Heavy metal accumulation in Diplodus annularis, Liza aurata, and Solea vulgaris relevant to their concentration in water and sediment from the southwestern Mediterranean (coast of Sfax)

The EU Interreg Project "GEREMIA" on waste management for the improvement of port waters: results on monitoring the health status of fish as bioindicator

Highly anthropized areas as ports represent complex scenarios that require accurate monitoring plans aimed to address the environmental status. In this context, the activities of the EU Interreg Project "GEstione dei REflui per il MIglioramento delle Acque portuali (GEREMIA)" were focused on comparing sites differently affected by human presence, as the Port of Genoa and the natural area of the S'Ena Arrubia fishpond: a panel of analyses was carried out on Mugilidae fish sampled in these two areas, aimed to address trace metal accumulation in the liver, gills, and muscle, as well as cytochrome P450 (CYP450) induction in liver and biliary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites, and histopathological alterations in the liver and gills. Chemical analyses in the liver, gills, and muscle of specimens collected in the port area showed an overall higher degree of trace metal contamination compared to the natural fishpond, and similar results were obtained in terms of CYP450 induction and biliary PAH metabolites, suggesting a higher exposure to organic compounds. In addition, histopathological analyses revealed a significant alteration and then a loss of functionality of liver and gill tissue in individuals from the port. Overall, this study describes the complex environmental pollution scenario in the Port of Genoa, confirming the importance of using multidisciplinary approaches and different types of analyses to address both the presence and the effects of contaminants in marine environments.

Trace elements assessment in Cerastoderma glaucum from port areas in the Tunisian Mediterranean coast: The influence of parasites on bioaccumulation

In the present study, the seasonal concentration of seven trace elements was investigated in sediment and the cockle Cerastoderma glaucum tissues from two port areas in the North-East and South of Tunisia comparing cockles non-parasitized (NP) and parasitized (P) with digenean parasites. Elements concentration in sediments analyzed in both sites revealed that Zinc (Zn), Chromium (Cr), and Lead (Pb) were the most abundant ones, while Cadmium (Cd) and Mercury (Hg) were less abundant. The bioaccumulation of trace metals and Arsenic (As) in the tissues of cockles seems to be modulated by both the infection state and the parasite species. The relationship between bioaccumulation of metals and As, trematode species and abiotic parameters showed that the availability of certain metals for uptake by P cockles of both sites was influenced by the salinity and temperature of the water. Our results corroborate the possibility of using digenean infecting bivalves in biomonitoring aquatic ecosystems.

Metal Contamination and Biomarkers in Cerastoderma glaucum: A Multi-level Approach

In this study, we focused on evaluating the responses of the cockle, Cerastoderma glaucum to in situ exposures to metals at three sites in the Gulf of Gabes in the coastal zone of Tunisia differing in levels of metal contamination. Firstly, we examined the general physiological state of the organisms. Secondly, we evaluated the bioaccumulation of several metals (Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni) in the cockles. Thirdly, we focused on evaluating histologically changes in gametogenesis and sexual maturity of the organisms. Finally, we determined the expression of seven key genes encoding enzymes or proteins involved in responses to different types of environmental stressors. Results showed a decrease in the general physiological status of the cockles, including a reduced condition index, sex ratios skewed to females (70% and 80% females in the intermediate and the contaminated site, respectively) and greater mortalities in tests under anoxic conditions (i.e., stress on stress test) in cockles collected from the most contaminated site (LT50 = 2.88 days) compared to the cockles from the intermediate site (LT50 = 5 days) and the less contaminated site (LT50 = 6 days). Results for metal bioaccumulation showed that the levels of Cd, Cu, Zn and Ni in cockles were consistent with the contaminant gradient, with the highest levels in cockles from the most contaminated site (1.04; 4.92; 52.76 and 13.81 µg/g dw, respectively), followed by those from the intermediate site (0.34; 2.94; 36.94; 17.40 µg/g dw, respectively) and then the less contaminated site (0.065; 1.27; 21.62 and 5.40 µg/g dw, respectively). Results from the gametogenesis and maturity index showed few differences in the reproductive cycle of cockles collected from the three study sites. There were different patterns of gene expression that were divided into three groups in terms of responses: (1) expression of genes involved in metal detoxification, ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily B Member 1 (ABCB1) and metallothionein MT) and genes for superoxide dismutases (i.e., Mn SOD and CuZn SOD), which did not show any difference in their levels of expression; (2) heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene expression, which decreased in cockles according to the pollution gradient, and (3) expression of catalase (CAT) and cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) genes was threefold and 1000-fold higher in cockles from intermediate and most contaminated sites compared to the less contaminated site. Therefore, changes in overall physiological condition, sex ratios and expression of HSP70, CAT and COI genes may be appropriate biomarkers for in situ studies of the impacts of metals in cockles. However, these biomarkers should be coupled to proteomics studies.

