1
|
Fernández-Bautista T, Gómez-Gómez B, Gracia-Lor E, Pérez-Corona T, Madrid Y. Se and Hg in processed fish-derived products and their fish raw materials: Occurrence, Se:Hg molar ratio, HBV Se index, bioaccessibility and Caco-2 cells toxicity. Food Res Int 2024; 192:114851. [PMID: 39147531 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Processing conditions applied during food production could affect food component contents and bioaccessibility. Here, possible changes in Hg and Se total and species contents and bioaccessibility have been tracked in each stage of the production chain of processed fish-derived products. Therefore, Se:Hg molar ratio and Selenium Health Benefit Value (HBVSe) were calculated for final products and raw materials, resulting favorable in all cases, suggesting the safety of surimi-based products regarding mercury. Speciation studies revealed the presence of SeMeSeCys and SeMet in all samples. Thus, the integrity of the selenium species seems to be maintained. Moreover, in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model evidenced that Se bioaccessibility ranged between 20-39 % for all samples, while in case of Hg was between 8-37 %. Additionaly, SeMeSeCys and SeMet were also identified in the gastrointestinal extracts. Finally, no cytotoxicity was observed after exposure of Caco-2 cells to the gastrointestinal extracts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Fernández-Bautista
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Gómez-Gómez
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Emma Gracia-Lor
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Pérez-Corona
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yolanda Madrid
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fernández-Bautista T, Gómez-Gómez B, Vicente-Zurdo D, Madrid Y. Single-cell ICP-MS for evaluating the Se-protective effect against MeHg +-induced neurotoxicity in human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y). Anal Bioanal Chem 2024; 416:2749-2759. [PMID: 37962609 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-05021-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The protective effect of selenium (Se) against Hg-induced neurotoxicity has been widely investigated; however, the mechanisms behind this interaction have not been fully elucidated yet. In the current work, the role of Se against MeHg+-induced cytotoxicity in the human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) is reported for the first time by tracking Hg uptake and accumulation at the single-cell level by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry in single-cell mode (SC-ICP-MS). The influence of different Se species (SeMet, SeMeSeCys, citrate-SeNPs, and chitosan-SeNPs) on MeHg+ cytotoxicity was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. SeMet and SeMeSeCys exhibited protective effects against MeHg+-induced cell death, particularly at high MeHg+ concentrations (LC50). In addition, chitosan-SeNPs showed greater protection compared to citrate-SeNPs when co-exposed with MeHg+. Interestingly, SC-ICP-MS unveiled the heterogeneous distribution of Hg uptake by SH-SY5Y cells. Co-exposure of SeMet and SeMeSeCys with MeHg+ led to a reduction of the amount of Hg accumulated per individual cell, which decreased the maximum level of Hg per cell by half (from 60 fg Hg cell-1 to 30 fg Hg cell-1) when SeMet was present, along with a decrease in the percentage of cells that accumulated the highest quantity of MeHg+. All these data corroborate the protective role of Se against Hg toxicity at the cellular level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Fernández-Bautista
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Gómez-Gómez
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - David Vicente-Zurdo
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yolanda Madrid
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Brown MK, Haskins DL, Pilgrim MA, Tuberville TD. Mercury bioaccumulation and Hepatozoon spp. infections in two syntopic watersnakes in South Carolina. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 33:164-176. [PMID: 38329640 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-024-02736-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant known to bioaccumulate in biota and biomagnify in food webs. Parasites occur in nearly every ecosystem and often interact in complex ways with other stressors that their hosts experience. Hepatozoon spp. are intraerythrocytic parasites common in snakes. The Florida green watersnake (Nerodia floridana) and the banded watersnake (Nerodia fasciata) occur syntopically in certain aquatic habitats in the Southeastern United States. The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships among total mercury (THg) concentrations, body size, species, habitat type and prevalence and parasitemia of Hepatozoon spp. infections in snakes. In the present study, we sampled N. floridana and N. fasciata from former nuclear cooling reservoirs and isolated wetlands of the Savannah River Site in South Carolina. We used snake tail clips to quantify THg and collected blood samples for hemoparasite counts. Our results indicate a significant, positive relationship between THg and snake body size in N. floridana and N. fasciata in both habitats. Average THg was significantly higher for N. fasciata compared to N. floridana in bays (0.22 ± 0.02 and 0.08 ± 0.006 mg/kg, respectively; p < 0.01), but not in reservoirs (0.17 ± 0.02 and 0.17 ± 0.03 mg/kg, respectively; p = 0.29). Sex did not appear to be related to THg concentration or Hepatozoon spp. infections in either species. We found no association between Hg and Hepatozoon spp. prevalence or parasitemia; however, our results suggest that species and habitat type play a role in susceptibility to Hepatozoon spp. infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Kyle Brown
- University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - David Lee Haskins
- University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA.
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center at Patuxent Research Refuge, Laurel, MD, 20708, USA.
| | - Melissa A Pilgrim
- University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
- University of South Carolina Upstate, Spartanburg, SC, 29303, USA
| | - Tracey D Tuberville
- University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fernández-Bautista T, Gómez-Gómez B, Gracia-Lor E, Pérez-Corona T, Madrid Y. Selenium Health Benefit Values and Hg and Se speciation studies for elucidating the quality and safety of highly consumed fish species and fish-derived products. Food Chem 2024; 435:137544. [PMID: 37774614 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.137544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, there has been an increase in the consumption of fish-derived products that constitute alternative ways of introducing fish into the diet, such as fish roe and products made from fish (crab sticks andsurimi-derived products). However, there is no data available considering selenium and mercury total contents along with speciation studies in these kinds of samples, which are mandatory for a proper safety and quality assessment. In this study,Selenium Health Benefit Values (HBVSe) in fish and fish-derived products were evaluated, resulting inpositivein all cases. Selenium speciation studies performed by HPLC-ICP-MS and confirmed by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS revealed that SeMet and SeMeSeCys are present in fish and fish-derived products. Finally, Hg speciation studiesshow that the percentage of Hg2+ increases in fishes lower in the food chain as well as in fish-derived products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Fernández-Bautista
- Departamento de Química Analítica. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Complutense de Madrid. 28040 Madrid. Spain
| | - Beatriz Gómez-Gómez
- Departamento de Química Analítica. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Complutense de Madrid. 28040 Madrid. Spain.
| | - Emma Gracia-Lor
- Departamento de Química Analítica. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Complutense de Madrid. 28040 Madrid. Spain
| | - Teresa Pérez-Corona
- Departamento de Química Analítica. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Complutense de Madrid. 28040 Madrid. Spain
| | - Yolanda Madrid
- Departamento de Química Analítica. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Universidad Complutense de Madrid. 28040 Madrid. Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gorjian Arabi MH, Sinkakarimi MH, Ahmadpour M, Islami I, Hapeman P. Trace element concentrations in water and Clupeonella cultriventris caspia in the Southern Caspian Sea and Assessment of Potential Risk to Human Health. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:822-831. [PMID: 33694126 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02664-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Despite the fishing pressure on common kilka (Clupeonella cultriventris caspia) and the importance of the Caspian Sea, there are little data on trace element levels in those. Therefore, the concentrations of 27 trace elements were measured in water (n=15) and C. cultriventris (n=1050) collected from the southern Caspian Sea. The concentrations of Cd, Hg, and Zn in the water exceeded permissible limits and posed potential ecological risks to the aquatic biota, especially in the southeastern region of the Caspian Sea. The estimated daily intakes of As, Cd, Co, Hg, Mn, Pb, Sb, and V from the consumption of C. cultriventris were higher than the acceptable daily intake recommended by the JECFA and USEPA. However, the target hazard quotients and hazard index values were lesser than one. It appears that C. cultriventris provides a small amount of essential element nutrition for consumers. In conclusion, this study revealed that consumers are exposed to As, Co, Hg, Mn, Mo, Sb, and, V through the consumption of C. cultriventris. Also, the concentrations of Cd, Hg, and Zn in water showed significant ecological risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohsen Ahmadpour
- Research Center for the Caspian Region, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | - Iman Islami
- Faculty of Natural Resource and Marine Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Noor, Iran
| | - Paul Hapeman
- Biology Department, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fernández-Bautista T, Gómez-Gómez B, Palacín-García R, Gracia-Lor E, Pérez-Corona T, Madrid Y. Analysis of Se and Hg biomolecules distribution and Se speciation in poorly studied protein fractions of muscle tissues of highly consumed fishes by SEC-UV-ICP-MS and HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Talanta 2022; 237:122922. [PMID: 34736659 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Distribution of Se and Hg in sarcoplasmic, myofibrillar and alkali-soluble protein fractions extracted from muscle tissue of tuna, swordfish and salmon (wild vs. farmed) is investigated for the first time. SEC-UV-ICP-MS analyses revealed that Se and Hg are mostly bound to proteins of 2-12 kDa and up to 574 kDa, respectively. Moreover, Se and Hg appeared associated to proteins of same molecular weight, evidencing that Se-Hg interaction may occur at the level of the fish tissue evaluated. Important differences were found between farmed and wild salmon, suggesting the effect of the type of feed and growing conditions on Se and Hg content and their distribution through protein fractions. Finally, Se speciation studies performed by HPLC-ICP-MS and confirmed by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS showed SeMeSeCys as the only Se specie found in soluble, sarcoplasmic, myofibrillar and alkali-soluble proteins of all fishes analysed, except in soluble proteins extracted from tuna, where SeMet was also identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Fernández-Bautista
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Gómez-Gómez
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Roberto Palacín-García
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Emma Gracia-Lor
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Pérez-Corona
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yolanda Madrid
