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Skalny AV, Korobeinikova TV, Kirichuk AA, Aschner M, Paoliello MMB, Barbosa F, Farina M, Tinkov AA. Trends of hair Hg accumulation in reproductive-age women living in Central Russia and the calculated costs of Hg-induced IQ loss in the period between 2005 and 2021. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 85:127493. [PMID: 38986393 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127493] [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: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate hair mercury (Hg) content in reproductive-age women living in Central Russia (Moscow and Moscow region), and to calculate the potential costs of the potential Hg-induced IQ loss in a hypothetical national birth cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 36,263 occupationally non-exposed women aged between 20 and 40 years living in Moscow (n = 30,626) or Moscow region (n = 5637) in the period between 2005 and 2021 participated in this study. Hair Hg content was evaluated with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Hair Hg levels in reproductive-age women were used for assessment of the potential IQ loss and its costs. RESULTS The results demonstrate that hair Hg content in the periods between 2010 and 2015, and 2016-2021 was significantly lower than that in 2005-2009 by 26 % and 51 %, respectively. The highest hair Hg level was observed in women in 2005 (0.855 µg/g), being more than 2.5-fold higher than the lowest value observed in 2020 (0.328 µg/g). Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant inverse association between the year of analysis and hair Hg content (β = -0.288; p < 0.001). The calculations demonstrate that in 2005 the costs of IQ loss in children exceeded 1.0 (1.6) billion USD, whereas in 2020 the costs of IQ loss accounted to approximately 0.15 (0.28) billion USD. CONCLUSION Taken together, our data demonstrate that Hg accumulation in reproductive-age women reduced significantly in Russia from 2005 to 2021 resulting in predicted economic benefits by decreasing the costs of Hg-induced IQ loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anatoly V Skalny
- Laboratory of Ecobiomonitoring and Quality Control, Yaroslavl State University, Sovetskaya Str. 14, Yaroslavl 150000, Russia; Laboratory of Molecular Dietetics, IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Bolshaya Pirogovskaya St., 2-4, Moscow 119146, Russia; Department of Human Ecology and Bioelementology, and Department of Medical Elementology, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow 117198, Russia
| | - Tatiana V Korobeinikova
- Laboratory of Ecobiomonitoring and Quality Control, Yaroslavl State University, Sovetskaya Str. 14, Yaroslavl 150000, Russia
| | - Anatoly A Kirichuk
- Department of Human Ecology and Bioelementology, and Department of Medical Elementology, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow 117198, Russia
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Monica M B Paoliello
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Farina
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo-USP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Alexey A Tinkov
- Laboratory of Ecobiomonitoring and Quality Control, Yaroslavl State University, Sovetskaya Str. 14, Yaroslavl 150000, Russia; Laboratory of Molecular Dietetics, IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Bolshaya Pirogovskaya St., 2-4, Moscow 119146, Russia.
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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; 33:325-396. [PMID: 38683471 PMCID: PMC11213816 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-024-02747-x] [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: 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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Christian LD, Burton MEH, Mohammed A, Nelson W, Shah TA, Bertide-Josiah L, Yurek HG, Evers DC. An evaluation of fish and invertebrate mercury concentrations in the Caribbean Region. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 33:397-414. [PMID: 38836941 PMCID: PMC11213769 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-024-02754-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Mercury is a ubiquitous pollutant of global concern but the threat of exposure is not homogenously distributed at local, regional, or global scales. The primary route of human exposure to mercury is through consumption of aquatic foods, which are culturally and economically important in the wider Caribbean Region, especially for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). We compiled more than 1600 samples of 108 unique species of fish and aquatic invertebrates collected between 2005 and 2023 from eleven countries or territories in the wider Caribbean Region. There was wide variability in total mercury concentrations with 55% of samples below the 0.23 µg/g wet weight (ww) guideline from the U.S. FDA/EPA (2022) for 2 or 3 weekly servings and 26% exceeding the 0.46 µg/g ww guideline consistent with adverse effects on human health from continual consumption, particularly for sensitive populations. Significant relationships were found between total mercury concentrations and taxonomic family, sampling country, fish length, and trophic level. The data analyzed here support the need for further sampling with concrete geospatial data to better understand patterns and mechanisms in mercury concentrations and allow for more informed decision making on the consumption of fish and invertebrates from the wider Caribbean Region as well as supporting efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of national, regional, and international mercury policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linroy D Christian
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda.