Metals in tissues of marine fish from the Thermaikos Gulf, Eastern Mediterranean Sea: Detection of changes with trophic level

Concentrations of 27 metals and elements were investigated in the tissues of 28 demersal and pelagic marine fish species from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The analysis indicated highest concentrations of accumulation for the majority of elements in the gills, liver, and scales; whereas, lowest assimilation of elements was reported in the muscle. Pelagic fish accumulated higher concentrations of elements than demersal fish. An inverse correlation due to the growth dilution effect was revealed among element concentrations in the gills, liver, muscle, and skin tissues, and fish size. Patterns of biomagnification for Cs solely were recorded in the muscle and patterns of biodilution for most elements were evident in the gills, liver, muscle, and skin tissues. A positive correlation was determined between trophic level and element concentrations in the scales which could not only be associated with fish diet, but also with metal concentrations in the ambient environment and scales size.

Potential health risk assessment of some bioaccumulated metals in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultured in Kafr El-Shaikh farms, Egypt

In Egypt, using agricultural drainage water is a serious challenge for fish farming, due to water scaristy. Metals could be a potential threat to the quality of the cultured fish. Thus, this study aimed to assess the content of the metals in the cultured fish, their effect on the fish tissues, and the possible human health risk upon their consumption. This accomplished firstly, by determining the levels of essential Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, beside the top three most toxic metals (Cr, Cd, and Pb) in the edible muscles and liver of 200 samples of Oreochromis niloticus cultured at three fish farms, using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The results showed the order of abundance: Fe > Zn > Cu ≥ Cr > Mn > Pb > Cd. Levels of Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu in the fish liver were higher than corresponding values of muscles by 3, 3, 5, 9 order of magnitude, respectively. The histopathological examination showed alternations in muscles and liver tissues of fish farms irrigated with drainage water. However, the risk assessment indicated the safe human consumption of cultured fish produced from these fish farms.

Ecological risk assessment and source apportionment of metals in the surface sediments of river systems in Lake Taihu Basin, China

In this study, the concentrations of Zn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, As, Cd, and Hg in the surface sediments of 94 sites sampled from six water systems in the Lake Taihu Basin in China were measured, and the pollution risks and sources of the metals were identified. The results showed that the mean concentrations of Zn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, As, Cd, and Hg in the riverine surface sediments were 163.6, 102.5, 45.5, 44.7, 37.0, 13.3, 0.5, and 0.1 mg/kg, respectively, higher than the corresponding background values (except for Hg). According to the geoaccumulation index (I_geo), the Pb, Ni, Zn, Cu, and Cd concentrations in the riverine surface sediments were generally at low levels of pollution. Based on a pollution load index (PLI) evaluation, the Pb, Ni, Zn, and Cu concentrations in the riverine surface sediments were generally at moderate levels of pollution. According to the thresholds of potential ecological risk, the Cd and Hg concentrations in the riverine surface sediments exhibited moderate potential ecological risks. Multivariate statistical analysis indicated that the Pb in the riverine surface sediments primarily originated from domestic sewage, agricultural wastewater discharge, and petroleum combustion; the concentrations of Cr, Ni, and Zn were influenced by the electroplating and alloy manufacturing industries; the concentrations of Cu and As mainly originated from pesticide use and industrial wastewater discharge; and those of Cd and Hg primarily stemmed from industrial wastewater discharge. This research provides information regarding metallic contamination and the possible associated ecological risks to benthic organisms in the surface sediments of river systems and is useful for developing sustainable strategies for environmental pollution control and management in the Lake Taihu Basin.

A comparative study of trace elements in Cymodocea nodosa from three semi-enclosed coastal areas in Tunisia

The present study quantifies the levels of five trace elements (TEs) Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Cd in the leaves and rhizomes of Cymodocea nodosa as well as the surficial sediments from three semi-enclosed coastal areas in Tunisia, in the south Mediterranean Sea. Samples were taken from the Bizerte and Ghar El Melh lagoons and from marina Cap Monastir. The TE ranking was found to be Zn > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cd in sediments and Zn > Cu = Ni = Pb = Cd in C. nodosa leaves and rhizomes. Except for Ni, levels of Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd significantly differed between the sites. Translocation factors (TFs) were > 1 for all trace elements proving the high capacity of C. nodosa to accumulate TEs in its above-ground tissues. Results show that marina Cap Monastir's meadow exhibits higher TFs than the Bizerte and Ghar El Melh lagoons. This can be due to the presence of the non-indigenous species Halophila stipulacea. The present study highlights the need for further investigation on the effect of interspecific interaction on TE uptake by seagrasses.

