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Liu X, Wang Z, Wang C, Wang B, Cao H, Shan J, Zhang X. Mercury distribution, exposure and risk in Poyang Lake and vicinity, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123409. [PMID: 38244906 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123409] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), especially methylmercury (MeHg), which is highly neurotoxic, is a global pollutant that can affect human health because of its accumulation in aquatic products. Poyang Lake, an inland lake in China, has been significantly affected by human activity, yet there is limited understanding of local mercury contamination and potential exposure pathways to humans. In this study, we explored the risks of mercury exposure by sampling sediments, plants, and aquatic organisms in the lake and surrounding areas and analyzing total Hg (THg) and MeHg levels. Sediment sampling was conducted at the main lake, rivers, rice paddies, and fishponds. Two dominant species of plants and 15 species of aquatic organisms were sampled and analyzed. We assessed the characteristics of mercury in sediments using the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), mercury exposure using the biomagnification factor (BMF) and biota sediment accumulation factor (BSAF), and risks using thresholds for adverse effects. The highest THg concentrations (137.04 ± 44.3 ng g-1 dw) were detected in the main lake sediments, whereas the highest MeHg concentrations (0.47 ± 0.6 ng g-1 dw) were detected in fishpond sediments. Mercury accumulation in the main lake sediments could be assessed as contaminated (Igeo > 0: 81.6%). Yellow catfish had the highest mercury concentration (THg 770.69 ± 199.7 ng g-1 dw; MeHg 741.93 ± 168.8 ng g-1 dw). Piscivores were adversely affected by carnivorous fish (50.8%), but all fish concentrations did not exceed the food safety standards recommend by China and the WHO. The mercury exposure results revealed significant Hg biomagnification and enrichment (BMF >1: 94.55%; BSAFmax = 1218). Long-term monitoring of aquatic organisms is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhangwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Chunjie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Huabin Cao
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Jihong Shan
- Wildlife and Plant Protection Center, Jiangxi Provincial Department of Forestry, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Xiaoshan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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Chen Y, Fan Y, Huang Y, Liao X, Xu W, Zhang T. A comprehensive review of toxicity of coal fly ash and its leachate in the ecosystem. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 269:115905. [PMID: 38171230 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115905] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Coal fly ash (CFA), a byproduct of coal combustion, is a hazardous industrial solid waste. Its excessive global production, coupled with improper disposal practices, insufficient utilization and limited awareness of its inherent hazards, poses a significant threat to both ecological environment and human health. Based on the physicochemical properties of CFA and its leachates, we elucidate the forms of CFA and potential pathways for its entry into the human body, as well as the leaching behavior, maximum tolerance and biological half-life of toxic elements present in CFA. Furthermore, we provide an overview of current strategies and methods for mitigating the leaching of these harmful elements from CFA. Moreover, we systemically summarize toxic effect of CFA on organisms across various tiers of complexity, analyze epidemiological findings concerning the human health implications resulting from CFA exposure, and delve into the biotoxicological mechanisms of CFA and its leachates at cellular and molecular levels. This review aims to enhance understanding of the potential toxicity of CFA, thereby promoting increased public awareness regarding the disposal and management of this industrial waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yingjie Fan
- Chongqing Research Center for Jialing River Development, Institute of Intelligent Manufacturing and Automotive, Chongqing Technology and Business Institute, Chongqing 401520, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Xiaoling Liao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Wenfeng Xu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China.
| | - Tao Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Material and Device, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Nano/Micro Biomedical Detection, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China; Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China; JINSHAN Science & Technology (Group) Co., Ltd., Chongqing 401120, China.
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Pathak CR, Luitel H, Utaaker KS, Khanal P. One-health approach on the future application of snails: a focus on snail-transmitted parasitic diseases. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:28. [PMID: 38082123 PMCID: PMC10713800 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08021-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Snails are fascinating molluscs with unique morphological and physiological adaptive features to cope with various environments. They have traditionally been utilized as food and feed sources in many regions of the world. The future exploitation of alternative nutrient sources, like snails, is likely to increase further. Snails, however, also serve as an intermediate host for several zoonotic parasites. A category of parasitic infections, known as snail-transmitted parasitic diseases (STPDs), is harmful to humans and animals and is mainly driven by various trematodes, cestodes, and nematodes. The environment plays a crucial role in transmitting these parasites, as suitable habitats and conditions can facilitate their growth and proliferation in snails. In light of diverse environmental settings and biologically categorized snail species, this review evaluates the dynamics of significant STPDs of zoological importance. Additionally, possible diagnostic approaches for the prevention of STPDs are highlighted. One-health measures must be considered when employing snails as an alternative food or feed source to ensure the safety of snail-based products and prevent any adverse effects on humans, animals, and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chet Raj Pathak
- Faculty of Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Fisheries, Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Nepal.