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Burger J, Gochfeld M, Bunn A, Looney B, Jeitner C. Role of uncertainties in protecting ecological resources during remediation and restoration. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2021; 84:485-502. [PMID: 33632081 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2021.1887783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cleanup of contaminated waste sites is a National priority to protect human health and the environment, while restoring land to productive uses. While there are uncertainties with understanding risk to individuals from exposure, the aim of this study was to focus on uncertainties and complexities for ecological systems, complicated by hundreds of species occupying any remediation site which participate in multiple-interacting food webs. The ability to better predict the effectiveness of remediation in fostering future ecosystems might facilitate remedy selection and improve strategic environmental management. This investigation examined (1) uncertainties in ecosystem processes, (2) uncertainties in exposure from contamination before remediation, and (3) uncertainties during remediation. Two Department of Energy sites Hanford Site and Savannah River Site were used as case studies to illustrate how the uncertainties affect eco-receptors. Several types of ecological, physical, and human dimension uncertainties are defined. Ecological uncertainties include temporal, spatial, individual, developmental, and exogenous types. Physical uncertainties are weather-related, watershed variations, slope/aspect, soil/sediment structure and form, unforeseen events, and temporal patterns. Human dimension uncertainties include current land use, future land use, extractive and non-extractive recreation. The effects of remedial strategies varied between the two sites because Hanford is a primarily arid shrub-steppe ecotype, while Savannah River is a wet forest ecotype. Defining the associated ecological sensitivities and uncertainties and providing examples might help policy-makers, managers, planners, and contractors to be aware of issues to consider throughout planning, remediation, and restoration. Adding ecological uncertainty analysis to risk evaluations and remediation planning is analogous to using safety factors in human health risk assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Burger
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Consortium for Risk Evaluation with Stakeholder Participation (CRESP), Rutgers University and Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Michael Gochfeld
- Consortium for Risk Evaluation with Stakeholder Participation (CRESP), Rutgers University and Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Amoret Bunn
- Earth Systems Science Division, Pacific Northwest Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
| | - Brian Looney
- Senior Advisory Engineer, Savannah River Site National Laboratory, Aiken, SC, USA
| | - Christian Jeitner
- Consortium for Risk Evaluation with Stakeholder Participation (CRESP), Rutgers University and Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Haskins DL, Brown MK, Bringolf RB, Tuberville TD. Brown watersnakes (Nerodia taxispilota) as bioindicators of mercury contamination in a riverine system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 755:142545. [PMID: 33038814 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a contaminant that enters the environment through natural or anthropogenic means. Ecological risk assessments have examined Hg bioaccumulation and effects in many taxa, but little is known about Hg dynamics in reptiles, or their potential use as bioindicator species for monitoring Hg in aquatic systems. Numerous snake species, like North American watersnakes (Nerodia spp.), are piscivorous and are exposed to Hg through their diet. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with Hg accumulation in a common watersnake species and compare Hg concentrations of the snakes to those in fish occupying the same habitats. To this end, we sampled brown watersnakes (Nerodia taxispilota) from the Savannah River, a major river system in the southeastern U.S., and compared N. taxispilota Hg accumulation trends to those of bass (Micropterus salmoides), catfish (Ictalurus and Ameiurus spp.), and panfish (Lepomis and Pomoxis spp.) collected from the same reach. Total Hg (THg) in N. taxispilota tail tips ranged from 0.020 to 0.431 mg/kg (wet weight; mean: 0.104 ± 0.008). Snake tail THg was significantly correlated with blood THg, which ranged from 0.003 to 1.140 mg/kg (0.154 ± 0.019). Snake size and site of capture were significantly associated with tail THg. Snake tail THg increased at sites along and downstream of the area of historic Hg pollution, consistent with fish THg. Snake muscle THg was predicted based on tail THg and ranged from 0.095 to 1.160 (0.352 ± 0.022). To gauge Hg biomagnification in N. taxispilota, we compared predicted snake muscle THg concentrations to THg in fish of consumable size. Average biomagnification factors for THg in N. taxispilota were 3.1 (panfish) and 5.4 (catfish), demonstrating N. taxispilota likely biomagnify Hg through their diet. These results reveal N. taxispilota to be an effective bioindicator species for monitoring Hg in aquatic environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David L Haskins
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States of America; Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States of America; University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC 29802, United States of America.
| | - M Kyle Brown
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States of America; University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC 29802, United States of America
| | - Robert B Bringolf
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States of America; Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States of America
| | - Tracey D Tuberville
- University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC 29802, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Robinson J, Shroff J. Observations on the levels of total mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) in species common to the artisanal fisheries of Seychelles. Neurotoxicology 2020; 81:277-281. [PMID: 33741112 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to mercury (Hg) in Seychelles is expected to be high owing to the large amounts of fish regularly consumed. In spite of this consumption, a recent long-term study of child development found no evidence that higher prenatal exposure to Hg increases the risk of neurological disorders. To identify the major sources of mercury in the diets of Seychellois fish consumers, 16 species of fish common to local markets were tested for total Hg. Selenium (Se), which may act as an antidote to Hg toxicity, was also measured. Mercury and selenium were measured using standardised laboratory procedures. The average total Hg concentration across all species was 0.07mg/kg while the Se concentrations averaged 0.29mg/kg. Based on the pooled species dataset, there was no correlation between total Hg and Se concentrations, suggesting that joint bioaccumulation of these elements does not occur in the reef fishes tested. Barracuda (Sphyraena jello) had the highest concentration of Hg (0.36mg/kg), a level that was below European Union guidelines. Although Seychellois traditionally eat a large amount of fish, barracuda would need to be consumed more than 5 times a week for FAO/WHO Total Hg Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) limits to be exceeded, an unusual rate of consumption. Further investigations are needed to assess the risks posed to the population through the consumption of marine fish and fish products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Robinson
- Seychelles Fishing Authority, Republic of Seychelles.
| | - Jude Shroff
- Seychelles Bureau of Standards, Republic of Seychelles
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Thomas SM, Melles SJ, Mackereth RW, Tunney TD, Chu C, Oswald CJ, Bhavsar SP, Johnston TA. Climate and landscape conditions indirectly affect fish mercury levels by altering lake water chemistry and fish size. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 188:109750. [PMID: 32526497 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mercury pollution is a global environmental problem that threatens ecosystems, and negatively impacts human health and well-being. Mercury accumulation in fish within freshwater lakes is a complex process that appears to be driven by factors such as individual fish biology and water chemistry at the lake-scale, whereas, climate, and land-use/land-cover conditions within lake catchments can be influential at relatively larger scales. Nevertheless, unravelling the intricate network of pathways that govern how lake-scale and large-scale factors interact to affect mercury levels in fish remains an important scientific challenge. Using structural equation models (SEMs) and multiple long-term databases we identified direct and indirect effects of lake-scale and larger-scale factors on mercury levels in Walleye and Northern Pike - two species that are valued in inland fisheries. At the lake-level, the most parsimonious path models contained direct effects of fish weight, DOC, and pH, as well as an indirect effect of DOC on fish mercury levels via fish weight. Interestingly, lakeshed-, climate-, and full-path models that combine the effects of both lakeshed and climate revealed indirect effects of surrounding landscape conditions and latitude via DOC, pH, and fish weight but no direct effects on fish mercury levels. These results are generally consistent across species and lakes, except for some differences between stratified and non-stratified lakes. Our findings imply that understanding climate and land-use driven alterations of water chemistry and fish biology will be critical to predicting and mitigating fish mercury bioaccumulation in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shyam M Thomas
- Department of Chemistry & Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada.
| | - Stephanie J Melles
- Department of Chemistry & Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Robert W Mackereth
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, Centre for Northern Forest Ecosystem Research, Thunder Bay, ON P7E 2V6, Canada
| | - Tyler D Tunney
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater Habitat Section, Gulf Fisheries Centre, Moncton, NB E1C 9B6, Canada
| | - Cindy Chu
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, Aquatic Research and Monitoring Section, Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada
| | - Claire J Oswald
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Satyendra P Bhavsar
- Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Toronto, ON M9P 3V6, Canada
| | - Thomas A Johnston
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Cooperative Freshwater Ecology Unit, Vale Living with Lakes Centre, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Djermanovic M, Baralic I, Pejic S. Total Mercury Levels in Commercial Fish in Market of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 194:545-551. [PMID: 31273684 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-019-01805-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The mercury concentration was quantified in frozen and canned fish found in the market of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Using the method of amalgamation by atomic absorption spectrophotometry with a direct mercury analyzer (DMA-80), significant differences in mercury concentrations among the analyzed fish were found. Frozen pangasius and canned tuna had the highest mercury concentration (59.1 μg/kg and 54.1 μg/kg, respectively). Also, fish from Vietnam had the highest level of total mercury in comparison to fish from other countries. Determined levels of mercury in our samples were below the limit set by the European and Bosnian and Herzegovinian legislation (500 μg/kg wet weight). We have concluded that consumption of commercial fish in the market of the Republic of Srpska does not present any health risk for the average consumer. Nevertheless, a surveillance system of mercury content in fishery products, especially in certain species that concentrate mercury, is crucial for public health protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana Djermanovic
- Public Health Institute of the Republic of Srpska, Jovana Dučića 1, 78000, Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, Save Mrkalja 14, 78000, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ivana Baralic
- Zvezdara Clinical Medical Center, University of Belgrade, Dimitrija Tucovica 161, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia.
