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Evers DC, Ackerman JT, Åkerblom S, Bally D, Basu N, Bishop K, Bodin N, Braaten HFV, Burton MEH, Bustamante P, Chen C, Chételat J, Christian L, Dietz R, Drevnick P, Eagles-Smith C, Fernandez LE, Hammerschlag N, Harmelin-Vivien M, Harte A, Krümmel EM, Brito JL, Medina G, Barrios Rodriguez CA, Stenhouse I, Sunderland E, Takeuchi A, Tear T, Vega C, Wilson S, Wu P. Global mercury concentrations in biota: their use as a basis for a global biomonitoring framework. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024:10.1007/s10646-024-02747-x. [PMID: 38683471 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-024-02747-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
An important provision of the Minamata Convention on Mercury is to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the adopted measures and its implementation. Here, we describe for the first time currently available biotic mercury (Hg) data on a global scale to improve the understanding of global efforts to reduce the impact of Hg pollution on people and the environment. Data from the peer-reviewed literature were compiled in the Global Biotic Mercury Synthesis (GBMS) database (>550,000 data points). These data provide a foundation for establishing a biomonitoring framework needed to track Hg concentrations in biota globally. We describe Hg exposure in the taxa identified by the Minamata Convention: fish, sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals. Based on the GBMS database, Hg concentrations are presented at relevant geographic scales for continents and oceanic basins. We identify some effective regional templates for monitoring methylmercury (MeHg) availability in the environment, but overall illustrate that there is a general lack of regional biomonitoring initiatives around the world, especially in Africa, Australia, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and South Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Temporal trend data for Hg in biota are generally limited. Ecologically sensitive sites (where biota have above average MeHg tissue concentrations) have been identified throughout the world. Efforts to model and quantify ecosystem sensitivity locally, regionally, and globally could help establish effective and efficient biomonitoring programs. We present a framework for a global Hg biomonitoring network that includes a three-step continental and oceanic approach to integrate existing biomonitoring efforts and prioritize filling regional data gaps linked with key Hg sources. We describe a standardized approach that builds on an evidence-based evaluation to assess the Minamata Convention's progress to reduce the impact of global Hg pollution on people and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA.
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA, 95620, USA
| | | | - Dominique Bally
- African Center for Environmental Health, BP 826 Cidex 03, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Nil Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kevin Bishop
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Upsalla, Sweden
| | - Nathalie Bodin
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development Seychelles Fishing Authority, Victoria, Seychelles
| | | | - Mark E H Burton
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Celia Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - John Chételat
- Environment and Cliamte Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Linroy Christian
- Department of Analytical Services, Dunbars, Friars Hill, St John, Antigua and Barbuda
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Paul Drevnick
- Teck American Incorporated, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Collin Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Luis E Fernandez
- Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability and Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 29106, USA
- Centro de Innovación Científica Amazonica (CINCIA), Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, Peru
| | - Neil Hammerschlag
- Shark Research Foundation Inc, 29 Wideview Lane, Boutiliers Point, NS, B3Z 0M9, Canada
| | - Mireille Harmelin-Vivien
- Aix-Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS/INSU/IRD, Institut Méditerranéen d'Océanologie (MIO), UM 110, Campus de Luminy, case 901, 13288, Marseille, cedex 09, France
| | - Agustin Harte
- Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Chem. des Anémones 15, 1219, Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eva M Krümmel
- Inuit Circumpolar Council-Canada, Ottawa, Canada and ScienTissiME Inc, Barry's Bay, ON, Canada
| | - José Lailson Brito
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Sao Francisco Xavier, 524, Sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Medina
- Director of Basel Convention Coordinating Centre, Stockholm Convention Regional Centre for Latin America and the Caribbean, Hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Iain Stenhouse
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Elsie Sunderland
- Harvard University, Pierce Hall 127, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Akinori Takeuchi
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, Health and Environmental Risk Division, 16-2 Onogawa Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Tim Tear
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Claudia Vega
- Centro de Innovaccion Cientifica Amazonica (CINCIA), Jiron Ucayali 750, Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, 17001, Peru
