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Majumdar A, Upadhyay MK, Ojha M, Biswas R, Dey S, Sarkar S, Moulick D, Niazi NK, Rinklebe J, Huang JH, Roychowdhury T. A critical review on the organo-metal(loid)s pollution in the environment: Distribution, remediation and risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175531. [PMID: 39147056 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175531] [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: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Toxic metal(loid)s, e.g., mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium are known for several environmental disturbances creating toxicity to humans if accumulated in high quantities. Although not discussed critically, the organo-forms of these inorganic metal(loid)s are considered a greater risk to humans than their elemental forms possibly due to physico-chemical modulation triggering redox alterations or by the involvement of biological metabolism. This extensive review describes the chemical and physical causes of organometals and organometal(loid)s distribution in the environment with ecotoxicity assessment and potential remediation strategies. Organo forms of various metal(loid)s, such as mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), and cadmium (Cd) have been discussed in the context of their ecotoxicity. In addition, we elaborated on the transformation, speciation and transformation pathways of these toxic metal(loid)s in soil-water-plant-microbial systems. The present review has pointed out the status of toxic organometal(loid)s, which is required to make the scientific community aware of this pressing condition of organometal(loid)s distribution in the environment. The gradual disposal and piling of organometal(loid)s in the environment demand a thorough revision of the past-present status with possible remediation strategies prescribed as reflected in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnab Majumdar
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom; School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India.
| | - Munish Kumar Upadhyay
- Centre for Environmental Science & Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur 208016, India
| | - Megha Ojha
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, Pashan, Maharashtra 411008, India
| | - Rakesh Biswas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ulsan, 93 Daehak-ro, Nam-gu, Ulsan, South Korea
| | - Saikat Dey
- Division of Agronomy, School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Narendrapur, Kolkata 700103, India
| | - Sukamal Sarkar
- Division of Agronomy, School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Narendrapur, Kolkata 700103, India
| | - Debojyoti Moulick
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal 741235, India
| | - Nabeel Khan Niazi
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Jen-How Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Tarit Roychowdhury
- School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, India
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Hu W, Chen J, Chao L, Kang B, Sun J. Methylmercury in commercial fish species from the Erhai Lake Basin, Southwest China: concentrations, health risk assessment, and implications for future monitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:56473-56481. [PMID: 39269526 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34947-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Erhai Lake, a highland lake situated in Southwest China, provides critical aquatic protein sources for the local community, and its preservation is vital due to the sensitivity of alpine freshwater ecosystems to disturbance. However, there is a lack of research on the contamination status of methylmercury (MeHg) in aquatic organisms of the Erhai Lake Basin. MeHg concentrations in important commercial fish species from the Erhai Lake were examined, and the potential health risks associated with human consumption were assessed. Our results showed significant inter-species differences in fish muscle MeHg: the carnivorous S. asotus exhibited the highest level (303 ng/g; ww), while that of the detritivorous R. ocellatus was the lowest (3.86 ng/g). Moreover, MeHg concentrations in P. fulvidraco and C. auratus collected from the Luoshi River (a major tributary of Erhai Lake) were significantly higher compared to those from the Erhai Lake, indicating possible river-based input of MeHg into the Erhai Lake. Additionally, our study revealed a significant positive correlation between the MeHg levels and the length as well as weight of the examined fish species. All the fish species analyzed in our study had MeHg concentrations within the limits of China's food safety standard. Nevertheless, a relatively low consumption quantity of 16 g per day of certain species (i.e., S. asotus) may still pose potential health risks especially for children. The present study provides baseline data for MeHg monitoring and risk assessment in the Erhai Lake Basin, and warrants continued monitoring and source investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxian Hu
- Erhai Watershed Ecological Environment Quality Testing Engineering Research Center of Yunnan Provincial Universities, Erhai Research Institute, West Yunnan University of Applied Sciences, Dali, CN-671006, China
| | - Jingrui Chen
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, CN-266003, China
| | - Le Chao
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, CN-266003, China
| | - Bin Kang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, CN-266003, China
| | - Jiachen Sun
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, CN-266003, China.
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de Castro Paiva T, Pestana IA, de Oliveira BCV, de Almeida MG, Malm O, de Rezende CE, Kasper D. Mercury concentrations and differences in isotopic niches of fish from upstream and downstream of an Amazon reservoir dam. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 33:762-771. [PMID: 38985288 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-024-02776-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Reservoir construction promotes many environmental impacts, including the enhancement of mercury concentrations in fish. The processes that can influence mercury concentrations in fish in Amazonian reservoirs are still little explored in depth, especially when we consider the possible particularities of the ecosystems in question. This study aims to investigate how mercury concentrations in fish could be influenced by the Tucuruí dam, considering possible changes in their feeding and trophic position according to the dam position (up or downstream). Fish were sampled upstream and downstream of the Tucuruí reservoir, and total mercury (THg) and stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen (δ15N and δ13C) were measured in muscles. We observed three different Hg bioaccumulation patterns influenced by the dam. These differences occurred due to species trophic niche changes corroborated by the isotope analysis. Higher THg concentrations downstream compared to those upstream ones were only observed for Geophagus proximus. On the contrary, Plagioscion squamosissimus, from downstream, presented lower concentrations than upstream ones. The isotopic niche of these two species presented different changes according to the sampled site. THg biomagnification was higher upstream compared to downstream, considering that the regression slope was approximately two times higher upstream versus downstream. THg concentrations in fish were explained by the differences in their feeding habits according to their location in relation to the dam. The difference in THg biomagnification was able to reflect differences in structure of the food web chain in ecosystems under the dam's influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais de Castro Paiva
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Laboratório de Estudos Ambientais Olaf Malm, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-900, Brasil.
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Limnologia, Ecotoxicologia e Ecologia Aquática, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brasil.
| | - Inácio Abreu Pestana
- Instituto de Química, Departamento de Geoquímica, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, 24020-141, Brasil
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Biogeoquímica de Ecossistemas Aquáticos, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brasil
| | - Bráulio Cherene Vaz de Oliveira
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Biogeoquímica de Ecossistemas Aquáticos, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brasil
| | - Marcelo Gomes de Almeida
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Biogeoquímica de Ecossistemas Aquáticos, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brasil
| | - Olaf Malm
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Laboratório de Estudos Ambientais Olaf Malm, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-900, Brasil
| | - Carlos Eduardo de Rezende
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Biogeoquímica de Ecossistemas Aquáticos, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brasil
| | - Daniele Kasper
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Limnologia, Ecotoxicologia e Ecologia Aquática, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brasil
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Otieno D, Drouillard KG, Campbell L, McKay RM, Achiya J, Getabu A, Mwamburi J, Sitoki L, Omondi R, Shitandi A, Owuor B, Njiru J, Otiso KM, Bullerjahn GS. Spatio-temporal Trends of Mercury and Stable Isotopes in Lower Food Web of Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2024; 113:30. [PMID: 39179721 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-024-03938-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Components of the lower food web (mussels, Caridina and Omena) were collected from stations from Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria, Kenya in 2022 and 2023 to analyze for stable isotopes and total mercury (THg). Temporal comparisons were made with data generated for the same species in 1998. Values of δ15N in mussels and Caridina were similar (6.89‰ vs. 6.78 ± 0.13‰), while Omena occupied an elevated trophic position (9.97 ± 0.24‰) with minor shifts in δ15N over time. All species had elevated δ13C values in 2022-2023 versus 1998 supportive of enhanced eutrophication in the Gulf. THg concentrations exhibited modest spatial differences between sites (< 2.6 fold), but not between Caridina and Omena. Larger temporal differences were apparent relative to spatial patterns with THg concentrations decreasing in study species by 2.8 to 4.1-fold between years. An exposure assessment indicated that Omena, commonly found in local markets, can be consumed up to 0.74 kg/month without generating excess THg exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Otieno
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Ken G Drouillard
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada.
| | - Linda Campbell
- School of the Environment, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - R Michael McKay
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - James Achiya
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Mombasa, Kenya
| | | | - Job Mwamburi
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Mombasa, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | - James Njiru
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Kefa M Otiso
- School of Earth, Environment and Society, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
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5
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Domingues VS, Colmenero C, Vinograd M, Oliveira-da-Costa M, Balbueno R. Mercury Dynamics and Bioaccumulation Risk Assessment in Three Gold Mining-Impacted Amazon River Basins. TOXICS 2024; 12:599. [PMID: 39195701 PMCID: PMC11359172 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12080599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Mercury contamination from gold mining in the Amazon poses significant environmental and health threats to the biome and its local populations. The recent expansion of non-industrial mining areas has severely impacted territories occupied by traditional communities. To address the lack of sampling data in the region and better understand mercury dynamics, this study used the probabilistic model SERAFM to estimate the mercury distribution and bioaccumulation in fish. The analysis covered 8,259 sub-basins across three major Amazonian basins: the Branco, Tapajós and Xingu rivers. The findings revealed increasing downstream mercury levels, with notable accumulations in the main watercourses influenced by methylation processes and mining releases. The projected concentrations showed that an average of 27.47% of the sub-basins might not comply with Brazilian regulations, rising to 52.38% in the Branco and Tapajós river basins separately. The risk assessment of fish consumption based on the projections highlighted high mercury exposure levels among traditional communities, particularly indigenous populations, with an average of 49.79% facing an extremely high risk in the Branco and Tapajós river basins. This study demonstrated SERAFM's capacity to fill information gaps in the Amazon while underscoring the need for enhanced data collection, culturally sensitive interventions and regulatory updates to mitigate mercury contamination in gold mining-affected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor Sousa Domingues
- Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources, Brasília 70818-900, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Vinograd
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, London SW7 1NE, UK;
| | | | - Rodrigo Balbueno
- World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Brazil), Brasília 70377-540, Brazil; (M.O.-d.-C.); (R.B.)
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Hardy A, Skrabal SA, Addison L, Emslie SD. Biomagnification of mercury in an estuarine food web. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116604. [PMID: 38936002 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116604] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Methylmercury is a toxin of local, regional, and global concern, with estuarine habitats possessing ecological characteristics that support conversion of inorganic mercury into this methylated form. We monitored Hg concentrations in species within the food web of the lower Cape Fear River (CFR) estuary in 2018-2020. Samples were analyzed for Hg concentrations and nitrogen isotopes (a measure of trophic level), and we found a positive relationship within this food web each year (p < 0.0001), indicating biomagnification is occurring. The highest Hg concentrations were among the upper trophic level species (Royal Terns, 4.300 ppm). While the Hg concentrations we documented are below assumed thresholds for toxic effects, we found spikes in Hg concentrations after Hurricane Florence in 2018 and with other disturbances to the CFR that resuspended bottom sediments. Continued monitoring is needed to understand the cause of annual variations, health implications, and conservation needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hardy
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA.
| | - Stephen A Skrabal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
| | - Lindsay Addison
- Audubon North Carolina, 7741 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28411, USA
| | - Steven D Emslie
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
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Escobar-Camacho D, Rosero-López D, Ruiz-Urigüen M, Barragán KS, Carpintero-Salvador N, Daza JR, Aldous A, Benítez S, Tear T, Encalada AC. Mercury in aquatic ecosystems of two indigenous communities in the Piedmont Ecuadorian Amazon: evidence from fish, water, and sediments. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 33:440-456. [PMID: 38847980 PMCID: PMC11213792 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-024-02764-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Mercury is a highly toxic element present in water, soil, air, and biota. Anthropogenic activities, such as burning fossil fuels, mining, and deforestation, contribute to the presence and mobilization of mercury between environmental compartments. Although current research on mercury pathways has advanced our understanding of the risks associated with human exposure, limited information exists for remote areas with high diversity of fauna, flora, and indigenous communities. This study aims to deepen our understanding of the presence of total mercury in water, sediments, and fish, within aquatic ecosystems of two indigenous territories: Gomataon (Waorani Nationality) and Sinangoé (Ai´Cofán Nationality) in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Our findings indicate that, for most fish (91.5%), sediment (100%) and water (95.3%) samples, mercury levels fall under international limits. For fish, no significant differences in mercury levels were detected between the two communities. However, eight species exceeded recommended global limits, and one surpassed the threshold according to Ecuadorian legislation. Piscivore and omnivore fish exhibited the highest concentrations of total mercury among trophic guilds. Only one water sample from each community's territory exceeded these limits. Total mercury in sediments exhibited greater concentrations in Gomataon than Sinangoé. Greater levels of mercury in sediments were associated with the occurrence of total organic carbon. Considering that members of the communities consume the analyzed fish, an interdisciplinary approach, including isotopic analysis, methylmercury sampling in humans, and mercury monitoring over time, is imperative for a detailed risk assessment of mercury exposure in Amazonian communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Escobar-Camacho
- Laboratorio de Ecología Acuática, Instituto BIOSFERA, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, 170150, Ecuador.
