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Sánchez-Fortún M, Carrasco JL, Díez S, Amouroux D, Tessier E, López-Carmona S, Sanpera C. Temporal mercury dynamics throughout the rice cultivation season in the Ebro Delta (NE Spain): An integrative approach. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 250:118555. [PMID: 38412914 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118555] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
During the last few decades, inputs of mercury (Hg) to the environment from anthropogenic sources have increased. The Ebro Delta is an important area of rice production in the Iberian Peninsula. Given the industrial activity and its legacy pollution along the Ebro river, residues containing Hg have been transported throughout the Ebro Delta ecosystems. Rice paddies are regarded as propitious environments for Hg methylation and its subsequent incorporation to plants and rice paddies' food webs. We have analyzed how Hg dynamics change throughout the rice cultivation season in different compartments from the paddies' ecosystems: soil, water, rice plants and fauna. Furthermore, we assessed the effect of different agricultural practices (ecological vs. conventional) associated to various flooding patterns (wet vs. mild alternating wet and dry) to the Hg levels in rice fields. Finally, we have estimated the proportion of methylmercury (MeHg) to total mercury in a subset of samples, as MeHg is the most bioaccumulable toxic form for humans and wildlife. Overall, we observed varying degrees of mercury concentration over the rice cultivation season in the different compartments. We found that different agricultural practices and flooding patterns did not influence the THg levels observed in water, soil or plants. However, Hg concentrations in fauna samples seemed to be affected by hydroperiod and we also observed evidence of Hg biomagnification along the rice fields' aquatic food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisès Sánchez-Fortún
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Josep Lluís Carrasco
- Biostatistics, Department of Basic Clinical Practice, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Sergi Díez
- Environmental Chemistry Department, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - David Amouroux
- Université de Pau et des Pays de L'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, Pau, France.
| | - Emmanuel Tessier
- Université de Pau et des Pays de L'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, Pau, France.
| | - Sophie López-Carmona
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; UFR Sciences et Techniques, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.
| | - Carola Sanpera
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Sánchez-Fortún M, Amouroux D, Tessier E, Carrasco JL, Sanpera C. Mercury stable isotopes in seabirds in the Ebro Delta (NE Iberian Peninsula): Inter-specific and temporal differences. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 347:123739. [PMID: 38458513 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123739] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant, which particularly affects aquatic ecosystems, both marine and freshwater. Top-predators depending on these environments, such as seabirds, are regarded as suitable bioindicators of Hg pollution. In the Ebro Delta (NE Iberian Peninsula), legacy Hg pollution from a chlor-alkali industry operating in Flix and located ca. 100 km upstream of the Ebro River mouth has been impacting the delta environment and the neighboring coastal area. Furthermore, levels of Hg in the biota of the Mediterranean Sea are known to be high compared to other marine areas. In this work we used a Hg stable isotopes approach in feathers to understand the processes leading to different Hg concentrations in three Laridae species breeding in sympatry in the area (Audouin's gull Ichthyaetus audouinii, black-headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus, common tern Sterna hirundo). These species have distinct trophic ecologies, exhibiting a differential use of marine resources and freshwater resources (i.e., rice paddies prey). Moreover, for Audouin's gull, in which in the Ebro Delta colony temporal differences in Hg levels were documented previously, we used Hg stable isotopes to understand the impact of anthropogenic activities on Hg levels in the colony over time. Hg stable isotopes differentiated the three Laridae species according to their trophic ecologies. Furthermore, for Audouin's gull we observed temporal variations in Hg isotopic signatures possibly owing to anthropogenic-derived pollution in the Ebro Delta. To the best of our knowledge this is the first time Hg stable isotopes have been reported in seabirds from the NW Mediterranean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisès Sánchez-Fortún
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - David Amouroux
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, Pau, France.
| | - Emmanuel Tessier
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, Pau, France.
| | - Josep Lluís Carrasco
- Biostatistics, Department of Basic Clinical Practice, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Carola Sanpera
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Qu P, Pang M, Wang P, Ma X, Zhang Z, Wang Z, Gong Y. Bioaccumulation of mercury along continuous fauna trophic levels in the Yellow River Estuary and adjacent sea indicated by nitrogen stable isotopes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 432:128631. [PMID: 35306412 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), and its organic forms, are some of the most hazardous elements, with strong toxicity, persistence, and biological accumulation in marine organisms. Hg accumulation in continuous trophic levels (TL) in marine food chains remains unclear. In this study, individual invertebrate and fish samples collected from the Yellow River Estuary adjacent sea were grouped into continuous TL ranges, and the bioaccumulations of total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) were analyzed. The trophic magnification factor in invertebrates and fish was 1.40 and 1.72 for THg, and 2.56 and 2.17 for MeHg, indicating that both THg and MeHg were significantly biomagnified with increasing TL in both invertebrates and fish through trophic transfer. To evaluate the health risk of seafood consumption, the target hazard quotient (THQ) was calculated. Increasing THQ values indicated that the health risks of invertebrate and fish consumption in humans, especially children, were both elevated with increasing TL. THQ values > 1 indicated that consumption of invertebrates at a TL above 4.0 and fish above 4.5 may pose a relatively higher risk for children. Therefore, the consumption of both individual invertebrates and fish at high trophic positions may present greater health risk, especially in young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Qu
- Observation and Research Station of Bohai Eco-Corridor & Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China, No. 6, Xianxialing Road, Qingdao, China; Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 168, Wenhaizhong Road, Jimo District, Qingdao City, Shandong, China
| | - Min Pang
- Observation and Research Station of Bohai Eco-Corridor & Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China, No. 6, Xianxialing Road, Qingdao, China; Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 168, Wenhaizhong Road, Jimo District, Qingdao City, Shandong, China.
| | - Penggong Wang
- China Certification & Inspection Group Shandong Testing Co., LTD., Jiaozhou District, Qingdao City, Shandong, China
| | - Xuli Ma
- China Certification & Inspection Group Shandong Co., LTD., Shinan District, Qingdao City, Shandong, China
| | - Zhaohui Zhang
- Observation and Research Station of Bohai Eco-Corridor & Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China, No. 6, Xianxialing Road, Qingdao, China; Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 168, Wenhaizhong Road, Jimo District, Qingdao City, Shandong, China
| | - Zongling Wang
- Observation and Research Station of Bohai Eco-Corridor & Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China, No. 6, Xianxialing Road, Qingdao, China; Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 168, Wenhaizhong Road, Jimo District, Qingdao City, Shandong, China
| | - Yuchen Gong
- The Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao City, Shandong, China
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Soil Nematodes as the Silent Sufferers of Climate-Induced Toxicity: Analysing the Outcomes of Their Interactions with Climatic Stress Factors on Land Cover and Agricultural Production. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2022; 195:2519-2586. [PMID: 35593954 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-022-03965-x] [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: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Unsustainable anthropogenic activities over the last few decades have resulted in alterations of the global climate. It can be perceived through changes in the rainfall patterns and rise in mean annual temperatures. Climatic stress factors exert their effects on soil health mainly by modifying the soil microenvironments where the soil fauna reside. Among the members of soil fauna, the soil nematodes have been found to be sensitive to these stress factors primarily because of their low tolerance limits. Additionally, because of their higher and diverse trophic positions in the soil food web they can integrate the effects of many stress factors acting together. This is important because under natural conditions the climatic stress factors do not exert their effect individually. Rather, they interact amongst themselves and other abiotic stress factors in the soil to generate their impacts. Some of these interactions may be synergistic while others may be antagonistic. As such, it becomes very difficult to assess their impacts on soil health by simply analysing the physicochemical properties of soil. This makes soil nematodes outstanding candidates for studying the effects of climatic stress factors on soil biology. The knowledge obtained therefrom can be used to design sustainable agricultural practices because most of the conventional techniques aim at short-term benefits with complete disregard of soil biology. This can partly ensure food security in the coming decades for the expanding population. Moreover, understanding soil biology can help to preserve landscapes that have developed over long periods of climatic stability and belowground soil biota interactions.