| | - Simon Wilson
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) Secretariat, N-9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Pianpian Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
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Liu X, Wang Z, Wang C, Wang B, Cao H, Shan J, Zhang X. Mercury distribution, exposure and risk in Poyang Lake and vicinity, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123409. [PMID: 38244906 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), especially methylmercury (MeHg), which is highly neurotoxic, is a global pollutant that can affect human health because of its accumulation in aquatic products. Poyang Lake, an inland lake in China, has been significantly affected by human activity, yet there is limited understanding of local mercury contamination and potential exposure pathways to humans. In this study, we explored the risks of mercury exposure by sampling sediments, plants, and aquatic organisms in the lake and surrounding areas and analyzing total Hg (THg) and MeHg levels. Sediment sampling was conducted at the main lake, rivers, rice paddies, and fishponds. Two dominant species of plants and 15 species of aquatic organisms were sampled and analyzed. We assessed the characteristics of mercury in sediments using the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), mercury exposure using the biomagnification factor (BMF) and biota sediment accumulation factor (BSAF), and risks using thresholds for adverse effects. The highest THg concentrations (137.04 ± 44.3 ng g-1 dw) were detected in the main lake sediments, whereas the highest MeHg concentrations (0.47 ± 0.6 ng g-1 dw) were detected in fishpond sediments. Mercury accumulation in the main lake sediments could be assessed as contaminated (Igeo > 0: 81.6%). Yellow catfish had the highest mercury concentration (THg 770.69 ± 199.7 ng g-1 dw; MeHg 741.93 ± 168.8 ng g-1 dw). Piscivores were adversely affected by carnivorous fish (50.8%), but all fish concentrations did not exceed the food safety standards recommend by China and the WHO. The mercury exposure results revealed significant Hg biomagnification and enrichment (BMF >1: 94.55%; BSAFmax = 1218). Long-term monitoring of aquatic organisms is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhangwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Chunjie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Huabin Cao
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Jihong Shan
- Wildlife and Plant Protection Center, Jiangxi Provincial Department of Forestry, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Xiaoshan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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3
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Alqahtani MA, El-Ghiaty MA, El-Mahrouk SR, El-Kadi AOS. Differential Modulatory Effects of Methylmercury (MeHg) on Ahr-regulated Genes in Extrahepatic Tissues of C57BL/6 Mice. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-023-04050-y. [PMID: 38197905 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-04050-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD) are potent environmental pollutants implicated in the modulation of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, particularly the cytochrome P450 1 family (CYP1) which is regulated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). However, the co-exposure to MeHg and TCDD raises concerns about their potential combined effects, necessitating thorough investigation. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the individual and combined effects of MeHg and TCDD on AHR-regulated CYP1 enzymes in mouse extrahepatic tissues. Therefore, C57BL/6 mice were administrated with MeHg (2.5 mg/kg) in the absence and presence of TCDD (15 μg/kg) for 6 and 24 h. The AHR-regulated CYP1 mRNA and protein expression levels were measured in the heart, lung, and kidney, using RT real-time PCR and western blot, respectively. Interestingly, treatment with MeHg exhibited mainly inhibitory effect, particularly, it decreased the basal level of Cyp1a1 and Cyp1a2 mRNA and protein, and that was more evident at the 24 h time point in kidney followed by heart. Similarly, when mice were co-exposed, MeHg was able to reduce the TCDD-induced Cyp1a1 and Cyp1a2 expression, however, MeHg potentiated kidney Cyp1b1 mRNA expression, opposing the observed change on its protein level. Also, MeHg induced antioxidant NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) mRNA and protein in kidney, while heme-oxygenase (HO-1) mRNA was up-regulated in heart and kidney. In conclusion, this study reveals intricate interplay between MeHg and TCDD on AHR-regulated CYP1 enzymes, with interesting inhibitory effects observed that might be significant for procarcinogen metabolism. Varied responses across tissues highlight the potential implications for environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Alqahtani
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, 2142J Katz Group-Rexall Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Mahmoud A El-Ghiaty
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, 2142J Katz Group-Rexall Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Sara R El-Mahrouk
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, 2142J Katz Group-Rexall Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Ayman O S El-Kadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, 2142J Katz Group-Rexall Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1, Canada.
