian Xie
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Jung D, Adamo MA, Lehman RM, Barnaby R, Jackson CE, Jackson BP, Shaw JR, Stanton BA. A novel variant of aquaporin 3 is expressed in killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) intestine. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2015; 171:1-7. [PMID: 25766383 PMCID: PMC4402271 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Revised: 03/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) are euryhaline teleosts that are widely used in environmental and toxicological studies, and they are tolerant to arsenic, in part due to very low assimilation of arsenic from the environment. The mechanism of arsenic uptake by the intestine, a major route of arsenic uptake in humans is unknown. Thus, the goal of this study was to determine if aquaglyceroporins (AQPs), which transport water and other small molecules including arsenite across cell membranes, are expressed in the killifish intestine, and whether AQP expression is affected by osmotic stress. Through RT-PCR and sequence analysis of PCR amplicons, we demonstrated that the intestine expresses kfAQP3a and kfAQP3b, two previously identified variants, and also identified a novel variant of killifish AQP3 (kfAQP3c) in the intestine. The variants likely represent alternate splice forms. A BLAST search of the F. heteroclitus reference genome revealed that the AQP3 gene resides on a single locus, while an alignment of the AQP3 sequence among 384 individuals from eight population ranging from Rhode Island to North Carolina revealed that its coding sequence was remarkably conserved with no fixed polymorphism residing in the region that distinguishes these variants. We further demonstrate that the novel variant transports arsenite into HEK293T cells. Whereas kfAQP3a, which does not transport arsenite, was expressed in both freshwater (FW) and saltwater (SW) acclimated fish, kfAQP3b, an arsenic transporter, was expressed only in FW acclimated fish, and kfAQP3c was expressed only in SW acclimated fish. Thus, we have identified a novel, putative splice variant of kfAQP3, kfAQP3c, which transports arsenic and is expressed only in SW acclimated fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dawoon Jung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and of Physiology, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; Mt. Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Salisbury Cove, ME 04672, USA.
| | - Meredith A Adamo
- Mt. Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Salisbury Cove, ME 04672, USA
| | - Rebecca M Lehman
- Mt. Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Salisbury Cove, ME 04672, USA
| | - Roxanna Barnaby
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and of Physiology, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Craig E Jackson
- The School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Brian P Jackson
- Department of Earth Sciences and Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Joseph R Shaw
- Mt. Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Salisbury Cove, ME 04672, USA; The School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Bruce A Stanton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and of Physiology, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; Mt. Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Salisbury Cove, ME 04672, USA
| |
Collapse
|