Concentrations of Cr, Cd, Cu, Zn and Fe in crab Charybdis longicollis and shrimp Penaeus semisulcatus from the Iskenderun Bay, Turkey

An assessment of the potential health hazards associated with metal contamination in a variety of consumable species living along the industrialized coastline of East Java, Indonesia

The massive industrial growth in Gresik, East Java, Indonesia has the potential to result in metal contamination in the nearby coastal waters. The purpose of this study was to analyze the metal concentrations in edible species from the Gresik coastal waters and evaluate the potential health risks linked to this metal contamination. Metal concentrations (Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn, As, Cd, Ni, Hg, and Cr) in fish and shrimp samples mostly met the maximum limits established by national and international regulatory organizations. The concentrations of As in Scatophagus argus exceed both the permissible limit established by Indonesia and the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI). The As concentration in Arius bilineatus is equal to the PTWI. The target cancer risk (TCR) values for both As and Cr in all analyzed species exceed the threshold of 0.0001, suggesting that these two metals possess the potential to provide a cancer risk to humans.

Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758) as a Sentinel Species to Assess Trace Metal Occurrence: A Case Study of Kuwait Waters (Northwestern Arabian Gulf)

Heavy metal pollution can adversely impact marine life, such as crabs, which can accumulate it in different organs and potentially transfer and biomagnify along the food chain in aquatic ecosystems. This study aimed to examine the concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in sediment, water, and crab tissues (gills, hepatopancreas, and carapace) of the blue swimmer crab Portunus pelagicus in the coastal areas of Kuwait, northwestern Arabian Gulf. Samples were collected from Shuwaikh Port, Shuaiba Port, and Al-Khiran areas. The accumulation of metals in crabs were higher in the carapace > gill > digestive gland, and the highest metal concentration was found in crabs collected from Shuwaikh > Shuaiba > Al-Khiran. The metal concentrations in the sediments were in the order Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd. Zn was the highest metal concentration detected in marine water sampled from the Al-Khiran Area, whereas the lowest metal was Cd sampled in water from the Shuwaikh Area. The results of this study validate the marine crab P. pelagicus as a relevant sentinel and prospective bioindicator for evaluating heavy metal pollution in marine ecosystems.

Distribution, toxicity and bioaccumulation of trace metals in environmental matrices of an estuary in a protected area

Mangroves are productive ecosystems that are highly threatened by anthropogenic activities. We investigated the environmental quality of the Serinhaém river estuary located in a legally protected area. Through chemical analysis of sediments and tissues of Cardisoma guanhumi, in addition to bioassays with elutriate involving Nitokra sp. and Thalassiosira pseudonana, we determined the contamination status and risk factors related to trace metals in the estuary. For the sediment, the concentrations of Cr and Ni were above the limit established by CONAMA n° 454/2012 in the "City" site, and Cr above the TEL in all sampling sites. Ecotoxicological tests showed high toxicity in samples from "City" and "Tributary". The elements Cr, Mn, Ni and Zn were also higher in crabs from these sites. Cr levels exceeded the Brazilian limit for food consumption. The bioaccumulation factor was not significant. However, the overall analysis proved that this estuary is increasingly impacted by anthropogenic pressure.

Health risk assessment of commercial fish and shrimp from the North Persian Gulf

BACKGROUND

Bioaccumulation of trace metals in the food web demands continuous monitoring of seafood safety. Here, the food safety of commercial fish bluespot mullet Crenimugil seheli, deep flounder Pseudorhombus elevates, and Jinga shrimp Metapenaeus affinis was assessed from commercial and industrial region of the West Bandar Abbas, the North Persian Gulf, for the first time.

METHODS

For this purpose, concentrations of trace metals Ni, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, and Pb, and their health risks were investigated.

RESULTS

Results showed the average concentration of all trace metals in all species was below concentrations proposed by WHO/FAO/USEPA. The finding on risk assessment of three species indicated three species are safe for daily consumption. Long-term consumption of three species would not pose potential non-carcinogenic health risk. However, it would result in carcinogenic effects from the ingestion of trace metals Ni, Cr, and Cd.

CONCLUSIONS

The data emphasizes the need for the continuous monitoring in this industrial region in the future to manage and control pollutant sources and to ensure the quality of seafood.