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Wu P, Yan H, Kainz MJ, Branfireun B, Bergström AK, Jing M, Bishop K. Investigating the diet source influence on freshwater fish mercury bioaccumulation and fatty acids-Experiences from Swedish lakes and Chinese reservoirs. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023:10.1007/s10646-023-02712-0. [PMID: 37966666 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-023-02712-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Dietary uptake is key for transferring potentially toxic contaminants, such as mercury (Hg) and essential dietary nutrients, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), to consumers at higher trophic levels of aquatic food webs. We evaluated the role of diet sources for Hg bioaccumulation and PUFA retention in fish across lake food webs in seven Swedish lakes and two Chinese reservoirs. Fish total Hg (THg) and methyl-Hg (MeHg) differed greatly between the two countries: the Chinese fish contained less than 300 ng g-1 dry weight (d.w.) THg with less than 50% as MeHg, versus the Swedish fishes which contained approximately 2000 ng g-1 d.w. THg and nearly 100% as MeHg. Fatty acids enrichment of linoleic acids (LIN) were more prevalent in the Chinese fishes regardless of size (p < 0.05). Here we examined food web length, fish growth rates, and fatty acids patterns in relation to the quality of fish as a food source for both Hg and FA. Contrary to the expectation that biodilution of Hg throughout the food chain would explain these differences, a more complex picture emerged with high levels of Hg at the base of the food web in the Chinese reservoirs, a decoupling of fatty acid and Hg bioaccumulation, and a major role for both fish stocking and fish feed. It is hoped that this work will provide a nuanced picture of fish quality as a food source in different ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pianpian Wu
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Haiyu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, China.
| | - Martin J Kainz
- WasserCluster - Biologische Station Lunz, Inter-University Center for Aquatic Ecosystem Research, Lunz am See, Austria
- Research Lab for Aquatic Ecosystems and -Health, Danube University Krems, Krems, Austria
| | | | | | - Min Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, China
- School of Public Health, the Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Kevin Bishop
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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Makaure J, Dube T, Stewart D, Razavi NR. Mercury Exposure in Two Fish Trophic Guilds from Protected and ASGM-Impacted Reservoirs in Zimbabwe and Possible Risks to Human Health. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2023; 84:199-213. [PMID: 36639419 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-023-00977-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite a surge in mercury (Hg) pollution from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Zimbabwe's drainage basins, little is known about Hg trophodynamics in the country's major reservoirs. We analyzed fish tissues for total mercury (THg) and stable isotopes of nitrogen and carbon (δ15N and δ13C) to compare patterns of biomagnification between two trophic guilds from a protected reservoir (Chivero) and an ASGM-impacted reservoir (Mazowe) and assessed consequences for human and fish health. Mean dry weight THg concentrations were significantly higher for both piscivorous and herbivorous fishes from Mazowe reservoir compared to fishes from similar feeding guilds in Chivero. Trophic magnification slopes (TMS), inferred from linear regressions between log10[THg] and δ15N, revealed significant Hg biomagnification in Mazowe (TMS = 0.28; p < 0.05) and no evidence for Hg biomagnification in Chivero (TMS = - 0.005; p > 0.05). In Mazowe's piscivorous fishes, 32% had wet weight THg concentrations that surpassed 0.2 µg/g ww, a threshold for susceptible human populations and biochemical and gene expression alterations in fish. In addition, 17% of Mazowe's piscivorous fishes surpassed the UNEP THg toxicity threshold for human consumption (0.5 µg/g ww). To reduce exposure to Hg toxicity in humans, the maximum fish consumption for piscivorous species from Mazowe reservoir should not exceed 431 g/week for both adult male and female consumers. Our findings demonstrate the importance of creating freshwater-protected areas to prevent direct Hg contamination of aquatic ecosystems and the need for health agencies to provide fish consumption advisories to vulnerable communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Makaure
- Department of Environmental Biology, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Trevor Dube