| | - Daniela Rosero-López
- Laboratorio de Ecología Acuática, Instituto BIOSFERA, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, 170150, Ecuador
| | - Melany Ruiz-Urigüen
- Core Lab de Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, 170901, Ecuador
- Ingeniería Ambiental, Colegio de Ciencias e Ingenierías, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Karla S Barragán
- Laboratorio de Ecología Acuática, Instituto BIOSFERA, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, 170150, Ecuador
| | | | - José R Daza
- Laboratorio de Ecología Acuática, Instituto BIOSFERA, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, 170150, Ecuador
| | | | | | - Timothy Tear
- Biodiversity Research Institute, Portland, ME, USA
| | - Andrea C Encalada
- Laboratorio de Ecología Acuática, Instituto BIOSFERA, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, 170150, Ecuador
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Evers DC, Ackerman JT, Åkerblom S, Bally D, Basu N, Bishop K, Bodin N, Braaten HFV, Burton MEH, Bustamante P, Chen C, Chételat J, Christian L, Dietz R, Drevnick P, Eagles-Smith C, Fernandez LE, Hammerschlag N, Harmelin-Vivien M, Harte A, Krümmel EM, Brito JL, Medina G, Barrios Rodriguez CA, Stenhouse I, Sunderland E, Takeuchi A, Tear T, Vega C, Wilson S, Wu P. Global mercury concentrations in biota: their use as a basis for a global biomonitoring framework. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 33:325-396. [PMID: 38683471 PMCID: PMC11213816 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-024-02747-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
An important provision of the Minamata Convention on Mercury is to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the adopted measures and its implementation. Here, we describe for the first time currently available biotic mercury (Hg) data on a global scale to improve the understanding of global efforts to reduce the impact of Hg pollution on people and the environment. Data from the peer-reviewed literature were compiled in the Global Biotic Mercury Synthesis (GBMS) database (>550,000 data points). These data provide a foundation for establishing a biomonitoring framework needed to track Hg concentrations in biota globally. We describe Hg exposure in the taxa identified by the Minamata Convention: fish, sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals. Based on the GBMS database, Hg concentrations are presented at relevant geographic scales for continents and oceanic basins. We identify some effective regional templates for monitoring methylmercury (MeHg) availability in the environment, but overall illustrate that there is a general lack of regional biomonitoring initiatives around the world, especially in Africa, Australia, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and South Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Temporal trend data for Hg in biota are generally limited. Ecologically sensitive sites (where biota have above average MeHg tissue concentrations) have been identified throughout the world. Efforts to model and quantify ecosystem sensitivity locally, regionally, and globally could help establish effective and efficient biomonitoring programs. We present a framework for a global Hg biomonitoring network that includes a three-step continental and oceanic approach to integrate existing biomonitoring efforts and prioritize filling regional data gaps linked with key Hg sources. We describe a standardized approach that builds on an evidence-based evaluation to assess the Minamata Convention's progress to reduce the impact of global Hg pollution on people and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA.
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA, 95620, USA
| | | | - Dominique Bally
- African Center for Environmental Health, BP 826 Cidex 03, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Nil Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kevin Bishop
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Upsalla, Sweden
| | - Nathalie Bodin
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development Seychelles Fishing Authority, Victoria, Seychelles
| | | | - Mark E H Burton
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Celia Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - John Chételat
- Environment and Cliamte Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Linroy Christian
- Department of Analytical Services, Dunbars, Friars Hill, St John, Antigua and Barbuda
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Paul Drevnick
- Teck American Incorporated, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Collin Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Luis E Fernandez
- Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability and Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 29106, USA
- Centro de Innovación Científica Amazonica (CINCIA), Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, Peru
| | - Neil Hammerschlag
- Shark Research Foundation Inc, 29 Wideview Lane, Boutiliers Point, NS, B3Z 0M9, Canada
| | - Mireille Harmelin-Vivien
- Aix-Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS/INSU/IRD, Institut Méditerranéen d'Océanologie (MIO), UM 110, Campus de Luminy, case 901, 13288, Marseille, cedex 09, France
| | - Agustin Harte
- Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Chem. des Anémones 15, 1219, Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eva M Krümmel
- Inuit Circumpolar Council-Canada, Ottawa, Canada and ScienTissiME Inc, Barry's Bay, ON, Canada
| | - José Lailson Brito
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Sao Francisco Xavier, 524, Sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Medina
- Director of Basel Convention Coordinating Centre, Stockholm Convention Regional Centre for Latin America and the Caribbean, Hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Iain Stenhouse
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Elsie Sunderland
- Harvard University, Pierce Hall 127, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Akinori Takeuchi
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, Health and Environmental Risk Division, 16-2 Onogawa Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Tim Tear
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Claudia Vega
- Centro de Innovaccion Cientifica Amazonica (CINCIA), Jiron Ucayali 750, Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, 17001, Peru
| | - Simon Wilson
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) Secretariat, N-9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Pianpian Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
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Carvalho VHV, Rodrigues JCG, Vinagre LWMS, Pereira EEB, Monte N, Fernandes MR, Ribeiro-Dos-Santos AM, Guerreiro JF, Ribeiro-Dos-Santos Â, Dos Santos SEB, Dos Santos NPC. Genomic investigation on genes related to mercury metabolism in Amazonian indigenous populations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 923:171232. [PMID: 38402986 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171232] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Studies have identified elevated levels of mercury in Amazonian Indigenous individuals, highlighting them as one of the most exposed to risks. In the unique context of the Brazilian Indigenous population, it is crucial to identify genetic variants with clinical significance to better understand vulnerability to mercury and its adverse effects. Currently, there is a lack of research on the broader genomic profile of Indigenous people, particularly those from the Amazon region, concerning mercury contamination. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the genomic profile related to the processes of mercury absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in 64 Indigenous individuals from the Brazilian Amazon. We aimed to determine whether these individuals exhibit a higher susceptibility to mercury exposure. Our study identified three high-impact variants (GSTA1 rs1051775, GSTM1 rs1183423000, and rs1241704212), with the latter two showing a higher frequency in the study population compared to global populations. Additionally, we discovered seven new variants with modifier impact and a genomic profile different from the worldwide populations. These genetic variants may predispose the study population to more harmful mercury exposure compared to global populations. As the first study to analyze broader genomics of mercury metabolism pathways in Brazilian Amazonian Amerindians, we emphasize that our research aims to contribute to public policies by utilizing genomic investigation as a method to identify populations with a heightened susceptibility to mercury exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Hugo Valente Carvalho
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil.
| | - Juliana Carla Gomes Rodrigues
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Lui Wallacy Morikawa Souza Vinagre
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Esdras Edgar Batista Pereira
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Natasha Monte
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Marianne Rodrigues Fernandes
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - André Maurício Ribeiro-Dos-Santos
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - João Farias Guerreiro
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Ândrea Ribeiro-Dos-Santos
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Sidney Emanuel Batista Dos Santos
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Ney Pereira Carneiro Dos Santos
- Núecleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Unidade de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, 66073-005 Belém, Pará, Brazil
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Taveira Parente CE, Souza Soares LO, Farias de Araujo G, Sales Júnior SF, Oliveira de Carvalho G, Lino AS, José M Ferreira Filho V, Malm O, Correia FV, Saggioro EM. A multi-biomarker approach to verify chronic effects on Eisenia andrei earthworms exposed to tailings from one of the world's largest mining disasters. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 345:123497. [PMID: 38331242 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123497] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Mining is of great relevance to the global economy, but its activities are challenging due to socio-environmental impacts. In January 2019, an iron ore tailings dam collapsed in Brumadinho (Minas Gerais, Brazil) releasing 12 × 106 m3 of tailings, causing human losses and devastation around 3.13 × 106 m2 of a watershed. In this context, the present study aimed to investigate the potential toxic effects of tailings from the collapsed dam using earthworms Eisenia andrei as a model organism for terrestrial environments. An extensive set of tests was performed, including behavioral (avoidance), acute (mortality and biomass) and chronic tests, such as biomass, reproduction and cytotoxicity (viability and cell density and change in coelomocyte pattern). The physical-chemical characterization revealed a higher density of the tailings in relation to the control soil, which can result in physical changes, such as soil compaction and surface sealing. Aluminum, Ca, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, K, Na and P registered higher concentrations in the tailings compared to the control soil, while Total Nitrogen, Total Organic Carbon and Organic Matter were higher in the natural soil. Based on the avoidance test, an EC50 of 27.18 ± 2.83% was estimated. No lethality was observed in the acute exposure, nor variations in biomass in the acute and chronic assays. However, there was a tendency to reduce the number of juveniles in relation to cocoons in the proportions of 3125; 12.5 and 25%. Significant changes in viability, cell density and pattern of amebocytes and eleocytes were observed up to the 35th day of exposure. A multi-biomarker approach (Integrated Biological Response version 2) indicated concentration-dependent effects and attenuation of cellular changes over time. These are the first results of chronic effects on earthworms exposed to tailings from the B1 dam. Despite being conclusive, we highlight the possible heterogeneity of the tailings and the necessary care in extrapolating the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudio Ernesto Taveira Parente
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho s/n, bloco G0, sala 60, subsolo. Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Lorena Oliveira Souza Soares
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, 21045-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Biodiversidade Neotropical), Departamento de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Pasteur 458, 22290-20, Urca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Farias de Araujo
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, 21045-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Biodiversidade Neotropical), Departamento de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Pasteur 458, 22290-20, Urca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sidney Fernandes Sales Júnior
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, 21045-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Biodiversidade Neotropical), Departamento de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Pasteur 458, 22290-20, Urca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Oliveira de Carvalho
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho s/n, bloco G0, sala 60, subsolo. Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil; Núcleo Prof. Rogério Vale de Produção Sustentável - SAGE/COPPE, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-972, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Adan Santos Lino
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho s/n, bloco G0, sala 60, subsolo. Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Virgílio José M Ferreira Filho
- Núcleo Prof. Rogério Vale de Produção Sustentável - SAGE/COPPE, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-972, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Olaf Malm
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho s/n, bloco G0, sala 60, subsolo. Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Fábio Veríssimo Correia
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, 21045-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Biodiversidade Neotropical), Departamento de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Pasteur 458, 22290-20, Urca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública e Meio Ambiente, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Leopoldo Bulhões 1480, 21041-210, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Pasteur, 458, 22290-20, Urca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Enrico Mendes Saggioro
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, 21045-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Biodiversidade Neotropical), Departamento de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Pasteur 458, 22290-20, Urca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública e Meio Ambiente, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Leopoldo Bulhões 1480, 21041-210, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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11
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Rebouças BH, Kubota GT, Oliveira RAA, Pinto BD, Cardoso RM, Vasconcellos ACS, Basta PC. Long-Term Environmental Methylmercury Exposure Is Associated with Peripheral Neuropathy and Cognitive Impairment among an Amazon Indigenous Population. TOXICS 2024; 12:212. [PMID: 38535945 PMCID: PMC11154458 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12030212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Widespread contamination of the Amazon basin with mercury has been reported to occur since at least the mid-80s due to heavy gold mining activity. Although initial studies have indicated that this may lead to deleterious neurological consequences to the indigenous populations living in the region, further research is needed to better characterize the neurological burden of such long-term exposure. With this aim, a cross-sectional exploratory study has been conducted with the Yanomami indigenous population residing in a northern Amazon region. All participants underwent a structured interview; detailed neurological examination, including assessment for cognitive, motor, coordination, and sensory functions; and laboratorial testing for serum hemoglobin, blood glucose, and methylmercury levels in hair samples. This study enrolled 154 individuals of 30.9 ± 16.8 years of age, of which 56.1% were female. Mean methylmercury levels in hair were 3.9 ± 1.7 µg/g. Methylmercury levels in hair > 6.0 µg/g were found in 10.3%. Among participants with hair methylmercury levels ≥ 6.0 μg/g, the prevalences of peripheral neuropathy and reduced cognitive performance were, respectively, 78.8% (95%CI 15-177%, p = 0.010) and 95.9% (95%CI 16-230.8%, p = 0.012) higher than those of individuals with lower levels. These results suggest that chronic mercury exposure may lead to significant and potentially irreversible neurotoxicity to Yanomami population living in the northern Amazon basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno H. Rebouças
- Department of Neurology, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Gabriel T. Kubota
- Department of Neurology, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
- Pain Treatment Center, São Paulo State Cancer Institute, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil
| | - Rogério A. A. Oliveira
- Department of Neurology, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Bruna D. Pinto
- Department of Neurology, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Roberta M. Cardoso
- Department of Neurology, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Ana C. S. Vasconcellos
- Laboratory of Professional Education in Health Surveillance, Polytechnic School of Health Joaquim Venacio (EPSJV), Oswald Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Paulo C. Basta
- Program of Post-Graduation in Public Health and Environment, National School of Public Health (ENSP), Oswald Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
- Department of Endemic Diseases Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Oswald Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
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12
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Fernandes IO, Monteiro LC, de Miranda VL, Rodrigues YOS, de Freitas Muniz DH, de Castro Paes É, Bernardi JVE. Mercury distribution in organisms, litter, and soils of the Middle Araguaia floodplain in Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:20925-20940. [PMID: 38379047 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32317-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: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a chemical element that, depending on its concentration, may become toxic to living organisms due to the ability of Hg to bioaccumulate in food chains. In this study, we collected samples of soil, litter, and organisms in the Middle Araguaia floodplain, Brazil. Total mercury (THg) concentrations in litter were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) than that in soil, ranging from 10.68 ± 0.55 to 48.94 ± 0.13 and 20.80 ± 1.07 to 55 .19 ± 1.59 ng g-1, respectively. Total mercury concentration levels in soil showed a linear, inversely proportional relationship with soil organic matter (SOM) contents and soil pH, consistent with the geochemical behavior of chemical elements in flooded environments. Ten orders of organisms were identified, and the average THg concentrations determined in their bodies were up to 20 times higher than those in soil and litter. We found a significant linear relationship between the levels of THg in litter and those found in soil organisms, thereby allowing the prediction of THg concentration levels in soil organisms through the analysis of litter at the sample units. The different dynamics and feeding habits of soil organisms and the concentration of THg in these organisms may be influenced by the river's course. This study provides evidence of the bioaccumulation of THg in soil organisms in the floodplain of the Middle Araguaia River, an important river basin in the Brazilian savanna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iara Oliveira Fernandes
- Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Faculty UnB Planaltina, University of Brasília, Planaltina, Distrito Federal, 73345-010, Brazil.