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University "Bijeljina", Pavlovica Put BB, 76300, Bijeljina, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Snezana Pejic
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, P.O. Box 522, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Moura Reis Manhães B, de Souza Picaluga A, Bisi TL, de Freitas Azevedo A, Torres JPM, Malm O, Lailson-Brito J. Tracking mercury in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean: the use of tuna and tuna-like species as indicators of bioavailability. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:6813-6823. [PMID: 31873906 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-07275-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a trace element that is potentially dangerous due its high toxicity and tendency to bioaccumulate in organisms. Currently, high mercury concentrations are seen in the environment especially due climate changes. Studies regarding mercury bioavailability in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean using tuna and tuna-like species are rare. The aim of the present study was to use tuna and tuna-like species (Thunnus atlanticus, Thunnus albacares, Katsuwonus pelamis, Euthynnus alletteratus, Coryphaena hippurus and Sarda sarda) as indicators of the availability of total mercury (THg) in oceanic food webs of the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. THg concentrations varied significantly among species for both muscle and liver (Kruskal-Wallis test; H5,130 = 52.7; p < 0.05; H5,130 = 50.1; p < 0.05, respectively). The lowest concentrations were found in C. hippurus (0.008 mg kg-1 wet weight in the muscle and 0.003 mg kg-1 wet weight in the liver), and the highest concentrations were reported in the muscle of T. atlanticus (1.3 mg kg-1 wet weight) and in the liver of S. sarda (2.5 mg kg-1 wet weight). The continued monitoring of tuna and tuna-like species is necessary to assist in their conservation since tuna can be sentinels of mercury pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Moura Reis Manhães
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores "Profa. Izabel Gurgel" (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, sala 4002, 20550-013, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 Sala G0-61, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.
| | - Alice de Souza Picaluga
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores "Profa. Izabel Gurgel" (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, sala 4002, 20550-013, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Lemos Bisi
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores "Profa. Izabel Gurgel" (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, sala 4002, 20550-013, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Alexandre de Freitas Azevedo
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores "Profa. Izabel Gurgel" (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, sala 4002, 20550-013, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - João Paulo Machado Torres
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 Sala G0-61, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Olaf Malm
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 Sala G0-61, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - José Lailson-Brito
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores "Profa. Izabel Gurgel" (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, sala 4002, 20550-013, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cianciolo TR, McLaughlin DL, Zipper CE, Timpano AJ, Soucek DJ, Whitmore KM, Schoenholtz SH. Selenium Bioaccumulation Across Trophic Levels and Along a Longitudinal Gradient in Headwater Streams. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2020; 39:692-704. [PMID: 31900941 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Toxic effects of selenium (Se) contamination in freshwaters have been well documented. However, study of Se contamination has focused on lentic and larger order lotic systems, whereas headwater streams have received little scrutiny. In central Appalachia, surface coal mining is a common Se source to headwater streams, thus providing a useful system to investigate Se bioaccumulation in headwater food chains and possible longitudinal patterns in Se concentrations. Toward that end, we assessed Se bioaccumulation in 2 reference and 4 mining-influenced headwater streams. At each stream, we sampled ecosystem media, including streamwater, particulate matter (sediment, biofilm, leaf detritus), benthic macroinvertebrates, salamanders, and fish, every 400 m along 1.2- and 1.6-km reaches. We compared media Se concentrations within and among streams and evaluated longitudinal trends in media Se concentrations. Selenium concentrations in sampled media were higher in mining-influenced streams compared with reference streams. We found the highest Se concentrations in benthic macroinvertebrates; however, salamanders and fish bioaccumulated Se to potentially harmful levels in mining-influenced streams. Only one stream demonstrated dilution of streamwater Se with distance downstream, and few longitudinal patterns in Se bioaccumulation occurred along our study reaches. Collectively, our results provide a field-based assessment of Se bioaccumulation in headwater food chains, from streamwater to fish, and highlight the need for future assessments of Se effects in headwater streams and receiving downstream waters. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:692-704. © 2020 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Cianciolo
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Daniel L McLaughlin
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Carl E Zipper
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Anthony J Timpano
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - David J Soucek
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Keridwen M Whitmore
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Li J, Mcleod AM, Bhavsar SP, Bohr J, Grgicak-Mannion A, Drouillard K. Use of a Food Web Bioaccumulation Model to Uncover Spatially Integrated Polychlorinated Biphenyl Exposures in Detroit River Sport Fish. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2019; 38:2771-2784. [PMID: 31403738 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We applied and tested a bioenergetic-based, steady-state food web bioaccumulation model to predict polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposures in sport fish of the Detroit River (USA-Canada), which is a Great Lakes area of concern. The PCB concentrations in the sediment and water of the river were found to exhibit high spatial variation. The previously contained areas of high contamination may have spread to adjacent food webs as a result of fish movements. This process may cause biased predictions in single-compartment bioaccumulation models. We performed multiple simulations and contrasted model predictions against a database of 1152 fish sample records comprising 19 sport fish species. The simulations evaluated 4 spatial scales (river-wide, 2-nation, 4-zone, and 6-zone models) to reveal how the spatial heterogeneity of contamination and species-specific movements contribute to variation in fish PCB exposures. The model testing demonstrated that the 2-nation model provided the most accurate global prediction of fish contamination. However, these improvements were not equally observed across all species. The model was subsequently calibrated for poorly performing species, by allowing cross-zone exposures, demonstrating the importance of accounting for specific ecological factors, such as fish movement, to improve PCB bioaccumulation prediction, especially in highly heterogeneous water systems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2771-2784. © 2019 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Li
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anne M Mcleod
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Satyendra P Bhavsar
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joseph Bohr
- Water Resources Division, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Alice Grgicak-Mannion
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ken Drouillard
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ulusoy Ş, Mol S, Karakulak FS, Kahraman AE. Selenium-Mercury Balance in Commercial Fish Species from the Turkish Waters. Biol Trace Elem Res 2019; 191:207-213. [PMID: 30552608 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-018-1609-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The interactions between selenium (Se) and mercury (Hg) were assessed in order to interpret public health risk, associated with dietary mercury exposure due to fish consumption. For this purpose, the mass and molar concentrations of Se and Hg were determined in the edible tissues of six species of fish, collected from the commercial fishing grounds of Turkey. The Se/Hg molar ratios and selenium health benefit values (Se-HBVs) were also calculated. The main fish species exported from Turkey to Europe were studied to determine the risks or benefits for human health. The mean Hg levels (μg g-1, wet weight) ranged from 0.01 (in turbot) to 0.45 (in Atlantic bluefin tuna). The average selenium concentrations were between 0.96 μg g-1 (in thornback ray) and 1.86 μg g-1 (in turbot). The molar ratios of Se/Hg were above 1 for all species and greater than 100 in turbot, red mullet, and whiting. Positive Se-HBVs were determined for all samples, showing health benefits. Since Se is present in molar excess of Hg in the fish muscles, organic Hg exposures from eating these fish is not a public health concern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Şafak Ulusoy
- Department of Seafood Processing and Quality Control, Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, Istanbul University, Ordu st. No: 8, 34134 Laleli-Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Sühendan Mol
- Department of Seafood Processing and Quality Control, Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, Istanbul University, Ordu st. No: 8, 34134 Laleli-Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - F Saadet Karakulak
- Department of Fisheries Technology, Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, Istanbul University, Ordu st. No: 8, 34134 Laleli-Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Abdullah E Kahraman
- Department of Fisheries Technology, Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, Istanbul University, Ordu st. No: 8, 34134 Laleli-Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Pancaldi F, Galván-Magaña F, González-Armas R, Soto-Jimenez MF, Whitehead DA, O'Hara T, Marmolejo-Rodríguez AJ, Vázquez-Haikin A, Páez-Osuna F. Mercury and selenium in the filter-feeding whale shark (Rhincodon typus) from two areas of the Gulf of California, Mexico. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 146:955-961. [PMID: 31426243 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mercury and selenium were measured for first time in the endangered species whale shark (Rhyncodon typus) from two areas of the Gulf of California, Bahía Los Angeles (BLA) and Bahía La Paz (LAP) using dermal biopsies of seventy specimens. Additionally, nineteen zooplankton samples from LAP were analysed. Concentrations (ng/g, wet weight (ww)) in biopsies of BLA ranged from 1 to 40 for Hg and 100 to 680 for Se; while in LAP varied from 1 to 9 for Hg and 11 to 850 for Se. A positive correlation was found for Hg in BLA males biopsies with length. Hg and Se concentrations in the zooplankton from LAP were 1.6 ± 1.8 and 770 ± 930 ng/g, respectively. Hg biomagnification factor ranged from 0.8 to 5.3 in sharks. A molar excess of Se over Hg was found in the biopsies and the zooplankton.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pancaldi
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n, 23096 La Paz, BCS, Mexico
| | - Felipe Galván-Magaña
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n, 23096 La Paz, BCS, Mexico
| | - Rogelio González-Armas
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n, 23096 La Paz, BCS, Mexico
| | - Martin F Soto-Jimenez
- Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mazatlán, Sinaloa 82040, Mexico
| | - Darren A Whitehead
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n, 23096 La Paz, BCS, Mexico
| | - Todd O'Hara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7000, United States
| | - Ana J Marmolejo-Rodríguez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n, 23096 La Paz, BCS, Mexico
| | - Abraham Vázquez-Haikin
- Asociación de Pesca Deportiva y Ecoturismo de Bahía de los Ángeles, Domicilio conocido Bahía de los Ángeles, Baja California 22980, Mexico
| | - Federico Páez-Osuna
- Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mazatlán, Sinaloa 82040, Mexico; Miembro de El Colegio de Sinaloa, Antonio Rosales 435 Poniente, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Qiu G, Abeysinghe KS, Yang XD, Xu Z, Xu X, Luo K, Goodale E. Effects of Selenium on Mercury Bioaccumulation in a Terrestrial food Chain from an Abandoned Mercury Mining Region. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 102:329-334. [PMID: 30637433 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-019-02542-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Few reports of the relationship exist between mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) from locations of severe Hg contamination in terrestrial environments. Here, we report the concentrations of Hg and Se as well as Se:Hg molar ratios in biotic samples collected from a region with a long history of Hg mining. Nitrogen isotopes (δ15N) were analyzed to confirm the trophic levels. Results showed that bird feathers at the top trophic level exhibited the highest Hg concentrations, while the lowest concentrations were found in herbivorous insects, demonstrating a significant biomagnification across the food chain. In contrast, herbivorous insects of different types (generalists vs. specialized rice pests) exhibited both the highest and the lowest concentrations of Se, indicating a lack of biomagnification. Indeed, Se was correlated positively with Hg when Se:Hg ratios were greater than one, suggesting Se:Hg molar ratios can be a controlling influence on Hg in terrestrial organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangle Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Kasun S Abeysinghe
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, China
| | - Zhidong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaohang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Kang Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, China
| | - Eben Goodale
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Pedro S, Fisk AT, Ferguson SH, Hussey NE, Kessel ST, McKinney MA. Limited effects of changing prey fish communities on food quality for aquatic predators in the eastern Canadian Arctic in terms of essential fatty acids, methylmercury and selenium. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 214:855-865. [PMID: 30317166 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.09.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We determined concentrations of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (EPA + DHA), Σomega-3, polyunsaturated fatty acids (ΣPUFA), selenium, methylmercury, and selenium:methylmercury (Se:Hg) ratios in native and northward-redistributing sub-Arctic marine fish and invertebrates from low, mid-, and high Canadian Arctic latitudes. There was no clear latitudinal trend in nutrient or contaminant concentrations. Among species, EPA + DHA concentrations in native Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) were similar to concentrations in sub-Arctic capelin (Mallotus villosus) and sand lance (Ammodytes spp.) (444-658 mg.100 g-1), and higher than in most other species. Concentrations of EPA + DHA were related to lipid content, but to a greater extent for higher trophic position species (R2 = 0.83) than for species at lower trophic positions (R2 = 0.61). Selenium concentrations were higher in sand lance (1.15 ± 0.16 μg g-1) than in all other species (0.30-0.69 μg g-1), which was significantly, but weakly, explained by more pelagic feeding in sand lance. Methylmercury concentrations were similar (and Se:Hg ratios were higher) in capelin, sand lance, and Arctic cod (0.01-0.03 μg g-1 wet weight (ww)) and lower than in other prey (0.12-0.26 μg g-1 ww), which was significantly explained by the smaller size of these species and more pelagic feeding habits than other fish. These results suggested that a shift in prey fish composition from Arctic cod to capelin and/or sand lance is unlikely to reduce the food quality of the prey available to marine predators at least with respect to concentrations of essential fatty acids, selenium, and Se:Hg ratios.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pedro
- Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Center, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
| | - Aaron T Fisk
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Steven H Ferguson
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Central and Arctic Region, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada
| | - Nigel E Hussey
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Steven T Kessel
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
| | - Melissa A McKinney
- Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Center, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Fliedner A, Rüdel H, Knopf B, Lohmann N, Paulus M, Jud M, Pirntke U, Koschorreck J. Assessment of seafood contamination under the marine strategy framework directive: contributions of the German environmental specimen bank. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:26939-26956. [PMID: 30008162 PMCID: PMC6132394 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-2728-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Descriptor 9 (D9) of the European Union Marine Strategy Framework Directive refers to the compliance of contaminant levels in fish and other seafood of a defined marine region or subregion with human health threshold values. This requires georeferenced samples that are often difficult to obtain when relying on commercial fisheries or programs designed for monitoring human exposure. The present study examines whether georeferenced samples of blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) and eelpout (Zoarces viviparus) fillet of the German environmental specimen bank (ESB) can be used in this context. The suitability of the ESB samples, procedures, and analytical methods is evaluated with respect to D9 requirements. Based on ESB data for the D9 relevant contaminants Pb, Cd, Hg, ∑4 PAHs, PCDD/Fs, dioxin-like (dl)-PCBs, and indicator non-dl-PCBs and the potentially relevant substances TBT, PFOS, PBDE, and HBCDD, the Good Environmental Status for D9 is assessed at the ESB sites in the North and Baltic Seas. The overall evaluation indicates that ESB samples are suitable for D9 assessment with the limitation that only coastal areas of the North and Baltic Seas are covered. Over a period of up to 30 years, concentrations of the D9 relevant contaminants were well below the maximum levels allowed for human consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annette Fliedner
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (Fraunhofer IME), Department Environmental Specimen Bank and Elemental Analysis, 57392, Schmallenberg, Germany.