| | | | - Azad Mohammed
- The University of The West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Wendy Nelson
- Institute of Marine Affairs, Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago
| | | | - Laël Bertide-Josiah
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda
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Stajnko A, Lundh T, Assarson E, Åkerberg Krook E, Broberg K. Lead, cadmium, and mercury blood levels in schoolchildren in southern Sweden: Time trends over the last decades. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 346:140562. [PMID: 38303383 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140562] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
To prevent diseases arising from exposure to toxic metals, more knowledge about their temporal changes is needed, especially in children, the most vulnerable group. This study follows temporal changes in blood lead (BPb), mercury (BHg) and cadmium (BCd) levels in schoolchildren (8-11 years old) from two cities in southern Sweden. One blood sample per 773 children was used for time trend analyses between 2007 and 2022. One further blood sample re-sampled after 2 years, were used to assess intra-individual time trends of BPb (n = 377), BCd (n = 102) and BHg (n = 53) between 1979 and 2019. Geometric mean (range) of BPb, BCd and BHg concentrations during 2007-2022 was 9.9 (2.3-59), 0.09 (0.03-0.34) and 0.73 (0.02-8.2) μg/L, respectively. Living close to a Pb smelter resulted in higher levels of all three metals compared with living in the city or rural area. Annually, the concentrations clearly decreased for BPb (-4.9%, p < 0.001) and weakly for BCd (-0.6%, p = 0.013), while BHg slightly increased (+1.4%, p = 0.029). When stratified by residential area, the decrease of BCd and increase of BHg were significant only in the urban area (-1.8% and +2.8%, respectively; p < 0.01). The BPb decrease rate was the highest in the urban area followed by the rural and Pb smelter areas (-5.8% > -4.5% > -3.9%; p < 0.001). For children re-analysed during 1979-2019, a significant decrease was observed only for BPb (-6.8%; p < 0.001), with a 2% higher decrease rate in the period before than after the Pb-gasoline ban in 1994. The preventive measures against Pb pollution are reflected in the constant decrease of BPb levels over time. However, the area close to a Pb smelter, as indicated by a slower Pb decrease rate, might need further and stricter preventive measures. Exposure to Hg and Cd was low, however, the slight increase in BHg and only a minor decrease in BCd, indicate the need for continuous biomonitoring of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Stajnko
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Thomas Lundh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Eva Assarson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Else Åkerberg Krook
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karin Broberg
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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5
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Burke S, Muir DCG, Kirk J, Barst BD, Iqaluk D, Wang X, Pope M, Lamoureux SF, Lafrenière MJ. Divergent Temporal Trends of Mercury in Arctic Char from Paired Lakes Influenced by Climate-Related Drivers. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:2712-2725. [PMID: 37712511 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5744] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Climate-driven changes including rising air temperatures, enhanced permafrost degradation, and altered precipitation patterns can have profound effects on contaminants, such as mercury (Hg), in High Arctic lakes. Two physically similar lakes, East Lake and West Lake at the Cape Bounty Arctic Watershed Observatory on Melville Island, Nunavut, Canada are being affected by climate change differently. Both lakes have experienced permafrost degradation in their catchments; however, West Lake has also undergone multiple underwater Mass Movement Events (MMEs; beginning in fall 2008), leading to a sustained 50-fold increase in turbidity. This provided the unique opportunity to understand the potential impacts of permafrost degradation and other climate-related effects on Hg concentrations and body condition of landlocked Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus), an important sentinel species across the Circum-Arctic. Our objectives were to assess temporal trends in char Hg concentrations and to determine potential mechanisms driving the trends. There was a significant decrease in Hg concentrations in East Lake char, averaging 6.5%/year and 3.8%/year for length-adjusted and age-adjusted means, respectively, from 2008 to 2019. Conversely, in West Lake there was a significant increase, averaging 7.9%/year and 8.0%/year for length-adjusted and age-adjusted mean Hg concentrations, respectively, for 2009 to 2017 (the last year with sufficient sample size). The best predictors of length-adjusted Hg concentrations in West Lake were carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios, indicating a shift in diet including possible dietary starvation brought on by the profound increase in lake turbidity. Our study provides an example of how increasing lake turbidity, a likely consequence of climate warming in Arctic lakes, may influence fish condition and Hg concentrations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2712-2725. © 2023 His Majesty the King in Right of Canada and The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Burke
- Minnow Environmental, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment & Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Derek C G Muir
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment & Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jane Kirk
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment & Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benjamin D Barst
- Water and Environmental Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
| | - Debbie Iqaluk
- Water and Environmental Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
| | - Xiaowa Wang
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment & Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mike Pope
- Department of Geography and Planning, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Scott F Lamoureux
- Department of Geography and Planning, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melissa J Lafrenière