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Constenla M, Soler-Membrives A, Besada V, Carrassón M. Impact assessment of a large river on the sediments and fish from its continental shelf: using Solea solea as sentinel in the Ebro river mouth (NW Mediterranean, Spain). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:15713-15728. [PMID: 34636002 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16408-7] [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: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have been carried out along mighty rivers with heavily industrialized watersheds to evaluate pollutants and their effects on freshwater organisms. However, their impact on marine organisms is virtually unknown. In order to cover this gap, Solea solea, one of the most important commercial fish species, together with sediments, were sampled during 2013-2015 offshore from the Ebro Delta river mouth. Fish health indicators (condition indices, histological tissue alterations, and parasite descriptors) were used to assess the potential effect of pollutants, an issue of particular interest in the area following the dredging activities taking place in the river upstream in 2013. No major histopathological alterations were detected, but perivascular inflammatory foci (PIF) were frequently observed, especially in 2014. The most prevalent and abundant parasites were acanthocephalans and digeneans within the digestive tract and copepods on the gills. Levels of trace metals from sediments and fish muscle were below the effects range median and reference levels accepted for human consumption, respectively. However, the lower levels of the hepatosomatic index, higher numbers of PIF, and variations in the abundance of parasites in 2014 and 2015 could suggest a pollutant exposure during these years. These results warn signs of toxicity, which could be associated with sediment leaks during the dredging activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Constenla
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Anna Soler-Membrives
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victoria Besada
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, IEO, Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Subida a Radio Faro, 50, 36390, Vigo, Spain
| | - Maite Carrassón
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
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Pavla S, Danka H, Premysl M, Denisa M, Kristyna M, Zdenka S. Do the total mercury concentrations detected in fish from Czech ponds represent a risk for consumers? Sci Rep 2022; 12:553. [PMID: 35017608 PMCID: PMC8752681 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04561-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury is one of the important pollutants of the environment. Therefore, it's necessary to monitor quantity of mercury especially in aquatic ecosystems. The main goal of the presented study was to compare the content of total mercury in tissues of fish coming from the Czech Republic, an important carp exporter, with focus on comparison of mercury content between 3 different ponds, its comparison between different fish species and between different tissues of the same species, and estimation whether the mercury content in tissues meets the limit given in the Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006 or not. Total mercury concentration was measured in 90 fish specimen sampled from three ponds (Velky Kocelovicky, Mysliv and Zehunsky) in autumn 2018. The values of total mercury in fish tissues was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. The content of total mercury in the tissues decreased as follows: muscle > liver > gonads > scales. The highest average content of total mercury in muscle was 0.1517 ± 0.0176 mg/kg coming from pike caught in Velky Kocelovicky pond. In contrast, the lowest average content of total mercury in muscle 0.0036 ± 0.0003 mg/kg was found in carp tissue coming from the locality of Zehunsky pond. We confirmed that the predatory fish are more exposed to mercury than non-predatory fish. None of the monitored localities exceeded the set regulatory limit. Thus, our study shows that fish coming from these ponds are safe in terms of total mercury content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehonova Pavla
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare & Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | | | - Mikula Premysl
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare & Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Medkova Denisa
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare & Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Fisheries, Hydrobiology and Apiculture, Faculty of Agrisciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Malacova Kristyna
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare & Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Svobodova Zdenka
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare & Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
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Demirak A, Keskin F, Silm M, Özdemir N, Yıldız D, Bernotas P, Öğlü B. Bioaccumulation and health risk assessment of heavy metals in European eels taken from Lakes Köyceğiz (Turkey) and Võrtsjärv (Estonia). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:1620-1633. [PMID: 34677773 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16822-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] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring heavy metal contaminants in fish is important for the assessment of environmental quality as well as food safety. In this study, European eel samples were collected from Lake Köyceğiz and Lake Võrtsjärv in 2017 and 2018. The concentrations of Mn, Cd, Zn, Pb, and Cu metals were measured by using GF-AAS in four selected tissues of eel, including liver, gill, skin, and muscle in both lakes. The pollution index (Pi, MPI) values were calculated for both lakes and the health risk for consumers was assessed for both adults and children in Turkey and Estonia. The estimated weekly intake (EWI), hazard index (HI), and lifetime cancer risk values (CRs) for the metals were calculated for both lakes. According to the results of this study, a significant difference was determined between the metal concentrations (especially Cu, Cd, and Pb) in the tissues of the eel samples taken from the two lakes. These results show that besides the pollution levels in the aquatic environment, physiological needs and metabolic activities in different habitats have a significant effect on metal accumulation in eels. In addition, HI was found to be < 1 for both adult and child consumers in both lakes, which indicates that consumers would not experience non-carcinogenic health effects. However, the values of CR for Pb and Cd were found negligible in Lake Köyceğiz, while the CR value for Pb was found to be very close to the danger limits in Lake Võrtsjärv.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Demirak
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mugla Sıtkı Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey.
| | - Feyyaz Keskin
- Environmental Problems Research and Application Center, Mugla Sıtkı Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey
| | - Maidu Silm
- Chair of Hydrobiology and Fishery, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 5, 51006, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Nedim Özdemir
- Aquaculture Faculty, Mugla Sıtkı Kocman University, 48000, Mugla, Turkey
| | - Dilek Yıldız
- Environmental Problems Research and Application Center, Mugla Sıtkı Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey
| | - Priit Bernotas
- Chair of Hydrobiology and Fishery, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 5, 51006, Tartu, Estonia
- Estonian Marine Institute, University of Tartu, Vanemuise 46a, 51010, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Burak Öğlü
- Chair of Hydrobiology and Fishery, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 5, 51006, Tartu, Estonia
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Sánchez-Fortún M, Vinyoles D, López-Carmona S, Carrasco JL, Sanpera C. Effect of different rice farming practices on the bioavailability of mercury: A mesocosm experiment with common goldfish (Carassius auratus). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 201:111486. [PMID: 34129865 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111486] [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: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Wetlands such as rice paddies are important ecosystems that provide habitat for a numerous range of species but are considered as a major source of mercury in the most toxic form of methylmercury. An in situ mesocosm experiment was conducted during the rice cultivation season of 2018 in rice paddies from the Ebro Delta (NE Spain) to investigate the bioaccumulation of mercury in fish. Common goldfish (Carassius auratus) were exposed to three types of rice-fields subject to different agricultural management (conventional or ecological agriculture) and different hydric practices (wet, dry) and were sampled monthly. Total mercury concentration in fish increased over time for almost all the fields under study, but the mercury increase was particularly higher for fish exposed to ecological fields. We conducted δ15N and δ13C measurements to follow up fish diet changes within or among fields. The results have shown there were no variations in the diet of the fish over time within fields, although differences among management practices were observed, which could explain to some extent the THg variation in fish exposed to each of the agricultural practices. Results indicate that wetting and drying rice fields might be a greater source of mercury for fish and a potential hotspot for MeHg production enhanced by physicochemical parameters. Thus, mercury bioaccumulation in fish inhabiting rice paddies depend on several factors what, in turn, could lead to biomagnification across the food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisès Sánchez-Fortún
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Dolors Vinyoles
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sophie López-Carmona
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; UFR Sciences et Techniques, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Josep Lluís Carrasco
- Biostatistics, Department of Basic Clinical Practice, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carola Sanpera
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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de Medeiros Costa G, Lázaro WL, Sanpera C, Sánchez-Fortún M, Dos Santos Filho M, Díez S. Rhamphotheca as a useful indicator of mercury in seabirds. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 754:141730. [PMID: 32920380 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The evaluation of mercury (Hg) toxicity in wildlife species has prompted a search for sensitive indicators to accurately measure the body burden of Hg. Despite the extensive use of feathers as an indicator of Hg in birds, they do not appear to be an entirely suitable indicator of the extent of contamination in certain conditions and bird species since Hg levels are influenced by the growth period, timing of the last moult and migration. This research aimed to evaluate rhamphotheca as a potential indicator of environmental Hg concentrations in seabirds. We used culled yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) (n = 20) and determined THg in rhamphotheca and feathers. We distinguished between upper and lower rhamphotheca, and divided each one into 16 equal portions along the culmen to analyse their THg content spatially. In each bird, THg was also determined in primary (P1) and secondary (S8) feathers and compared with rhamphotheca. The median (25th, 75th percentile) rhamphotheca Hg concentration was 13.44 (9.63, 17.46) μg/g, which was twofold higher than in the feathers 7.56 (4.88, 12.89) μg/g. Median THg in rhamphotheca was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in females 15.05 (10.35, 23.04) μg/g than in males 12.34 (8.57, 15.19) μg/g, whereas no differences (p > 0.05) were found in the feathers. No significant differences in Hg levels were found between upper and lower beak mandibles or along either. In contrast, significant differences in Hg concentrations were found between the P1 and S8 feathers (mean, 12.04 vs. 6.04 μg/g). No correlation was found between Hg content in rhamphotheca and feathers. Mercury levels in rhamphotheca exhibited stronger significant relationships with weight (R2 = 0.568), length (R2 = 0.524) and culmen (R2 = 0.347) than the levels in the feathers, which showed no correlation. Overall, our results suggest that rhamphotheca is a suitable tissue indicator for Hg monitoring in gulls; however, further studies are needed to extend our research to other bird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerlane de Medeiros Costa
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Pesquisa de Limnologia, Biodiversidade, Etnobiologia do Pantanal - CELBE, Universidade do Estado do Mato Grosso - UNEMAT, Campus Cáceres - Avenida Santos Dumont, s/n - Cidade Universitária, Cáceres, MT 78200-000, Brazil
| | - Wilkinson L Lázaro
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Pesquisa de Limnologia, Biodiversidade, Etnobiologia do Pantanal - CELBE, Universidade do Estado do Mato Grosso - UNEMAT, Campus Cáceres - Avenida Santos Dumont, s/n - Cidade Universitária, Cáceres, MT 78200-000, Brazil
| | - Carola Sanpera
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Moisès Sánchez-Fortún
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manoel Dos Santos Filho
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Pesquisa de Limnologia, Biodiversidade, Etnobiologia do Pantanal - CELBE, Universidade do Estado do Mato Grosso - UNEMAT, Campus Cáceres - Avenida Santos Dumont, s/n - Cidade Universitária, Cáceres, MT 78200-000, Brazil
| | - Sergi Díez