| | - Heinz Rüdel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (Fraunhofer IME), Department Environmental Specimen Bank and Elemental Analysis, 57392, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Burkhard Knopf
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (Fraunhofer IME), Department Environmental Specimen Bank and Elemental Analysis, 57392, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Nina Lohmann
- Eurofins GfA Lab Service GmbH, Neulaender Kamp 1a, 21079, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Paulus
- Department of Biogeography / Environmental Specimen Bank, Trier University, 54286, Trier, Germany
| | - Michael Jud
- Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL), Unit 101, P.O. Box 110260, 10832, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Pirntke
- German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), 06813, Dessau-Rosslau, Germany
| | - Jan Koschorreck
- German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), 06813, Dessau-Rosslau, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Li J, Yan Y, Yue N, Luo Q, Li W, Xie X. Comparative Study of Metal Accumulation in Three Fish Species (Silurus asotus, Cyprinus carpio, and Carassius auratus auratus) from the Jinsha and Tuo Rivers Located Upstream of the Yangtze River, China. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 101:26-32. [PMID: 29876625 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-018-2375-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of lead, chromium, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury were analyzed in the muscle and liver (hepatopancreas) of three fish species (Silurus asotus, Cyprinus carpio, and Carassius auratus auratus) from the Jinsha and Tuo Rivers. The above mentioned metal concentrations in the muscles of the three fish species were below the permissible limits, indicating that these fishes are safe for human consumption. The concentration of mercury in the carnivorous fishes was higher than that in the omnivorous fishes. There was no significant difference in growth rate and the concentration of lead, chromium, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury among the fishes from Panzhihua and Fushun. In the two age groups, the concentration of mercury did not vary significantly with growth rate of fish. The relationship between heavy metal concentration and growth rate of fish varied with metal species, fish species, and fish tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Ocean College, Qinzhou University, Qinzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Institute of Hydrobiology and Water Environment, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Yulian Yan
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Institute of Hydrobiology and Water Environment, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Nannan Yue
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Institute of Hydrobiology and Water Environment, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Lvliang Yingjie Middle School, Shanxi, China
| | - Qiyong Luo
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Institute of Hydrobiology and Water Environment, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Admission and Employment Center, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Guangxi, China
| | - Wanjun Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Institute of Hydrobiology and Water Environment, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Tongnan Experimental Middle School, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaojun Xie
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Institute of Hydrobiology and Water Environment, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lyons K, Carlisle AB, Lowe CG. Influence of ontogeny and environmental exposure on mercury accumulation in muscle and liver of male Round Stingrays. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 130:30-37. [PMID: 28712829 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mercury tissue distribution and its dynamics are poorly understood in elasmobranchs. Total mercury was measured in liver and muscle of male Round Stingrays (Urobatis halleri) from Seal Beach, California, an anthropogenically impacted site, and from the offshore island of Santa Catalina, a less impacted site. Stable isotope analysis was also performed on the muscle and red blood cells (RBCs) of a subset of rays over a range of age classes to investigate mercury accumulation with respect to trophic ecology. Mercury in both tissues was found to be significantly greater in adults than juveniles in mainland rays; however, liver mercury accumulation drastically increased after maturity and was significantly greater in mainland adult rays than Catalina rays. There were no patterns in δ15N or δ13C with size in muscle; however, there were indications of seasonal changes in RBC δ15N, suggesting short term shifts in diet or behavior is likely linked to reproductive status as is mercury accumulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kady Lyons
- California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Cusack LK, Eagles-Smith C, Harding AK, Kile M, Stone D. Selenium: Mercury Molar Ratios in Freshwater Fish in the Columbia River Basin: Potential Applications for Specific Fish Consumption Advisories. Biol Trace Elem Res 2017; 178:136-146. [PMID: 27928722 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-016-0907-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Fish provide a valuable source of beneficial nutrients and are an excellent source of low fat protein. However, fish are also the primary source of methylmercury exposure in humans. Selenium often co-occurs with mercury and there is some evidence that selenium can protect against mercury toxicity yet States issue fish consumption advisories based solely on the risks that methylmercury pose to human health. Recently, it has been suggested the selenium: mercury molar ratio be considered in risk management. In order for agencies to utilize the ratio to set consumption guidelines, it is important to evaluate the variability in selenium and mercury in different fish species. We examined 10 different freshwater fish species found within the Columbia River Basin in order to determine the inter- and intra-specific variability in the selenium: mercury molar ratios and the selenium health benefit values. We found significant variation in selenium: mercury molar ratios. The mean molar ratios for each species were all above 1:1, ranging from 3.42:1 in Walleye to 27.2:1 in Chinook salmon. There was a positive correlation between both mercury and selenium with length for each fish species apart from yellow perch and rainbow trout. All species had health benefit values greater than 2. We observed considerable variability in selenium: mercury molar ratios within fish species collected in the Columbia River Basin. Although incorporating selenium: mercury molar ratios into fish consumption holds the potential for refining advisories and assessing the risk of methylmercury exposure, the current understanding of how these ratios apply is insufficient, and further understanding of drivers of variability in the ratios is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Collin Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | | | - Molly Kile
- Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Dave Stone
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gold-Bouchot G, Rubio-Piña J, Montero-Muñoz J, Ramirez-Miss N, Echeverría-García A, Patiño-Suarez V, Puch-Hau CA, Zapata-Pérez O. Pollutants and biomarker responses in two reef fish species (Haemulon aurolineatum and Ocyurus chrysurus) in the Southern Gulf of Mexico. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 116:249-257. [PMID: 28088368 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.12.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The environmental quality differences between two groups of reefs in the Veracruz Reef System were evaluated. The North group of reefs is very close to Veracruz, an urban and port zone, whereas the South group is more isolated, with minor anthropogenic disturbances. To prove the hypothesis that the North group is more affected by anthropogenic activities, the concentrations of hydrocarbons in liver, metals and metalloids such as Se, As, Ba, Cd, Hg and V in muscle, and PAH metabolites in bile were evaluated, and related to biomarkers (transcript abundance of cytochrome P4501A, Vitellogenin, and Glutathione-S-transferase) in two species of fish: Haemulon aurolineatum and Ocyurus chysurus. H. aurolineatum presents the highest concentrations for many pollutants, but O. chysurus shows the most significant differences in pollutant concentrations and biomarkers between the two reef groups, suggesting that this species could be used as a sentinel in future studies in the Gulf of Mexico.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Gold-Bouchot
- Oceanography Department and Geochemical and Environmental Research Group (GERG), Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
| | - J Rubio-Piña
- Departamento de Toxicología Ambiental, Centro de Investigación en Genética y Ambiente, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Km 10.5 Autopista Tlaxcala-San Martin, Ixtacuixtla, 90120 Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - J Montero-Muñoz
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Unidad Mérida. Km. 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso, Cordemex, 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - N Ramirez-Miss
- Oceanography Department and Geochemical and Environmental Research Group (GERG), Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - A Echeverría-García
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanológicas de la Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Carretera Ensenada-Tijuana No. 3917, Fraccionamiento Playitas, 22860 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - V Patiño-Suarez
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Unidad Mérida. Km. 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso, Cordemex, 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - C A Puch-Hau
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Unidad Mérida. Km. 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso, Cordemex, 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - O Zapata-Pérez
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Unidad Mérida. Km. 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso, Cordemex, 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Reyes ES, Aristizabal Henao JJ, Kornobis KM, Hanning RM, Majowicz SE, Liber K, Stark KD, Low G, Swanson HK, Laird BD. Associations between omega-3 fatty acids, selenium content, and mercury levels in wild-harvested fish from the Dehcho Region, Northwest Territories, Canada. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2016; 80:18-31. [PMID: 27905863 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2016.1230916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
To better understand the risks and benefits of eating wild-harvested fish from the Northwest Territories, Canada, levels of total mercury (HgT) and selenium (Se) and composition of omega-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA) were measured in muscle tissue of fish harvested from lakes in the Dehcho Region, Northwest Territories, Canada. Average HgT levels ranged from 0.057 mg/kg (cisco) to 0.551 mg/kg (northern pike), while average n-3 FA concentrations ranged from 101 mg/100 g (burbot) to 1,689 mg/100 g (lake trout). In contrast to HgT and n-3 FA, mean Se concentrations were relatively similar among species. Consequently, species such as lake whitefish, cisco, and longnose sucker displayed the highest nutrient levels relative to HgT content. Levels of HgT tended to increase with fish size, while Se and n-3 FA levels were typically not associated with fork length or fish weight. Interestingly, HgT concentration was occasionally inversely related to tissue nutrient content. Significant negative correlations were observed between Hg and n-3 FA for lake trout, northern pike, and walleye. There were also significant negative correlations between Hg and Se noted for lake whitefish, cisco, and northern pike. Samples with the highest nutritional content displayed, on occasion, lower levels of HgT. This study provides valuable information for the design of probabilistic models capable of refining public health messaging related to minimizing Hg risks and maximizing nutrient levels in wild-harvested fish in the Canadian subarctic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen S Reyes
- a School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Canada
| | | | | | - Rhona M Hanning
- a School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Canada
| | - Shannon E Majowicz
- a School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Canada
| | - Karsten Liber
- d Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , Saskatchewan , Canada
| | - Ken D Stark
- b Department of Kinesiology , University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Canada
| | - George Low
- e Dehcho Aboriginal Aquatic Resources and Ocean Management , Hay River, Northwest Territories , Canada
| | - Heidi K Swanson
- c Department of Biology , University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Canada
| | - Brian D Laird
- a School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Canada
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Jiang H, Qin D, Chen Z, Tang S, Bai S, Mou Z. Heavy Metal Levels in Fish from Heilongjiang River and Potential Health Risk Assessment. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 97:536-542. [PMID: 27473127 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-016-1894-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/23/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cr, As, Cd, Pb and Hg were determined in 153 samples covering 18 fish species collected from Heilongjiang River, China, and the potential health risks to local residents through fish consumption were estimated. Results revealed that all metals were detected with Cd and Pb having considerably lower detection rate. There were 28.6 % of Lethenteron camtschaticum samples exceeding the limit of inorganic As content established by Chinese legislation. Metal bioaccumulation in fish were poorly correlated with fish sizes, and generally tended to increase with trophic levels. The hazard quotient values of all fish species were far below 1 for general population and fishermen. The carcinogenic risk of As in L. camtschaticum for the local fishermen exceeded the acceptable level of 10(-4) rise in cancer rates, but was considered safe given the migratory habits of the fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haifeng Jiang
- Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin, 150070, China
| | - Dongli Qin
- Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin, 150070, China.