- Department of Geography and Planning, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Hwang M, Lee SC, Park J, Choi J, Lee H. Statistical methods for handling nondetected results in food chemical monitoring data to improve food risk assessments. Food Sci Nutr 2023; 11:5223-5235. [PMID: 37701233 PMCID: PMC10494629 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical risk assessment is important for risk management, and estimates of chemical exposure must be as accurate as possible. Chemical concentrations in food below the limit of detection are known as nondetects and result in left-censored data. During statistical analysis, the method used for handling values below the limit of detection is important. Many risk assessors employ widely used substitution methods to treat left-censored data, as recommended by international organizations. The National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation of South Korea also recommends these methods, which are currently used for chemical exposure assessments. However, these methods have statistical limitations, and international organizations recommend more advanced alternative statistical approaches. In this study, we assessed the validity of currently used statistical methods for handling nondetects. To identify the most suitable statistical method for handling nondetection, we created virtual data and conducted simulation studies. Based on both simulation and case studies, the Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) and Robust Regression on Order Statistics (ROS) methods were found to be the best options. The statistical values obtained from these methods were similar to those obtained from the commonly used 1/2 Limit of Detection (LOD) substitution method for nondetection treatment. In three case studies, we compared the various methods based on the root mean squared error. The data for all case studies were from the same source, to avoid heterogeneity. Across various sample sizes and nondetection rates, the mean and 95th percentile values for all treatment methods were similar. However, "lognormal maximum likelihood estimation" method was not suitable for estimating the mean. Risk assessors should consider statistical processing of monitoring data to reduce uncertainty. Currently used substitution methods are effective and easy to apply to large datasets with nondetection rates <80%. However, advanced statistical methods are required in some circumstances, and national guidelines are needed regarding their use in risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myungsil Hwang
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Institute for Aging and Clinical Nutrition ResearchGachon UniversitySeongnam‐siKorea
| | - Seung Chan Lee
- Food Safety Risk Assessment DivisionNational Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug SafetyCheongju CityKorea
| | - Jae‐Hong Park
- Food Safety Risk Assessment DivisionNational Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug SafetyCheongju CityKorea
| | - Jihee Choi
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Institute for Aging and Clinical Nutrition ResearchGachon UniversitySeongnam‐siKorea
| | - Hae‐Jeung Lee
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Institute for Aging and Clinical Nutrition ResearchGachon UniversitySeongnam‐siKorea
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Sonke JE, Angot H, Zhang Y, Poulain A, Björn E, Schartup A. Global change effects on biogeochemical mercury cycling. AMBIO 2023; 52:853-876. [PMID: 36988895 PMCID: PMC10073400 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-023-01855-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Past and present anthropogenic mercury (Hg) release to ecosystems causes neurotoxicity and cardiovascular disease in humans with an estimated economic cost of $117 billion USD annually. Humans are primarily exposed to Hg via the consumption of contaminated freshwater and marine fish. The UNEP Minamata Convention on Hg aims to curb Hg release to the environment and is accompanied by global Hg monitoring efforts to track its success. The biogeochemical Hg cycle is a complex cascade of release, dispersal, transformation and bio-uptake processes that link Hg sources to Hg exposure. Global change interacts with the Hg cycle by impacting the physical, biogeochemical and ecological factors that control these processes. In this review we examine how global change such as biome shifts, deforestation, permafrost thaw or ocean stratification will alter Hg cycling and exposure. Based on past declines in Hg release and environmental levels, we expect that future policy impacts should be distinguishable from global change effects at the regional and global scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen E. Sonke
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, CNRS/IRD, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse 3, 14 ave Edouard Belin, 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Hélène Angot
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, Grenoble INP, IGE, 1025 rue de la piscine, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Yanxu Zhang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023 Jiangsu China
| | - Alexandre Poulain
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N6N5 Canada
| | - Erik Björn
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Amina Schartup
- Geosciences Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
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Willacker JJ, Eagles-Smith CA, Nelson SJ, Flanagan Pritz CM, Krabbenhoft DP. The influence of short-term temporal variability on the efficacy of dragonfly larvae as mercury biosentinels. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 867:161469. [PMID: 36632899 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) exposure to fish, wildlife, and humans is widespread and of global concern, thus stimulating efforts to reduce emissions. Because the relationships between rates of inorganic Hg loading, methylmercury (MeHg) production, and bioaccumulation are extremely complex and challenging to predict, there is a need for reliable biosentinels to understand the distribution of Hg in the environment and monitor the effectiveness of reduction efforts. However, it is important to assess how temporal and spatial variation at multiple scales influences the efficacy of specific biosentinels. Seasonal and interannual variation in total Hg (THg) concentrations of dragonfly larvae were examined in relation to spatial variability among 21 sites in two U.S. national parks with contrasting ecologies and Hg deposition patterns. Dragonfly THg differed among sampling events at 17 of the 21 sites, but by an average of only 20.4 % across events, compared to an average difference of 52.7 % among sites. Further, THg concentrations did not follow consistent seasonal patterns across sites or years, suggesting that the observed temporal variation was unlikely to bias monitoring efforts. Importantly, for a specific site, there was no difference in % MeHg in dragonflies among sampling events. Finally, there was significant temporal variability in the biogeochemical factors (aqueous inorganic Hg, aqueous MeHg, DOC, SO4, and pH) influencing dragonfly THg, with the importance of individual factors varying by 2.4 to 4.3-fold across sampling events. Despite these results, it is noteworthy that the observed temporal variation in dragonfly THg concentrations was neither large nor consistent enough to bias spatial assessments. Thus, although this temporal variation may provide insights into the processes influencing biological Hg concentrations, it is unlikely to impair the use of dragonflies as biosentinels for monitoring spatial or temporal patterns at scales relevant to most mitigation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Willacker
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
| | - Collin A Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Sarah J Nelson
- Appalachian Mountain Club, 361 Route 16, Gorham, NH 03581, USA
| | | | - David P Krabbenhoft
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 1 Gifford Pinchot Dr, Madison, WI 53726, USA
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Rudershausen PJ, Cross FA, Runde BJ, Evans DW, Cope WG, Buckel JA. Total mercury, methylmercury, and selenium concentrations in blue marlin Makaira nigricans from a long-term dataset in the western north Atlantic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159947. [PMID: 36336054 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mercury in seafood is a neurotoxicant that threatens human health. Dynamic rates of mercury emission, re-emission, and atmospheric deposition warrant studies into mercury concentrations in fish because many are consumed by humans and can serve as sentinels of mercury levels in the environment. We modeled trends in total mercury content in an apex marine fish predator, Atlantic blue marlin Makaira nigricans, whose muscle tissues were opportunistically sampled from North Carolina (USA) sportfishing tournaments over a discontinuous time period: between 1975 and 77 and 1998-2021 (n = 148). The model-estimated influence of marlin weight on total mercury concentration was constant across years (shared slope) allowing for comparisons of weight-corrected mercury concentrations among years. Weight-corrected total mercury concentrations revealed an inter-decadal decline of approximately 45 % between the 1970s and late 1990s and then variable but relatively stable concentrations through 2021. The mean (SD) wet weight concentration of total mercury was 9.47 (4.11) from 1975 to 77 and 4.17 (2.61) from 2020 to 2021. Methylmercury and selenium were measured on a subset of fish to address questions related to human health and consumption. Methylmercury levels (mean = 0.72 μg/g) were much lower than total mercury (mean = 4.69 μg/g) indicating that total mercury is not a good proxy for methylmercury in Atlantic blue marlin. Selenium, examined as a Se:Hg molar ratio and as a selenium health benefit value (HBVSe), showed high protective value against mercury toxicity. Long-term trends in the concentration of mercury in blue marlin should continue to be monitored to determine whether policies to mitigate anthropogenic contributions to global mercury are achieving their intended goals and to provide information to inform safe human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Rudershausen
- North Carolina State University, Department of Applied Ecology, Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, 303 College Circle, Morehead City, NC 28557, USA.
| | - F A Cross
- NOAA, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 101 Pivers Island Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - B J Runde
- North Carolina State University, Department of Applied Ecology, Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, 303 College Circle, Morehead City, NC 28557, USA
| | - D W Evans
- NOAA, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 101 Pivers Island Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - W G Cope
- North Carolina State University, Department of Applied Ecology, Box 7617, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - J A Buckel
- North Carolina State University, Department of Applied Ecology, Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, 303 College Circle, Morehead City, NC 28557, USA
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10
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Jędruch A, Falkowska L, Saniewska D, Grajewska A, Bełdowska M, Meissner W, Kalisińska E, Duzinkiewicz K, Pacyna JM. Mercury in the Polish part of the Baltic Sea: A response to decreased atmospheric deposition and changing environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114426. [PMID: 36473245 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Our review of the literature showed that since the beginning of the socio-economic transformation in Poland in the 1990s, the downward trend in Hg emissions and its deposition in the southern Baltic Sea was followed by a simultaneous decrease in Hg levels in water and marine plants and animals. Hg concentrations in the biota lowered to values that pose no or low risk to wildlife and seafood consumers. However, in the first decade of the current century, a divergence between these two trends became apparent and Hg concentrations in fish, herring and cod, began to rise. Therefore, increasing emission-independent anthropogenic pressures, which affect Hg uptake and trophodynamics, remobilization of land-based and marine legacy Hg deposits, as well as the structure of the food web, can undermine the chances of reducing both the Hg pool in the marine environment and human Hg exposure from fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Jędruch
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Institute of Oceanography, Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland; Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81-712 Sopot, Poland.