| | - Lucas Cabrera Monteiro
- Graduate Program in Ecology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Lima de Miranda
- Graduate Program in Zoology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Ygor Oliveira Sarmento Rodrigues
- Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Faculty UnB Planaltina, University of Brasília, Planaltina, Distrito Federal, 73345-010, Brazil
| | - Daphne Heloisa de Freitas Muniz
- Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Faculty UnB Planaltina, University of Brasília, Planaltina, Distrito Federal, 73345-010, Brazil
| | - Ésio de Castro Paes
- Graduate Program in Soils and Plant Nutrition, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José Vicente Elias Bernardi
- Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Faculty UnB Planaltina, University of Brasília, Planaltina, Distrito Federal, 73345-010, Brazil
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Zhang X, Kang H, Zhao L, Guo J, Zhang Y, Xie C, Dong X, Kang S, Liu X. Climate and industrial pollution determine the seasonal and spatial mercury variations in the China's Weihe River. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168555. [PMID: 37979855 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Natural processes and human activities impact mercury (Hg) pollution in rivers. Investigating the individual contributions and interactions of factors affecting variations in Hg concentrations, particularly under climate change, is crucial for safeguarding watershed ecosystems and human health. We collected 381 water samples from China's Weihe River Basin (WRB) during dry and wet seasons to assess the total Hg (THg) concentration. Results revealed high Hg concentrations in the WRB (0.1-2200.9 ng/L, mean 126.2 ± 335.5 ng/L), with higher levels during the wet season (wet season: 249.1 ± 453.5 ng/L, dry season: 12.7 ± 14.0 ng/L), particularly in the mainstream and southern tributaries of the Weihe River. Industrial pollution (contributing 26.2 %) and precipitation (contributing 33.5 %) drove spatial heterogeneity in THg concentrations during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Notably, combined explanatory power increased to 47.9 % when interaction was considered, highlighting the amplifying effect of climate change, particularly precipitation, on the impact of industrial pollution. The middle and downstream of the Weihe River, especially the Guanzhong urban agglomeration, were identified as high-risk regions for Hg pollution. With ongoing climate change the risk of Hg exposure in the WRB is expected to escalate. This study lays a robust scientific foundation for the effective management of Hg pollution in analogous river systems worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhang
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Huhu Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Liangju Zhao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Junming Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Urban Ecological Environment Simulation and Protection, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Cong Xie
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Xiying Dong
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Shichang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China; State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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14
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Sahoo PK, Guimarães JTF, Salomão GN, Reis LS, da Silva EF, de Figueiredo MMJC, da Silva KL, Dall'Agnol R. Historical Hg accumulation (∼65 cal kyr BP) in upland lakes of the Southeastern Brazilian Amazonia: New evidence of the extent of geogenic and diagenetic control. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168930. [PMID: 38042179 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
The historical upland lake sediments in the Brazilian Amazon witnessed significant enrichment of total mercury (Hg). However, its spatio-temporal relationships between lakes and the main factors responsible for this enrichment are still poorly constrained. Given this, we geochemically investigated 12 radiometrically dated (extending back to ∼65 cal kyr BP) sediment cores from the Carajás plateau, Brazil. The Hg level in historical sediments presented a large temporal variability (from 1 to 3200 μg/kg), with maximum accumulation peaks observed between 30 and 45 cal kyr BP in core R2, LB3, and R1. However, the lack of the Hg peak in other cores (LV2 and LTI3) during the same period despite being proximity and non-correlation of these Hg peaks with the onset of major volcanic events indicates that this source has little bearing. Hg enrichment is highly dependent on the type of sedimentary facies, with higher values were associated with detritic facies (MI) and detritic+organic facies (P/M). Principal component analysis shows that aluminosilicate minerals and organic matter are essential hosts of Hg in sediments. The positive correlation between Al, Ti, and Hg in detritic facies and their strong coherence with Hg/TOC in R1, R5, LSL, ST02, and LB3 cores indicate that Hg is primarily of lithogenic origin. This can be substantiated by the higher background threshold value of Hg (574 μg/kg) in historical lake sediments compared to those in recent lake sediments (340 μg/kg). However, the most pronounced Hg peak (3200 μg/kg) in R2 around 45 cal kyr BP, which correlates positively with TOC, S, Se, As, and Mo indicates their diagenetic enrichment in organic-rich sediments under anoxic conditions. Thus, in addition to the lithogenic effect, it can be argued that diagenesis can play a significant role in prompting Hg enrichment in the Carajás lake sediments in Amazonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prafulla Kumar Sahoo
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Central University of Punjab, VPO-Ghudda 151401 Bathinda, India.
| | | | | | - Luiza Santos Reis
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale, Rua Boaventura da Silva 955, Nazaré, Belém 66055-090, PA, Brazil; Micropaleontology Laboratory, University of São Paulo, Rua do Lago, 562-Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-080, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Karen Lopes da Silva
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale, Rua Boaventura da Silva 955, Nazaré, Belém 66055-090, PA, Brazil
| | - Roberto Dall'Agnol
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale, Rua Boaventura da Silva 955, Nazaré, Belém 66055-090, PA, Brazil
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Passarelli I, Villacis Verdesoto MV, Jiménez-Oyola S, Flores Huilcapi AG, Mora-Silva D, Anfuso G, Esparza Parra JF, Jimenez-Gutierrez M, Carrera Almendáriz LS, Avalos Peñafiel VG, Straface S, Mestanza-Ramón C. Analysis of Mercury in Aquifers in Gold Mining Areas in the Ecuadorian Amazon and Its Associated Risk for Human Health. TOXICS 2024; 12:162. [PMID: 38393257 PMCID: PMC10892106 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12020162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Gold mining activity is a source of supply in many areas of the world, and especially in developing countries, it is practiced illegally and by applying unsafe techniques. Particularly in Ecuador, artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is widespread, and it is based on the use of toxic substances, such as mercury (Hg), in gold recovery. Hg is a heavy metal that is water-insoluble, which, once mobilized, poses a threat to both the environment and human health. This study analyzes Hg concentrations in the six provinces of Napo, Sucumbíos, Orellana, Pastaza, Morona Santiago, and Zamora Chinchipe of the Ecuadorian Amazon region to conduct a human health risk assessment. Significant differences in Hg levels were found between provinces, but concentrations were below MPL imposed by Ecuadorian regulations everywhere. Nevertheless, a worrisome picture emerges, especially with regard to the most vulnerable receptors represented by the child population. There are multiple factors of incidence that may affect the possible future development of the phenomenon, and with reference to the social, economic, and environmental context of the region, it can be concluded that it may be appropriate to plan further investigation to arrive at a more comprehensive assessment. The results of this study can be used by decision makers to plan further investigation and to implement monitoring networks, risk mitigation strategies, and groundwater protection measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Passarelli
- Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (I.P.)
| | | | - Samantha Jiménez-Oyola
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Campus Gustavo Galindo km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil 090101, Ecuador
| | - Ana Gabriela Flores Huilcapi
- Faculty of Food Science and Engineering and Biotechnology, Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Av. Colombia y Chile, Ambato 180104, Ecuador
| | - Demmy Mora-Silva
- Research Group YASUNI-SDC, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Sede Orellana, El Coca 220001, Ecuador
| | - Giorgio Anfuso
- Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Spain;
| | - Jose Fernando Esparza Parra
- Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH), Faculty of Natural Resources, Panamericana Sur km 1 ½, Riobamba 060155, Ecuador
| | | | | | | | - Salvatore Straface
- Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (I.P.)
| | - Carlos Mestanza-Ramón
- Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (I.P.)