| | - Zhongxiang Chen
- Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin, 150070, China
| | - Shizhan Tang
- Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin, 150070, China
| | - Shuyan Bai
- Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin, 150070, China
| | - Zhenbo Mou
- Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin, 150070, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Donald DB. Relationships for mercury and selenium in muscle and ova of gravid freshwater fish. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2016; 188:582. [PMID: 27663874 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5567-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
At high concentrations, mercury (Hg) is toxic to vertebrates, causing neurological, behavioral, and teratological dysfunction. Selenium (Se) not only is an essential element but also has a high affinity for Hg, binding to organic methyl mercury at a molar ratio of Se/Hg of 1:1. Ratios of <1 increase risk of Hg toxicity. For gravid fish, low concentrations of Se in ova could increase potential for Hg toxicity, compromising embryonic development and fitness of fry. Mercury and selenium concentrations and ratios were investigated in the muscle and ovaries of six species from five families of fish to assess potential for risk to ecological fitness. Molar ratios of Se/Hg in muscle were typically >18 for lower trophic level species but ≤2 for piscivores. For all species combined, the concentrations of Hg in ova were significantly related to concentrations of Hg in muscle. Concentrations of Se in ova versus muscle showed a similar significant relationship that was independent of muscle Hg concentration. Mean ova molar Se/Hg ratios were high, ranging from 69 to 955 for the 6 species. However, a declining relationship between the ova Se/Hg molar ratio and the muscle concentration of Hg for all species combined suggests that development of ova and fry might be compromised for those piscivores with the highest muscle Hg concentrations because of Hg-related Se deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David B Donald
- Environment Canada, Room 300, Park Plaza, 2365 Albert Street, Regina, SK, S4P 4K1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Smylie MS, McDonough CJ, Reed LA, Shervette VR. Mercury bioaccumulation in an estuarine predator: Biotic factors, abiotic factors, and assessments of fish health. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 214:169-176. [PMID: 27086072 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Estuarine wetlands are major contributors to mercury (Hg) transformation into its more toxic form, methylmercury (MeHg). Although these complex habitats are important, estuarine Hg bioaccumulation is not well understood. The longnose gar Lepisosteus osseus (L. 1758), an estuarine predator in the eastern United States, was selected to examine Hg processes due to its abundance, estuarine residence, and top predator status. This study examined variability in Hg concentrations within longnose gar muscle tissue spatially and temporally, the influence of biological factors, potential maternal transfer, and potential negative health effects on these fish. Smaller, immature fish had the highest Hg concentrations and were predominantly located in low salinity waters. Sex and diet were also important factors and Hg levels peaked in the spring. Although maternal transfer occurred in small amounts, the potential negative health effects to young gar remain unknown. Fish health as measured by fecundity and growth rate appeared to be relatively unaffected by Hg at concentrations in the present study (less than 1.3 ppm wet weight). The analysis of biotic and abiotic factors relative to tissue Hg concentrations in a single estuarine fish species provided valuable insight in Hg bioaccumulation, biomagnification, and elimination. Insights such as these can improve public health policy and environmental management decisions related to Hg pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meredith S Smylie
- Grice Marine Laboratory, College of Charleston, 205 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
| | - Christopher J McDonough
- Marine Resources Division, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, 217 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29422, USA
| | - Lou Ann Reed
- National Ocean Service, NOAA, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Virginia R Shervette
- Department of Biology and Geology, University of South Carolina Aiken, 471 University Parkway, Aiken, SC 29801, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Li J, Xie X. Heavy Metal Concentrations in Fish Species from Three Gorges Reservoir, China, After Impoundment. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 96:616-621. [PMID: 26970977 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-016-1772-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of Pb, Cr, Cd, As, and Hg were analyzed in the muscles of eleven fish species collected from the Wanzhou section of the Three Gorges Reservoir, Yangtze River, China. The results showed that the concentrations of Pb, Cr, Cd, As, and Hg in the muscles of all of the fish species were lower than the proposed limits. The metal concentrations (Pb, Cr, Cd, and As) of pelagic fish species were found to be substantially lower than those in benthic fish species. The concentrations of Hg in carnivorous fish were higher than those in omnivorous fish. Compared with data obtained prior to the impoundment of the Three Gorges Reservoir, the concentration of Hg in the fish did not significantly increase after impoundment, while the concentrations of Pb, Cr, Cd, and As in the fish decreased.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Li
- Institute of Hydrobiology and Water Environment, School of Life Science, Southwest University, No 2, Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Xiaojun Xie
- Institute of Hydrobiology and Water Environment, School of Life Science, Southwest University, No 2, Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Tremain DM, Schaefer AM. Mercury concentrations in the prey of apex piscivores from a large subtropical estuary. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 95:433-444. [PMID: 25837774 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Estuaries are important ecosystems for mercury methylation and accumulation, yet few studies have quantified mercury levels in prey species that expose large estuarine piscivores to contamination. We measured mercury concentrations in key prey species from the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, USA, to characterize variability and assess the spatial distribution of mercury levels throughout the estuary. Mean mercury concentrations ranged from 0.015mg/kg in Mugil cephalus to 0.222mg/kg in Bairdiella chrysoura and varied considerably in some species. Spatial variation was observed within species, but a universal geographic pattern among species was not apparent, likely reflecting the broad habitat-use patterns associated with the estuarine-transient life histories of many of these common prey species. In contrast, estuarine-resident species, such as B. chrysoura, may be useful indicators of regional mercury methylation potential and bioaccumulation in biota. These results can advance future studies that relate dietary mercury uptake and mercury level variations in estuarine piscivores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Derek M Tremain
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Indian River Field Lab, 1220 Prospect Avenue, Suite 285, Melbourne, FL 32901, USA.