- Animal Science, Production and Welfare Division, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Skolegata 22, 7713, Steinkjer, Norway.
| | - Himal Luitel
- Center for Biotechnology, Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Nepal
| | - Kjersti Selstad Utaaker
- Animal Science, Production and Welfare Division, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Skolegata 22, 7713, Steinkjer, Norway
| | - Prabhat Khanal
- Animal Science, Production and Welfare Division, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Skolegata 22, 7713, Steinkjer, Norway.
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Carreira BM, Kolář V, Chmelová E, Jan J, Adašević J, Landeira-Dabarca A, Vebrová L, Poláková M, Horká P, Otáhalová Š, Musilová Z, Borovec J, Tropek R, Boukal DS. Bioaccumulation of chemical elements at post-industrial freshwater sites varies predictably between habitats, elements and taxa: A power law approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:165794. [PMID: 37527719 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Elevated environmental levels of elements originating from anthropogenic activities threaten natural communities and public health, as these elements can persist and bioaccumulate in the environment. However, their environmental risks and bioaccumulation patterns are often habitat-, species- and element-specific. We studied the bioaccumulation patterns of 11 elements in seven freshwater taxa in post-mining habitats in the Czech Republic, ranging from less polluted mining ponds to highly polluted fly ash lagoons. We found nonlinear, power-law relationships between the environmental and tissue concentrations of the elements, which may explain differences in bioaccumulation factors (BAF) reported in the literature. Tissue concentrations were driven by the environmental concentrations in non-essential elements (Al, As, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb and V), but this dependence was limited in essential elements (Cu, Mn, Se and Zn). Tissue concentrations of most elements were also more closely related to substrate than to water concentrations. Bioaccumulation was habitat specific in eight elements: stronger in mining ponds for Al and Pb, and stronger in fly ash lagoons for As, Cu, Mn, Pb, Se, V and Zn, although the differences were often minor. Bioaccumulation of some elements further increased in mineral-rich localities. Proximity to substrate, rather than trophic level, drove increased bioaccumulation levels across taxa. This highlights the importance of substrate as a pollutant reservoir in standing freshwaters and suggests that benthic taxa, such as molluscs (e.g., Physella) and other macroinvertebrates (e.g., Nepa), constitute good bioindicators. Despite the higher environmental risks in fly ash lagoons than in mining ponds, the observed ability of freshwater biota to sustain pollution supports the conservation potential of post-industrial sites. The power law approach used here to quantify and disentangle the effects of various bioaccumulation drivers may be helpful in additional contexts, increasing our ability to predict the effects of other contaminants and environmental hazards on biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno M Carreira
- University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Departments of Ecosystem Biology and Botany, Branišovská 1760, 37005 České Budějovice, Czechia; Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Branišovská 1160/31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czechia; cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE - Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, Edifício C2, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Vojtěch Kolář
- University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Departments of Ecosystem Biology and Botany, Branišovská 1760, 37005 České Budějovice, Czechia; Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Branišovská 1160/31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czechia.
| | - Eliška Chmelová
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Branišovská 1160/31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czechia; Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Ecology, Viničná 7, 12844 Prague, Czechia.
| | - Jiří Jan
- University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Departments of Ecosystem Biology and Botany, Branišovská 1760, 37005 České Budějovice, Czechia; Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Branišovská 1160/31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czechia.
| | - Josip Adašević
- HAS Den Bosch University of Applied Science, Department of Biology, Animal and Environment, Has Green Academy, Po Box 90108, 5200 MA's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands.
| | - Andrea Landeira-Dabarca
- University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Departments of Ecosystem Biology and Botany, Branišovská 1760, 37005 České Budějovice, Czechia; Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Branišovská 1160/31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czechia.
| | - Lucie Vebrová
- University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Departments of Ecosystem Biology and Botany, Branišovská 1760, 37005 České Budějovice, Czechia.
| | - Martina Poláková
- University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Departments of Ecosystem Biology and Botany, Branišovská 1760, 37005 České Budějovice, Czechia; Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Department of Botany and Zoology, Kotlářská 2, 61137 Brno, Czechia.