Coal mine effluent-led bioaccumulation of heavy metals and histopathological changes in some tissues of the catfish Clarias batrachus

Coal mining generates huge quantity of toxic effluent which consistently pollutes the neighboring wetlands where the local inhabitants regularly cultivate edible fishes. In the present study the concentration of heavy metals Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, Cd, Pb and Cr were analyzed in the water and various tissues of edible catfish Clarias batrachus reared in a pond receiving effluents from Rajrappa coal mine, Jharkhand, India. The metal concentrations in the pond water were dramatically higher (Fe 350%, Zn 423%, Cu 12%, Mn 7029%, Ni 713%, Cd 1700%, Pb 4333% and Cr 588%) than the safe limit of Environmental Pollution Agency (2003) as well as the control tap water. Excessive amounts of metals in effluent caused their substantial transfer to the different tissues of the catfish reared in such ponds. Results showed that accumulation of metals in fish tissues were in the following order: liver > kidney > air breathing organ (ABO) > gills > skin > brain > muscles. Among the various tissues the highest accumulation of most of the metals was recorded in the liver (2.05-271.28 mg/kg dry weight) and lowest in the muscles (1.39-30.27 mg/kg dry weight), while the concentration of metals in other tissues ranged in between. The accumulation of heavy metals in tissues appears to cause remarkable histopathological alterations in skin, gills, ABO, liver and kidney that might be leading to deleterious effect on fish physiology and consequently impact the consumers of such fishes.

Effect of Acidic Industrial Effluent Release on Microbial Diversity and Trace Metal Dynamics During Resuspension of Coastal Sediment

Both industrial effluent discharge and the resuspension of contaminated marine sediments are important sources of trace metals in seawater which potentially affect marine ecosystems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the industrial wastewaters having acidic pH (2–3) and containing trace metals on microbial diversity in the coastal ecosystem of the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia, southern Mediterranean Sea) subjected to resuspension events of marine sediments. Four trace elements (As, Cd, U, and V) were monitored during 10-day sediment resuspension experiments. The highest enrichment in the seawater dissolved phase was observed for Cd followed by U, V, and As. Cd remobilization was improved by indigenous microbial community, while U release was mainly abiotic. Acidic effluent addition impacted both trace metal distribution and microbial diversity, particularly that of the abundant phylum Bacteroidetes. Members of the order Saprospirales were enriched from sediment in natural seawater (initial pH > 8), while the family Flavobacteriaceae was favored by acidified seawater (initial pH < 8). Some Flavobacteriaceae members were identified as dominant species in both initial sediment and experiments with acidic wastewater, in which their relative abundance increased with increasing dissolved Cd levels. It could be therefore possible to consider them as bioindicators of metal pollution and/or acidification in marine ecosystems.

Accumulation of heavy metals in muscle, liver, and gonads of little tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus) from the western region of Algeria

Cadmium, lead, zinc, and copper levels were measured in muscle, liver, and gonads of little tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus) from the western region of Algeria. Relationships between heavy metals concentrations and age, sex, sexual maturity stages, and fish size were investigated. The highest average levels of cadmium (0.2010 ± 0.026 mg kg^-1), lead (0.8069 ± 0.09 mg kg^-1), and copper (18.1135 ± 1.34 mg kg^-1) were recorded in the liver, while the highest mean zinc value of 203.1454 ± 21.48 mg kg^-1 was observed in the gonads. Significant differences (t > 1.96, p < 0.05) were found between metals levels in different tissues. The results indicated that heavy metals concentrations in muscle, liver, and gonads increase with age and fish size. However, metals analysis in gonadal tissues provides clear evidence of the transfer of heavy metals from spawners to progeny. The concentrations of Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu measured in edible muscle flesh were lower than the maximum acceptable limit set by FAO/WHO for human consumption.

First investigation of trace metal distribution in surface seawater and copepods of the south coast of Sfax (Tunisia)

The increased metal loading from anthropogenic sources has affected aquatic ecosystems and has cascaded through food webs worldwide. Therefore, the evaluation of ecological impacts of anthropogenic metal has become increasingly important. In this paper, we monitored the concentration of six trace metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the three copepod groups (cyclopoida, calanoida, and harpacticoida) and in seawater samples collected from the south coast of Sfax (Tunisia). Results showed that the concentration of Fe and Zn for all copepod groups was higher than that for other metals and that of Cd was the lowest in all groups. The mean increase in bioconcentration factor of metals in copepods ranged from 0.05 to 18.93 and followed the sequence Zn (18.93) > Fe (14.34) > Pb (6.41) > Cd (1.53) > Cu (0.10) > Ni (0.05). The copepods in the south coast of Sfax were found to have a great capacity to accumulate trace metals and act as contamination indicators. Comparative studies with those from the Luza zone indicate considerable bioaccumulation of trace metals (Pb and Ni) in all copepod groups namely in cyclopoida.