| | - Adam M Schaefer
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution at Florida Atlantic University, 5600 U.S. 1 North, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Polak-Juszczak L. Selenium and mercury molar ratios in commercial fish from the Baltic Sea: Additional risk assessment criterion for mercury exposure. Food Control 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2014.10.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
31
|
Ahmad NI, Noh MFM, Mahiyuddin WRW, Jaafar H, Ishak I, Azmi WNFW, Veloo Y, Hairi MH. Mercury levels of marine fish commonly consumed in Peninsular Malaysia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:3672-86. [PMID: 25256581 PMCID: PMC4334092 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3538-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the concentration of total mercury in the edible portion of 46 species of marine fish (n = 297) collected from selected major fish landing ports and wholesale markets throughout Peninsular Malaysia. Samples were collected in June to December 2009. Prior to analysis, the fish samples were processed which consisted of drying at 65 °C until a constant weight was attained; then, it was grounded and digested by a microwave digestion system. The analytical determination was carried out by using a mercury analysis system. Total mercury concentration among fish species was examined. The results showed that mercury concentrations were found significantly higher (p < 0.001) in demersal fish (the range was from 0.173 to 2.537 mg/kg in dried weight) compared to pelagic fish (which ranged from 0.055 to 2.137 mg/kg in dried weight). The mercury concentrations were also higher in carnivorous fish especially in the species with more predatory feeding habits. Besides, the family group of Latidae (0.537 ± 0.267 mg/kg in dried weight), Dasyatidae (0.492 ± 0.740 mg/kg in dried weight), and Lutjanidae (0.465 ± 0.566 mg/kg in dried weight) showed significantly (p < 0.001) higher mercury levels compared to other groups. Fish collected from Port Klang (0.563 ± 0.509 mg/kg in dry weight), Kuala Besar (0.521 ± 0.415 mg/kg in dry weight), and Pandan (0.380 ± 0.481 mg/kg in dry weight) were significantly higher (p = 0.014) in mercury concentrations when compared to fish from other sampling locations. Total mercury levels were significantly higher (p < 0.002) in bigger fish (body length >20 cm) and were positively related with fish size (length and weight) in all fish samples. Despite the results, the level of mercury in marine fish did not exceed the permitted levels of Malaysian and JECFA guideline values at 0.5 mg/kg methylmercury in fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Izzah Ahmad
- Institute for Medical Research, Jalan Pahang, 50588, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Polak-Juszczak L, Robak S. Mercury toxicity and the protective role of selenium in eel, Anguilla anguilla. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:679-688. [PMID: 25099659 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3382-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the impact trace metals, mainly toxic ones, on the condition of eel (Anguilla anguilla) inhabiting four regions of Poland. Metal concentrations in eel muscle tissues were studied as functions of size, region, and season 2011-2012. The levels of metals were also used for risk assessment on consumer health. Copper and zinc occurred at concentrations that could only have positive impacts on eel condition. Low levels of cadmium and lead did not impair the condition of the fish. However, mercury occurred at high levels and increased with fish length and season. The mercury levels in eels were compared with the threshold of toxicity (500-1,200 μg kg(-1)), which can cause changes in biochemical processes and impair fish reproduction. The concentration of mercury was 1,010 μg kg(-1) in one specimen of the 120 samples examined, and in 16 specimens, it exceeded 500 μg kg(-1). The toxic effects of the mercury could have been attenuated by the selenium in the muscles of the eel, especially in the muscles of smaller specimens in which the Se/Hg molar ratio was higher than 1 with a positive correlation between these two elements. In larger specimens measuring in excess of 70 cm, this coefficient was below 1, and the mercury to selenium correlation was negative, which meant that the protective effects of selenium were weaker. The mercury in the muscles of large specimens at levels exceeding 500 μg kg(-1) could have weakened eel condition and also posed a threat to consumer health. The cadmium and lead in the muscles of the eel did not affect the condition of the fish. Mercury weakened the condition of large eel, A. anguilla. Selenium protected small- and medium-sized eel against the toxic effects of mercury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucyna Polak-Juszczak
- Department of Food and Environmental Chemistry, National Marine Fisheries Research Institute, ul. Kołłataja 1, Gdynia, 81-332, Poland,
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Karimi R, Fisher NS, Meliker JR. Mercury-nutrient signatures in seafood and in the blood of avid seafood consumers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 496:636-643. [PMID: 24846746 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.04.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Revised: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Dietary recommendations for seafood are confusing due to the desire to balance both benefits from nutrients and risks from contaminants. The overall health value of different fish and shellfish items depends on concentrations of multiple nutrients (e.g., selenium (Se), omega-3 fatty acids) and contaminants (e.g., mercury (Hg)). However, few studies have examined the connections between human exposure to multiple nutrients and contaminants and the consumption of specific types of seafood. Our goals were to compare 1) Hg, Se and omega-3 fatty acid concentrations (Hg-nutrient signatures) among common fish and shellfish items and 2) Hg-nutrient signatures in the blood of avid seafood consumers, based on seafood consumption habits. We compiled nutrient and Hg concentration data for common fish and shellfish items from the literature. We also measured blood concentrations of Hg and seafood nutrients collected from adult, avid seafood consumers on Long Island, NY. Canonical discriminant analyses revealed distinct Hg-nutrient signatures among seafood items, and these signatures were reflected in the blood of consumers based on different consumption habits. For example, consumers with a salmon-dominated seafood diet had relatively high percentage of omega-3 fatty acids in blood, and consumers who tend to eat top predator seafood have higher Hg, but similar blood nutrient concentrations compared to consumers who tend to eat low trophic level seafood. These results provide direct evidence of links between the ecological characteristics of the type of seafood consumed and Hg-nutrient exposure. This approach helps assess the overall human health value of specific seafood types, leads to specific diet recommendations, and can be used to characterize risk:benefit status among seafood consumers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Karimi
- Stony Brook University, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Nicholas S Fisher
- Stony Brook University, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Jaymie R Meliker
- Stony Brook University, Program in Public Health and Department of Preventive Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Burger J, Gochfeld M, Batang Z, Alikunhi N, Al-Jahdali R, Al-Jebreen D, Aziz MAM, Al-Suwailem A. Interspecific and locational differences in metal levels in edible fish tissue from Saudi Arabia. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2014; 186:6721-46. [PMID: 24997870 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-3885-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Metal levels in fish have been extensively studied, but little data currently exists for the Middle East. We examined the levels of metals and metalloids (aluminum, arsenic, copper, manganese, selenium, zinc, and mercury) in the flesh of 13 fish species collected from three fishing sites and a local fish market in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. We tested the following null hypotheses: (1) there are no interspecific differences in metal levels, (2) there are no differences in metal levels in fishes between market and fishing sites, (3) there are no size-related differences in metal levels, and (4) there are no differences in selenium:mercury molar ratio among different fish species. There were significant interspecific differences in concentrations for all metals. There was an order of magnitude difference in the levels of aluminum, arsenic, mercury, manganese, and selenium, indicating wide variation in potential effects on the fish themselves and on their predators. Fishes from Area II, close to a large commercial port, had the highest levels of arsenic, mercury, and selenium, followed by market fishes. Mercury was positively correlated with body size in 6 of the 13 fish species examined. Mercury was correlated positively with arsenic and selenium, but negatively with aluminum, cobalt, copper, manganese, and zinc. Selenium:mercury molar ratios varied significantly among species, with Carangoides bajad, Cephalopholis argus, Variola louti, and Ephinephelus tauvina having ratios below 10:1. These findings can be used in risk assessments, design of mercury reduction plans, development of fish advisories to protect public health, and future management decision-making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Burger
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Burger J, Gochfeld M, Batang Z, Alikunhi N, Al-Jahdali R, Al-Jebreen D, Aziz MAM, Al-Suwailem A. Fish consumption behavior and rates in native and non-native people in Saudi Arabia. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 133:141-8. [PMID: 24926920 PMCID: PMC4467211 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Revised: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Fish are a healthy source of protein and nutrients, but contaminants in fish may provide health risks. Determining the risk from contaminants in fish requires site-specific information on consumption patterns. We examine consumption rates for resident and expatriates in the Jeddah region of Saudi Arabia, by species of fish and fishing location. For Saudis, 3.7% of males and 4.3% of females do not eat fish; for expatriates, the percent not eating fish is 6.6% and 6.1% respectively. Most people eat fish at home (over 90%), and many eat fish at restaurants (65% and 48%, respectively for Saudis and expatriates). Fish eaten at home comes from local fish markets, followed by supermarkets. Saudis included fish in their diets at an average of 1.4 ± 1.2 meals/week at home and 0.8 ± 0.7 meals/week at restaurants, while expats ate 2.0 ± 1.7 meals/week at home and 1.1 ± 1.1 meals/week in restaurants. Overall, Saudis ate 2.2 fish meals/week, while expats ate 3.1 meals/week. Grouper (Epinephelus and Cephalopholis) were eaten by 72% and 60% respectively. Plectropomus pessuliferus was the second favorite for both groups and Hipposcarus harid and Lethrinus lentjan were in 3rd and 4th place in terms of consumption. Average meal size was 68 g for Saudis and 128 g for expatriates. These data can be used by health professionals, risk assessors, and environmental regulators to examine potential risk from contaminants in fish, and to compare consumption rates with other sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Burger
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
| | - Michael Gochfeld
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Zenon Batang
- Coastal and Marine Resources Core Laboratory, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nabeel Alikunhi
- Coastal and Marine Resources Core Laboratory, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ramzi Al-Jahdali
- Coastal and Marine Resources Core Laboratory, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dalal Al-Jebreen
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Princess Nora bint Abdul Rahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A M Aziz
- Directorate of Aquatic Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Al-Suwailem
- Coastal and Marine Resources Core Laboratory, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Burger J, Gochfeld M, Jeitner C, Pittfield T, Donio M. Heavy metals in fish from the Aleutians: interspecific and locational differences. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 131:119-30. [PMID: 24727640 PMCID: PMC9621401 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Revised: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to examine levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury and selenium in edible tissue of seven species of marine fish collected from several Aleutian islands (in 2004) to determine: (1) interspecific differences, (2) locational differences (among Aleutian Islands), (3) size-related differences in any metal levels within a species, and (4) potential risk to the fish or to predators on the fish, including humans. We also compared metals levels to those of three other fish species previously examined in detail, as well as examining metals in the edible tissue of octopus (Octopus dofleini). Octopus did not have the highest levels of any metal. There were significant interspecific differences in all metal levels among the fish species, although the differences were less than an order of magnitude, except for arsenic (mean of 19,500 ppb in Flathead sole, Hippoglossoides elassodon). Significant intraisland variation occurred among the four sites on Amchitka, but there was not a consistent pattern. There were significant interisland differences for some metals and species. Mercury levels increased significantly with size for several species; lead increased significantly for only one fish species; and cadmium and selenium decreased significantly with size for halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis). The Alaskan Department of Health and Social Services supports unrestricted consumption of most Alaskan fish species for all people, including pregnant women. Most mean metal concentrations were well below the levels known to adversely affect the fish themselves, or predators that consume them (including humans), except for mercury in three fish species (mean levels just below 0.3 ppm), and arsenic in two fish species. However, even at low mercury levels, people who consume fish almost daily will exceed guideline values from the Centers for Disease Control and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Burger
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Consortium for Risk Evaluation with Stakeholder Participation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.