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Monteiro LC, Vieira LCG, Bernardi JVE, Bastos WR, de Souza JPR, Recktenvald MCNDN, Nery AFDC, Oliveira IADS, Cabral CDS, Moraes LDC, Filomeno CL, de Souza JR. Local and landscape factors influencing mercury distribution in water, bottom sediment, and biota from lakes of the Araguaia River floodplain, Central Brazil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168336. [PMID: 37949140 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a chemical element widely present in the Earth's crust. However, its high toxicity and ability to accumulate in organisms and biomagnify through food chains characterize it as a global pollutant of primary control. We assessed total mercury concentrations ([THg]) in abiotic and biotic compartments from 98 floodplain lakes associated with the Araguaia River and six tributaries (Midwest Brazil). [THg] quantification in water was performed by cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectroscopy. [THg] in bottom sediment was assessed using cold vapor generation atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while [THg] in macrophyte, periphyton, and plankton were quantified by thermal decomposition atomic absorption spectrometry. Hotspots of [THg] in water, bottom sediment, and macrophytes were determined in areas impacted by pasture and urban areas. In contrast, hotspots of [THg] in periphyton and forest fires were determined in preserved areas downstream. [THg] in plankton did not show a clear spatial distribution pattern. The mean bioaccumulation factor order was plankton (2.3 ± 1.8) > periphyton (1.3 ± 0.9) > macrophytes (0.7 ± 0.4) (KW = 55.09, p < 0.0001). Higher [THg] in water and bottom sediment were associated with high pH (R2adj = 0.118, p = 0.004) and organic matter (R2adj = 0.244, p < 0.0001). [THg] in macrophytes were positively influenced by [THg] in water (R2adj = 0.063, p = 0.024) and sediment (R2adj = 0.105, p = 0.007). [THg] in periphyton are positively related to forest fires (R2adj = 0.156, p = 0.009) and [THg] in macrophytes (R2adj = 0.061, p = 0.03) and negatively related to lake depth (R2adj = 0.045, p = 0.02). The transfer of Hg from water and sediment to the biota is limited. However, the progressive increase of the bioaccumulation factor between macrophyte, periphyton, and plankton may indicate Hg biomagnification along the food chain of the Araguaia River floodplain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Cabrera Monteiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
| | - Ludgero Cardoso Galli Vieira
- Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas Ambientais e Limnológicas, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, Brazil
| | - José Vicente Elias Bernardi
- Laboratório de Geoestatística e Geodésia, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Cássio da Silva Cabral
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Lilian de Castro Moraes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, Brazil
| | - Cleber Lopes Filomeno
- Central Análítica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Jurandir Rodrigues de Souza
- Laboratório de Química Analítica e Ambiental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
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Nunes CB, Vieira KC, Pereyra PER, Hallwass G, Cunha CV, Silvano RAM. 'From the sky to the ground': fishers' knowledge, landscape analysis and hydrological data indicate long-term environmental changes in Amazonian clear water rivers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166763. [PMID: 37666343 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Fishers possess detailed local ecological knowledge (LEK) which can be a valuable resource for tracking long-term environmental changes in less studied tropical rivers. Our goal was to investigate such changes in three clear water rivers in the Brazilian Amazon, focusing on hydrology, water quality and land cover. Additionally, we aimed to compare these changes among three rivers (Trombetas, Tapajós and Tocantins) representing a potential gradient of environmental changes. We interviewed 129 fishers (67 in Tapajós, 33 in Tocantins and 29 in Trombetas), and analyzed temporal series on land cover and hydrology respectively through maps produced by the project MapBiomas, and data from the Brazilian National Water Agency across the last 34 years (from 1985 to 2019). The complementary analyses of these three databases (mapping, hydrological data and fishers' knowledge) revealed environmental changes in the studied rivers. The maps showed a gradient of anthropic changes on land cover, from the less altered Trombetas river, the moderately altered Tapajós and the more intensely changed landscape in the Tocantins River. Fishers from the Tocantins River reported a greater variety of negative changes in water quality related to anthropic actions, such as dams, deforestation, and pollution. Additionally, most fishers indicated hydrological changes making the Tocantins River drier in more recent years, which would cause negative effects on fish populations. In the Tapajós River, fishers mentioned more varied hydrological patterns and negative effects on water quality linked to mining activities, whereas in Trombetas fishers perceived increased floods. The changes mentioned by the interviewed fishers matched observed trends from hydrological data indicating a trend of increasing droughts in the more impacted Tocantins River. Fishers' knowledge provided exclusive 'on the ground' data to track long-term changes on local hydrology and water quality, as well as inform the effects of these changes on fish and fisheries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina B Nunes
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Kaluan C Vieira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Paula E R Pereyra
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Hallwass
- Fisheries and Food Institute (FIFO), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia Aplicada, Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA), Lavras, MG, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia Aquática e Pesca, Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Cristiane V Cunha
- Faculdade de Educação do Campo, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará (UNIFESSPA), Marabá, PA, Brazil
| | - Renato A M Silvano
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Fisheries and Food Institute (FIFO), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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18
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Gomes DF, da Silva Pinto TJ, Raymundo LB, da Fontoura Sperandei V, Daam M, Moreira RA, Rocha O. Ecological risk assessment for metals in sediment and waters from the Brazilian Amazon region. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 345:140413. [PMID: 37844699 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140413] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Pollution by metals is a matter of concern around the world. In recent decades, the high population growth in urban centers has significantly magnified the entry of these pollutants into aquatic ecosystems. The Amazon region, intense migratory flow, gold mining, and industrialization have been considered the main driving forces for increasing metal pollution. Thus, the main aim of this study is to conduct, for the first time, an Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) based on metal concentrations measured in the sediment and water of several aquatic environments from the Amazon basin, based on the risk quotient values (RQ = measured environmental concentration - MEC/predicted no effect concentration - PNEC). In addition, the metal contamination factor (CF) was estimated. Although metal concentrations in water were generally low, these values were far above the limits established by current national legislation in many areas, showing higher concentrations for the metals Co, Pb, Cr, Cu, and Ni. Concentrations of Mn, Cu, Ba, Pb, Co, Ni, Cr, Zn, Cd, and As were especially high in the sediment for several evaluated environments. The ERA for the water compartment revealed that 56% of the studied areas presented high risk (RQ > 1) for aquatic biota. In the sediment, 66% of the sites presented a high risk and 40% medium risk (RQ = 0.1-1). The CF indicated that 49% of the sampling points had high contamination and only 24%, had low contamination. These results reveal that monitoring studies in the Amazon region, provides important information so that public policies for the preservation of water resources can be strengthened in the Amazon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Ferreira Gomes
- DEBE - Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Federal University of São Carlos, Rod. Washington Luís Km 235 - SP-310, São Carlos, São Paulo 13565-905, Brazil.
| | - Thandy Júnio da Silva Pinto
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Rua Josué de Castro, S/n - Cidade Universitária, 13083-970, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Larissa Broggio Raymundo
- DEBE - Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Federal University of São Carlos, Rod. Washington Luís Km 235 - SP-310, São Carlos, São Paulo 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Vinicius da Fontoura Sperandei
- DEBE - Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Federal University of São Carlos, Rod. Washington Luís Km 235 - SP-310, São Carlos, São Paulo 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Michiel Daam
- CENSE - Center for Environmental and Sustainability Research & CHANGE - Global Change and Sustainability Institute, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Campus de Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Raquel Aparecida Moreira
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande - FURG, Avenida Itália, Km 8, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Odete Rocha
- DEBE - Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Federal University of São Carlos, Rod. Washington Luís Km 235 - SP-310, São Carlos, São Paulo 13565-905, Brazil
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Monteiro LC, Vieira LCG, Bernardi JVE, Moraes LDC, Rodrigues YOS, de Souza JPR, de Souza JR, Bastos WR, Passos CJS, Dórea JG. Ecological risk of mercury in bottom sediments and spatial correlation with land use in Neotropical savanna floodplain lakes, Araguaia River, Central Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 238:117231. [PMID: 37793585 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
The Araguaia River floodplain is an important biogeographic boundary between the two largest South American biomes: the Cerrado (Brazilian Savanna) and the Amazon rainforest. The large-scale degradation due to land use conversion experienced in the Araguaia River watershed represents a potential source of mercury (Hg) transport to aquatic ecosystems. However, more information is needed about the dynamics of Hg distribution in savanna floodplains, including the Araguaia River floodplain. We analyzed total mercury (THg) concentrations in the bottom sediments of 30 lakes connected to the Araguaia River and four tributaries, aiming to evaluate the environment's integrity based on the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and the ecological risk index (ERI). The principal component analysis was applied to examine associations between Hg concentrations, environmental conditions, and land use intensity among lakes associated with different river systems. We used indicator cokriging to identify areas with a greater probability of Hg pollution and ecological risk associated with land use intensity. The land use data showed the predominance of areas used for pasture in the Araguaia River basin. THg concentrations in the sediments varied between 22.6 and 81.9 ng g-1 (mean: 46.5 ± 17.7 ng g-1). Sediments showed no significant pollution (Igeo: 1.35 - 0.50; Classes 1 and 2) and low to considerable ecological risks (ERI: 23.5-85.1; Classes 1 to 3). THg in bottom sediments was associated with land use, water turbidity and electrical conductivity, and sediment organic matter. The indicator cokriging indicates a moderate to strong spatial dependence between land use intensity and Hg, confirming the contribution of anthropic sources to the increment of ecological risk but also the influence of extrinsic factors (such as environmental conditions, geology, and hydrology). Integrating sediment assessment and land use indices with geostatistical methods proved a valuable tool for identifying priority areas for Hg accumulation at a regional scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Cabrera Monteiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil; Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas Ambientais e Limnológicas, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil; Laboratório de Geoestatística e Geodésia, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil.
| | - Ludgero Cardoso Galli Vieira
- Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas Ambientais e Limnológicas, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil.
| | - José Vicente Elias Bernardi
- Laboratório de Geoestatística e Geodésia, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil.
| | - Lilian de Castro Moraes
- Laboratório de Geoestatística e Geodésia, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil.
| | - Ygor Oliveira Sarmento Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Geoestatística e Geodésia, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil.
| | - João Pedro Rudrigues de Souza
- Laboratório de Química Analítica e Ambiental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70919-970, Brazil.
| | - Jurandir Rodrigues de Souza
- Laboratório de Química Analítica e Ambiental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70919-970, Brazil.
| | - Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, 76901-000, Brazil.
| | | | - José G Dórea
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil.
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20
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Dórea JG, Monteiro LC, Elias Bernardi JV, Fernandes IO, Barbosa Oliveira SF, Rudrigues de Souza JP, Sarmento Rodrigues YO, Galli Vieira LC, Rodrigues de Souza J. Land use impact on mercury in sediments and macrophytes from a natural lake in the Brazilian savanna. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122414. [PMID: 37598931 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater ecosystems are essential to human and wildlife survival. They harbor a wide biodiversity that contributes to ecosystem services. In the ecosystem of the Brazilian Savanna, anthropic activities related to environmental pollution that includes mercury (Hg) is of concern. We studied total mercury concentrations ([THg]) in bottom sediments and macrophytes to assess its short-term (2012 and 2019) impact on a natural lake. Temporal changes in [Hg] were assessed with the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and the sediment quality guidelines (SQG). The land use index (LUI) was used to assess differences in anthropogenic activities and the Normalized Difference Aquatic Vegetation Index (NDAVI) was used to assess macrophyte biomass density. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) was used to assess Hg accumulation in macrophytes relative to sediments. The LUI showed an increase in the intensity of agricultural activities in the vicinities of the lake. The NDAVI indicated an increase in the density of macrophytes in the evaluated period. The Igeo indicated that in all sampling sites, pollution levels in sediments increased in 2019 (Igeo > 0), with concentrations exceeding the SQG in 2019. In 2012, [THg] in sediments ranged from 20.7 to 74.6 ng g-1, and in 2019 they ranged from 129.1 to 318.2 ng g-1. In macrophytes, [THg] ranged from 14.0 to 42.1 ng g-1 in 2012, to 53.0 and 175.3 ng g-1 in 2019. [THg] in bottom sediments and macrophytes were significantly higher in the second collection period (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in BAF values between the periods and no significant bioaccumulation in macrophytes (BAF <1). Our results demonstrated that the macrophytes are not sensitive indicators of Hg pollution in lentic environments of the Brazilian Savanna; however, the increased land use intensity (agriculture, automotive traffic, and urban infrastructure) could increase Hg accumulation in sediments and macrophytes in a short time interval.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Lucas Cabrera Monteiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil; Laboratório de Geoestatística e Geodésia, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil; Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas Ambientais e Limnológicas, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil.
| | - José Vicente Elias Bernardi
- Laboratório de Geoestatística e Geodésia, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil.
| | - Iara Oliveira Fernandes
- Laboratório de Geoestatística e Geodésia, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil.
| | - Sandy Flora Barbosa Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil.
| | - João Pedro Rudrigues de Souza
- Laboratório de Química Analítica e Ambiental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70919-970, Brazil.
| | - Ygor Oliveira Sarmento Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Geoestatística e Geodésia, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil.
| | - Ludgero Cardoso Galli Vieira
- Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas Ambientais e Limnológicas, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil.
| | - Jurandir Rodrigues de Souza
- Laboratório de Química Analítica e Ambiental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70919-970, Brazil.