| | - Petra Horká
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Institute of Environmental Studies, Benátská 2, 12801 Prague, Czechia.
| | - Šárka Otáhalová
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Branišovská 1160/31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czechia.
| | - Zuzana Musilová
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Viničná 7, 12844 Prague, Czechia.
| | - Jakub Borovec
- University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Departments of Ecosystem Biology and Botany, Branišovská 1760, 37005 České Budějovice, Czechia; Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Branišovská 1160/31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czechia.
| | - Robert Tropek
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Branišovská 1160/31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czechia; Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Ecology, Viničná 7, 12844 Prague, Czechia.
| | - David S Boukal
- University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Departments of Ecosystem Biology and Botany, Branišovská 1760, 37005 České Budějovice, Czechia; Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Branišovská 1160/31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czechia.
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Frankel TE, Crowell C, Giancarlo L, Hydorn D, Odhiambo BK. Investigating the potential impacts of coal ash runoff on the freshwater Seminole ramshorn snail (Planorbella duryi) under laboratory conditions. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 310:136815. [PMID: 36241101 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Coal fly ash is an industrial waste product generated by coal fired powerplants which has been shown to contain elevated concentrations of several toxic trace metals. When stored in landfills or other repositories, these trace metals can enter nearby surface waters via a number of routes including leaching or runoff. Our study examined 1) the presence and concentration of eleven trace elements in a range of lab-created coal ash leachate solutions at neutral pH using ICP-OES, 2) the physiological effects of these leachate solutions on a freshwater gastropod (Planorbella duryi), and 3) the ability of these trace metals to bioaccumulate in the tissues of exposed individuals. As, Cd, Cu, Mg, Mn, and Pb were detected in solutions at increasing concentrations concurrent with ash concentration. Exposure to leachates caused significant delays in embryonic development, reduced juvenile shell growth, decreases in egg and clutch production, and the display of avoidance behaviors. Tissues of exposed snails contained elevated concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, and Cr, with bioconcentration factors 177,550 times higher in cadmium and 85,468 times higher in arsenic in the highest treatment compared to control organisms. Our results highlight the potential harmful effects of coal ash leachates on a novel freshwater invertebrate species using several unique methodologies, providing key information regarding their potential impacts on surrounding aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- T E Frankel
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA, USA, 22401.
| | - C Crowell
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA, USA, 22401
| | - L Giancarlo
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA, USA, 22401
| | - D Hydorn
- Department of Mathematics, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA, USA, 22401
| | - B K Odhiambo
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA, USA, 22401
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Córdoba-Tovar L, Marrugo-Negrete J, Barón PR, Díez S. Drivers of biomagnification of Hg, As and Se in aquatic food webs: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112226. [PMID: 34717950 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Biomagnification of trace elements is increasingly evident in aquatic ecosystems. In this review we investigate the drivers of biomagnification of mercury (Hg), arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) in aquatic food webs. Despite Hg, As and Se biomagnify in food webs, the biomagnification potential of Hg is much higher than that of As and Se. The slope of trophic increase of Hg is consistent between temperate (0.20), tropical (0.22) and Arctic (0.22) ecosystems. Se exerts a mitigating role against Hg toxicity but desired maximum and minimum concentrations are unknown. Environmental (e.g. latitude, temperature and physicochemical characteristics) and ecological factors (e.g. trophic structure composition and food zone) can substantially influence the biomagnification process these metal (oids). Besides the level of bioaccumulated concentration, biomagnification depends on the biology, ecology and physiology of the organisms that play a key role in this process. However, it may be necessary to determine strictly biological, physiological and environmental factors that could modulate the concentrations of As and Se in particular. The information presented here should provide clues for research that include under-researched variables. Finally, we suggest that biomagnification be incorporated into environmental management policies, mainly in risk assessment, monitoring and environmental protection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonomir Córdoba-Tovar
- Universidad Tecnólogica del Chocó, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Grupo de Investigación Recursos Naturales y Toxicología Ambiental, Quibdó, Chocó, A.A 292, Colombia; Universidad de Córdoba, Cra 6 # 76 - 103, Montería, 230002, Córdoba, Colombia
| | | | - Pablo Ramos Barón
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Facultad de Estudios Ambientales y Rurales, Transversal 4#42-00, Bogotá, D.C, Colombia
| | - Sergi Díez
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain.
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