Food safety of the green tiger shrimp Penaeus semisulcatus from the Persian Gulf

Seafood is a rich source of essential compounds for human health, but the consumption of aquatic products that are exposed to environmental pollutants, especially trace metals, comes with risk. Therefore, in this study, the levels of nickel, zinc, and lead in the muscle of shrimp Penaeus semisulcatus caught from the north of the Persian Gulf as a polluted environment were measured, and the health risks were assessed. The results showed that the level of Zn (300.88 ± 2.76 µg/g) in the muscle of shrimp was higher than Ni (6.82 ± 0.10) and Pb (1.10 ± 0.09 µg/g), and the amount of accumulation of all three metals is higher than the allowable limit proposed by the FAO/WHO. According to values of estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ), the consumption of shrimp has no or minimal risk for health. However, the target cancer risk (TR) of Ni (adult, 0.00294; child, 0.00196) indicated that Ni accumulation is associated with carcinogenic risks. These findings may be helpful in the proper management of seafood quality and public health in the Persian Gulf.

Tracing the heavy metals zinc, lead and nickel in banana shrimp (Penaeus merguiensis) from the Persian Gulf and human health risk assessment

Seafood has long been considered a unique source of nutrition. However, increasing trends in consumption of marine products must be considered, especially in potentially polluted environments such as the Persian Gulf. This study was undertaken to analyse the level of heavy metal contamination of nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) in shrimp (Penaeus merguiensis) captured from the northern Persian Gulf. The concentration of heavy metals in the muscle of shrimp followed the order Zn > Ni > Pb. The content of Zn and Ni was higher than recommended standard limits by the FAO/WHO. The combined impact of all metals was lower than the acceptable limit of 1 in shrimp. The carcinogenic risk for Ni was higher than the unacceptable value. In total, our finding indicated no potential health risk from the daily consumption of this species. However, long-term consumption of shrimp can pose a risk of carcinogenic effects of nickel. Continuous monitoring of these trace metals in seafood is necessary to ensure the quality of seafood and food safety.

Assessment of potential human health risk due to heavy metal contamination in edible finfish and shellfish collected around Ennore coast, India

This study aims to estimate anthropogenic sources of pollutants such as heavy metals that pollute or poison the commercial marine finfish and shellfish present around the Ennore coastal area and to identify, quantify and manage the associated risks for the betterment of society. The levels of toxic heavy metal concentrations from monitoring and surveillance of copper, chromium, cadmium, mercury, lead and zinc heavy metals were estimated from water, sediment and commercial marine finfish and shellfish samples that were collected for study. The individual mean bioaccumulation index (IMBI) and Metal Pollution Index (MPI) values varied between finfish and shellfish. Target hazard quotient (THQ) index values were calculated, and copper and zinc were found to be elevated at levels affecting children in particular. Thus, efforts are urgently needed to resolve the current and potential risks associated with the negative impact of heavy metal intake from seafood on human health. This study attempts to identify levels of metal contamination and corresponding risk factors with regard to human health.

Spatiotemporal distribution dynamics of heavy metals in water, sediment, and zoobenthos in mainstream sections of the middle and lower Changjiang River

Water, sediment, and zoobenthos are crucial carriers and storage media for heavy metal migration and transformation. The distribution characteristics of heavy metals in water, sediment, and zoobenthos can reflect their pollution status and potential influences on the health of aquatic ecosystems. On the basis of monitoring data related to Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Mn, Hg, and As in mainstream water, surface sediment, and zoobenthos at eight sections-from Wuhan to Shanghai-of the Changjiang River (also known as the Yangtze River) and historical monitoring data on heavy metal distributions in different environmental media of the Changjiang River since the 1980s, this study undertook systematically analyzed the spatiotemporal distribution dynamics, pollution levels, and corresponding environmental risks related to heavy metals in water, sediment, and biota, and examined the effects of pollution source variations and water and sediment regimes on heavy metal distribution. Heavy metal concentrations in the waters were much lower than the water quality threshold of Grade III of the Chinese Surface Water Environmental Quality Standard (GB3838-2002); the concentrations of different heavy metals were irregularly distributed and varied significantly along the river mainstream; Cu, Cd, Zn, and Pb concentrations in sediment all exceeded their respective critical effect concentrations and exposed the ecosystem to pollution risks; the pollution levels of and ecosystem health risks posed by Zn and Cu in zoobenthos were high, with pollution concentrations ranked as shrimp > snails > crabs. In general, heavy metal concentrations in the three environmental mediums were ranked as sediment > zoobenthos > water. Finally, comparison with historical monitoring data revealed increasing Cd and Hg concentrations, with the average heavy metal concentration in sediment reaching its maximum value in the 2000s in the middle and lower reaches of the Changjiang River, which are subjected to the combined effect of pollutant emissions and changing water and sediment regimes.