| | - Michael Gochfeld
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Consortium for Risk Evaluation with Stakeholder Participation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Christian Jeitner
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Consortium for Risk Evaluation with Stakeholder Participation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Taryn Pittfield
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Consortium for Risk Evaluation with Stakeholder Participation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Mark Donio
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Xu X, Newman MC, Fabrizio MC, Liang L. An ecologically framed mercury survey of finfish of the lower Chesapeake Bay. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2013; 65:510-520. [PMID: 23715787 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-013-9917-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MHg) concentrations and determents of mercury (Hg) accumulation were examined for muscle tissues of 10 finfish from the lower Chesapeake Bay (LCB) and its tributaries. There was no suggestion of potential human harm from Hg due to LCB fish consumption: None of the sampled fish had THg concentrations approaching the United States Environmental Protection Agency human health screening value. Hg concentrations in different fish species generally increased with the increasing stable isotope of nitrogen 15 (δ(15)N) but not the stable isotope of carbon 13 (δ(13)C), thus suggesting that trophic position but not dietary carbon source is a dominant determinant. An MHg biomagnification model was built to estimate a food web magnification factor of approximately 10-fold increase per trophic level. Based on otolith strontium-to-calcium ratios, Atlantic croaker inhabiting less saline waters might accumulate more Hg than those inhabiting more saline waters. The SAS mixed procedure identified significant positive intraspecies relationships between MHg concentration and δ(13)C for summer flounder, weakfish, American eel, Atlantic croaker, and spot.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Xu
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, PO Box 1346, Gloucester Point, VA 23062, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Karimi R, Frisk M, Fisher NS. Contrasting food web factor and body size relationships with Hg and Se concentrations in marine biota. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74695. [PMID: 24019976 PMCID: PMC3760827 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine fish and shellfish are primary sources of human exposure to mercury, a potentially toxic metal, and selenium, an essential element that may protect against mercury bioaccumulation and toxicity. Yet we lack a thorough understanding of Hg and Se patterns in common marine taxa, particularly those that are commercially important, and how food web and body size factors differ in their influence on Hg and Se patterns. We compared Hg and Se content among marine fish and invertebrate taxa collected from Long Island, NY, and examined associations between Hg, Se, body length, trophic level (measured by δ15N) and degree of pelagic feeding (measured by δ13C). Finfish, particularly shark, had high Hg content whereas bivalves generally had high Se content. Both taxonomic differences and variability were larger for Hg than Se, and Hg content explained most of the variation in Hg:Se molar ratios among taxa. Finally, Hg was more strongly associated with length and trophic level across taxa than Se, consistent with a greater degree of Hg bioaccumulation in the body over time, and biomagnification through the food web, respectively. Overall, our findings indicate distinct taxonomic and ecological Hg and Se patterns in commercially important marine biota, and these patterns have nutritional and toxicological implications for seafood-consuming wildlife and humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Karimi
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Jinadasa BKKK, Edirisinghe EMRKB, Wickramasinghe I. Total mercury content, weight and length relationship in swordfish (Xiphias gladius) in Sri Lanka. FOOD ADDITIVES & CONTAMINANTS PART B-SURVEILLANCE 2013; 6:244-8. [PMID: 24779931 DOI: 10.1080/19393210.2013.807521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global environmental pollutant that has been the cause of many public health concerns. It is transferred through trophic level and bio magnification in the food chain. Total Hg level was measured by cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry in muscle tissue of 176 Swordfish (Xiphiasgladius) samples ranging from 11.8-112.0 kg total weight and 45-278 cm total length, collected from major fish landing sites in Sri Lanka during July 2009 to March 2010. Total Hg concentration varied between 0.18-2.58 mg/kg wet weight (ww), with a mean value ± standard deviation of 0.90 ± 0.52 mg/kg ww. Of the investigated samples 32% exceeded Hg limits as set by the European Union and Sri Lankan legislation (1 mg/kg, ww). Hg concentration of swordfish showed a significant positive relationship (P value < 0.05) with the fish length and weight. Consequently, consumption of larger fish leads to an increase in the exposure level for consumers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B K K K Jinadasa
- a Institute of Post Harvest Technology , National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency (NARA) , Colombo , Sri Lanka
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Ouédraogo O, Amyot M. Mercury, arsenic and selenium concentrations in water and fish from sub-Saharan semi-arid freshwater reservoirs (Burkina Faso). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 444:243-254. [PMID: 23274243 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.11.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Revised: 11/27/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite intensive mining activities in Burkina Faso, little is known on the environmental impacts of metals and metalloids potentially released from these activities. Water samples and 334 fish from 10 reservoirs were taken in order to evaluate the extent of mercury (Hg), selenium (Se) and arsenic (As) contamination in aquatic systems and their potential health risk for humans and wildlife, taking into account their antagonistic interactions. Water and fish levels of these elements were relatively low and did not reveal an important impact of gold mining activities. Water temperature and conductivity were the key factors associated with higher levels of MeHg. Higher sulfate content was reported in sites with more particulate Hg, As and Se, suggesting anthropogenic origin of metal(loid) inputs in water reservoirs. Metal(loid) concentrations in fish were low and ranged from 0.002 to 0.607 μg/g wet weight (w.w.) for Hg, 0.023 to 0.672 for Se and 0.039 to 0.42 for As. These levels are similar or slightly higher than those reported in many other studies from Africa. Nevertheless, more than 70% of piscivore fish exceeded the threshold for wildlife protection for MeHg. Further, a traditional risk analysis performed ignoring Se antagonism indicated that these piscivores should be consumed by humans with caution. However, when taking into account the antagonistic effect of Se on Hg toxicity, up to 99% of all fish could be protected from Hg toxicity by their Se content. When considering both As/Se and Se/Hg antagonism, 83% instead the 99% of fish should be considered safe for consumption. Fish Se and As concentrations did not pose potential risk for both animals and humans. Overall, these reservoirs were relatively unaffected by As, Se and Hg contamination despite the rising gold mining activities. Further, considering antagonistic effects of As, Se and Hg may help refine consumption advisories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ousséni Ouédraogo
- GRIL, Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Burger J, Jeitner C, Donio M, Pittfield T, Gochfeld M. Mercury and selenium levels, and selenium:mercury molar ratios of brain, muscle and other tissues in bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) from New Jersey, USA. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 443:278-86. [PMID: 23202378 PMCID: PMC4321722 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.10.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Revised: 10/08/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
A number of contaminants affect fish health, including mercury and selenium, and the selenium:mercury molar ratio. Recently the protective effects of selenium on methylmercury toxicity have been publicized, particularly for consumption of saltwater fish. Yet the relative ameliorating effects of selenium on toxicity within fish have not been examined, nor has the molar ratio in different tissues, (i.e. brain). We examined mercury and selenium levels in brain, kidney, liver, red and white muscle, and skin and scales in bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) (n=40) from New Jersey to determine whether there were toxic levels of either metal, and we computed the selenium:mercury molar ratios by tissues. Total mercury averaged 0.32±0.02 ppm wet weight in edible muscle and 0.09±0.01 ppm in brain. Selenium concentration averaged 0.37±0.03 in muscle and 0.36±0.03 ppm in brain. There were significant differences in levels of mercury, selenium, and selenium:mercury molar ratios, among tissues. Mercury and selenium levels were correlated in kidney and skin/scales. Mercury levels were highest in kidney, intermediate in muscle and liver, and lowest in brain and skin/scales; selenium levels were also highest in kidney, intermediate in liver, and were an order of magnitude lower in the white muscle and brain. Mercury levels in muscle, kidney and skin/scales were positively correlated with fish size (length). Selenium levels in muscle, kidney and liver were positively correlated with fish length, but in brain; selenium levels were negatively correlated with fish length. The selenium:mercury molar ratio was negatively correlated with fish length for white muscle, liver, kidney, and brain, particularly for fish over 50 cm in length, suggesting that older fish experience less protective advantages of selenium against mercury toxicity than smaller fish, and that consumers of bluefish similarly receive less advantage from eating larger fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Burger
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Burger J. Role of self-caught fish in total fish consumption rates for recreational fishermen: Average consumption for some species exceeds allowable intake. JOURNAL OF RISK RESEARCH 2013; 16:1057-1075. [PMID: 23914136 PMCID: PMC3728903 DOI: 10.1080/13669877.2013.788546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Studies of fish consumption focus on recreational or subsistence fishing, on awareness and adherence to advisories, consumption patterns, and contaminants in fish. Yet the general public obtains their fish from commercial sources. In this paper I examine fish consumption patterns of recreational fishermen in New Jersey to determine: 1) consumption rates for self-caught fish and for other fish, 2) meals consumed per year, 3) average meal size, and average daily intake of mercury, and 4) variations in these parameters for commonly-consumed fish, and different methods of computing intake. Over 300 people were interviewed at fishing sites and fishing clubs along the New Jersey shore. Consumption patterns of anglers varied by species of fish. From 2 to 90 % of the anglers ate the different fish species, and between 9 and 75 % gave fish away to family or friends. Self-caught fish made up 7 to 92 % of fish diets. On average, self-caught fish were eaten for only 2 to 6 months of the year, whereas other fish (commercial or restaurant) were eaten up to 10 months a year. Anglers consumed from 5 to 36 meals of different fish a year, which resulted in intake of mercury ranging from 0.01 to 0.22 ug/kg/day. Average intake of Mako shark, swordfish, and tuna (sushi, canned tuna, self-caught tuna) exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's oral, chronic reference dose for mercury of 0.1 ug/kg/day. However, computing intake using consumption for the highest month results in average mercury intake exceeding the reference dose for striped bass and bluefish as well. These data, and the variability in consumption patterns, have implications for risk assessors, risk managers, and health professionals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Burger
- Division of Life Sciences, and Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Xia C, Wu X, Lam JCW, Xie Z, Lam PKS. Methylmercury and trace elements in the marine fish from coasts of East China. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2013; 48:1491-1501. [PMID: 23802158 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2013.796820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Fish consumption is an important source of human exposure to heavy metals. To determine the health risks for metals by consumption of marine fish in China, three species of fish, namely large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea), small yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena polyactis) and silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus) were collected and analyzed for methylmercury (MeHg), total mercury (T-Hg), selenium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, strontium and zinc. The large yellow croakers had the highest concentrations of mercury, lead, nickel and zinc, and the levels of MeHg were positively correlated to T-Hg. The ratios of MeHg to T-Hg in yellow croakers were significantly higher than those in silver pomfret, indicating differences in accumulation and magnification of MeHg in these two types of fish. The concentration of T-Hg was found to decrease as the Se level in fish tissues increased. Cadmium levels in 16% of the samples were higher than the criterion recommended by the European Commission Regulation. The concentrations of other metals were well below international standards. A human health risk assessment showed that the estimated daily intake of these metals did not exceed the reference dose established by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The hazard quotients (HQs) were all less than 1, indicating a situation of no risk for consumption of these fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chonghuan Xia