- Department of Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
| | - Donald Stewart
- Department of Environmental Biology, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - N Roxanna Razavi
- Department of Environmental Biology, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
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Córdoba-Tovar L, Marrugo-Negrete J, Barón PR, Díez S. Drivers of biomagnification of Hg, As and Se in aquatic food webs: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112226. [PMID: 34717950 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Biomagnification of trace elements is increasingly evident in aquatic ecosystems. In this review we investigate the drivers of biomagnification of mercury (Hg), arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) in aquatic food webs. Despite Hg, As and Se biomagnify in food webs, the biomagnification potential of Hg is much higher than that of As and Se. The slope of trophic increase of Hg is consistent between temperate (0.20), tropical (0.22) and Arctic (0.22) ecosystems. Se exerts a mitigating role against Hg toxicity but desired maximum and minimum concentrations are unknown. Environmental (e.g. latitude, temperature and physicochemical characteristics) and ecological factors (e.g. trophic structure composition and food zone) can substantially influence the biomagnification process these metal (oids). Besides the level of bioaccumulated concentration, biomagnification depends on the biology, ecology and physiology of the organisms that play a key role in this process. However, it may be necessary to determine strictly biological, physiological and environmental factors that could modulate the concentrations of As and Se in particular. The information presented here should provide clues for research that include under-researched variables. Finally, we suggest that biomagnification be incorporated into environmental management policies, mainly in risk assessment, monitoring and environmental protection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonomir Córdoba-Tovar
- Universidad Tecnólogica del Chocó, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Grupo de Investigación Recursos Naturales y Toxicología Ambiental, Quibdó, Chocó, A.A 292, Colombia; Universidad de Córdoba, Cra 6 # 76 - 103, Montería, 230002, Córdoba, Colombia
| | | | - Pablo Ramos Barón
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Facultad de Estudios Ambientales y Rurales, Transversal 4#42-00, Bogotá, D.C, Colombia
| | - Sergi Díez
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain.
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Azevedo LS, Pestana IA, Almeida MG, Ferreira da Costa Nery A, Bastos WR, Magalhães Souza CM. Mercury biomagnification in an ichthyic food chain of an amazon floodplain lake (Puruzinho Lake): Influence of seasonality and food chain modeling. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 207:111249. [PMID: 32890953 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) biomagnification in fish food chains is a relevant subject due to the high fish consumption of the Amazonian population and the high toxicity of this metal. In the Amazon, floodplain lake hydrodynamics change considerably along the four seasons of the hydrological cycle (rising water, high water, falling water and low water), which can influence Hg bioaccumulation in fish. The main aim of this study was to evaluate if Hg biomagnification is influenced by seasonality in a floodplain lake (Puruzinho Lake) in the Brazilian Amazon. Additionally, the influence of food chain modeling on measurement of Hg biomagnification was tested. Hg concentrations and stable isotope signatures (carbon and nitrogen) were estimated in four species, Mylossoma duriventre (herbivorous), Prochilodus nigricans (detritivorous), Cichla pleiozona (piscivorous) and Serrasalmus rhombeus (piscivorous). The "trophic magnification slope" (TMS) of the food chain composed by the four species was calculated and compared among the four seasons. There was no significant seasonal variation in TMS among rising water, high water, falling water and low water seasons (p = 0.08), suggesting that Hg biomagnification does not change seasonally. However, there was significant variation in TMS among different food chain models. Lower TMS was observed in a food chain composed of detritivorous and piscivorous fish (0.20) in comparison with a food chain composed of the four species (0.26). The results indicate food chain modeling influences TMS results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Silva Azevedo
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Parque Califórnia, CEP, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil.