Microelements and macroelements in the body of the invasive Harris mud crab (Rhithropanopeus harrisii, Maitland, 1874) from the central coast of the South Baltic Sea

In this study, we determined the levels of essential and non-essential elements in the Harris mud crab (Rhithropanopeus harrisii, Maitland, 1874) from the southern Baltic Sea. Results revealed high levels of Ca (246,000 ppm), Mg (11,000 ppm), Na (8160 ppm), K (3,780 ppm), and Fe (1830 ppm). The concentrations of essential metals such as Zn (62.5 ppm) and Cu (25 ppm) were similar to those recorded in other crab species. The concentrations of non-essential metals such as Pb (0.140 ppm), Cd (0.0017 ppm), and As (0.288 ppm) were well below the International Standards for Maximum Levels for Food. In view of the above, the Harris mud crab from the southern Baltic is safe to be used as a component of well-balanced feeds for terrestrial and aquatic animals.

Evaluation of Nutritional and Mineral-Heavy Metal Contents of Horse Mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) in the Middle Black Sea in terms of Human Health

In this study, the effects of seasonal and sexual differences on the nutritional composition, macro (Na, Mg, P, K, Ca), trace element (Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Mo, Ni, Se) and potential toxic metal levels (Cd, Pb, As) of horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) caught in the middle Black Sea coast during all seasons were investigated. The metal levels of muscle tissues of the examined specimens were determined using ICP-MS instrument. The results showed that horse mackerel had a high nutritional value in terms of protein and lipid levels. Metal levels were found to be different in terms of sexual and seasonal factors. With regard to macro element levels, horse mackerel muscle was found to be rich. Zn and Cu levels of the trace elements were below the legal limits specified by the codex. It was also observed that the levels of Cd and Pb in horse mackerel muscle tissue were below the FAO (Food Agriculture Organ U N 464:5-10, 1983) limit values and above the TFC (Turkish Food Codex 2011) limit values. In terms of EWI and EDI values, horse mackerel was found to be non-toxic. This study suggests that horse mackerel is beneficial seafood for human health and nutrition.

Assessing Human Health Risks Associated with Consumption of Metal Content in Shrimp from NW Mexico

Shrimp of Farfantepenaeus californiensis (78 groups) and Litopenaeus stylirostris (14 groups) were caught in the northwestern fishing zones in Mexico during the 2014-2015 fishing season (September-February); both shrimp species have high commercial value. Muscle, hepatopancreas and exoskeleton were analyzed to determine their metal contents. For F. californiensis, the highest Cd, Pb and Zn contents were determined in specimens caught off the State of Baja California Sur (BCS) with 22.4 ± 8.9 (hepatopancreas), 2.83 ± 4.63 (muscle), and 748.5 ± 1567 (muscle) µg/g, in the regions off Mulegé, Los Cabos and Los Cabos, respectively. For L. stylirostris, the fishing zone of Comundú (BCS) showed higher Cd (12.3 ± 11.5 µg/g), Cu (569.1 ± 646.5 µg/g) and Zn (549.7 ± 400.7 µg/g) contents; all values were determined in the hepatopancreas. Regarding the hazard quotient and total hazard quotient calculated in this study, the consumption of marine shrimp caught off NW Mexico does not represent a risk to human health (both < 1).

Elemental composition of pufferfish species from Northeastern Mediterranean Sea

This study aimed at comparing the elemental levels of muscle and liver tissues of four pufferfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus, Lagocephalus spadiceus, Lagocephalus suezensis, and Torquigener flavimaculosus), which are common in the Northeastern Mediterranean Sea (Mersin Bay), in terms of sex and seasonal variables. Na, Mg, P, K, and Ca levels in the muscle tissues of pufferfish range from 1848.4 to 16495.7, 824.4 to 2684.5, 6936.2 to 20486.6, 13019.3 to 36165.5, and 276.4 to 5566.5 μg g^-1, respectively. Na, Mg, P, K, and Ca levels in the liver tissues of pufferfish range from 531.8 to 6136.1, 63.8 to 899.1, 773.1 to 6677.5, 1151.4 to 10165.4, and 47.4 to 1607.7 μg g^-1, respectively. The levels of macroelements in the muscle and liver tissues can be represented as K > P ≥ Na > Ca ≥ Mg and K ≥ P ≥ Na > Ca ≥ Mg, respectively. Pufferfish muscle tissue has more abundant macroelement levels than liver tissue. Fe, Cu, and Zn levels in pufferfish muscle tissues range from 21.53 to 219.42, 0.73 to 6.54, and 25.38 to 100.47 μg g^-1, respectively. Fe, Cu, and Zn levels in pufferfish liver tissues range from 157.8 to 1368.6, 0.86 to 11.23, and 23.17 to 507.75 μg g^-1, respectively. Levels of trace elements in the muscle and liver tissues can be represented as Zn ≥ Fe > Cu and Fe ≥ Zn > Cu, respectively. The pufferfish liver tissue is richer than muscle tissue in terms of trace element levels. Cd, Pb, As, and Cr levels in pufferfish muscle tissues range from 0.66 to 6.30, 2.17 to 20.76, 41.90 to 258.37, and 0.34 to 3.70 μg g^-1, respectively. Cd, Pb, As, and Cr levels in the liver tissues of pufferfish range from 0.22 to 2.34, 0.17 to 2.27, 9.35 to 61.93, and 0.14 to 2.10 μg g^-1, respectively. Levels of metal in the muscle and liver tissues can be represented as As > Pb > Cd ≥ Cr and As > Cd ≥ Pb ≥ Cr, respectively. Pufferfish muscle tissue has a higher association with liver tissue due to metal level accumulation. All pufferfish are contaminated by Cd, Pb, As, Cr, Fe, and Zn metals.