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21
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Marrugo-Negrete J, Pinedo-Hernández J, Marrugo-Madrid S, Paternina-Uribe R, Ruiz-Fernández AC, Sanchez-Cabeza JA. Vertical distribution and trace element contamination in sediment cores affected by gold mining in Colombia. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 340:139744. [PMID: 37567269 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139744] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
The vertical distribution, level of contamination, potential ecological risks, and historical fluxes of trace elements (Pb, As, and Hg) were evaluated from 210Pb-dated sediment cores in three different areas with gold mining impacts in northern Colombia: the Atrato River (AR), the Delicias Marsh (DM) and the Encaramada Marsh (EM). All cores spanned ∼100 years; the mass accumulation rates followed the order AR > DM > EM. The average trace elements concentrations in the sediment cores were: Pb 2.41 ± 0.72, As 0.65 ± 0.32, Hg 0.07 ± 0.02 μg g-1 in the Atrato River; Pb 23.49 ± 2.59, As 2.46 ± 0.88, Hg 0.10 ± 0.02 μg g-1 in the Delicias Marsh; and Pb 9.76 ± 4.18, As 2.44 ± 1.26, Hg 0.17 ± 0.06 μg g-1 in the Encaramada Marsh. Sediments are classified according to the contamination factor (CF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) as low to very highly contaminated. The Pollution load index (PLI) indicates environmental deterioration (PLI> 1), and the Sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) indicate that only Hg may produce adverse biological effects in the EM core. This study is an example of the reconstruction of temporal changes in pollution levels and impacts of potentially toxic elements caused by gold mining in remote ecosystems, which can be reproduced in other areas where environmental monitoring is scarce or non-existent.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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.
| | - 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.
| | - Siday Marrugo-Madrid
- University of Córdoba, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Water, Applied and Environmental Chemistry Group, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Management, Montería, Colombia; Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDÆA-CSIC, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roberth Paternina-Uribe
- University of Córdoba, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Water, Applied and Environmental Chemistry Group, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Management, Montería, Colombia
| | - Ana Carolina Ruiz-Fernández
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Ciencias Del Mar y Limnología, Unidad Académica, Mazatlán, Mexico
| | - Joan-Albert Sanchez-Cabeza
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Ciencias Del Mar y Limnología, Unidad Académica, Mazatlán, Mexico
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Wang Y, Liu G, Fang Y, Liu P, Liu Y, Guo Y, Shi J, Hu L, Cai Y, Yin Y, Jiang G. Dark oxidation of mercury droplet: Mercurous [Hg(I)] species controls transformation kinetics. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 244:120472. [PMID: 37619304 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120472] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Liquid elemental mercury droplet (Hg(0)l) is an important species in heavy Hg-contaminated environments. The oxidation processes of Hg(0)l and its related mechanisms are still poorly understood. Herein, for the first time, it was verified that mercurous species [Hg(I)] was an important species in natural water contaminated by Hg(0)l as well as in the simulated dark oxidation of Hg(0)l. The formation and further transformation of Hg(I) controlled the overall oxidation process of Hg(0)l and were affected by different environmental factors. Through kinetic modeling using ACUCHEM program, oxidation of Hg(0) to Hg(I) (Hg(0) → Hg(I)) was determined to be the rate-limiting step in Hg(0)l oxidation because its k value ((8.7 ± 0.21) × 10-11s-1) is seven orders of magnitude lower than that of Hg(I) oxidation (Hg(I) → Hg(II), (4.7 ± 0.15) × 10-4s-1). Ligands like OH-, Cl-, and natural organic matter enhanced the formation of Hg(I) via promoting the constants of comproportionation (up to (9.5 ± 0.78) × 10-4s-1). These findings highlight the importance of Hg(I) in Hg(0)l oxidation process by controlling the transformation kinetics of Hg species, facilitating an improved understanding of the environmental redox cycles of Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China; Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guangliang Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, United States
| | - Yingying Fang
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Peng Liu
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Yanwei Liu
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yingying Guo
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianbo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Ligang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yong Cai
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China; Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Tomiyasu T, Matsuki H, Oda M, Kodamatani H, Kanzaki R, Kobari T. Impact of mercury discharged from submarine volcano on inner bay ecosystems. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 339:139748. [PMID: 37549745 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139748] [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: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Organic mercury, inorganic mercury and total mercury concentrations in phytoplankton (<0.1 mm) and zooplankton (>0.1 mm) collected in Kagoshima Bay, Japan were measured from 2017 to 2019 to estimate the impact of mercury discharged from submarine volcanoes on ecosystems; submarine volcanic activity continues at a depth of 200 m in the inner part of Kagoshima Bay. The total mercury concentrations in phyto- and zooplankton collected by vertical hauling at 0-200 m at just above the submarine volcano were in the range of 0.11-2.0 mg kg-1 (avg. 0.67 mg kg-1) and 0.090-0.56 mg kg-1 (avg. 0.21 mg kg-1), respectively. These values were one order of magnitude higher than the values in plankton collected in the central part of Kagoshima Bay. Organic mercury concentrations in phyto- and zooplankton were <0.010-0.071 mg kg-1 (avg. 0.028 mg kg-1) and 0.012-0.25 mg kg-1 (avg. 0.10 mg kg-1), respectively, for the inner part, and <0.010-0.040 mg kg-1 (avg. 0.010 mg kg-1) and <0.010-0.025 mg kg-1 (avg. 0.012 mg kg-1), respectively, for the central part. The values obtained in the inner part of the bay increased in summer and decreased in winter, which was consistent with changes in seawater mercury concentrations affected by volcanic activity. The organic mercury concentration in zooplankton collected just above the submarine volcano showed a size dependency, and a higher value was observed in the larger size, which suggested that the discharged mercury from the volcano was absorbed and concentrated through the ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Tomiyasu
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kagoshima University, 1-21-35 Korimoto, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan.
| | - Hideaki Matsuki
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kagoshima University, 1-21-35 Korimoto, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan
| | - Masanori Oda
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kagoshima University, 1-21-35 Korimoto, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kodamatani
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kagoshima University, 1-21-35 Korimoto, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan
| | - Ryo Kanzaki
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kagoshima University, 1-21-35 Korimoto, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan
| | - Toru Kobari
- Faculty of Fisheries, Kagoshima University, 4-50-20 Shimoarata, Kagoshima, 890-0056, Japan
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Mestanza-Ramón C, Jiménez-Oyola S, Montoya AVG, Vizuete DDC, D’Orio G, Cedeño-Laje J, Straface S. Assessment of Hg pollution in stream waters and human health risk in areas impacted by mining activities in the Ecuadorian Amazon. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:7183-7197. [PMID: 37160830 PMCID: PMC10517888 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01597-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Illegal gold mining activities have contributed to the release and mobilization of Hg and environmental degradation in many parts of the world. This study aims to determine the concentration of Hg in five provinces of the Amazon Region of Ecuador, in addition to assessing the risk to human health of exposed populations, applying deterministic and probabilistic methods. For this purpose, 147 water samples were collected in rivers and streams crossing and/or located near mining areas. As a result, 100% of the samples analyzed exceeded the maximum permissible limit (MPL) according to the water quality criteria for the preservation of aquatic life of the Ecuadorian regulations, while 7% of the samples exceeded the MPL for drinking water. On the other hand, considering the European Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) for surface water bodies, in our study, 100% of the samples exceed the maximum permissible limit (0.07 µg/L), and with respect to the Canadian water quality guidelines, 35% of the samples exceed the permissible limit (0.001 mg/l) for drinking water, and 100% of the samples exceed the limit for life in water bodies (0.0001 mg/l). The risk assessment revealed that the probability of developing adverse health effects from exposure to Hg is below the recommended limits according to the probabilistic assessment; this is in relation to the criterion of residential and recreational use of water resources. However, it was identified that the child population doubles the acceptable systemic risk level according to the results of the deterministic assessment in the residential scenario. This information can be used by decision-makers to implement strategies to reduce Hg contamination and exposure of the population in Ecuadorian Amazonian rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Mestanza-Ramón
- Research Group YASUNI-SDC, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Sede Orellana, 20001 El Coca, Ecuador
- Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Samantha Jiménez-Oyola
- Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de La Tierra, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Alex Vinicio Gavilanes Montoya
- Faculty of Natural Resources, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Panamericana Sur, Km 1 ½, EC-060155 Riobamba, Ecuador
- Department of Forest Engineering, Forest Management Planning and Terrestrial Measurements, Faculty of Silviculture and Forest Engineering, Transilvania University of Brasov, Şirul Beethoven 1, 500123 Brasov, Romania
| | - Danny Daniel Castillo Vizuete
- Faculty of Natural Resources, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Panamericana Sur, Km 1 ½, EC-060155 Riobamba, Ecuador
- Department of Forest Engineering, Forest Management Planning and Terrestrial Measurements, Faculty of Silviculture and Forest Engineering, Transilvania University of Brasov, Şirul Beethoven 1, 500123 Brasov, Romania
| | - Giovanni D’Orio
- Department of Economics, Statistics ands Finasnce, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata Di Rende, Italy
| | - Juan Cedeño-Laje
- Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de La Tierra, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Salvatore Straface
- Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de La Tierra, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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25
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Basta PC, de Vasconcellos ACS, Hallwass G, Yokota D, Pinto DDODR, de Aguiar DS, de Souza CC, Oliveira-da-Costa M. Risk Assessment of Mercury-Contaminated Fish Consumption in the Brazilian Amazon: An Ecological Study. TOXICS 2023; 11:800. [PMID: 37755810 PMCID: PMC10535031 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11090800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is one of the most dangerous contaminants on the planet. In recent years, evidence of mercury contamination in the Amazon has significantly increased, notably due to gold-mining activities. Although mercury contamination in fish has consistently been documented, little is known about the risk associated with fish consumption by populations in urban areas of the Amazon. We sampled 1010 fish sold in public markets in six state capitals and 11 additional cities. Mercury levels were determined for each specimen, and the evaluation of the health risks associated with consuming mercury-contaminated fish was conducted according to the methodology proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Our study reveals that more than one-fifth (21.3%) of the fish sold in urban centers had mercury levels above the safe limits (≥0.5 µg/g) established by the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). The prevalence of Hg contamination ≥0.5 µg/g was approximately 14 times higher in carnivorous than in noncarnivorous fish. The analysis of the risk attributable to fish consumption reveals that daily mercury intake exceeded the reference dose recommended by the U.S. EPA in all population groups analyzed, reaching up to 7 and 31 times in women of childbearing age and children from 2 to 4 years old, respectively. However, these risks are diverse depending on the type of fish consumed and must be considered to formulate appropriate nutritional guidelines for safe fish consumption by the local community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Cesar Basta
- Department of Endemic Diseases Samuel Pessoa, National School of Public Health Sergio Arouca, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratory of Professional Education on Health Surveillance, Joaquim Venâncio Polytechnic School of Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Gustavo Hallwass
- Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation, Graduate Studies in Applied Ecology, Federal University of Lavras, São Sebastião do Paraíso 37950-000, MG, Brazil;
| | - Decio Yokota
- Iepé—Institute for Indigenous Research and Education, Macapá 68908-120, AP, Brazil;
| | - Daniel de Oliveira d’El Rei Pinto
- Department of Endemic Diseases Samuel Pessoa, National School of Public Health Sergio Arouca, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, RJ, Brazil;
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Parente CET, Carvalho GO, Lino AS, Sabagh LT, Azeredo A, Freitas DFS, Ramos VS, Teixeira C, Meire RO, Ferreira Filho VJM, Malm O. First assessment of atmospheric pollution by trace elements and particulate matter after a severe collapse of a tailings dam, Minas Gerais, Brazil: An insight into biomonitoring with Tillandsia usneoides and a public health dataset. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 233:116435. [PMID: 37331556 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