- Environmental Chemistry Department, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDÆA-CSIC, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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Balzani P, Haubrock PJ, Russo F, Kouba A, Haase P, Veselý L, Masoni A, Tricarico E. Combining metal and stable isotope analyses to disentangle contaminant transfer in a freshwater community dominated by alien species. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115781. [PMID: 33049575 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater ecosystems are negatively impacted by various pollutants, from agricultural, urban and industrial wastewater, with metals being one of the largest concerns. Moreover, freshwater ecosystems are often affected by alien species introductions that can modify habitats and trophic relationships. Accordingly, the threat posed by metals interacts with those by alien species, since the latter can accumulate and transfer these substances across the food web to higher trophic levels. How metals transfer within such communities is little studied. We analysed the concentration of 14 metals/metalloids (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn, hereafter 'metal(s)') of eight fish and three crustacean species co-existing in the Arno River (Central Italy), most of which were alien. To assess the pathway of contaminants within the community, we coupled metal analysis with carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis derived from the same specimens. Crustaceans showed higher metal concentration than fish, except for Cd, Hg and Se that were higher in fish. We found evidence of trophic transfer for six metals (Cd, Cr, Hg, Mg, Se, Zn). Additionally, ontogenetic differences and differences among various fish tissues (muscle, liver, and gills) were found in metals concentration. Considerable biomagnification along the trophic chain was found for Hg, while other metals were found to biodilute. Using stable isotopes and Hg as a third diet tracer, we refined the estimations of consumed preys in the diet previously reconstructed with stable isotope mixing models. Alien species reach high biomass and can both survive to and accumulate high pollutants concentrations, potentially posing a risk for their predators and humans. A combined effect of environmental filtering and increased competition may potentially contribute to the disappearance of native species with lower tolerances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paride Balzani
- University of Florence, Department of Biology, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
| | - Phillip J Haubrock
- Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Department of River Ecology and Conservation, Clamecystrasse 12, 63571, Gelnhausen, Germany; University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Francesco Russo
- University of Florence, Department of Biology, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Antonín Kouba
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Haase
- Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Department of River Ecology and Conservation, Clamecystrasse 12, 63571, Gelnhausen, Germany; University of Duisburg-Essen, Faculty of Biology, Universitätsstraße 5, 45141, Essen, Germany
| | - Lukáš Veselý
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Alberto Masoni
- University of Florence, Department of Biology, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Elena Tricarico
- University of Florence, Department of Biology, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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Sánchez-Fortún M, Ouled-Cheikh J, Jover C, García-Tarrasón M, Carrasco JL, Sanpera C. Following up mercury pollution in the Ebro Delta (NE Spain): Audouin's gull fledglings as model organisms to elucidate anthropogenic impacts on the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 266:115232. [PMID: 32712528 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
As top-predators in marine ecosystems, seabirds are regarded as appropriate bioindicator species for a variety of contaminants. Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant, which can biomagnify along marine and freshwater food webs. Therefore, mercury body burden in seabirds, such as gulls, will integrate information about pollution in the environment. In the Ebro Delta (NE Spain), legacy mercury pollution from a chlor-alkali industry located ca. 100 km upstream of the Ebro river mouth has been affecting the delta environment. We have analyzed a 15-year temporal series (2004-2019) of Hg in birds from a breeding colony of Audouin's gull (Ichthyaetus audouinii) in the Ebro Delta to understand how fluctuations in Hg levels are coupled to human activities in the industrial area in the upstream region of the river. Stable isotopic signatures of C and N (δ13Cbulk and δ15Nbulk) are determined to characterize the trophic ecology of the species. Since only δ13Cbulk but not δ15Nbulk was associated with THg levels, we used compound-specific stable nitrogen isotope analysis of amino acids (AA-CSIA) to evaluate the causes of variation in δ15Nbulk to further investigate the idea of a decoupling of δ15Nbulk and THg over time. We found Audouin's gull to be sensitive to Hg variations in the environment due to anthropogenic changes and to be a good indicator species for this contaminant in the Ebro Delta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisès Sánchez-Fortún
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Jazel Ouled-Cheikh
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Jover
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel García-Tarrasón
- Secretaría General de Pesca. Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación (MAPA), Spain
| | - Josep Lluís Carrasco
- Biostatistics, Department of Basic Clinical Practice, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carola Sanpera
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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12
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Rahmanikhah Z, Esmaili-Sari A, Bahramifar N. Total mercury and methylmercury concentrations in native and invasive fish species in Shadegan International Wetland, Iran, and health risk assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:6765-6773. [PMID: 31960239 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-07218-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to mercury (Hg) mainly occurs through consumption of aquatics, especially fish. In aquatic systems, the bioaccumulation of Hg across trophic levels could be altered by invasive species through changing community composition. The present study is aimed at measuring total mercury (T-Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in non-native (redbelly tilapia (Tilapia zillii)) and native (Benni (Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio)) fish species throughout Shadegan International Wetland and comparing health risk of their mercury contents to the local population. The concentrations were measured using a direct mercury analyzer (DMA 80). The average values of T-Hg and MeHg for native fishes were 19.8 and 10.49 μg/kg. These concentrations for the invasive fish were 28 and 14.62 μg/kg respectively. Despite having less length and weight than the native fish species, tilapia showed significantly higher T-Hg content, yet the lowest concentration of MeHg was observed in common carp with larger body length and weight. Concerning mercury health risk to consumers, tilapia demonstrated the highest estimated weekly intake (EWI) and percentages of tolerable weekly intake (%TWI) for both T-Hg and MeHg, while the highest hazard quotient (HQ) values were obtained for tilapia and Benni. Taken together, the mercury concentrations in the two native and non-native fishes were acceptable according to the international safety guidelines although the local people shall be warned for consumption of tilapia. Furthermore, the low calculated value of tissue residue criterion (TRC) for the wetland fishes sounds a warning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahedeh Rahmanikhah
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Science, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box 46414-356, Noor, Mazandaran, Iran.
| | - Abbas Esmaili-Sari
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Science, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box 46414-356, Noor, Mazandaran, Iran.
| | - Nader Bahramifar
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Science, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box 46414-356, Noor, Mazandaran, Iran
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Campillo JA, Santos-Echeandía J, Fernández B. The hydrological regime of a large Mediterranean river influences the availability of pollutants to mussels at the adjacent marine coastal area: Implications for temporal and spatial trends. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 237:124492. [PMID: 31394443 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The present study reports the levels and trends (1993-2013) of DDTs, PCBs and metals in mussels collected at two coastal sites influenced by the River Ebro discharges. Results showed that levels of PCBs, DDTs, Cd and Hg were related to water inputs from the river, while these did not seem to be the main source for the Pb, Zn, Cu and As levels observed. Significant relationships were observed between PCBs and DDTs levels and the river flowrate in the fast-flowing months, suggesting that overflow periods promoted the mobilization of contaminants from sediments, and their subsequent discharge and spreading across the sea. Results indicated that PCBs were effectively southwestern transported, probably in relation to their soluble behavior in stream waters, while DDTs were limitedly spread in seawater, likely due to their particulate behavior. Significant declining trends observed for some metals, PCBs and p,p' DDE may reflect the reduction of pollutants inputs along the river basin. However, the results also showed significant relationships between the river's flowrate in the fast-flowing months and PCBs and DDTs levels, and significant decreases on the river flowrate in some fast-flowing months during the long-term series studies. Both facts suggested that the reduction on overflow periods influenced the decreasing pollutants trends observed in mussels. The present study advises that decreasing trends in contaminant levels in Mediterranean estuarine coastal areas may be related not only to successful remediation works/policies, but also to the fluctuations on the hydrological regime of the rivers, which are directly linked to current climatic trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Antonio Campillo
- Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, IEO, Varadero, 1, 30740, San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain
| | - Juan Santos-Echeandía
- Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, IEO, Varadero, 1, 30740, San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain
| | - Beatriz Fernández
- Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, IEO, Varadero, 1, 30740, San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain.
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14
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Erdoğan K, Kandemir Ş, Doğru MI, Doğru A, Şimşek I, Yılmaz S, Örün G, Altaş L, Yazıcıoğlu O, Korkmaz N, Örün I. The effects of seasonal heavy-metal pollution of Ladik Lake on pike fish (Esox lucius). BIOL RHYTHM RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2019.1607215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenan Erdoğan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Şevket Kandemir
- Department of Elementary Education, Faculty of Education, Amasya University, Amasya, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ilker Doğru
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Arzu Doğru
- Department of Elementary Education, Faculty of Education, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Ismail Şimşek
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Savaş Yılmaz
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Gülnihal Örün
- Technical Sciences Vocational School, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Levent Altaş
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Okan Yazıcıoğlu
- Technical Sciences Vocational School, Ahi Evran University, Kırşehir, Turkey
| | - Nuh Korkmaz
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Örün
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey
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15
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Pereira MG, Lawlor A, Bertolero A, Díez S, Shore RF, Lacorte S. Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Mercury in Gulls Eggs from the Iberian Peninsula. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 76:394-404. [PMID: 30564852 PMCID: PMC6422990 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-018-0584-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
We examined how coastal mercury contamination varied spatially and temporally across the Iberian Peninsula by measuring mercury concentrations in the eggs of the sentinel biomonitor yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis). Samples were collected from eight colonies that ranged from the Atlantic across the south and northern areas of the Mediterranean. We also measured Hg residues in eggs of the one of the most endangered gull species in the world, the Audouin's gull (Larus audouinii) from the Ebro Delta, where colonies of yellow-legged and Audouin's gull co-occur. Fresh eggs were collected in 2009 and 2016 and samples were pooled from each colony for analysis. Mercury concentrations in yellow-legged gulls ranged between 0.4 and 2.8 mg/kg dry weight (dw); although there were no significant differences in concentrations between sampling periods, significant differences were found between colonies. Higher concentrations were associated with northern Mediterranean colonies (Columbretes and Ebro Delta), likely due to proximity to emission sources, circulatory marine currents and diet composition. Mercury concentrations in yellow-legged gull eggs were lower than those reported to result in impaired hatching. Residues in Audouin's gull eggs from the Ebro Delta were significantly higher (4.0-5.6 mg/kg dw) than those in yellow-legged gull from the same location, probably associated with dietary differences. Mercury levels in Audouin's gull were ten times above the benchmark suggested to reduce nest success by 10%. Overall, these results raise concern for adverse health impacts in this protected seabird species and further investigation in Audouin's gull eggs from the Ebro Delta is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Glória Pereira
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK.