Trace metal distribution in crab organs and human health risk assessment on consumption of crabs collected from coastal water of South East coast of India

The concentrations of nine heavy metals accumulated in different organs of two crab species collected from the South East coast of India were estimated. The order of trace metal concentration in different organs of Portunus pelagicus was Cu > Mn > Cd > Ni > Pb > Co > Hg = Cr = U in gills, Cu > Mn > Cd > Ni > Pb = Co > Hg > Cr = U in hepatopancreas, and Cu > Cr > Ni > Mn > Cd > Pb > Co > Hg > U in muscles, whereas that for Portunus sanguinolentus was Cu > Mn > Cd > Ni > Pb > Co > Hg > Cr = U in gills, Cu > Mn > Cd > Ni > Pb = Co > U > Cr = Hg in hepatopancreas, and Cr > Cu > Ni > Mn > Cd > Co > Pb > Hg = U in muscles. The order of trace metal uptake for different organs was gills > hepatopancreas > muscles. Individual mean bioaccumulation index (IMBI) values varied between 0.0 and 0.52, 0.0 and 0.28, and 0.06 and 0.30 for gills, hepatopancreas, and muscles, respectively. Cr in muscles of P. sanguinolentus and Cu and Cd in all organs of both the species were found to be higher than the maximum permitted concentration recommended by food safety guidelines. Target hazard quotient (THQ) results suggested that there is a potential risk due to Co, Cd, and Cr, particularly for children, if the crab consumption frequency is more than once a month.

Concentration of heavy metals in seafood (fishes, shrimp, lobster and crabs) and human health assessment in Saint Martin Island, Bangladesh

A contaminated aquatic environment may end up in the food chain and pose risks to tourist health in a tourist destination. To assess the health risk for tourists that visit St. Martine Island, which is a popular domestic and foreign tourist destination in Bangladesh, a study is undertaken to analyse the level of heavy metal contamination from chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and iron (Fe) in six of the most consumed fish (L. fasciatus, R. kanagurta, H. nigrescens, P. cuneatus, P. annularis and S. rubrum) and five crustacean species, which consist of a shrimp (P. sculptilis), a lobster (P. versicolor) and three crabs (P. sanguinolentus, T. crenata and M. victor) captured. The samples were analysed for trace metals using atomic absorption spectrometer, and the concentrations of the metals were interpreted using the United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) health risk model. The muscle and carapace/exoskeleton of shrimp, lobster and crabs were analysed and contained various concentrations of Pb, Hg, As, Cr, Cd, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn. The hierarchy of the heavy metal in marine fish is Fe > Cd > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cr > Mn > Hg. The concentrations of Pb in the species R. kanagurta, H. nigresceus and S. rubrum were above the food safety guideline by Australia, New Zealand and other legislations in most marine fish and crustaceans. Crabs showed higher mean heavy metal concentrations than shrimp and lobster. Acceptable carcinogen ranges were observed in three fish species (R. kanagurata, H. nigresceus and S. rubrum) and one crustacean species (P. sculptilis) samples.

Tracking trace elements into complex coral reef trophic networks

The integration, accumulation and transfer of trace elements across the main tropic levels of many food webs are poorly documented. This is notably the case for the complex trophic webs of coral reef ecosystems. Our results show that in the south-west lagoon of New Caledonia both abiotic (i.e. sediments) and biotic (i.e. primary producers, consumers and predators) compartments are contaminated by trace elements. However, our analyses revealed different contamination patterns from the sources of organic matter to the predators. The trophic levels involved in the sedimentary benthic food web (S-BFW, based on the sedimentary organic matter) and to a lesser extent in the reef benthic food web (R-BFW, based on algal turf) were mainly contaminated by trace elements that originate from mining activities like Ni and associated trace elements (Co, Cr, Fe, and Mn). Trace elements linked to agro-industrial (As, Hg, and Zn) and urban (Ag, Cd, Cu, Pb, Se, and V) activities were also integrated into the S-BFW, but preferentially into the R-BFW, and to a lesser extent into the detrital benthic food web (D-BFW, supplied by sea-grass plants). Most of the trace elements were biodiminished with increasing trophic levels along food webs. However, a marked biomagnification was observed for Hg, and suspected for Se and Zn. These results provide important baseline information to better interpret trace element contamination in the different organisms and trophic levels in a highly diversified coral reef lagoon.