| | - Lucyna Falkowska
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Institute of Oceanography, Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Dominika Saniewska
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Institute of Oceanography, Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Grajewska
- Institute of Meteorology and Water Management - National Research Institute, Jerzego Waszyngtona 42, 81-342 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bełdowska
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Institute of Oceanography, Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Włodzimierz Meissner
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Biology, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Kalisińska
- Pomeranian Medical University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Medicine, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Kazimierz Duzinkiewicz
- Gdańsk University of Technology, Faculty of Electrical and Control Engineering, Gabriela Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Józef M Pacyna
- AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Energy and Fuels, Adama Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
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11
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Kammann U, Nogueira P, Siegmund M, Schmidt N, Schmolke S, Kirchgeorg T, Hasenbein M, Wysujack K. Temporal trends of mercury levels in fish (dab, Limanda limanda) and sediment from the German Bight (North Sea) in the period 1995-2020. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 195:73. [PMID: 36334139 PMCID: PMC9637065 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10655-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As a toxic and harmful global pollutant, mercury (Hg) enters the marine environment through natural sources, and human activities. It bioaccumulates through the food chain and therefore, Hg is of great importance for environmental monitoring. This study aims to answer the question if Hg contamination in fish and sediment from the German Bight follows temporal trends. Therefore, 496 individual female dab (Limanda limanda) were analyzed. The Hg concentrations in the muscle of dab from the German Bight showed significant increase in function of time with an annual percental change of 1.4%, leading to a 41% increase in Hg contamination level within 25 years of monitoring. At the same time, Hg concentrations in sediment-analyzed in 86 samples-significantly decreased in the nearby North Sea environment. This surprising contradiction is shown in the present study and possible causes are discussed. It could be clearly shown that contamination in sediment and biota can follow completely different time courses and therefore, different environmental matrices should be considered in future monitoring studies. Age of the fish turned out to be a biological factor of particular importance for temporal trend analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Kammann
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstraße 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Pedro Nogueira
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstraße 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Maike Siegmund
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstraße 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Nicole Schmidt
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstraße 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Stefan Schmolke
- Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency, Wüstland 2, 22589 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Torben Kirchgeorg
- Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency, Wüstland 2, 22589 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Hasenbein
- Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency, Wüstland 2, 22589 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Wysujack
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstraße 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany
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12
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Łuczyńska J, Łuczyński MJ, Nowosad J, Kowalska-Góralska M, Senze M. Total Mercury and Fatty Acids in Selected Fish Species on the Polish Market: A Risk to Human Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10092. [PMID: 36011721 PMCID: PMC9407883 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The muscles of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush Walbaum, 1792), crucian carp (Carassius carassius Linnaeus, 1758), flounder (Platichthys flesus Linnaeus, 1758), gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata Linnaeus, 1758), mackerel (Scomber scombrus Linnaeus, 1758) and tench (Tinca tinca Linnaeus, 1758) were examined. The total mercury (THg) was processed using the Milestone DMA-80 and the fatty acids were analyzed using the 7890A Agilent Technologies chromatograph. The THg content in analyzed fish ranged from 0.024 (lake trout) to 0.092 mg/kg wet weight (gilthead seabream). The muscles of fish examined had lower amounts of SFAs, and n-3 and n-6 PUFAs than MUFAs. The ratio of n-3/n-6 was higher in muscles of mackerel than other fish (p < 0.05). Due to the fact that both the THQ and HI are below 1, the tested fish are safe for the consumer from a nutritional point of view. Similarly, fatty acid indices indicate the safe consumption of selected fish species, and the daily consumption of the recommended dose of EPA + DHA (250 mg/day) and the concentration of mercury in fish calculations showed a hazard quotient for the benefit−risk ratio HQEFA below 1, suggesting that the intake of EPA + DHA poses no evident risk to human health. The ratio was calculated for a person weighing 60 kg. Therefore, it is important to monitor the fish, not only bought in the store, but also caught in various aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Łuczyńska
- Department of Commodity and Food Analysis, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Ul. Plac Cieszyński 1, 10-726 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Marek Jan Łuczyński
- Department of Ichthyology, Hydrobiology and Ecology of Waters, The Stanisław Sakowicz Inland Fisheries Institute in Olsztyn, Ul. M. Oczapowskiego 10, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Nowosad
- Department of Veterinary Prevention and Feed Hygiene, Warmia and Mazury University, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
- ChemProf, 11-041 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Monika Kowalska-Góralska
- Department of Limnology and Fishery, Institute of Animal Breeding, Faculty of Biology and Animal Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Magdalena Senze
- Department of Limnology and Fishery, Institute of Animal Breeding, Faculty of Biology and Animal Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland
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13
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Newell ME, Adhikari S, Halden RU. Systematic and state-of the science review of the role of environmental factors in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's Disease. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 817:152504. [PMID: 34971691 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The etiology of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is still unclear. We evaluate environmental factors suspected to be associated with ALS for their potential linkage to disease causality and to model geographic distributions of susceptible populations and expected cases worldwide. A PRISMA systematic literature review was performed 2021. Bradford Hill criteria were used to identify and rank environmental factors and a secondary review of ALS diagnoses in population studies and ALS case or cohort studies was conducted. Prevalence rate projection informed estimates of impacted regions and populations. Among 1710 papers identified, 258 met the inclusion criteria, of which 173 responded to at least one of nine Bradford Hill criteria among 83 literature-identified ALS environmental factors. Environmental determinants of ALS in order of decreasing significance were β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), formaldehyde, selenium, and heavy metals including manganese, mercury, zinc, and copper. Murine animal models were the most common methodology for exploring environmental factors. Another line of investigation of 62 population exposure studies implicated the same group of environmental agents (mean odds ratios): BMAA (2.32), formaldehyde (1.54), heavy metals (2.99), manganese (3.85), mercury (2.74), and zinc (2.78). An age-adjusted incidence model estimated current total ALS cases globally at ~85,000 people compared to only ~1600 cases projected from the reported ALS incidence in the literature. Modeling with the prevalence microscope equation forecasted an increase in U.S. ALS cases from 16,707 confirmed in 2015 to ~22,650 projected for 2040. Two orthogonal methods employed implicate BMAA, formaldehyde, manganese, mercury, and zinc as environmental factors with strong ALS associations. ALS cases likely are significantly underreported globally, and high vulnerability exists in regions with large aging populations. Recent studies on other diseases with environmental determinants suggest the need to consider additional potential triggers and mechanisms, including exposures to microbial agents and epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Engstrom Newell
- Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Biodesign Institute, Building B, Arizona State University, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281-8101, USA; School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
| | - Sangeet Adhikari
- Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Biodesign Institute, Building B, Arizona State University, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281-8101, USA; School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
| | - Rolf U Halden
- Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Biodesign Institute, Building B, Arizona State University, 1001 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281-8101, USA; School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; OneWaterOneHealth, Arizona State University Foundation, 1001 S. McAllister Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85287-8101, USA; Global Futures Laboratory, Arizona State University, 800 S. Cady Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA.