| | - Alan Lawlor
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Albert Bertolero
- Associació Ornitològica Picampall de les Terres de l'Ebre, Amposta, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sergi Díez
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDÆA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Richard F Shore
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Silvia Lacorte
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDÆA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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16
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Verhaert V, Teuchies J, Vlok W, Wepener V, Addo-Bediako A, Jooste A, Blust R, Bervoets L. Bioaccumulation and trophic transfer of total mercury in the subtropical Olifants River Basin, South Africa. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 216:832-843. [PMID: 30404075 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.10.211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The present study describes total mercury (THg) levels in surface water, sediment and biota from the Olifants River Basin (ORB) (South Africa) and investigates the trophic transfer of THg by means of trophic magnification factors (TMFs) in the subtropical ORB food web. Although levels in surface water, sediment and invertebrates were low, elevated levels of THg were measured in fish species of higher trophic levels (0.10-6.1 μg/g dw). This finding supports the biomagnificative character of mercury. THg concentrations in fish from the present study were find to be higher than most values reported in fish from other African aquatic ecosystems and comparable or lower compared to more industrialized regions. Fish length, trophic level, sediment THg levels and TOC in sediment were determining factors for THg levels in fish tissue. Concentrations were found to be higher in larger (and older) fish. Mercury has a high affinity for organic matter and will bind with the TOC in sediment, thus reducing the bioavailability of THg for aquatic biota which is reflected in the significant negative correlation between THg and TOC in sediment. A significant positive relationship between relative trophic level and THg concentrations was observed and also TMFs indicate biomagnification in the ORB food web. However, the trend of lower TMFs in tropical areas compared to temperate and arctic regions was not supported by the results. The consumption of fish from higher trophic levels at the average South African consumption rate is expected to pose a significant health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Verhaert
- Systemic Physiological & Ecotoxicological Research, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Johannes Teuchies
- Systemic Physiological & Ecotoxicological Research, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wynand Vlok
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Water Research Group, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Victor Wepener
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Water Research Group, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Abraham Addo-Bediako
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa
| | - Antoinette Jooste
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa
| | - Ronny Blust
- Systemic Physiological & Ecotoxicological Research, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lieven Bervoets
- Systemic Physiological & Ecotoxicological Research, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
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17
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Díez S, Giaggio R. Do biofilms affect the measurement of mercury by the DGT technique? Microcosm and field tests to prevent biofilm growth. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 210:692-698. [PMID: 30031999 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.07.047] [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: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique has been used routinely for monitoring the dissolved, bioavailable fraction of trace metals in freshwater during field campaigns. Nevertheless, for long deployment times, the biofilm formed on the filter of the DGT devices restricts trace metal uptake and hence interferes with the DGT measurements. In this work, we design different experiments to evaluate the potential of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in preventing the formation of biofilms on in-house manufactured mercury-specific DGTs. Laboratory tests were carried out by a microcosm system in independent glass containers, where biofilms obtained from field inocula were grown for weeks. Afterward, several experiments were performed with Hg-spiked river water, biofilms and DGTs treated and untreated with AgNPs to better understand biofilm colonization, inhibition and Hg uptake. The results showed that the treatment is very useful, since the mass of the biofilm accumulated at the surface of the treated DGT is significantly (p < 0.05) lower than in control (untreated) devices. Tests in colonized environments and Hg-spiked river water showed that the Hg uptake by the treated DGT matched the theoretical values and prevented biofilm formation up to 24 days post-deployment. Conversely, in deployments longer than two weeks using the untreated DGT, measurements could be underestimated by 35%. The results in the field reveal that in sampling stations with high levels of suspended matter, the filter becomes clogged despite there being no biofilm, thereby explaining its low efficiency for the uptake of Hg. In summary, the use of AgNPs inhibits biofilm formation and their use is especially recommended in eutrophic freshwaters with low amounts of suspended particulate matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Díez
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), C/Jordi Girona, 18-26, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Riccardo Giaggio
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), C/Jordi Girona, 18-26, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain
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18
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Díez-Del-Molino D, García-Berthou E, Araguas RM, Alcaraz C, Vidal O, Sanz N, García-Marín JL. Effects of water pollution and river fragmentation on population genetic structure of invasive mosquitofish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 637-638:1372-1382. [PMID: 29801230 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed variation at the GPI-2 locus and eleven microsatellite loci of eastern mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki populations introduced to the Ebro River (Spain), sampling above and below a dam (Flix Reservoir) where severe chronic pollution has been well documented. Allele frequency changes at the GPI-2 locus in the sites nearest to the polluted sediments agree with previous results from studies in mercury-exposed populations of this highly invasive fish. Genetic distinction of the mosquitofish collected close to the polluted sediments was detected at the GPI locus but also at the presumptive neutral microsatellite loci. Recent migration rates estimated from microsatellites indicated that around 30% of fish collected in a specific location were immigrants from upstream and downstream sources. Such high migration rates probably contribute to the mosquitofish's invasive success and suggest that the consequences on the mosquitofish regional genetic structured of high levels of water toxicants could be mediated by immigration from other sites, but the effect of pollutants on local diversity might be higher than observed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Díez-Del-Molino
- Laboratori d'Ictiologia Genètica (LIG), University of Girona, Edifici AC-LEAR, Carrer M. Aurèlia Capmany, 40, 17003 Girona, Spain; Dept. of Bioinformatics and Genetics, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, 104 05 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | - Rosa-Maria Araguas
- Laboratori d'Ictiologia Genètica (LIG), University of Girona, Edifici AC-LEAR, Carrer M. Aurèlia Capmany, 40, 17003 Girona, Spain.
| | - Carles Alcaraz
- IRTA Marine and Continental Waters, Carretera Poble Nou, km 5.5, 43540 Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Spain.
| | - Oriol Vidal
- Laboratori d'Ictiologia Genètica (LIG), University of Girona, Edifici AC-LEAR, Carrer M. Aurèlia Capmany, 40, 17003 Girona, Spain.
| | - Nuria Sanz
- Laboratori d'Ictiologia Genètica (LIG), University of Girona, Edifici AC-LEAR, Carrer M. Aurèlia Capmany, 40, 17003 Girona, Spain.
| | - Jose-Luis García-Marín
- Laboratori d'Ictiologia Genètica (LIG), University of Girona, Edifici AC-LEAR, Carrer M. Aurèlia Capmany, 40, 17003 Girona, Spain.
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Marrugo-Negrete JL, Ruiz-Guzmán JA, Ruiz-Fernández AC. Biomagnification of Mercury in Fish from Two Gold Mining-Impacted Tropical Marshes in Northern Colombia. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 74:121-130. [PMID: 29043389 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-017-0459-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Total mercury concentrations (T-Hg) and stable isotope ratios (δ15N and δ13C) were analyzed in the muscle of fish, collected at two marshes impacted by gold mining in Northern Colombia, to evaluate the seasonal and spatial behavior of these variables and mercury biomagnification based on their relationship with δ15N ratios in the fish. There was not significant (p > 0.05) seasonal differences (dry and rainy season) in δ15N and δ13C values in none marsh, suggesting that these fish species keep a similar feed pattern within each marsh along the year. However, there were significant differences (p < 0.05) between marshes in δ15N, δ13C, and T-Hg, as well as significant seasonal differences (p < 0.05) in T-Hg values for some species, suggesting the possible influence of factors, such as differences in length of food chains between marshes and different degree of anthropogenic impact in relation to human settlements, farmland, livestock (higher in Ayapel marsh), and gold mining activity (higher in La Raya marsh). Correlations analysis showed significant (p < 0.05) relationships between T-Hg concentrations and δ15N values, as well as trophic level, evidencing a T-Hg biomagnification process in the fish food chain from both marshes and consequently a potential health risk for human riverside inhabitants who eat these fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Marrugo-Negrete
- Water, Applied and Environmental Chemistry Group. Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Management, University of Córdoba, Cra 6 # 76 - 103, Montería, 230002, Colombia.
| | - Javier Alonso Ruiz-Guzmán
- Water, Applied and Environmental Chemistry Group. Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Management, University of Córdoba, Cra 6 # 76 - 103, Montería, 230002, Colombia
| | - Ana Carolina Ruiz-Fernández
- Ana Carolina Ruiz-Fernández. Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Calz. J. Montes Camarena s/n, Col. Playa Sur, 82040, Mazatlán, Mexico
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Azevedo LS, Almeida MG, Bastos WR, Suzuki MS, Recktenvald MCNN, Bastos MTS, Vergílio CS, de Souza CMM. Organotropism of methylmercury in fish of the southeastern of Brazil. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 185:746-753. [PMID: 28734211 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.07.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This is one of the first studies to evaluate the effect of biometric variables (total length and weight), diet, and abiotic matrices (sediment and water column) on the bioaccumulation of methylmercury in tissues (muscle, liver, and gills) of four fish (two carnivore-invertivores, Pimelodus fur and Pachyurus adspersus; one carnivore-piscivore, Oligosarcus hepsetus; and one omnivore, Pimelodella lateristriga) in the lower section of a river in southeastern Brazil. Samples of fish (n = 120), water (n = 5) and sediment (n = 5) were collected at five sites characterized by pollution with mercury due to the use of organomercury fungicides and stream bed gold mining, commonly carried out in that section of the river in the 1980s. The results show that biometric variables are strongly correlated with methylmercury levels in muscle (r = 0.61, p < 0.0005) of P. fur. As a rule, concentrations of total mercury and methylmercury did not vary considerably between the organs of the species of different food habits, because of the environmental conditions in the study area. Despite the low concentrations of mercury in sediments (<0.05 mg kg-1 wet. wt), this compartment is a representative source of this pollutant for the organisms investigated, due to the close contact these animals keep with it in view of the low water columns in that section of the river.