In this study, samples of bromeliad Tillandsia usneoides (n = 70) were transplanted and exposed for 15 and 45 days in 35 outdoor residential areas in Brumadinho (Minas Gerais state, Brazil) after one of the most severe mining dam collapses in the world. Trace elements aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) were quantified by atomic absorption spectrometry. Scanning electron microscope generated surface images of T. usneoides fragments and particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10 and PM > 10). Aluminum, Fe and Mn stood out from the other elements reflecting the regional geological background. Median concentrations in mg kg-1 increased (p < 0.05) between 15 and 45 days for Cr (0.75), Cu (1.23), Fe (474) and Mn (38.1), while Hg (0.18) was higher at 15 days. The exposed-to-control ratio revealed that As and Hg increased 18.1 and 9.4-fold, respectively, not showing a pattern associated only with the most impacted sites. The PM analysis points to a possible influence of the prevailing west wind on the increase of total particles, PM2.5 and PM10 in transplant sites located to the east. Brazilian public health dataset revealed increase in cases of some cardiovascular and respiratory diseases/symptoms in Brumadinho in the year of the dam collapse (1.38 cases per 1000 inhabitants), while Belo Horizonte capital and its metropolitan region recorded 0.97 and 0.37 cases, respectively. Although many studies have been carried out to assess the consequences of the tailings dam failure, until now atmospheric pollution had not yet been evaluated. Furthermore, based on our exploratory analysis of human health dataset, epidemiological studies are required to verify possible risk factors associated with the increase in hospital admissions in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudio E T Parente
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Núcleo Prof. Rogério Vale de Produção Sustentável - SAGE/COPPE, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-972, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Gabriel O Carvalho
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Núcleo Prof. Rogério Vale de Produção Sustentável - SAGE/COPPE, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-972, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Adan S Lino
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Geociências (Geoquímica), Universidade Federal Fluminense, Outeiro de São João Batista, s/n, Campus do Valonguinho, 24020-141, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leandro T Sabagh
- Núcleo Prof. Rogério Vale de Produção Sustentável - SAGE/COPPE, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-972, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Antonio Azeredo
- Laboratório de Toxicologia, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-598, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Daniela F S Freitas
- Instituto de Macromoléculas Professora Eloisa Mano, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-598, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Vitor S Ramos
- Instituto de Macromoléculas Professora Eloisa Mano, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-598, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Mecânica, Universidade Estadual do Rio de Janeiro, 20940-903, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Teixeira
- Núcleo Prof. Rogério Vale de Produção Sustentável - SAGE/COPPE, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-972, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo O Meire
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Virgílio José M Ferreira Filho
- Núcleo Prof. Rogério Vale de Produção Sustentável - SAGE/COPPE, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-972, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Olaf Malm
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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27
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Targino FJ, Ribeiro JDDN, Simões JS, Carneiro CS, Lazzarini SM, Souza AR, Ferreira MDS, Mano SB, Mársico ET. Total Mercury Content in the Tissues of Freshwater Chelonium ( Podocnemis expansa) and a Human Health Risk Assessment for the Amazon Population in Brazil. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6489. [PMID: 37569029 PMCID: PMC10418661 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20156489] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Researchers recognize the silent, negative and deleterious effects caused by mercury pollution in gold mining areas. Freshwater turtles are culturally part of the diet of riverside populations in the Amazon region and this area presents mercury (Hg) pollution issues mainly due to gold mining activities. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the total mercury (THg) content in the different organs of Amazonian giant river turtle (Podocnemis expansa) and carry out a human health risk assessment associated with the consumption of these animals. This study was conducted in the Vila Balbina, municipality of Presidente Figueiredo, state of Amazonas, Brazil. Skin (n = 28), muscle (n = 19) and brain (n = 2) samples were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (TDA-AAS) and a DMA-80™ mercury analyzer was used for the total mercury determinations. The average values found for THg in the skin, muscle and brain samples were, respectively, 0.1045 mg·kg-1, 0.1092 mg·kg-1 and 0.0601 mg·kg-1. Thus, THg was observed even though the P. expansa were kept in captivity, possibly due to previous contamination by air, water and food. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) was calculated considering a 9.07 g·day-1 intake dose of P. expansa and the consumption of turtles once a week showed an HQ = 2.45, which may cause long-term injuries to human health. Although the muscle concentrations were below the maximum limit established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Brazilian regulatory agencies, it is important to evaluate consumption factors such as amount ingested, frequency and animal gender, which may cause a potential risk to regular consumers due to mercury bioaccumulation. The WHO may consider various aspects in order to warn the Amazon population about the severity and silent hazard of this metal, especially due to the importance of this matrix in the region. This region urgently needs government actions to inhibit clandestine mining and to prevent future serious, chronic health problems of the entire population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio Júnior Targino
- Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói 24230-321, Brazil; (F.J.T.); (J.D.d.N.R.); (J.S.S.); (M.d.S.F.); (S.B.M.)
| | - Joanna Damazio de Nunes Ribeiro
- Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói 24230-321, Brazil; (F.J.T.); (J.D.d.N.R.); (J.S.S.); (M.d.S.F.); (S.B.M.)
| | - Julia Siqueira Simões
- Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói 24230-321, Brazil; (F.J.T.); (J.D.d.N.R.); (J.S.S.); (M.d.S.F.); (S.B.M.)
| | - Carla Silva Carneiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-580, Brazil;
| | - Stella Maris Lazzarini
- Centro de Pesquisa e Preservação de Mamíferos Aquáticos (CPPMA), Eletronorte, Presidente Figueiredo 69736-000, Brazil; (S.M.L.); (A.R.S.)
| | - Aline Ramos Souza
- Centro de Pesquisa e Preservação de Mamíferos Aquáticos (CPPMA), Eletronorte, Presidente Figueiredo 69736-000, Brazil; (S.M.L.); (A.R.S.)
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus 69077-000, Brazil
| | - Micheli da Silva Ferreira
- Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói 24230-321, Brazil; (F.J.T.); (J.D.d.N.R.); (J.S.S.); (M.d.S.F.); (S.B.M.)
| | - Sergio Borges Mano
- Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói 24230-321, Brazil; (F.J.T.); (J.D.d.N.R.); (J.S.S.); (M.d.S.F.); (S.B.M.)
| | - Eliane Teixeira Mársico
- Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói 24230-321, Brazil; (F.J.T.); (J.D.d.N.R.); (J.S.S.); (M.d.S.F.); (S.B.M.)
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Branco JM, Hingst-Zaher E, Dillon D, Jordan-Ward R, Siegrist J, Fischer JD, Schiesari L, von Hippel FA, Buck CL. A novel method for extraction and quantification of feather triiodothyronine (T3) and application to ecotoxicology of Purple Martin (Progne subis). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 332:121943. [PMID: 37301461 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Seventy-three percent of aerial insectivore species of birds breeding in North America have declined in the past five years. This decline is even greater in migratory insectivorous species, which face stressors in both their breeding and non-breeding ranges. The Purple Martin (Progne subis) is an aerial insectivore swallow that overwinters in South America and migrates to North America to breed. Purple Martin populations have declined by an estimated 25% since 1966. The eastern subspecies (P. subis subis) has declined the most and overwinters in the Amazon Basin, a region rich in environmental mercury (Hg) contamination. Previous studies reported elevated levels of Hg in feathers of this subspecies, which correlated negatively with body mass and fat reserves. Given the propensity of Hg to disrupt the endocrine system, and the role of thyroid hormones in regulating fat metabolism, this study quantifies concentrations of Hg and the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) in the feathers of P. subis subis. To our knowledge, this is the first study to extract and quantify T3 in feathers; thus, we developed, tested, and optimized a method for extracting T3 from feather tissue and validated an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to quantify T3 in Purple Martin feathers. The developed method yielded acceptable results for both parallelism and accuracy. The observed T3 concentrations were statistically modeled along with total Hg (THg) concentrations, but these variables were not significantly correlated. This suggests that the observed variation in THg concentration may be insufficient to cause a discernible change in T3 concentration. Furthermore, the observed effect of breeding location on feather T3 concentration might have obscured any effect of Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Branco
- Departmento de Ecologia, Universidade de São Paulo - Rua Do Matão, 321 - Trav. 14, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05508090, Brazil.
| | - Erika Hingst-Zaher
- Museu Biologico, Instituto Butantan - Av Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Danielle Dillon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University - 617 S Beaver, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
| | - Renee Jordan-Ward
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University - 617 S Beaver, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
| | - Joe Siegrist
- Purple Martin Conservation Association - 301 Peninsula Drive, Suite 6 Erie, PA, 16505, USA
| | - Jason D Fischer
- Disney's Animals, Science and Environment, Lake Buena Vista, FL, 32830, USA
| | - Luis Schiesari
- Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Arlindo Bettio, 1000, São Paulo, SP, CEP 03828-000, Brazil
| | - Frank A von Hippel
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, University of Arizona - 1295 N. Martin Avenue, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - C Loren Buck
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University - 617 S Beaver, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
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Constantino WD, Viana LMDS, Luze FHR, Tostes ECL, Pestana IA, de Carvalho CEV. Mercury levels in an environmentally protected estuarine area in Northeast Brazil: partitioning in the water column and transport to the ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:31383-31394. [PMID: 36447105 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24400-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In this study, total Hg concentrations (HgT) were determined in the suspended particulate matter (SPM) and the dissolved fraction of the water column to evaluate their behavior through a gradient of physical-chemical parameters in a continuum between rivers and the Serinhaém River estuary of the Pratigi Environmental Protection Area, a pristine environment without point sources of Hg contamination, located in Northeast Brazil. Twelve points were sampled, forming a river-estuary transect, and two samplings were carried out (April and September 2019). Significant spatial and temporal effects were detected only for particulate HgT and not for dissolved HgT. Considering both samplings, the mean HgT concentrations in SPM were 1112 ± 824 and 44 ± 33 ng·g-1 in the river and estuary, respectively. Also, HgT concentrations in the dissolved fraction (1.61 ± 0.61 ng·L-1) were below the limits established by environmental agencies (CONAMA = 2 μg∙L-1 and USEPA = 1.4 μg·L-1). Salinity and SPM concentrations were important predictors of HgT in the water column (R2 = 0.81, p < 0.0001; R2 = 0.56, p < 0.0001, respectively). Mercury transport to the ocean through SPM was 2 kg∙year-1, 4000 times greater than the dissolved fraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendel Dias Constantino
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Avenida Alberto Lamego - 2000 - Parque Califórnia - CEP 28013-602, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Luísa Maria de Souza Viana
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Avenida Alberto Lamego - 2000 - Parque Califórnia - CEP 28013-602, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Felipe Henrique Rossi Luze
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Avenida Alberto Lamego - 2000 - Parque Califórnia - CEP 28013-602, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eloá Corrêa Lessa Tostes
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Avenida Alberto Lamego - 2000 - Parque Califórnia - CEP 28013-602, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Inácio Abreu Pestana
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Avenida Alberto Lamego - 2000 - Parque Califórnia - CEP 28013-602, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Veiga de Carvalho
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Avenida Alberto Lamego - 2000 - Parque Califórnia - CEP 28013-602, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Sahoo PK, Dall'Agnol R, Simões Rolo de Deus SDC, Salomão GN, Felix Guimarães JT, Angelica RS, Ramos SJ, Furtado da Costa M, Oswaldo de Siqueira J. Mercury in multimedia system of Itacaiúnas Basin, Brazilian Amazon: An integrated approach to understand its distribution, origin, and ecological risk. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023:115107. [PMID: 36702190 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study presents the first integrated study on total Hg (THg) level in surface soil (SS), bottom soil (BS), stream sediments (SD), lake sediments (LS), stream water (SW), and lake water (LW) of Itacaiúnas River Watershed (IRW), Brazil, to investigate the source and distribution of Hg in different environmental media considering contrasts of geological domains and sub-basins, and its potential ecological and human risk. Hg content in most of the soils and sediments were above the upper crustal average values (56 μg/kg), however, when compared to the legal limits set by the Resolution CONAMA (Conselho Nacional de Meio Ambiente: soil 500 μg/kg; sediment 486 μg/kg), only 1 soil sample from Parauapebas sub-basin and 4 sediment samples from Violão Lake exceeded the limit. None of the SW and LW samples (<0.2 μg/L) are markedly contaminated by Hg. The SS and BS show similar contents and spatial distribution of Hg with higher contents being registered mostly in the Itacaiúnas and Parauapebas sub-basins, which are closely correlated with SD. This suggests that Hg levels are largely of geogenic origin and anthropogenic effect is highly limited. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) results show that Hg is strongly associated with total organic carbon (TOC), loss on ignition (LOI), and SO3, indicating organic matter as the main factor controlling the distribution of Hg and this is the major cause of accentuated Hg enrichment in lake sediments. The ecological risk index revealed a low pollution risk for most of the solid samples, except 11% LS and <1.5% SS and SD samples, which registered moderate risk. Health risk assessment indicated no adverse non-carcinogenic health effect on either adults and children in terms of Hg contamination. This information will be useful for Hg risk assessment in the Carajás region and future environmental research in this direction in the Amazonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prafulla Kumar Sahoo
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale (ITV), Rua Boaventura da Silva, 955, Belém, 66055-090, PA, Brazil; Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Central University of Punjab, V.P.O Ghudda, Bathinda, 151401, Punjab, India.