Heavy metal distribution in blood, liver and kidneys of Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles from the Northeast Mediterranean Sea

The aim of the present study was to determine the concentrations of the most investigated environmentally relevant heavy metals in two highly endangered sea turtle species (Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas) from the important nesting area on the Northeast Mediterranean Sea. The highest mean concentration was of Fe, while Hg and Pb were lowest. All tissue concentrations of Al, As, Fe and Mn were significantly different between the species. In particular, As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Se, Zn concentrations were lower in Caretta caretta and Cd, Hg, Mn, Zn concentrations were lower in Chelonia mydas than those reported in other parts of the world. Compared to studies conductud in other parts of the Mediterranean, Cd was lower.

Acute toxic effects of zinc and mercury on survival, standard metabolism, and metal accumulation in juvenile ridgetail white prawn, Exopalaemon carinicauda

Ridgetail white prawn (Exopalaemon carinicauda) is widely distributed in Chinese coastal zones, especially in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea. It is not only considered as an important economic species in China, but also taken as a potential indicator species for the environmental pollution in the estuaries. At present, the responses of this species to environmental toxicants, including trace metal are not well understood. In this study, the acute toxic effects of zinc (Zn) and mercury (Hg) on the survival, oxygen consumption, ammonia-N excretion, and metal accumulation were investigated in the juveniles of E. carinicauda. The median lethal concentrations (LC₅₀) of Zn were 76.4, 44.0, 30.2, and 17.2mg/L, respectively, after the juveniles were exposed in for 24, 48, 72, and 96h, and the LC₅₀ of H_g was 0.212, 0.096, 0.084, and 0.065mg/L under the same exposure duration. The juveniles decreased the oxygen consumption by 51.4%, and increased ammonia-N excretion by 129% when they were exposed in Zn at the concentration of 76.4mg/L compared with their controls without Zn exposure, therefore the O:N ratio decreased by 82.9% compared with the control. Hg exposure with the concentration of 0.212mg/L caused the inhibition of oxygen consumption by 48.1% and increasement of ammonia-N excretion by 161%, and the atomic ratio of consumed oxygen to excreted ammonia-nitrogen (O:N ratio) decreased by 80.6% in the juveniles in comparison with the control. A concentration-dependent accumulation of heavy metals was observed in the gills, hepatopancreas and muscles of the experimental animals, with a maximum accumulation of 16.3 folds for Zn and 72.8 fold for Hg in the gills of the juveniles after 24h exposure. The data obtained from the present study would provide useful information for help further understanding on the toxicological responses of this species to trace metals.

Heavy Metals in the Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus) in Mersin Bay, Turkey

The concentrations of four metals (copper, cadmium, zinc and lead) were quantified in blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) tissues collected in January, April, June and September at two stations in Mersin Bay, northeastern Mediterranean Sea, using ICP-MS. The metal concentrations in crabs from the two stations differed significantly. The hepatopancreas was the major organ accumulating metals, followed by gill and muscle tissues. Except for lead, the highest concentrations of metals were measured in the hepatopancreas. The hepatopancreas had higher concentrations of all heavy metals (Cu 321.1 ± 4.30; Zn 182.2 ± 3.40; Cd 48.2 ± 2.00) compared to gill (Cu 90.2 ± 1.35; Zn 104.3 ± 2.30; Cd 22.3 ± 3.40) and muscle (Cu 19.1 ± 1.10; Zn 55.1 ± 3.25; Cd 2.5 ± 0.20). Among the metals analyzed, Cu, Zn and Pb were the most abundant in the different tissues while Cd was the least abundant in C. sapidus. Seasonality in the levels of the four metals was determined.The highest concentrations of all metals were observed in the June (Zn 55.1 ± 3.25; Cu 19.1 ± 1.10; Cd 2.5 ± 0.20; Pb 5.1 ± 0.18) compared to all other months (Zn 34.1 ± 3.23; Cu 11.1 ± 1.15; Cd 0.9 ± 0.20; Pb 3.1 ± 0.21).