- Institute of Polar Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Burger J, Gochfeld M, Jeitner C, Donio M, Pittfield T. Interspecific and intraspecific variation in selenium:mercury molar ratios in saltwater fish from the Aleutians: potential protection on mercury toxicity by selenium. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 431:46-56. [PMID: 22664537 PMCID: PMC4300134 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2011] [Revised: 05/07/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2012] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
A number of factors affect the consumption risk from mercury in fish, including mercury levels, seasonal patterns of mercury concentrations, human consumption patterns, and sensitive populations (e.g. pregnant women, fetuses, young children, and yet unknown genetic factors). Recently the protective effects of selenium on methylmercury toxicity have been publicized, particularly for saltwater fish. We examine levels of mercury and selenium in several species of fish and seabirds from the Aleutians (Alaska), determine selenium:mercury molar ratios, and examine species-specific and individual variation in the ratios as a means of exploring the use of the ratio in risk assessment and risk management. Variation among species was similar for mercury and selenium. There was significant interspecific and intraspecific variation in selenium:mercury molar ratios for fish, and for birds. The mean selenium:mercury molar ratios for all fish and bird species were above 1, meaning there was an excess of selenium relative to mercury. It has been suggested that an excess of selenium confers some protective advantage for salt water fish, although the degree of excess necessary is unclear. The selenium:mercury molar ratio was significantly correlated negatively with total length for most fish species, but not for dolly varden. Some individuals of Pacific cod, yellow irish lord, rock greenling, Pacific halibut, dolly varden, and to a lesser extent, flathead sole, had selenium:mercury ratios below 1. No bird muscle had an excess of mercury (ratio below 1), and only glaucous-winged gull and pigeon guillemot had ratios between 1 and 5. There was a great deal of variation in selenium:mercury molar ratios within fish species, and within bird species, making it difficult and impractical to use these ratios in risk assessment or management, for fish advisories, or for consumers, particularly given the difficulty of interpreting the ratios.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Burger
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8082, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Burger J, Gochfeld M, Jeitner C, Donio M, Pittfield T. Selenium:mercury molar ratios in freshwater fish from Tennessee: individual, species, and geographical variations have implications for management. ECOHEALTH 2012; 9:171-82. [PMID: 22456727 PMCID: PMC4193431 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-012-0761-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Revised: 01/25/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrates, including humans, can experience adverse effects from mercury consumed in fish. Humans often prefer large predatory fish that bioaccumulate high mercury levels. Recent attention has focused on the role of selenium countering mercury toxicity, but there is little research on the selenium:mercury molar ratios in freshwater fish. We examine selenium:mercury molar ratios in freshwater fish from Tennessee at Poplar Creek which receives ongoing inputs of mercury from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge Y-12 facility. Our objective was to determine variation of the ratios within species that might affect the protectiveness of selenium against mercury toxicity. Within species, the ratio was correlated significantly and positively with fish length only for two species. There was great individual variation in the selenium:mercury molar ratio within each species, except striped bass. The lack of a clear relationship between the selenium:mercury molar ratio and fish length, and the intraspecific variation, suggests that it would be difficult to use the molar ratio in predicting either the risk from mercury toxicity or in devising consumption advisories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Burger
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8082, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Atta A, Voegborlo RB, Agorku ES. Total mercury distribution in different tissues of six species of freshwater fish from the Kpong hydroelectric reservoir in Ghana. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2012; 184:3259-3265. [PMID: 21713471 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-011-2186-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2010] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Total mercury concentrations were determined in seven tissues of 38 fish samples comprising six species from the Kpong hydroelectric reservoir in Ghana by cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry technique using an automatic mercury analyzer. Mercury concentration in all the tissues ranged from 0.005 to 0.022 μg/g wet weight. In general, the concentration of mercury in all the tissues were decreasing in the order; liver > muscle > intestine > stomach > gonad > gill > swim bladder. Mercury concentration was generally greater in the tissues of high-trophic-level fish such as Clarotes laticeps, Mormyrops anguilloides and Chrysichthys aurutus whereas low-trophic-level fish such as Oreochromis niloticus recorded low mercury concentration in their tissues. The results obtained for total mercury concentration in the muscle tissues analysed in this study are below the WHO/FAO threshold limit of 0.5 μg/g. This suggests that the exposure of the general public to Hg through fish consumption can be considered negligible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alhassan Atta
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Burger J, Gochfeld M. Selenium and mercury molar ratios in saltwater fish from New Jersey: individual and species variability complicate use in human health fish consumption advisories. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2012; 114:12-23. [PMID: 22405995 PMCID: PMC4041092 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2012.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2011] [Revised: 01/11/2012] [Accepted: 02/14/2012] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Balancing risk versus benefits to humans and other organisms from consuming fish is a national concern in the USA, as well as in many other parts of the world. Protecting public health is both a federal and state responsibility, and states respond by issuing fish consumption advisories, particularly for mercury. Recently it has been emphasized that the protective role of selenium against mercury toxicity depends on their molar ratios, which should be evaluated as an indication of selenium's protective capacity, and incorporated in risk assessments for fish consumption. However, there is no single "protective" ratio agreed upon. In this paper we examine the selenium:mercury (Se:Hg) molar ratios in a wide range of saltwater fish caught and eaten by recreational fishers along the New Jersey coast. We were particularly interested in interspecific and intraspecific variability, and whether the molar ratios were consistent within a species, allowing for its use in managing risk. The selenium-mercury molar ratio showed significant variation among and within fish species. The molar ratio decreased with the size of the fish species, decreased with the mercury levels, and within a fish species, the selenium:mercury ratio decreased with fish size. As an essential element, selenium undergoes some homeostatic regulation, but it is also highly toxic. Within species, mercury level tends to increase with size, accounting for the negative relationship between size and ratio. This variability may make it difficult to use the selenium:mercury molar ratio in risk assessment, risk management, and risk communication at this time, and more information is needed on how mercury and selenium actually interact and on the relationship between the molar ratios and health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Burger
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, Nelson Biological Laboratory, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8082, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Galitsopoulou A, Georgantelis D, Kontominas M. The influence of industrial-scale canning on cadmium and lead levels in sardines and anchovies from commercial fishing centres of the Mediterranean Sea. FOOD ADDITIVES & CONTAMINANTS PART B-SURVEILLANCE 2012; 5:75-81. [DOI: 10.1080/19393210.2012.658582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
49
|
Grotto D, Batista BL, Carneiro MFH, Barbosa Jr. F. Evaluation by ICP-MS of Essential, Nonessential and Toxic Elements in Brazilian Fish and Seafood Samples. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.4236/fns.2012.39165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
50
|
Gochfeld M, Burger J, Jeitner C, Donio M, Pittfield T. Seasonal, locational and size variations in mercury and selenium levels in striped bass (Morone saxatilis) from New Jersey. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2012; 112:8-19. [PMID: 22226733 PMCID: PMC4193446 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2011.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2010] [Revised: 12/08/2011] [Accepted: 12/13/2011] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
We examined total mercury and selenium levels in muscle of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) collected from 2005 to 2008 from coastal New Jersey. Of primary interest was whether there were differences in mercury and selenium levels as a function of size and location, and whether the legal size limits increased the exposure of bass consumers to mercury. We obtained samples mainly from recreational anglers, but also by seine and trawl. For the entire sample (n=178 individual fish), the mean (±standard error) for total mercury was 0.39±0.02 μg/g (=0.39 ppm, wet weight basis) with a maximum of 1.3 μg/g (=1.3 ppm wet weight). Mean selenium level was 0.30±0.01 μg/g (w/w) with a maximum of 0.9 μg/g). Angler-caught fish (n=122) were constrained by legal size limits to exceed 61 cm (24 in.) and averaged 72.6±1.3 cm long; total mercury averaged 0.48±0.021 μg/g and selenium averaged 0.29±0.01 μg/g. For comparable sizes, angler-caught fish had significantly higher mercury levels (0.3 vs 0.21 μg/g) than trawled fish. In both the total and angler-only samples, mercury was strongly correlated with length (Kendall tau=0.37; p<0.0001) and weight (0.38; p<0.0001), but was not correlated with condition or with selenium. In the whole sample and all subsamples, total length yielded the highest r(2) (up to 0.42) of any variable for both mercury and selenium concentrations. Trawled fish from Long Branch in August and Sandy Hook in October were the same size (68.9 vs 70.1cm) and had the same mercury concentrations (0.22 vs 0.21 ppm), but different selenium levels (0.11 vs 0.28 ppm). The seined fish (all from Delaware Bay) had the same mercury concentration as the trawled fish from the Atlantic coast despite being smaller. Angler-caught fish from the North (Sandy Hook) were larger but had significantly lower mercury than fish from the South (mainly Cape May). Selenium levels were high in small fish, low in medium-sized fish, and increased again in larger fish, but overall selenium was correlated with length (tau=0.14; p=0.006) and weight (tau=0.27; p<0.0001). Length-squared contributed significantly to selenium models, reflecting the non-linear relationship. Inter-year differences were explained partly by differences in sizes. The selenium:mercury molar ratio was below 1:1 in 20% of the fish and 25% of the angler-caught fish. Frequent consumption of large striped bass can result in exposure above the EPA's reference dose, a problem particularly for fetal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Gochfeld
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine, EOHSI, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Consortium for Risk Evaluation with Stakeholder Participation, and Environmental and Occupational Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Joanna Burger
- Consortium for Risk Evaluation with Stakeholder Participation, and Environmental and Occupational Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Division of Life Sciences, 604 Allison Road, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Christian Jeitner
- Consortium for Risk Evaluation with Stakeholder Participation, and Environmental and Occupational Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Division of Life Sciences, 604 Allison Road, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Mark Donio
- Consortium for Risk Evaluation with Stakeholder Participation, and Environmental and Occupational Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Division of Life Sciences, 604 Allison Road, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Taryn Pittfield
- Consortium for Risk Evaluation with Stakeholder Participation, and Environmental and Occupational Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Division of Life Sciences, 604 Allison Road, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|