| | - Inácio Abreu Pestana
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Parque Califórnia, CEP, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Gomes Almeida
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Parque Califórnia, CEP, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Adriely Ferreira da Costa Nery
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Olaria, CEP, 76815-800, Porto Velho, Rondônia, RO, Brazil
| | - Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Olaria, CEP, 76815-800, Porto Velho, Rondônia, RO, Brazil
| | - Cristina Maria Magalhães Souza
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Parque Califórnia, CEP, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
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8
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Yan H, Li Q, Yuan Z, Jin S, Jing M. Research Progress of Mercury Bioaccumulation in the Aquatic Food Chain, China: A Review. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 102:612-620. [PMID: 31101929 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-019-02629-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Research on mercury (Hg) in aquatic ecosystems in China has focused mainly on fish, with little research on the base of the food chain and Hg bioaccumulation mechanisms. This paper summarizes research progress pertaining to the characteristics, current status, and trends of Hg accumulation in the aquatic food chain in China, analyzes the effects of human activities on the transmission and accumulation of Hg in aquatic food chains, and assesses their risks to human and ecosystem health. A comparison of fish samples in China between 2000 and 2018 indicates that their total Hg content remains at relatively safe levels. However, because current information is generally insufficient to confirm how anthropogenic activities affect transformation and bioaccumulation in the aqueous environment, Hg isotope studies should be a focus of research on aquatic food webs. Additionally, more attention should be paid to Hg transport and bioaccumulation in the basic food chain by focusing on multi-contaminant joint exposure studies and establishing Hg bio-transport models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Qiuhua Li
- Key Laboratory for Information System of Mountainous Area and Protection of Ecological Environment of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550001, China.
| | - Zhenhui Yuan
- Key Laboratory for Information System of Mountainous Area and Protection of Ecological Environment of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550001, China
| | - Shuang Jin
- Key Laboratory for Information System of Mountainous Area and Protection of Ecological Environment of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550001, China
- International Joint Research Centre for Aquatic Ecology, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550001, China
| | - Min Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
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9
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Eagles-Smith CA, Silbergeld EK, Basu N, Bustamante P, Diaz-Barriga F, Hopkins WA, Kidd KA, Nyland JF. Modulators of mercury risk to wildlife and humans in the context of rapid global change. AMBIO 2018; 47:170-197. [PMID: 29388128 PMCID: PMC5794686 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-017-1011-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Environmental mercury (Hg) contamination is an urgent global health threat. The complexity of Hg in the environment can hinder accurate determination of ecological and human health risks, particularly within the context of the rapid global changes that are altering many ecological processes, socioeconomic patterns, and other factors like infectious disease incidence, which can affect Hg exposures and health outcomes. However, the success of global Hg-reduction efforts depends on accurate assessments of their effectiveness in reducing health risks. In this paper, we examine the role that key extrinsic and intrinsic drivers play on several aspects of Hg risk to humans and organisms in the environment. We do so within three key domains of ecological and human health risk. First, we examine how extrinsic global change drivers influence pathways of Hg bioaccumulation and biomagnification through food webs. Next, we describe how extrinsic socioeconomic drivers at a global scale, and intrinsic individual-level drivers, influence human Hg exposure. Finally, we address how the adverse health effects of Hg in humans and wildlife are modulated by a range of extrinsic and intrinsic drivers within the context of rapid global change. Incorporating components of these three domains into research and monitoring will facilitate a more holistic understanding of how ecological and societal drivers interact to influence Hg health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ellen K. Silbergeld
- Johns Hopkin Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, E6644, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Niladri Basu
- McGill University, 204-CINE Building, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9 Canada
| | - Paco Bustamante
- University of La Rochelle, laboratory of Littoral Environment and Societies, Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), LIENSs UMR 7266 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Fernando Diaz-Barriga
- Center for Applied Research in Environment and Health at, Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi, Avenida Venustiano Carranza No. 2405, Col Lomas los Filtros Código Postal, 78214 San Luis Potosí, SLP Mexico