Review of heavy metal accumulation on aquatic environment in Northern East Mediterrenean Sea part I: some essential metals

All pollutants can reach the aquatic environments and the levels of heavy metals in upper members of the food web like fish can reach values many times higher than those found in aquatic environment or in sediments. Although heavy metals are essential or non-essential, all heavy metals are potentially harmful to humans and most organisms at some level of exposure and absorption. Marine organisms are good indicators for long-term monitoring of metal accumulation. The present review study is for evaluation of the data from previous studies about the toxic effects of selected heavy metals, like essential metals (copper, zinc, iron, chromium, and manganese), on seawater, sediment, and in different tissues of aquatic animals (demersal and bentic fish, invertabres) collected from different areas in Northern East Mediterrenean Sea since the 1990s. Some concern arose from previous studies, particularly in terms of safety for human consumption. For this purpose, 86 articles and 4 theses were examined and information was collected on the table to open a forward-looking view of the pollution of studied area. In previous studies, the variations in feeding habits, habitats, and the level of copper found in edible muscles of the demersal fish species (deep water fish species, carnivore) such as Mullus barbatus barbatus, Solea lascaris, Sparus aurata were always higher than those found in pelagic (omnivore) Mugil cephalus, Liza aurata. Results show discrepancies caused by many factors; thus, more work must be done carefully.

Seasonal Variation in the Accumulation of Trace Elements and Contaminants in Five Shrimp Species from Iskenderun Bay and Their Consumibility as Human Food

Seasonal accumulation of trace elements and contaminants in the muscle tissue of five shrimp species; Speckled Shrimp, Deepwater Rose Shrimp, Red Shrimp, Grooved Shrimp and Green Tiger Shrimp, from Iskenderun Bay of Eastern Mediterranean Sea were investigated. It was observed the period of year for the accumulation of such elements is important. Results indicate that peaks are generally reached in autumn and in spring. The levels of Zn, Fe, Cu and Ni were the highest in autumn whereas the maximum Sn and Cr concentrations were obtained in spring. The levels of Cu and Zn were found to be within the permissible limits for human consumption. Contaminants were accumulated at the highest levels in autumn. Attention has to be drawn that Cd values were above permissible limits for deepwater pink shrimp caught in autumn and winter, and for green tiger shrimp caught in autumn. Besides, the accumulation of high level of Pb in the tissue of all species except grooved shrimp whose value was low in spring should also be considered as a warning signal.

Distribution of trace elements in tissues of shrimp species Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) from Bahia, Brazil

In this study, concentrations of trace elements in tissues of shrimp species (Litopenaeus vannamei) from farming and zone natural coastal located in the northeastern Brazil were investigated. The elements determination was performed by optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP OES). The following ranges of concentrations in the tissues were obtained in µg g-1 dry weight: Al: 13.4-886.5, Cd: 0.93-1.80; Cu: 24.8-152; Fe: 3.2-410.9; Mn: 0.36-24.4; Se: 0.094-9.81 and Zn: 20.3-109.4. The shrimp muscle can be a good iron source (about 88.9 mg-1g dry weight). The distribution of Se concentration in tissues showed much variation between locations, and the concentration levels found in shrimp muscles of wild samples were high, where its levels in 67% of muscle and 50% of others tissues samples exceeded the ANVISA limit, indicating evidence of selenium bioaccumulation. Significant correlation was observed between the following pairs of elements: Fe-Zn (r= -0.70), Mn-Cu (r= -0.74), Se-Cu (r= -0.68), Se-Mn (r= 0.82) in the muscles; Fe-Al (r= 0.99), Mn-Al (r= 0.62), Mn-Fe (r= 0.62), Se-Al (r = 0.88), Se-Fe (r= 0.87), Se-Mn (r= 0.58) in the exoskeleton and Cu-Zn (r = 0.68), Al-Cu (r= 0.88), Fe-Cu (r= 0.95) and Fe-Al (r= 0.97) in the viscera.

The application of histo-cytopathological biomarkers in the mud crab Scylla serrata (Forskal) to assess heavy metal toxicity in Pulicat Lake, Chennai

The concentrations of heavy metals and their associated structural deformities in the gills, muscles and hepatopancreas of Scylla serrata from Pulicat Lake were determined and compared with crabs live along Kovalam coast. The concentrations of metals were high in the hepatopancreas and gills of crab from Pulicat Lake, whereas, low in crab from the Kovalam coast. Data were visualized using a principal component analysis (PCA). Significant differences were found for all variables at the plot scale; however, the overall variation was relatively low for muscle tissues in both stations. The structural deformities observed in the gills, hepatopancreas and muscle was due to metal toxicity, and the degree of damage was correlated with the elevated metal concentration. The results showed significant metal accumulation and histo-cytological lesions in the crabs from Pulicat Lake. The results suggest that these biomarkers are useful for assessing the impact of metal pollution in the coastal environments.