| | - Roberto Dall'Agnol
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale (ITV), Rua Boaventura da Silva, 955, Belém, 66055-090, PA, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Geologia e Geoquímica, Instituto de Geociências (IG), Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Rua Augusto Corrêa, 1, Belém, 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Rômulo Simões Angelica
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Geologia e Geoquímica, Instituto de Geociências (IG), Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Rua Augusto Corrêa, 1, Belém, 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Silvio Junio Ramos
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale (ITV), Rua Boaventura da Silva, 955, Belém, 66055-090, PA, Brazil
| | - Marlene Furtado da Costa
- VALE S/A, Gerência de Meio Ambiente Corredor Norte, Gerência de Meio Ambiente Ferrovia e Porto, Av. Dos Portugueses, 1001, Praia do Boqueirão, São Luis, 65085-580, MA, Brazil
| | - Jose Oswaldo de Siqueira
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale (ITV), Rua Boaventura da Silva, 955, Belém, 66055-090, PA, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Lavras - UFLA, Campus Universitario, CEP 37200-900, Lavras, MG, Brazil
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Viana LF, Kummrow F, Cardoso CAL, de Lima NA, do Amaral Crispim B, Barufatti A, Florentino AC. Metal bioaccumulation in fish from the Araguari River (Amazon biome) and human health risks from fish consumption. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:4111-4122. [PMID: 35963966 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22457-3] [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: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Recently, high concentrations of metals have been found in the waters from sampling sites located in the Araguari River lower section. These metals can be bioaccumulated by fish, but also biomagnified, representing a potential risk through human consumption. Here, we aimed to (1) determine the metal concentrations in muscle samples from fish; (2) evaluate bioaccumulation of metals in muscle tissue of fish species with different feeding behaviors; and (3) investigate the risks of single metals, as well as mixture of metals, to human fish consumption. Eleven fish species were sampled (3 carnivorous, 5 omnivorous, and 3 detritivorous). In four fish species, Cd and Pb concentrations exceeded the Brazilian maximum limits (MLs) for human consumption. Individually, Pb and Cd concentrations in the muscle of these fish indicate risks to human health. When considering the mixture of metals, the consumption of all fish species represents risks. The highest risks implicate detritivorous species. For all fish species evaluated, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of Hg shows values above its reference dose (RfD). Our results suggest the need to establish an environmental monitoring program that aims to preserve environmental quality, biodiversity, and human health. It is also necessary to develop actions that aim to educate Amazonian populations on safe fish preparation and consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucilene Finoto Viana
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade Tropical (PPGBIO), Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), Rod. Juscelino Kubitschek, km 02 - Jardim Marco Zero, Macapá, AP, 68903-419, Brazil.
| | - Fábio Kummrow
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp) - Campus Diadema, Rua São Nicolau, 210 - Centro, Diadema, SP, 09913-030, Brazil
| | - Claudia Andrea Lima Cardoso
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais (PGRN), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS), Rod. Dourados Itahum km 12, Dourados, MS, 79804-970, Brazil
| | - Nathalya Alice de Lima
- Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas e Ambientais (FCBA), Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD), Rod. Dourados Itahum km 12, Dourados, MS, 79804-970, Brazil
| | - Bruno do Amaral Crispim
- Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas e Ambientais (FCBA), Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD), Rod. Dourados Itahum km 12, Dourados, MS, 79804-970, Brazil
| | - Alexeia Barufatti
- Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas e Ambientais (FCBA), Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD), Rod. Dourados Itahum km 12, Dourados, MS, 79804-970, Brazil
| | - Alexandro Cezar Florentino
- Laboratório de Ictio e Genotoxidade - LIGEN - Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais (PPGCA), Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), Rod. Juscelino Kubitschek, km 02 - Jardim Marco Zero, Macapá, AP, 68903-419, Brazil
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Branco JM, Hingst-Zaher E, Jordan-Ward R, Dillon D, Siegrist J, Fischer JD, Schiesari L, von Hippel FA, Buck CL. Interrelationships among feather mercury content, body condition and feather corticosterone in a Neotropical migratory bird, the Purple Martin (Progne subis subis). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 314:120284. [PMID: 36206890 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Purple Martins (Progne subis) are migratory birds that breed in North America and overwinter and complete their molt in South America. Many of the breeding populations are declining. The eastern North American subspecies of Purple Martin (P. subis subis) comprises >90% of all Purple Martins. This subspecies overwinters and molts in the Amazon Basin, a region that is high in mercury (Hg) contamination, which raises the possibility that observed declines in Purple Martins could be linked to Hg exposure. Exposure to Hg results in numerous and systemic negative health outcomes, including endocrine disruption. Corticosterone (CORT) is a primary modulator of the stress and metabolic axes of vertebrates; thus, it is important in meeting metabolic and other challenges of migration. Because feathers accumulate Hg and hormones while growing, quantification of Hg and CORT in feathers provides an opportunity to retrospectively assess Hg exposure and adrenal activity of birds using minimally invasive methods. We evaluated interrelationships among concentrations of total Hg (THg) and CORT in feathers that grew in the Amazon Basin and body condition (mass, fat score) of these birds in North America. Concentrations of THg in Purple Martin feathers ranged from 1.103 to 8.740 μg/g dw, levels associated with negative physiological impacts in other avian species. Concentrations of CORT did not correlate with THg concentration at the time of feather growth. However, we found evidence that THg concentration may negatively impact the ability of Purple Martins to accumulate fat, which could impair migratory performance and survivorship due to the high energy requirements of migration. This finding suggests potential carryover effects of Hg contamination at the wintering grounds in the Amazon to the summer breeding grounds in North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Branco
- Departmento de Ecologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matao, 321 - Trav. 14, São Paulo, CEP 05508090, Brazil.
| | - Erika Hingst-Zaher
- Museu Biologico, Instituto Butantan - Av Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, CEP 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Renee Jordan-Ward
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University - 617 S Beaver, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
| | - Danielle Dillon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University - 617 S Beaver, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
| | - Joe Siegrist
- Purple Martin Conservation Association - 301 Peninsula Drive, Suite 6 Erie, PA, 16505, USA
| | - Jason D Fischer
- Disney's Animals, Science and Environment, Lake Buena Vista, FL, 32830, USA
| | - Luis Schiesari
- Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo - Rua Arlindo Bettio, 1000, São Paulo, CEP 03828-000, Brazil
| | - Frank A von Hippel
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, University of Arizona - 1295 N. Martin Avenue, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - C Loren Buck
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University - 617 S Beaver, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
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de Castro Paiva T, Dary EP, Pestana IA, Amadio SA, Malm O, Kasper D. Flood-pulse and trophic position modulate mercury concentrations in fishes from an Amazon floodplain lake. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 215:114307. [PMID: 36115421 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114307] [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: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) bioaccumulation can be influenced by biological characteristics (e.g., trophic position) and environmental changes (e.g., seasonal flood-pulse), as it can create site conditions conducive to methylation and alter the availability of food to biota. This study aimed to relate total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in fishes of an Amazonian lake (Catalão Lake) to their dietary changes during different hydrological seasons (rising-, high-, falling-, and low-water). Levels of THg, MeHg, and stable isotopes of nitrogen and carbon (δ15N and δ13C) were determined in the muscles of six fish species: Rhytiodus microlepis, Hemiodus sp., Triportheus albus, Anodus elongatus, Pellona flavipinnis and Acestrorhynchus falcirostris. Triportheusalbus, an omnivorous fish, showed a significant relationship between Hg concentrations and δ13C signatures (negative regression; THg: p = 0.0001 and MeHg: p = 0.0002), as well as between Hg and δ15N signatures (positive regression; THg: p = 0.003 and MeHg: p = 0.021), indicating that changes in feeding habits influenced the Hg concentrations in this species. The herbivorous R. microlepis presented the highest MeHg concentrations during the high-water season, reflecting Hg methylation in its diet (macrophyte roots) during flooded season. The piscivorous A. falcirostris had the lowest THg concentrations during this season because of lower prey availability. Slopes of the regressions between the Hg concentrations and δ15N values followed the sequence of rising- < high- < falling-water seasons (THg: 0.06 < 0.11< 0.15; MeHg: 0.07 < 0.10 < 0.17), indicating that the difference between the THg and MeHg concentrations observed for lower- and higher-trophic-level fish increased during the falling-water season, resulting in trophic biomagnification. The present study shows that feeding habit and the flood-pulse influence mercury concentrations in the muscle of fishes from Catalão Lake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais de Castro Paiva
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | | | - Inácio Abreu Pestana
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Olaf Malm
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Daniele Kasper
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Nawab J, Ghani J, Rehman SAU, Idress M, Luqman M, Khan S, Asghar A, Rahman Z. Biomonitoring of mercury in water, sediments, and fish (brown and rainbow trout) from remote alpine lakes located in the Himalayas, Pakistan. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:81021-81036. [PMID: 35727512 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21340-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) contamination of aquatic ecological units and subsequent bioaccumulation are major environmental problems of international scope. Moreover, the biogeochemistry of Hg in the remote alpine lakes aquatic ecosystem in the Himalayas remains largely unexplored. The current study investigated Hg concentrations in different environmental compartments such as water, fish, and sediments in the remote alpine lakes (RALs) including Glacial-fed Lake, Ice melting-fed Lake, and Rain-fed Lake in northern areas of Pakistan. The mean concentration of Hg in Rain-fed Lake water was (1.07 µg L-1), Ice melting-fed Lake (1.16 µg L-1), and Glacial-fed Lake (1.95 µg L-1). For fish muscle tissues, mean concentration of Hg was 1.02 mg kg-1 in the Rain-fed Lake, and 1.2 mg kg-1 for the Ice melting-fed Lake, and 1.51 mg kg-1 in the Glacial-fed Lake. Meanwhile, 0.27 mg kg-1 was observed for sediments in the Rain-fed Lake, 0.33 mg kg-1 for the Ice melting-fed Lake, and 0.38 mg kg-1 for the Glacial-fed Lake, respectively. Chronic daily intake (CDI) and potential health quotient (PHQ) for water showed high health risk in Glacial-fed Lake and low in Rain-fed Lake (PHQ < 1). The target hazard quotient (THQ) values for both the Brown and Rainbow trout in all the studied lakes water were less than 1, indicating no health risk. Furthermore, the Hg level showed high level of contamination in the sediments of all the studied lakes (190 ≤ RI < 380). Overall, Glacial-fed Lake water was more polluted with Hg, as compared to Rain-fed Lake and Ice melting-fed Lake. In the light of the abovementioned results, further research work is urgently needed to shed light on the biological and geochemical monitoring of Hg in arid high-altitude ecosystems along with source identification, mercury speciation, and other potential pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javed Nawab
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan.