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14
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Páez YC, Betancourt CMA, Sansón GG, Kidd KA, Curry RA, Aceves DK. Mercury concentrations and stable isotopes (δ 15N and δ 13C) in fish muscle indicate human impacts in tropical coastal lagoons. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 176:113454. [PMID: 35217423 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113454] [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: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Coastal lagoons are essential nursery habitats of many marine fishes, but they are often sites of intense human activities that impact water quality and potentially the fish using these habitats. We compared the variability in nutrient uptake (using δ15N and δ13C) and total mercury (THg) levels in juveniles and adults of three common species in two lagoons on the central Mexican coast of the Pacific Ocean during the wet and dry seasons. One of three species, Achirus mazatlanus had higher THg, δ15N, and δ13C levels in the lagoon with the greatest wastewater inputs (Barra de Navidad). Delta13C varied seasonally for all three species and THg was higher in the dry season for Lutjanus argentiventris and in males of A. mazatlanus. Our results demonstrate that mercury and stable isotopes can identify impacts of human activities on estuarine ichthyofauna and the importance of understanding seasonal and spatial variability of measures that could impact monitoring and predictions of impacts in these lagoons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yureidy Cabrera Páez
- Department of Studies for Sustainable Development of Coastal Zone and Canadian Rivers Institute, University of Guadalajara, Gómez-Farías 82, San Patricio-Melaque, Cihuatlán 48980, Mexico
| | - Consuelo María Aguilar Betancourt
- Department of Studies for Sustainable Development of Coastal Zone and Canadian Rivers Institute, University of Guadalajara, Gómez-Farías 82, San Patricio-Melaque, Cihuatlán 48980, Mexico
| | - Gaspar González Sansón
- Department of Studies for Sustainable Development of Coastal Zone and Canadian Rivers Institute, University of Guadalajara, Gómez-Farías 82, San Patricio-Melaque, Cihuatlán 48980, Mexico
| | - Karen A Kidd
- Department of Biology & School of Earth, Environment and Society, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - R Allen Curry
- Canadian Rivers Institute, Biology, Forestry and Environmental Management, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.
| | - Daniel Kosonoy Aceves
- Department of Studies for Sustainable Development of Coastal Zone and Canadian Rivers Institute, University of Guadalajara, Gómez-Farías 82, San Patricio-Melaque, Cihuatlán 48980, Mexico
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15
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Bank MS, Frantzen S, Duinker A, Amouroux D, Tessier E, Nedreaas K, Maage A, Nilsen BM. Rapid temporal decline of mercury in Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 289:117843. [PMID: 34340180 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) pollution in the ocean is an issue of global concern, however bioaccumulation regimes of this ubiquitous pollutant in marine apex predators have important knowledge gaps. Our fish length and stable isotope (δ15N and δ13C) normalized data of Greenland halibut (GH) (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) showed that Hg bioaccumulation in fillet tissue decreased by ~35-50 %, over a ten-year period from 2006 to 2015 (n = 7 individual sampling years). Hg was predominantly in the methylmercury form (>77 %). Results from a Bayesian information theoretic model showed that GH Hg concentrations decreased with time and its associated declines in Hg air emissions, estimated trophic position, and a potentially lower degree of demersal prey use as indicated by temporal trend shifts in nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) stable isotope values. GH trophic shifts accounted for about one third of the observed temporal reduction in Hg. Our study demonstrates the importance of simultaneously considering Hg emissions, food web dynamics and trophic shifts as important drivers of Hg bioaccumulation in a marine, deep water fish species and highlights the effectiveness of Hg regulations on ocean apex predator Hg concentrations and overall seafood safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Bank
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway; University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA.