Legacy contaminant bioaccumulation in rock crabs in Sydney Harbour during remediation of the Sydney Tar Ponds, Nova Scotia, Canada

Concentrations of PAHs, PCBs, metals and lipids in hepatopancreas of rock crabs (Cancer irroratus) were measured in Sydney Harbour (SH) for one year prior to remediation and three years of remediation of the Sydney Tar Ponds (STP), Nova Scotia. Low level concentrations of PCBs and metals were measured, although PAHs were mostly undetected. Metal concentrations showed little spatio-temporal variability, although highest concentrations of As, Cd and Cu were measured at reference stations furthest from the STP remediation site. Mercury concentrations were at least an order of magnitude lower than Canadian guidelines. Moderately elevated PCB concentrations were detected in crabs near Muggah Creek, but these were generally not higher than those measured during baseline. Despite remediation activities, current contaminant burdens measured in crabs were much lower than previously reported in other studies of crabs and lobster in industrial harbours in eastern Canada, due in part to natural recovery of SH sediments.

Evaluate of heavy metal concentration in shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus) and crab (Portunus pelagicus) with INAA method

The level of the heavy metal in green tiger shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus) and crab (Portunus pelagicus) caught off the Persian Gulf near Bushehr province were investigated. This study was performed to evaluate instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) to analyze heavy metal concentration in crab and shrimp whole body tissue. The order of the swimmer crab and shrimp heavy metal concentrations were Zn>Fe>As>Mn>Co and Fe>Zn>Mn>As>Co, respectively. The results showed swimmer crab (Portunus pelagicus) and shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus) caught off Persian gulf, were contaminated with high level of As (21.38±3.31ppm and 8.28±2.82 ppm, respectively). High levels of As and Mn were noted in crabs and shrimp, respectively.

Heavy metals accumulation in crab and shrimps from Pulicat lake, north Chennai coastal region, southeast coast of India

The accumulation of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) was examined in crab ( Scylla serrata) and shrimps ( Penaeus semisulcatus, Penaeus indicus, and Penaeus monodon) collected from Pulicat lake that receives effluents from industries located in north Chennai, southeast coast of India. The results showed limited difference between crab and prawns as well as significant variations between the organs. Pb is the highly accumulated metal in both crab and shrimps, except P. monodon. The highest metal concentration was mostly found in the liver followed by other organs. The concentration of metals in edible parts (muscle) was within the permissible level and safe for consumption. However, the results of the study clearly indicate the biomagnification of metals in Pulicat lake.

A method of identifying priority spatial patterns for the management of potential ecological risks posed by heavy metals

An approach of identifying priority spatial patterns in response to different ecological risk levels associated with heavy metals (HM) is proposed. First, ecological hotspots (EH) are delineated by integrating NDVI-based assessment with the impact assessment of anthropogenic impact sources. Second, the HM potential ecological risks index (PERI) is calculated and spatially interpolated. Finally, the EH with different PERI values are identified through logic calculation. Study results show that 45.2% of the study region has low HM risks, 53.2% with moderate HM risks, and only 1.6% with high HM risks. In addition, the percentage of EH with low HM risks is 6.5%; the percentage with moderate HM risks is 5.4%; and the percentage with high HM risks is 0.4%. The EH with low and moderate HM ecological risks are proposed to be the regions in priority for management. This approach is potentially useful to HM ecological risk assessment and HM contamination management around the world.

Heavy metal contamination in the marine organisms in Yantai coast, northern Yellow Sea of China

The port city of Yantai, in Shandong province China is located on Sishili Bay in the northern Yellow Sea. Intense human activity associated with urban sewage discharge, as well as industrial and maritime activities, have stressed the Sishili Bay coastal ecosystem with anthropogenic pollution. The aim of this study was to measure the levels of heavy metal in the sediment and marine organisms of economic value from various sites within Sishili Bay, and to evaluate the data in relation to the potential health risk on human consumers. For this purpose, sediment and wild shrimps and crab were collected from three areas (a total of 13 sampling sites) of the Yantai coast and analyzed for six heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Pb, and As). For comparison, the concentrations of the same heavy metals in seven kinds of mollusks obtained from local aquaculture were also determined. The findings showed that the concentrations of heavy metals in the sediment of Yantai coast followed the order Zn > ≈Cr > Cu ≈ Ni ≈ Pb > As, and all were within the safe levels of national standard. However, the concentrations of the heavy metals varied significantly in the organism samples, indicating the different accumulative abilities of the species sampled. For the wild marine organisms, Pb concentrations in some shrimp and crab samples exceeded the standard limit of seafood safety criteria and As concentrations in all samples were over the limit. Moreover, the As levels in mollusks from aquaculture exceeded the limit of seafood standard criteria. These results indicated that the heavy metal levels in the marine organisms in the studied areas were moderate but unacceptable for As from the view of safety of seafood. Furthermore, it is very necessary and important to further study toxicological and ecological effect of As in the coast of northern Yellow sea to understand the potential for risk to human and environmental health.