| | - William A. Hopkins
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, 310 West Campus Drive Virginia Tech, Cheatham Hall, Room 106 (MC 0321), Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
| | - Karen A. Kidd
- Department of Biology & School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W., Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Jennifer F. Nyland
- Department of Biological Sciences, 1101 Camden Ave, Salisbury, MD 21801 USA
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Dong Z, Lynch RA, Schaider LA. Key contributors to variations in fish mercury within and among freshwater reservoirs in Oklahoma, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2016; 18:222-36. [PMID: 26729635 PMCID: PMC5321686 DOI: 10.1039/c5em00495k] [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] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Elevated fish mercury (Hg) concentrations in freshwater ecosystems worldwide are a significant human and ecological health concern. Mercury bioaccumulation and biomagnification in lakes and reservoirs are controlled by numerous biogeochemical and ecological factors, contributing to variability in fish Hg concentrations both within and among systems. We measured total mercury concentrations ([THg]) and stable isotopes (δ(15)N, δ(13)C) in over 30 fish species in two connected subtropical freshwater reservoirs (Grand Lake and Lake Hudson, Oklahoma, USA), their tributaries, and local farm ponds, all of which are potentially impacted by nearby atmospheric Hg sources. We also conducted an inter-system analysis among 61 reservoirs in Oklahoma to explore biological, chemical and physical factors associated with fish [THg] across systems. We found that [THg] for most species in Grand Lake and Lake Hudson were relatively low compared to other reservoirs in Oklahoma. There were significant spatial variations in many species within and between Grand Lake and Lake Hudson, even after accounting for length and/or trophic position (based on δ(15)N). Fish in local farm ponds, commonly used in agricultural regions for raising game fish, had 2-17 times higher [THg] than fish of a similar length in nearby reservoirs. The inter-system analysis revealed that pH, water color, rainfall, and nutrients are the best predictors of fish [THg] across systems. Our results provide insight into the key factors associated with fish [THg] variations both within and across systems, and may be useful for exposure assessment and for identifying sites and water bodies prone to high fish [THg] as monitoring priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Dong
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Robert A Lynch
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73126, USA
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Ouédraogo O, Chételat J, Amyot M. Bioaccumulation and trophic transfer of mercury and selenium in african sub-tropical fluvial reservoirs food webs (Burkina Faso). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123048. [PMID: 25875292 PMCID: PMC4395242 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The bioaccumulation and biomagnification of mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) were investigated in sub-tropical freshwater food webs from Burkina Faso, West Africa, a region where very few ecosystem studies on contaminants have been performed. During the 2010 rainy season, samples of water, sediment, fish, zooplankton, and mollusks were collected from three water reservoirs and analysed for total Hg (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), and total Se (TSe). Ratios of δ13C and δ15N were measured to determine food web structures and patterns of contaminant accumulation and transfer to fish. Food chain lengths (FCLs) were calculated using mean δ15N of all primary consumer taxa collected as the site-specific baseline. We report relatively low concentrations of THg and TSe in most fish. We also found in all studied reservoirs short food chain lengths, ranging from 3.3 to 3.7, with most fish relying on a mixture of pelagic and littoral sources for their diet. Mercury was biomagnified in fish food webs with an enrichment factor ranging from 2.9 to 6.5 for THg and from 2.9 to 6.6 for MeHg. However, there was no evidence of selenium biomagnification in these food webs. An inverse relationship was observed between adjusted δ15N and log-transformed Se:Hg ratios, indicating that Se has a lesser protective effect in top predators, which are also the most contaminated animals with respect to MeHg. Trophic position, carbon source, and fish total length were the factors best explaining Hg concentration in fish. In a broader comparison of our study sites with literature data for other African lakes, the THg biomagnification rate was positively correlated with FCL. We conclude that these reservoir systems from tropical Western Africa have low Hg biomagnification associated with short food chains. This finding may partly explain low concentrations of Hg commonly reported in fish from this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ousséni Ouédraogo
- Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en limnologie, Département de sciences biologiques, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - John Chételat
- Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marc Amyot
- Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en limnologie, Département de sciences biologiques, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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