| | | | | | - David Amouroux
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de L'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physicochimie pour L'Environnement et Les Matériaux (IPREM), Pau, France
| | - Emmanuel Tessier
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de L'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physicochimie pour L'Environnement et Les Matériaux (IPREM), Pau, France
| | | | - Amund Maage
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway; University of Bergen, Norway
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16
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Melnyk LJ, Lin J, Kusnierz DH, Pugh K, Durant JT, Suarez-Soto RJ, Venkatapathy R, Sundaravadivelu D, Morris A, Lazorchak JM, Perlman G, Stover MA. Risks from mercury in anadromous fish collected from Penobscot River, Maine. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 781:146691. [PMID: 34594059 PMCID: PMC8478149 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Levels of total mercury were measured in tissue of six species of migratory fish (alewife, American shad, blueback herring, rainbow smelt, striped bass, and sea lamprey), and in roe of American shad for two consecutive years collected from the Penobscot River or its estuary. The resultant mercury levels were compared to reference doses as established in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Integrated Risk Information System and wildlife values. Mercury concentrations ranged from 4 μg/kg ww in roe to 1040 μg/kg ww in sea lamprey. Sea lamprey contained the highest amounts of mercury for both seasons of sampling. Current health advisories are set at sufficient levels to protect fishers from harmful consumption of the fish for mercury alone, except for sea lamprey. Based upon published wildlife values for mink, otter, and eagle, consumption of rainbow smelt, striped bass, or sea lamprey poses a risk to mink; striped bass and sea lamprey to otter; and sea lamprey to eagle. For future consideration, the resultant data may serve as a reference point for both human health and wildlife risk assessments for the consumption of anadromous fish. U.S. EPA works with federally recognized Tribes across the nation greatly impacted by restrictions on sustenance fishing, to develop culturally sensitive risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Jo Melnyk
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development, 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States of America
- Corresponding author at: Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. EPA, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States of America. (L.J. Melnyk)
| | - John Lin
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development, 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States of America
| | - Daniel H. Kusnierz
- Penobscot Indian Nation, Department of Natural Resources, 27 Wabanaki Way, Indian Island, ME 04468, United States of America
| | - Katherine Pugh
- EPA, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States of America
| | - James T. Durant
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States of America
| | - Rene J. Suarez-Soto
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States of America
| | - Raghuraman Venkatapathy
- Pegasus Technical Services, Inc., 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States of America
| | - Devi Sundaravadivelu
- Pegasus Technical Services, Inc., 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States of America
| | - Anthony Morris
- Pegasus Technical Services, Inc., 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States of America
| | - James M. Lazorchak
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development, 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States of America
| | - Gary Perlman
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 5 Post Office Square, Suite 1010, Boston, MA 02109, United States of America
| | - Michael A. Stover
- US Public Health Service on detail to EPA, Region 1, 5 Post Office Square, Suite 100, Boston, MA 02109, United States of America
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17
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Martin JW. Revisiting old lessons from classic literature on persistent global pollutants : This article belongs to Ambio's 50th Anniversary Collection. Theme: Environmental contaminants. AMBIO 2021; 50:534-538. [PMID: 33464461 PMCID: PMC7814521 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-020-01413-w] [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: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Looking back 50 years at classic literature was a reminder of inspiring discoveries and clever theories that were formative to the field of environmental chemistry, but also of the irreparable costs that persistent global pollutants have had on ecosystems and human society. In my view, these three papers have greatly impacted contemporary science and influenced development of policies that have limited the spread of hazardous contaminants. At the same time, a sobering reality is that reversing decades of past pollution has proven impossible in our lifetime, and global trends are dire for both legacy and emerging contaminants. Lessons in these papers are clear to most environmental scientists, but I argue have not resulted in adequate investment in infrastructure or manpower to enable systematic unbiased searching for pollutants as proposed by Sören Jensen in 1972. Acknowledging that the costs of new global contaminants will be too high, we must incentivize safer chemicals and their sustainable use, increase international exchange of lists of chemicals in commerce, and coordinate international efforts in nontarget screening to identify new contaminants before they circulate the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan W Martin
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
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18