Cadmium concentrations in shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus and Penaeus monodon) caught from the coastal areas in Southern Iran

This study was undertaken to determine the concentration of cadmium in two shrimp species, namely, Penaeus semisulcatus and Penaeus monodon caught from the coastal areas in southern Iran. Cadmium concentration was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 91 shrimp samples after nitric acid/perchloric acid digestion. Accuracy of the analysis was checked by various methods including the use of reference material. The mean ± SD of cadmium concentrations in shrimp samples were 0.128 ± 0.144 (μg/g). The cadmium concentrations ranged from 0.010 to 0.96 μg/g of the muscle tissues of shrimp. Higher cadmium concentration in shrimp samples was found in summer (significant p < 0.05). The results show that the mean concentration of cadmium in shrimp is lower than the maximum allowed levels according to International standards, although the concentration of cadmium in only one sample was more than the amount recommended by Food and Agriculture Organization. Therefore, no risk to the consumer arises from the cadmium contents of the shrimp caught in these areas.

Bioaccumulation of trace metals in the submarine hydrothermal vent crab Xenograpsus testudinatus off Kueishan Island, Taiwan

The concentrations of ten trace metals were determined in the gills, muscles, hepatopancreas, and exoskeleton tissues of Xenograpsus testudinatus that lives around shallow and acidic hydrothermal vents off Kueishan Island, northeastern Taiwan. The analytical results demonstrate that the metal concentrations vary significantly with the type of crab tissue. The concentrations of Al, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn are highest in the gills, whereas the concentration of Mn is highest in the exoskeleton. Cr and Pb concentrations are similar across the different tissues. The enhanced accumulation of most metals in the gills suggests the metal accumulation via the respiration pathway rather than the uptake of food. The results also reveal that the distribution patterns of metals in tissues are similar in the hepatopancreas and muscles, but very different in both the gills and the exoskeleton, perhaps because of the different pathways of metal utilization in the different crab tissues.

Using heavy metals to detect the human disturbances spatial scale on Chinese Yellow Sea coasts with an integrated analysis

An integrated approach involving landuse patterns obtained from landuse data and heavy metal contents of the top 10 cm surface soil layer samplings was proposed to detect the characteristic spatial scale of non-point source human disturbances on the Yellow Sea coast in China. Circular plots, with radii of 200, 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 m were set up to represent five spatial scales. We proposed a human impact index (HII) using the landuse data to model the human disturbances. Multivariate statistics of the 10 heavy metals, Cr, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, V, Zn, Cu, Ti, and Sr, were done. Finally curve estimation between HII and heavy metals was also done. The results showed that: (1) multivariate statistics, including principal component analysis, cluster analysis and the 1-tailed Pearson correlation analysis showing that elements Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, V, Zn, and Co could be interpreted as anthropogenic elements and (2) of all the heavy metals showing statistical significance from the curve estimation, in general, the 1000 m scale HII had the best modeling result. We concluded that the characteristic spatial scale of human disturbances on Yellow Sea coast might be 1000 m.

Heavy metals in Patella caerulea (Mollusca, Gastropoda) in polluted and non-polluted areas from the Iskenderun Gulf (Mediterranean Turkey)

The concentrations of Cd, Cu, Zn, Fe, Pb, Ni, and Co were measured in gastropod mollusks Patella caerulea in the Mediterranean area. The organisms were collected at two coastal sites in Iskenderun Gulf during winter, spring, summer, and autumn 2008. Samples of the digestive gland, gill, and muscle were analyzed for heavy metals. The aim of study is to determine heavy metal levels in tissues of P. caerulea in different locations. Tissues of P. caerulea from the polluted site showed metal concentrations appreciably higher than unpolluted organisms. The highest metal levels were registered in the digestive gland of P. caerulea. Generally, digestive gland and gills showed higher metal concentrations than muscle. The average concentrations of heavy metals analyzed exhibited the following decreasing order: Fe>Zn>Cu>Ni>Cd>Pb>Co for both stations 1 and 2. Seasonal changes in metal concentrations were observed in the tissues of P. caerulea from a polluted and an unpolluted population.