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Affiliation(s)
- L S Azevedo
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 28013-602, Brazil.
| | - M G Almeida
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 28013-602, Brazil
| | - W R Bastos
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, RO, CEP: 76815-800, Brazil
| | - M S Suzuki
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 28013-602, Brazil
| | - M C N N Recktenvald
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, RO, CEP: 76815-800, Brazil
| | - M T S Bastos
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, RO, CEP: 76815-800, Brazil
| | - C S Vergílio
- Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Alegre, Espírito Santo, ES, CEP: 29500-000, Brazil
| | - C M M de Souza
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 28013-602, Brazil
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21
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Mercury speciation in fish tissue by eco-scale thermal decomposition atomic absorption spectrometry: method validation and risk exposure to methylmercury. CHEMICAL PAPERS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11696-017-0296-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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22
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Burgos-Núñez S, Navarro-Frómeta A, Marrugo-Negrete J, Enamorado-Montes G, Urango-Cárdenas I. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals in the Cispata Bay, Colombia: A marine tropical ecosystem. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 120:379-386. [PMID: 28506428 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals were evaluated in shallow sediments, water, fish and seabird samples from the Cispata Bay, Colombia. The heavy metals concentrations in the sediment was in the following order: Cu>Pb>Hg>Cd. The heavy metal concentration was different (p<0.05) in juvenile and adult birds. High concentrations of mercury were registered in the seabird (10.19±4.99mgkg-1) and fish (0.67μgg-1) samples. The total concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ranged from 7.0-41ngg-1 in sediment, 0.03-0.34ngmL-1 in water samples, 53.24ngg-1 in fish, and 66ngg-1 in seabirds. The high concentrations of heavy metals in seabirds may be explained by their feeding habits. The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Cispata Bay may be due to hydrocarbon spills during oil transport at the nearby oil port.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saudith Burgos-Núñez
- Water, Applied and Environmental Chemistry Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Cordoba, Montería, Colombia.
| | - Amado Navarro-Frómeta
- Food and Environmental Technology Department, Technological University of Izucar de Matamoros, Izucar de Matamoros, Mexico
| | - José Marrugo-Negrete
- Water, Applied and Environmental Chemistry Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Cordoba, Montería, Colombia
| | - Germán Enamorado-Montes
- Water, Applied and Environmental Chemistry Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Cordoba, Montería, Colombia
| | - Iván Urango-Cárdenas
- Water, Applied and Environmental Chemistry Group, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Cordoba, Montería, Colombia
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Turull M, Grmanova G, Dago À, Ariño C, Díez S, Díaz-Cruz JM, Esteban M. Phytochelatin synthesis in response to Hg uptake in aquatic plants near a chlor-alkali factory. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 176:74-80. [PMID: 28259081 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.02.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The effects of mercury (Hg) released from a chlor-alkali factory in aquatic plants along the Ebro River basin (NE Spain) were analysed considering the phytochelatins (PCn) and their isoforms content in these plants. These compounds were analyzed using HPLC with amperometric detection, and the macrophytes species Ceratophyllum demersum and Myriopyllum spicatum were collected in two sampling campaigns, autumn and spring, respectively. To correlate the PCn content in macrophytes with the Hg contamination, analysis of total Hg (THg) content in plants and suspended particulate matter, as well as the dissolved-bioavailable fraction of Hg in water measured by the diffusive gradient in thin film (DGT) technique were done. The results confirm the presence of PC2-Ala in extracts of C. demersum and PC2-desGly in M. spicatum, and the concentration of these thiol compounds depends clearly on the distance between the hot spot and the downstream sites: the higher the levels are, the closer the hot spot is. Since most of the Hg is hypothesized to be associated with SPM and transported downstream, our results of the DGT suggest that trace amounts of Hg in water can be released as free metal ions yielding a certain accumulation in plants (reaching the ppb level) that are enough for activation of induction of PCs. A few PCs species have been determined, at different seasons, indicating that they can be used as good indicators of the presence of bioavailable Hg in aquatic media throughout the year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Turull
- Environmental Chemistry Department, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDÆA-CSIC, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gabriela Grmanova
- Departament de Química Analítica, Facultat de Química, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès, 1-11, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Àngela Dago
- Departament de Química Analítica, Facultat de Química, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès, 1-11, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Ariño
- Departament de Química Analítica, Facultat de Química, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès, 1-11, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Sergi Díez
- Environmental Chemistry Department, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDÆA-CSIC, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Manuel Díaz-Cruz
- Departament de Química Analítica, Facultat de Química, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès, 1-11, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miquel Esteban
- Departament de Química Analítica, Facultat de Química, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès, 1-11, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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24
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Aquino LFMCD, Ribeiro RDOR, Simoes JS, Mano SB, Mársico ET, Conte Junior CA. Mercury content in whey protein and potential risk for human health. J Food Compost Anal 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2017.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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25
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Concentrations of organochlorine compounds (pesticides and PCBs), trace elements (Pb, Cd, Cu, and Hg), 134Cs, and 137Cs in the livers of the European otter (Lutra lutra), great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), and European catfish (Silurus glanis), collected from the Loire River (France). EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-016-1038-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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26
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Squadrone S, Brizio P, Stella C, Prearo M, Pastorino P, Serracca L, Ercolini C, Abete MC. Presence of trace metals in aquaculture marine ecosystems of the northwestern Mediterranean Sea (Italy). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 215:77-83. [PMID: 27179326 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.04.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Information regarding chemical pollutant levels in farmed fish and shellfish, along with the risks associated with their consumption is still scarce. This study was designed to assess levels of exposure to 21 trace elements in fish (Dicentrarchus labrax), mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and oysters (Crassostrea gigas) collected from aquaculture marine ecosystems of the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. Metal concentrations showed great variability in the three species; the highest values of the nonessential elements As and Cd were found in oysters while the highest levels of Al, Pb and V were found in mussels. The essential elements Cu, Mn and Zn were highest in oysters, but Fe, Cr, Ni, Se, Co and Mo levels were highest in mussels. Fish had the lowest concentrations for all trace elements, which were at least one order of magnitude lower than in bivalves. The rare earth elements cerium and lanthanum were found at higher levels in mussels than in oysters, but undetectable in fish. The maximum values set by European regulations for Hg, Cd and Pb were never exceeded in the examined samples. However, comparing the estimated human daily intakes (EHDIs) with the suggested tolerable copper and zinc intakes suggested a potential risk for frequent consumers of oysters. Similarly, people who consume high quantities of mussels could be exposed to concentrations of Al that exceed the proposed TWI (tolerable weekly intake).
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Affiliation(s)
- S Squadrone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy.