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Razavi NR, Halfman JD, Cushman SF, Massey T, Beutner R, Foust J, Gilman B, Cleckner LB. Mercury concentrations in fish and invertebrates of the Finger Lakes in central New York, USA. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 29:1673-1685. [PMID: 31820166 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-019-02132-z] [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] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Deleterious health effects in humans and wildlife are associated with the consumption of fish contaminated by mercury (Hg). This study was conducted to assess Hg concentrations in biota of the Finger Lakes (New York, USA), a region where fisheries are important for the economy but where no assessment of the drivers of food web Hg dynamics exists to date. Additionally, this region is of interest for the study of Hg bioaccumulation because of the importance of agricultural land cover, which can affect lake trophic status and thus the bioavailability of methyl Hg (MeHg). The study objectives were to (1) assess if fish Hg concentrations were of concern to humans and wildlife, (2) determine if differences in biota Hg concentrations exist among lakes, and (3) assess models developed for New York State as predictors of present day Finger Lakes fish Hg concentrations. Exploratory analyses were also conducted to assess predictors of fish Hg concentrations using lower trophic level MeHg concentrations, water quality, and lake and land cover characteristics. Fish concentrations were above the EPA criterion (300 ng/g wet weight, ww) in 24% of fish, but only Walleye (Sander vitreus) from Owasco Lake exceeded New York State Department of Health consumption guidelines (1000 ng/g ww). The threshold indicating biological changes within fish (500 ng/g ww) was exceeded in 11% of the individuals sampled. Significant differences were found among lakes for all fish species except Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides). Notably, Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush) had significantly lower Hg concentrations in Cayuga Lake compared to other Finger Lakes. This trend was not mirrored in the lower food web, as benthic invertebrates had higher MeHg concentrations in Cayuga Lake. Using models developed for New York State in 2003-2005, observed concentrations in 90% of fish were different (±200 ng/g ww) than expected. Findings from this study suggest Hg dynamics in the Finger Lakes require consideration of fish age, growth rates, and food web structure to accurately predict fish Hg concentrations among lakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Roxanna Razavi
- Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA.
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
| | - John D Halfman
- Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
- Department of Geoscience, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
- Environmental Studies Program, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
| | - Susan F Cushman
- Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
- Environmental Studies Program, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
- Department of Biology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
| | - Trevor Massey
- Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
| | - Robert Beutner
- IT Services, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
| | - John Foust
- Environmental Conservation and Horticulture, Finger Lakes Community College, Canandaigua, NY, 14424, USA
| | - Bruce Gilman
- Environmental Conservation and Horticulture, Finger Lakes Community College, Canandaigua, NY, 14424, USA
| | - Lisa B Cleckner
- Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
- Environmental Studies Program, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
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19
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Evers DC, Sauer AK, Burns DA, Fisher NS, Bertok DC, Adams EM, Burton MEH, Driscoll CT. A synthesis of patterns of environmental mercury inputs, exposure and effects in New York State. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 29:1565-1589. [PMID: 33170395 PMCID: PMC7661403 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-020-02291-4] [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] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) pollution is an environmental problem that adversely affects human and ecosystem health at local, regional, and global scales-including within New York State. More than two-thirds of the Hg currently released to the environment originates, either directly or indirectly, from human activities. Since the early 1800s, global atmospheric Hg concentrations have increased by three- to eight-fold over natural levels. In the U.S., atmospheric emissions and point-source releases to waterways increased following industrialization into the mid-1980s. Since then, water discharges have largely been curtailed. As a result, Hg emissions, atmospheric concentrations, and deposition over the past few decades have declined across the eastern U.S. Despite these decreases, Hg pollution persists. To inform policy efforts and to advance public understanding, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) sponsored a scientific synthesis of information on Hg in New York State. This effort includes 23 papers focused on Hg in atmospheric deposition, water, fish, and wildlife published in Ecotoxicology. New York State experiences Hg contamination largely due to atmospheric deposition. Some landscapes are inherently sensitive to Hg inputs driven by the transport of inorganic Hg to zones of methylation, the conversion of inorganic Hg to methylmercury, and the bioaccumulation and biomagnification along food webs. Mercury concentrations exceed human and ecological risk thresholds in many areas of New York State, particularly the Adirondacks, Catskills, and parts of Long Island. Mercury concentrations in some biota have declined in the Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands and the Northeastern Highlands over the last four decades, concurrent with decreases in water releases and air emissions from regional and U.S. sources. However, widespread changes have not occurred in other ecoregions of New York State. While the timing and magnitude of the response of Hg levels in biota varies, policies expected to further diminish Hg emissions should continue to decrease Hg concentrations in food webs, yielding benefits to the fish, wildlife, and people of New York State. Anticipated improvements in the Hg status of aquatic ecosystems are likely to be greatest for inland surface waters and should be roughly proportional to declines in atmospheric Hg deposition. Efforts that advance recovery from Hg pollution in recent years have yielded significant progress, but Hg remains a pollutant of concern. Indeed, due to this extensive compilation of Hg observations in biota, it appears that the extent and intensity of the contamination on the New York landscape and waterscape is greater than previously recognized. Understanding the extent of Hg contamination and recovery following decreases in atmospheric Hg deposition will require further study, underscoring the need to continue existing monitoring efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA.
| | - A K Sauer
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
- Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
| | - D A Burns
- U.S. Geological Survey, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - N S Fisher
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - D C Bertok
- New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Albany, NY, 12203, USA
| | - E M Adams
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - M E H Burton
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
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