| | - P Brizio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - C Stella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - M Prearo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - P Pastorino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - L Serracca
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - C Ercolini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
| | - M C Abete
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Turin, Italy
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Ciszewski D, Grygar TM. A Review of Flood-Related Storage and Remobilization of Heavy Metal Pollutants in River Systems. WATER, AIR, AND SOIL POLLUTION 2016; 227:239. [PMID: 27397942 PMCID: PMC4917591 DOI: 10.1007/s11270-016-2934-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Recently observed rapid climate changes have focused the attention of researchers and river managers on the possible effects of increased flooding frequency on the mobilization and redistribution of historical pollutants within some river systems. This text summarizes regularities in the flood-related transport, channel-to-floodplain transfer, and storage and remobilization of heavy metals, which are the most persistent environmental pollutants in river systems. Metal-dispersal processes are essentially much more variable in alluvia than in soils of non-inundated areas due to the effects of flood-sediment sorting and the mixing of pollutants with grains of different origins in a catchment, resulting in changes of one to two orders of magnitude in metal content over distances of centimetres. Furthermore, metal remobilization can be more intensive in alluvia than in soils as a result of bank erosion, prolonged floodplain inundation associated with reducing conditions alternating with oxygen-driven processes of dry periods and frequent water-table fluctuations, which affect the distribution of metals at low-lying strata. Moreover, metal storage and remobilization are controlled by river channelization, but their influence depends on the period and extent of the engineering works. Generally, artificial structures such as groynes, dams or cut-off channels performed before pollution periods favour the entrapment of polluted sediments, whereas the floodplains of lined river channels that adjust to new, post-channelization hydraulic conditions become a permanent sink for fine polluted sediments, which accumulate solely during overbank flows. Metal mobilization in such floodplains takes place only by slow leaching, and their sediments, which accrete at a moderate rate, are the best archives of the catchment pollution with heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tomáš Matys Grygar
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, AS CR, v.v.i., Řež, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, J.E. Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
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28
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Ceccatto APS, Testoni MC, Ignácio ARA, Santos-Filho M, Malm O, Díez S. Mercury distribution in organs of fish species and the associated risk in traditional subsistence villagers of the Pantanal wetland. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2016; 38:713-722. [PMID: 26337755 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-015-9754-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the risk to human health from mercury (Hg) exposure through fish consumption in the Pantanal, Brazil. In order to address these risks, Hg concentrations and accumulation patterns were determined in target organs of predatory fish (Crenicichla lepidota and Pygocentrus nattereri). Levels of Hg were analysed during the two phases of the flood pulse (flood and drought) in fish from different local ecosystems, such as the Bento Gomes and Paraguay rivers. Although the former study area is directly affected by gold mining, a higher, but not significantly different, Hg concentration in fish was found compared with fish at the Paraguay River, which is regarded as pristine area. Moreover, no seasonal variability was found in either river. Although total mercury levels in fish did not exceed the maximum FAO/WHO threshold (0.5 μg g(-1)), according to dietary habits in riverine communities of the Pantanal (up to 6 oz of fish per day), there is reason for concern over the potential for deleterious health effects that could be caused by high Hg intake. In fact, the estimated daily intake in the present study ranged from 0.49 to 1.08 μg Hg kg(-1) day(-1), for adults (including women of childbearing age) and children, respectively. Because of high Hg intakes in riverine groups, which exceed the recommended reference dose value, these communities could be considered at risk. Therefore, it is necessary to consider regulatory measures and public education regarding fish consumption, particularly in vulnerable groups (i.e. children, pregnant women and women of childbearing age).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P S Ceccatto
- Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso, Cáceres, Brazil
| | - Magalei C Testoni
- Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso, Cáceres, Brazil
| | - Aurea R A Ignácio
- Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso, Cáceres, Brazil
| | - Manoel Santos-Filho
- Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso, Cáceres, Brazil
| | - Olaf Malm
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Sergi Díez
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain.
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29
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A simple and time-saving analytical method for the determination of methylmercury in biological samples. J IND ENG CHEM 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2015.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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30
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Mieiro C, Coelho J, Dolbeth M, Pacheco M, Duarte A, Pardal M, Pereira M. Fish and mercury: Influence of fish fillet culinary practices on human risk. Food Control 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2015.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Roig N, Sierra J, Moreno-Garrido I, Nieto E, Gallego EP, Schuhmacher M, Blasco J. Metal bioavailability in freshwater sediment samples and their influence on ecological status of river basins. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 540:287-296. [PMID: 26148425 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.06.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The general aim of this work has been to check the ecological impact of metals on the Ebro river basin. In order to evaluate this, metal behavior considering water, sediment as well as metal bioaccumulation in fish has been studied. Total concentrations of metals, as well as the potentially bioavailable fraction of metals in sediment has also been analyzed by the application of the sequential extraction method (BCR method). In order to evaluate the influence of metal pollution on the river ecological status, according to the Water Framework Directive (WFD), diverse biological indices such as macroinvertebrates (IBMWP), diatoms (IPS) and macrophytes (IVAM), have been considered from an integrated point of view. Considering both water and sediment, metals which contributed in higher extend to the reduction of biological quality have been demonstrated to be Pb and Zn, as they presented a negative influence on macroinvertebrates, diatoms and macrophytes communities. As and Cr that seemed to have a significant influence on macroinvertebrates and diatoms too, while Ni negatively influenced only diatom communities. This study also demonstrated that monitoring programs only based on total metal determination in water are inefficient, as metals present even at undetectable concentrations in water are strongly accumulated in fish. Moreover, the high concentrations of Hg found in sediments indicated that this river basin may present pollution problems regarded to this metal, as demonstrated by the high Hg levels found in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neus Roig
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jordi Sierra
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Laboratori d'Edafologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ignacio Moreno-Garrido
- Departamento Ecología y Gestión Costera, Instituto de Ciencias Marinas de Andalucía (CSIC), Campus Rio San Pedro, 11510 Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain
| | - Elena Nieto
- Departamento Ecología y Gestión Costera, Instituto de Ciencias Marinas de Andalucía (CSIC), Campus Rio San Pedro, 11510 Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain
| | - Elena Pérez Gallego
- Confederación Hidrográfica del Ebro (CHE), Paseo Sagasta 24-26, 50071 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Marta Schuhmacher
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Julián Blasco
- Departamento Ecología y Gestión Costera, Instituto de Ciencias Marinas de Andalucía (CSIC), Campus Rio San Pedro, 11510 Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain
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Maulvault AL, Anacleto P, Barbosa V, Sloth JJ, Rasmussen RR, Tediosi A, Fernandez-Tejedor M, van den Heuvel FHM, Kotterman M, Marques A. Toxic elements and speciation in seafood samples from different contaminated sites in Europe. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 143:72-81. [PMID: 26411778 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The presence of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), arsenic (TAs), inorganic arsenic (iAs), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr) and iron (Fe) was investigated in seafood collected from European marine ecosystems subjected to strong anthropogenic pressure, i.e. hotspot areas. Different species (Mytilus galloprovincialis, n=50; Chamelea gallina, n=50; Liza aurata, n=25; Platichthys flesus, n=25; Laminaria digitata, n=15; and Saccharina latissima, n=15) sampled in Tagus estuary, Po delta, Ebro delta, western Scheldt, and in the vicinities of a fish farm area (Solund, Norway), between September and December 2013, were selected to assess metal contamination and potential risks to seafood consumers, as well as to determine the suitability of ecologically distinct organisms as bioindicators in environmental monitoring studies. Species exhibited different elemental profiles, likely as a result of their ecological strategies, metabolism and levels in the environment (i.e. seawater and sediments). Higher levels of Cd (0.15-0.94 mg kg(-1)), Pb (0.37-0.89 mg kg(-1)), Co (0.48-1.1 mg kg(-1)), Cu (4.8-8.4 mg kg(-1)), Zn (75-153 mg kg(-1)), Cr (1.0-4.5 mg kg(-1)) and Fe (283-930 mg kg(-1)) were detected in bivalve species, particularly in M. galloprovincialis from Ebro and Po deltas, whereas the highest content of Hg was found in P. flesus (0.86 mg kg(-1)). In fish species, most Hg was organic (MeHg; from 69 to 79%), whereas lower proportions of MeHg were encountered in bivalve species (between 20 and 43%). The highest levels of As were found in macroalgae species L. digitata and S. latissima (41 mg kg(-1) and 43 mg kg(-1), respectively), with iAs accounting almost 50% of the total As content in L. digitata but not with S. latissima nor in the remaining seafood samples. This work highlights that the selection of the most appropriate bioindicator species is a fundamental step in environmental monitoring of each contaminant, especially in coastal areas. Furthermore, data clearly shows that the current risk assessment and legislation solely based on total As or Hg data is limiting, as elemental speciation greatly varies according to seafood species, thus playing a key role in human exposure assessment via food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luísa Maulvault
- Division of Aquaculture and Upgrading (DivAV), Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA, I.P.), Avenida de Brasília, 1449-006 Lisbon, Portugal; Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Rua das Bragas, 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal; MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon (FCUL), Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Patrícia Anacleto
- Division of Aquaculture and Upgrading (DivAV), Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA, I.P.), Avenida de Brasília, 1449-006 Lisbon, Portugal; Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Rua das Bragas, 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal; MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon (FCUL), Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Vera Barbosa
- Division of Aquaculture and Upgrading (DivAV), Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA, I.P.), Avenida de Brasília, 1449-006 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jens J Sloth
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Mørkhøj Bygade 19, DK-2860 Søborg, Denmark
| | - Rie Romme Rasmussen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Mørkhøj Bygade 19, DK-2860 Søborg, Denmark
| | | | - Margarita Fernandez-Tejedor
- Marine Monitoring, Institute of Agriculture and Food Research & Technology (IRTA), Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Tarragona, Spain
| | | | | | - António Marques
- Division of Aquaculture and Upgrading (DivAV), Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA, I.P.), Avenida de Brasília, 1449-006 Lisbon, Portugal; Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Rua das Bragas, 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
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Has-Schön E, Bogut I, Vuković R, Galović D, Bogut A, Horvatić J. Distribution and age-related bioaccumulation of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in tissues of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and European catfish (Sylurus glanis) from the Buško Blato reservoir (Bosnia and Herzegovina). CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 135:289-96. [PMID: 25966047 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2014] [Revised: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to quantify the bioaccumulation of Pb, Hg, Cd, and As in tissues of carp (Cyprinus carpio) and catfish (Silurus glanis) from Buško Blato in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Arsenic concentrations were below the Maximal Admissible Concentration (MAC) for Croatia and other countries. Mercury concentrations were below 1 mg kg(-1), but in most muscle samples of both species and all catfish liver samples, the values were higher than 0.5 mg kg(-1) (higher than the MAC for many countries including Croatia). Lead concentrations were higher than 1 mg kg(-1) (the MAC for Croatia) in most muscle samples; all kidney and most catfish liver samples also exceeded 1 mg kg(-1). Cadmium concentrations in all tissues, other than the gonads, were higher than 0.1 mg kg(-1) (MAC for Croatia), with the highest concentrations found in the kidneys. The only gender difference was found in carp, where a 68.4% higher concentration of As was found in the fry compared to the milt (P<0.05). Concentrations of all of the elements were higher in catfish compared to carp for most tissues. Significant correlations were found between all of the elements in the muscles and the liver of carp. In catfish, the muscles were the only tissue in which multiple correlations were found. Linear positive correlations with age and body mass were demonstrated for the concentrations of all heavy metals for all tissues except the gonads in both fish species. We concluded that significant heavy metal accumulation in carp and a catfish tissues correlates with age and body mass; bioaccumulation is species- and tissue-specific and is different for each element.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeta Has-Schön
- J.J. Strossmayer University, Department of Biology, Cara Hadrijana 8A, 31000 Osijek, Croatia.
| | - Ivan Bogut
- J.J. Strossmayer University, Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agriculture, Kralja Petra Svačića 1d, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Rosemary Vuković
- J.J. Strossmayer University, Department of Biology, Cara Hadrijana 8A, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Dalida Galović
- J.J. Strossmayer University, Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agriculture, Kralja Petra Svačića 1d, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ante Bogut
- University Clinical Hospital Mostar, Bijeli brijeg b.b., 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Janja Horvatić
- J.J. Strossmayer University, Department of Biology, Cara Hadrijana 8A, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
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Buckman KL, Marvin-DiPasquale M, Taylor VF, Chalmers A, Broadley HJ, Agee J, Jackson BP, Chen CY. Influence of a chlor-alkali superfund site on mercury bioaccumulation in periphyton and low-trophic level fauna. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2015; 34:1649-58. [PMID: 25732794 PMCID: PMC4486627 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Revised: 11/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In Berlin, New Hampshire, USA, the Androscoggin River flows adjacent to a former chlor-alkali facility that is a US Environmental Protection Agency Superfund site and source of mercury (Hg) to the river. The present study was conducted to determine the fate and bioaccumulation of methylmercury (MeHg) to lower trophic-level taxa in the river. Surface sediment directly adjacent to the source showed significantly elevated MeHg (10-40× increase, mean ± standard deviation [SD]: 20.1 ± 24.8 ng g(-1) dry wt) and total mercury (THg; 10-30× increase, mean ± SD: 2045 ± 2669 ng g(-1) dry wt) compared with all other reaches, with sediment THg and MeHg from downstream reaches elevated (3-7× on average) relative to the reference (THg mean ± SD: 33.5 ± 9.33 ng g(-1) dry wt; MeHg mean ± SD: 0.52 ± 0.21 ng g(-1) dry wt). Water column THg concentrations adjacent to the point source for both particulate (0.23 ng L(-1)) and dissolved (0.76 ng L(-1)) fractions were 5-fold higher than at the reference sites, and 2-fold to 5-fold higher than downstream. Methylmercury production potential of periphyton material was highest (2-9 ng g(-1) d(-1) dry wt) adjacent to the Superfund site; other reaches were close to or below reporting limits (0. 1 ng g(-1) d(-1) dry wt). Total Hg and MeHg bioaccumulation in fauna was variable across sites and taxa, with no clear spatial patterns downstream of the contamination source. Crayfish, mayflies, and shiners showed a weak positive relationship with porewater MeHg concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate L. Buckman
- Biology Department, Dartmouth College, Hanover New Hampshire, USA
| | | | - Vivien F. Taylor
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | | | | | | | - Brian P. Jackson
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Celia Y. Chen
- Biology Department, Dartmouth College, Hanover New Hampshire, USA
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35
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Esbrí JM, López-Berdonces MA, Fernández-Calderón S, Higueras P, Díez S. Atmospheric mercury pollution around a chlor-alkali plant in Flix (NE Spain): an integrated analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:4842-4850. [PMID: 25035055 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3305-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
An integrated analysis approach has been applied to a mercury (Hg) case study on a chlor-alkali plant located in the Ebro River basin, close to the town of Flix (NE Spain). The study focused on atmospheric Hg and its incorporation in soils and lichens close to a mercury cell chlor-alkali plant (CAP), which has been operating since the end of the 19th century. Atmospheric Hg present in the area was characterized by means of seven total gaseous mercury (TGM) surveys carried out from 2007 to 2012. Surveys were carried out by car, walking, and at fixed locations, and covered an area of some 12 km(2) (including the CAP area, the village in which workers live, Flix town, and the Sebes Wildlife Reserve). Finally, an atmospheric Hg dispersion model was developed with ISC-AERMOD software validated by a lichen survey of the area. The results for the atmospheric compartment seem to indicate that the Flix area currently has the highest levels of Hg pollution in Spain on the basis of the extremely high average concentrations in the vicinity of the CAP (229 ng m(-3)). Moreover, the Hg(0) plume affects Flix town center to some extent, with values well above the international thresholds for residential areas. Wet and dry Hg deposition reached its highest values on the banks of the Ebro River, and this contributes to increased soil contamination (range 44-12,900 ng g(-1), average 775 ng g(-1)). A good fit was obtained between anomalous areas indicated by lichens and the dispersion model for 1 year.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Esbrí
- Departamento de Ingeniería Geológica y Minera and Instituto de Geología Aplicada, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, E.I.M.I. Almadén, 13400, Almadén, Ciudad Real, Spain
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36
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Pinedo-Hernández J, Marrugo-Negrete J, Díez S. Speciation and bioavailability of mercury in sediments impacted by gold mining in Colombia. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 119:1289-1295. [PMID: 25460774 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Revised: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) speciation and bioavailability were studied in surface sediments affected by artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in the Mojana region of Colombia. The results demonstrated higher levels in sampling stations that receive water streams carrying Hg from mining areas. The T-Hg concentrations were slightly elevated with values between 196.2 and 1187.6 ng g(-1) dry weight (dw) (mean 524.2±256.8 ng g(-1) dw). The MeHg concentrations were significantly correlated with the T-Hg and organic matter (OM) and represent between 1.7% and 3.6% (mean: 2.6%) of the T-Hg. A five-step sequential extraction procedure shown that most of T-Hg in sediments occur primarily as organically bound Hg (Hg-o), which constitutes 48.4% of the T-Hg, followed by elemental Hg fraction (Hg-e) bound to amorphous compounds, such as Fe/Mn oxides with 26.5%, and the fraction bound to sulfur (Hg-s), which constitutes 18.7%. Exchangeable Hg (Hg-w; water-soluble Hg and stomach acid soluble mercury; Hg-h) represents between 1.7% and 4.7%. These fractions constitute a low percentage but exhibit a high level of risk when entering the water column, and they can bioaccumulate in organisms. The significant relationship between OM, T-Hg and MeHg suggests an important role in the control of the distribution, mobility and bioavailability of the Hg in the sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Pinedo-Hernández
- University of Córdoba, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Water, Applied and Environmental Chemistry Group, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Management, Montería, Colombia
| | - José Marrugo-Negrete
- University of Córdoba, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Water, Applied and Environmental Chemistry Group, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Management, Montería, Colombia.
| | - Sergi Díez
- Environmental Chemistry Department, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDÆA-CSIC, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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Squadrone S, Benedetto A, Brizio P, Prearo M, Abete MC. Mercury and selenium in European catfish (Silurus glanis) from Northern Italian Rivers: can molar ratio be a predictive factor for mercury toxicity in a top predator? CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 119:24-30. [PMID: 25460744 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The study of mercury and selenium bioaccumulation in fish is crucially important for evaluating the extent of contamination in freshwater environments, and the possible health risk posed for humans when the antagonistic interactions of these two elements are considered. Several factors affect the risk of mercury intake from fish consumption, including mercury levels, human consumption patterns, and sensitive populations (e.g., pregnant women, foetuses, young children and unknown genetic factors). The protective effects of selenium on mercury toxicity have been extensively publicised in recent years, particularly targeting fish consumers. In this study, mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) concentrations were determined in the muscle of European catfish (Silurus glanis) collected from North Italian Rivers. Differences in mercury and selenium levels, as a function of size, gender and location were investigated. Hg was strongly related to length, gender and location, while Se levels are not dependent on fish size or location. The mean Se/Hg molar ratio was strongly affected by location, and significantly related to length and age. Selenium was in molar excess of mercury in all sites, with a rank order of mean Se/Hg molar ratio of the Parma River (2.55)>Po River (1.71)>Tanaro River (1.66)>Bormida River (1.36). However, in 37% of analyzed samples, Hg exceeded the maximum level set by 1881/2006/EC and 629/2008/EC in fish muscle. The molar ratio of Se/Hg was <1 only in the presence of significantly high Hg levels (>0.5mg/kg), and therefore the mean molar ratio cannot be considered as a safety criterion in top predator fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Squadrone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy.
| | - A Benedetto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - P Brizio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - M Prearo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - M C Abete
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
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38
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Method development for the simultaneous determination of methylmercury and inorganic mercury in seafood. Food Control 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2014.05.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Liu JL, Xu XR, Yu S, Cheng H, Peng JX, Hong YG, Feng XB. Mercury contamination in fish and human hair from Hainan Island, South China Sea: Implication for human exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 135:42-47. [PMID: 25262073 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Revised: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Hair has long been recognized as a good biomarker for human exposure to Hg. The mercury concentrations in 14 species of marine fish and hair samples from 177 coastal residents in Hainan, South China Sea were investigated to assess the status of mercury exposure associated with marine fish consumption. Concentrations of total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in the fish muscles were 0.094 ± 0.008 and 0.066 ± 0.006 μg/gww, respectively, which were far below the limit considered safe for consumption (0.5 μg/g). The average THg concentrations in hair of adults (1.02 ± 0.92 μg/g) were lower than the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) level of 2.2 μg/g. However, 23.7% of children had a hair THg level exceeding the RfD level of 1μg/g, indicating a great risk of Hg exposure to children via fish consumption. The concentration of THg in hair was significantly correlated with fish consumption but not with gender-specific fish intake. With higher fish consumption frequency, the fishermen had significantly elevated hair Hg levels compared to the students and the other general public, who had similar hair THg levels but different fish consumption patterns, indicating the existence of other sources of Hg exposure to the residents of Hainan Island.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ling Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Xiang-Rong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China.
| | - Shen Yu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Hefa Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Jia-Xi Peng
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yi-Guo Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Tropical Oceanography, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Xin-Bin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, China
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40
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A practical example of the challenges of biota monitoring under the Water Framework Directive. Trends Analyt Chem 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2014.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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41
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Raissy M. Determination of mercury in some freshwater fish species from Chahrmahal va Bakhtyari Province, Iran and potential limits for human consumption. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2013; 91:667-672. [PMID: 24084980 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-013-1118-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of mercury in four freshwater fish species from Gandoman and Sooleghan Lagoons and Beheshtabad River were determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. Concentrations of mercury in muscle of 90 fish ranged from 21 to 31 μg kg(-1) (mean = 26 μg kg(-1)). Statistical analysis showed no statistical relationship between mean mercury concentration and fish species, although concentration of mercury in different seasons and habitats was statistically different (p < 0.05). The results indicated that fish from Gandoman and Sooleghan Lagoons and Beheshtabad River have concentrations well below the maximum permissible levels of mercury according to international standards with no health risk for consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Raissy
- Department of Aquatic Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran,
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42
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Ochoa V, Barata C, Riva MC. Heavy metal content in oysters (Crassostrea gigas) cultured in the Ebro Delta in Catalonia, Spain. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2013; 185:6783-6792. [PMID: 23325313 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-013-3064-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine heavy metal content (As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Cd, Pb, and Zn) in oysters transplanted in Ebro Delta bays (Alfacs and Fangar) where oysters are traditionally cultured for human consumption. Metal body burdens were monitored weekly during the period of maximal agriculture activity from May to June in 2008 and 2009. Results indicate that regardless of the high levels of metals reported in biota living in Ebro River, metal levels in oysters from both bays were similar to those found in unpolluted areas and far below the maximum limits of tolerance recommended by the European Commission. Nevertheless, metal accumulation patterns in oysters differentiate two sources of pollution: one coming from agriculture activities within the Ebro's delta for As, Cd, Cu, and Zn and other coming from Ebro River probably related to industrial activities upstream (Hg, Pb) or to lead shot pellets form hunting activities (Pb). Reported results, thus, are in concern with previous studies and indicate that metallic pollutants do not affect oysters cultures in Ebro Delta associated bays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Ochoa
- Center for Research and Innovation in Toxicology, Technical University of Catalonia, Campus Terrassa zona IPCT Ctra Nac.150. km 15, 08227, Terrassa, Spain.
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Neagoe A, Stancu P, Nicoară A, Onete M, Bodescu F, Gheorghe R, Iordache V. Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on Agrostis capillaris grown on amended mine tailing substrate at pot, lysimeter, and field plot scales. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 21:6859-6876. [PMID: 23821250 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-1908-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Applied research programs in the remediation of contaminated areas can be used also for gaining insights in the physiological and ecological mechanisms supporting the resistance of plant communities in stress conditions due to toxic elements. The research hypothesis of this study was that in the heavily contaminated but nutrient-poor substrate of mine tailing dams, the beneficial effect of inoculation with arbuscular mychorrizal fungi (AMF) is due to an improvement of phosphorus nutrition rather than to a reduction of toxic element transfer to plants. A concept model assuming a causal chain from root colonization to element uptake, oxidative stress variables, and overall plant development was used. The methodological novelty lies in coupling in a single research program experiments conducted at three scales: pot, lysimeter, and field plot, with different ages of plants at the sampling moment (six subsets of samples in all). The inoculation with AMF in expanded clay carrier had a beneficial effect on the development of plants in the amended tailing substrate heavily contaminated with toxic elements. The effect of inoculation was stronger when the quantity of expanded carrier was smaller (1 % vs. 7 % inoculum), probably because of changes in substrate features. The improvement of plant growth was due mainly to an improvement in phosphorus nutrition leading to an increase of protein concentration and decrease of oxidative stress enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase and peroxidase). In a single data subset, an effect of inoculation on the uptake of several toxic elements could be proved (decrease of As concentration in plant roots correlated with a decrease of oxidative stress independent from the effect of P concentration increase). The multi-scale approach allowed us to find differences between the patterns characterising the data subsets. These subset-specific patterns point out the existence of physiological differences between plants in different development states (as a result of sampling at different plant ages). From an applied perspective, conclusions are drawn with respect to the use of plants in the monitoring programs of contaminated areas and the use of inoculation with AMF in the remediation of tailing dams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Neagoe
- Research Centre for Ecological Services (CESEC), Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Spl. Independentei 91-95, Bucharest, Romania,
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Lázaro WL, Guimarães JRD, Ignácio ARA, Da Silva CJ, Díez S. Cyanobacteria enhance methylmercury production: a hypothesis tested in the periphyton of two lakes in the Pantanal floodplain, Brazil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 456-457:231-238. [PMID: 23602976 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Revised: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The toxic potential of mercury (Hg) in aquatic systems is due to the presence and production of methylmercury (MeHg). Recent studies in tropical floodplain environments showed that periphyton associated with the roots of aquatic macrophytes produce MeHg. Periphyton communities are the first link in the food chain and one of the main MeHg sources in aquatic environments. The aim of this work was to test the hypotheses that the algal community structure affects potential methylation, and ecologically distinct communities with different algal and bacterial densities directly affect the formation of MeHg in the roots of macrophytes. To evaluate these, net MeHg production in the roots of Eichhornia crassipes in relation to the taxonomic structure of associated periphytic algae was evaluated. Macrophyte root samples were collected in the dry and flood season from two floodplain lakes in the Pantanal (Brazil). These lakes have different ecological conditions as a function of their lateral hydrological connectivity with the Paraguay River that is different during times of drought. Results indicated that MeHg production was higher in the flood season than in the dry season. MeHg production rates were higher in the disconnected lake in comparison to the connected lake during the dry season. MeHg production exhibited a strong positive co-variation with cyanobacteria abundance (R(2)=0.78; p<0.0001 in dry; R(2)=0.40; p=0.029 in flood) and with total algal biomass (R(2)=0.86; p<0.0001), and a negative co-variation with Zygnemaphyceae (R(2)=0.50; p=0.0018) in the lake community in dry season. This indicates that ecological conditions that favour the establishment and development of cyanobacteria are associated with higher rates of methylation in aquatic systems. This suggests that cyanobacteria could be a proxy for sites of MeHg production in some natural aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilkinson L Lázaro
- Centro de Estudos em Limnologia, Biodiversidade e Etnobiologia do Pantanal, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso, Brazil
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Brambilla G, Abete MC, Binato G, Chiaravalle E, Cossu M, Dellatte E, Miniero R, Orletti R, Piras P, Roncarati A, Ubaldi A, Chessa G. Mercury occurrence in Italian seafood from the Mediterranean Sea and possible intake scenarios of the Italian coastal population. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2013; 65:269-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2012.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2012] [Revised: 12/27/2012] [Accepted: 12/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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46
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Squadrone S, Prearo M, Brizio P, Gavinelli S, Pellegrino M, Scanzio T, Guarise S, Benedetto A, Abete MC. Heavy metals distribution in muscle, liver, kidney and gill of European catfish (Silurus glanis) from Italian Rivers. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 90:358-65. [PMID: 22901372 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Revised: 06/29/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2012] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of heavy metals in freshwaters has direct consequences to man and ecosystem. Thus, in this study, the concentrations of mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic and chromium in organs of the predator European catfish (Silurus glanis) were investigated. Samples were collected annually in five sites covering the area of the Po River (North Italy) between 2007 and 2009. Metals were differently distributed in the various organs, the highest concentrations of Hg were found in muscle and liver, Cd in kidney, Pb in gill and liver, as in muscle, and of Cr in gill and liver. Our survey found Hg exceeding the Maximum Levels (MLs) of 0.5 ppm in 18% of samples, while Pb and Cd were lower than the MLs set by European regulations in muscle tissues (1881/2006/EC and 629/2008/EC). Hg concentrations were significantly related to sampling stations studied, according to the presence of many industrial activities in the catchment area of Bormida and Tanaro Rivers. The finding that Hg did not fit food fish legislation limits indicated that S. glanis flesh might not be utilised for human consumption. A close monitoring of metals pollution is strongly recommended especially in piscivorous fish, cause their bioaccumulation capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Squadrone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy.
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