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan.
| | - Junaid Ghani
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Syed Aziz Ur Rehman
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Idress
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Luqman
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Sardar Khan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, 25120, Pakistan
| | - Ali Asghar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Ziaur Rahman
- Department of Microbiology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
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Rodriguez-Levy IE, Van Damme PA, Carvajal-Vallejos FM, Bervoets L. Trace element accumulation in different edible fish species from the Bolivian Amazon and the risk for human consumption. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11649. [PMID: 36444265 PMCID: PMC9699965 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11649] [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: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Artisanal mining and erosion of metalbearing soils can contaminate aquatic ecosystems and affect the health of riparian human populations, through metal bio-accumulation processes and fish consumption. Concentrations of eight trace metals (Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni, Zn) and a metalloid (As) were measured in the muscle tissue of different edible fish species collected from markets of two cities along the Beni River banks, in the Bolivian Amazon. Relationships between the size of fish belonging to different trophic levels (carnivores, omnivores, detritivores and herbivorous) from four different fishing zones were analyzed. The most relevant results corresponded to the detritivore group, whose members exhibited significant positive correlations between the fish size and the concentration of three metals (cadmium, cobalt and nickel). Furthermore, a 3 × 3 scenario-risk analysis was performed to assess local risk for human health. This was done by relating three different scenarios of local fish consumption collected from literature (maximum, average and minimum) and three different levels of trace element concentrations (95th, 50th and 5th percentile) derived from the present study and the Minimal Risk Levels suggested by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Results of these calculations determined the amount of fish muscle per contaminant that could be consumed per day without risking human's health. Finally, Target Hazard Quotients were calculated for each trace element, aiming to indicate the potential exposure to each one and the concentration at which no adverse effects are expected. The obtained results made clear that mercury is the only trace element that represents an important health risk to humans within the studied region, considering most of the combinations in the 3 × 3 analysis. Chronic mercury intoxication could occur when consumption of fish in Riberalta or Rurrenabaque exceeded 83 g/day in females and 110 g/day in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inti E. Rodriguez-Levy
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Exactas e Ingenierías (CICEI), Universidad Católica Boliviana “San Pablo”, Calle M. Márquez S/n Esq. Parque J. Trigo, Tupuraya, Cochabamba, Bolivia
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Paul A. Van Damme
- FAUNAGUA, Calle Innominada Al Final Av. Max Fernández S/n, Zona Arocagua Norte, Cochabamba, Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia
| | - Fernando M. Carvajal-Vallejos
- FAUNAGUA, Calle Innominada Al Final Av. Max Fernández S/n, Zona Arocagua Norte, Cochabamba, Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia
- Unidad de Limnología y Recursos Acuátios (ULRA), Facultad de Ciencias y Tecnología (FCyT), Universidad Mayor de San Simón (UMSS), Calle Sucre Frente Al Parque La Torre S/N., Cochabamba, Bolivia
| | - Lieven Bervoets
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
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Angeli JLF, Sartoretto JR, Kim BSM, de Lima Ferreira PA, Benedetti B, de Mahiques MM, Figueira RCL. Historical mercury contamination in a major Latin American industrial and port complex: The case of the Santos estuary, Southeastern Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114100. [PMID: 36155413 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114100] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The present study determined total mercury (Hg) in four 210Pb dated sediment cores to assess the historical anthropogenic Hg accumulation in the Santos estuary, Southeastern Brazil. Background levels were identified using the deepest sections of the cores, corresponding to pre-industrial ages. Mercury distribution in the sediment cores (0.02-2.64 mg kg-1) presented a large spatial and temporal variation. Contamination is highest in the upper estuary and indicates that the industrial hub, especially a chlor-alkali plant is the primary source of Hg. A contaminant trap effect is observed in this area associated with high fine sediment accumulation and Hg fluxes. The contamination pattern indicates that the regions not affected by direct inputs are influenced by reworking, resuspension, and transport of contaminated sediments by tidal flows. The Hg enrichment in the upper layers of the sediment cores demonstrates that the environmental actions fulfilled in the 1980s were insufficient to control Hg pollution in the Santos estuary.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Lourenço Friedmann Angeli
- Instituto Oceanográfico - Universidade de São Paulo (IOUSP), Pça. do Oceanográfico. 191, Butantã, São Paulo 05508-120, Brazil.
| | - Juliê Rosemberg Sartoretto
- Instituto Oceanográfico - Universidade de São Paulo (IOUSP), Pça. do Oceanográfico. 191, Butantã, São Paulo 05508-120, Brazil
| | - Bianca Sung Mi Kim
- Instituto Oceanográfico - Universidade de São Paulo (IOUSP), Pça. do Oceanográfico. 191, Butantã, São Paulo 05508-120, Brazil
| | - Paulo Alves de Lima Ferreira
- Instituto Oceanográfico - Universidade de São Paulo (IOUSP), Pça. do Oceanográfico. 191, Butantã, São Paulo 05508-120, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Benedetti
- Instituto Oceanográfico - Universidade de São Paulo (IOUSP), Pça. do Oceanográfico. 191, Butantã, São Paulo 05508-120, Brazil
| | | | - Rubens Cesar Lopes Figueira
- Instituto Oceanográfico - Universidade de São Paulo (IOUSP), Pça. do Oceanográfico. 191, Butantã, São Paulo 05508-120, Brazil
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Lei P, Zou N, Liu Y, Cai W, Wu M, Tang W, Zhong H. Understanding the risks of mercury sulfide nanoparticles in the environment: Formation, presence, and environmental behaviors. J Environ Sci (China) 2022; 119:78-92. [PMID: 35934468 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) could be microbially methylated to the bioaccumulative neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg), raising health concerns. Understanding the methylation of various Hg species is thus critical in predicting the MeHg risk. Among the known Hg species, mercury sulfide (HgS) is the largest Hg reservoir in the lithosphere and has long been considered to be highly inert. However, with advances in the analytical methods of nanoparticles, HgS nanoparticles (HgS NPs) have recently been detected in various environmental matrices or organisms. Furthermore, pioneering laboratory studies have reported the high bioavailability of HgS NPs. The formation, presence, and transformation (e.g., methylation) of HgS NPs are intricately related to several environmental factors, especially dissolved organic matter (DOM). The complexity of the behavior of HgS NPs and the heterogeneity of DOM prevent us from comprehensively understanding and predicting the risk of HgS NPs. To reveal the role of HgS NPs in Hg biogeochemical cycling, research needs should focus on the following aspects: the formation pathways, the presence, and the environmental behaviors of HgS NPs impacted by the dominant influential factor of DOM. We thus summarized the latest progress in these aspects and proposed future research priorities, e.g., developing the detection techniques of HgS NPs and probing HgS NPs in various matrices, further exploring the interactions between DOM and HgS NPs. Besides, as most of the previous studies were conducted in laboratories, our current knowledge should be further refreshed through field observations, which would help to gain better insights into predicting the Hg risks in natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Nan Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yujiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Weiping Cai
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mengjie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wenli Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Huan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Environmental and Life Sciences Program (EnLS), Trent University, Peterborough Ontario, K9L 0G2, Canada.
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Fish consumption habits of pregnant women in Itaituba, Tapajós River basin, Brazil: risks of mercury contamination as assessed by measuring total mercury in highly consumed piscivore fish species and in hair of pregnant women. ARHIV ZA HIGIJENU RADA I TOKSIKOLOGIJU 2022; 73:131-142. [PMID: 35792767 PMCID: PMC9287832 DOI: 10.2478/aiht-2022-73-3611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The Tapajós River basin in the Amazon region, Brazil is one of the most active gold mining areas in the world. In this study, we evaluated fish consumption habits and mercury exposure in 110 pregnant women in the city of Itaituba by measuring their total hair mercury concentrations. In addition, we investigated seasonal differences in mercury concentrations in two highly consumed piscivorous fish species, tucunaré (Cichla spp.) and pescada (Plagioscion squamosissimus). Total fish mercury concentrations (THg) during the dry season were 0.62±0.07 mg/kg for Cichla spp. and 0.73±0.08 mg/kg for P. squamosissimus. During the rainy season they were 0.39±0.04 and 0.84±0.08 mg/ kg, respectively. Of our participants 44 % declared that they ate Cichla spp. and 67 % P. squamosissimus. Mean mercury concentration in their hair was 1.6±0.2 mg/kg and was above the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) reference dose of 1 mg/kg in 48 % of them. Mean fish THg concentrations were also above the joint Food and Drug Administration and US EPA safety limit of 0.5 mg/kg for P. squamosissimus during both seasons and for Cichla spp. during the dry season only. These results show that pregnant women should avoid consumption of these piscivorous fish species during pregnancy and call for a regular programme to monitor Hg levels in that area.
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Al-Yaari M, Saleh TA. Mercury Removal from Water Using a Novel Composite of Polyacrylate-Modified Carbon. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:14820-14831. [PMID: 35557665 PMCID: PMC9088914 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c00274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The contamination of groundwater by mercury (Hg) is a serious global threat, and its removal is of great importance. Activated carbon (AC) is considered a very promising adsorbent to remove Hg from water systems. However, specific functional groups can be added to AC to enhance its adsorption efficiency. In this work, AC was synthesized from palm shells and grafted with a copolymer of acrylamide and methacrylic acid to produce a polyacrylate-modified carbon (PAMC) composite. The synthesized adsorbent (PAMC) was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. PAMC was then evaluated for Hg removal from aqueous solutions, and the adsorption efficiency was optimized under several parameters (pH, contact time, and PAMC dosage). Kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic investigations were performed to gain a further understanding of the adsorption properties. The adsorption data were best fitted by pseudo-second-order and Redlich-Peterson models. Also, the thermodynamic investigation confirmed the spontaneity and the endothermic nature of the Hg adsorption process over PAMC. The maximum adsorption capacity (q m) of PAMC was found to be 76.3 mg/g ,which is relatively higher than some activated carbon-based adsorbents. Therefore, PAMC offers a potential promise for wastewater treatment due to its fast and high uptake removal capacity in addition to the cheap and environmentally friendly activated carbon source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Yaari
- Chemical
Engineering Department, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 380, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tawfik A. Saleh
- Chemistry
Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum
and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
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Kodamatani H, Shigetomi A, Akama J, Kanzaki R, Tomiyasu T. Distribution, alkylation, and migration of mercury in soil discharged from the Itomuka mercury mine. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 815:152492. [PMID: 34958844 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152492] [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: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the behavior of previously discharged mercury (Hg) released from the Itomuka Hg mine into the surrounding environment, especially into soil. Total-Hg (T-Hg), methylmercury (MeHg), and ethylmercury (EtHg) concentrations in the surface soil at eight sample sites around the mine were 3.8-64.2 mg/kg, 6.0-54.7 μg/kg, and undetected to 4.5 μg/kg, respectively. Core samples collected from seven of the eight sample sites showed that the vertical distribution of T-Hg was the highest in the surface soil layer and decreased rapidly in the lower layers. A strong positive correlation was observed between T-Hg and MeHg concentrations in the core samples; however, the slope of the regression line varied considerably for each core. This suggests that Hg and MeHg were not supplied from the atmosphere simultaneously, but rather that MeHg was produced on-site. Further, the formation of MeHg and EtHg in soil was considered in terms of the total organic carbon/total nitrogen ratio, which is a decomposition index of soil organic matter. The strong positive correlation between T-Hg and MeHg can be attributed to the migration of organic matter containing Hg species to the lower layers. There was no relationship between T-Hg and MeHg at the riverbed sample site because of the high T-Hg in the lower soil layers, suggesting that Hg was supplied by ore at this sample site. These assumptions of the formation change and migration of Hg in soil were supported by the results of the fractionation experiment and the elution test. To understand the current conditions in this area, measurements of Hg in the water, sediment, atmosphere, and plants were also conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Kodamatani
- Division of Earth and Environmental Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kagoshima University, 1-21-35 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan.
| | - Azusa Shigetomi
- Division of Earth and Environmental Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kagoshima University, 1-21-35 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Junna Akama
- Division of Earth and Environmental Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kagoshima University, 1-21-35 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Ryo Kanzaki
- Division of Earth and Environmental Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kagoshima University, 1-21-35 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Takashi Tomiyasu
- Division of Earth and Environmental Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kagoshima University, 1-21-35 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
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Cardona GI, Escobar MC, Acosta-González A, Marín P, Marqués S. Highly mercury-resistant strains from different Colombian Amazon ecosystems affected by artisanal gold mining activities. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:2775-2793. [PMID: 35344092 PMCID: PMC8990959 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-11860-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Two sites of the Colombian Amazon region with different levels of human intervention and mercury pollution were selected for the collection of samples of river and lake water, sediments, and associated forest soils. The Tarapacá region, affected mainly by barrage mining, showed low mercury concentrations, whilst in the Taraira region, affected by underground mining, there were several points with high mercury pollution levels. A collection of 72 bacterial and 10 yeast strains with different levels of mercury resistance was isolated and characterized. Most of the highly resistant bacterial strains (MIC > 40 mg L−1 HgCl2) were isolated from soil and sediment samples and belonged to either Pseudomonas (60%) or Bacillus (20%). Most of highly resistant bacterial strains were positive for the presence of the merA gene, suggesting an active mercury resistance mechanism. This was confirmed in the two most resistant strains, Pseudomonas sp. TP30 and Burkholderia contaminans TR100 (MIC = 64 and 71 mg L−1 HgCl2, respectively), which in the presence of increasing mercury concentrations expressed the merA gene at increasing levels, concomitant with a significant mercury reduction activity. Analysis of the MerA sequences present in the different isolates suggested a high gene conservation within the taxonomic groups but also several horizontal gene transfer events between taxonomically distant genera. We also observed a positive correspondence between the presence of the merA gene and the number of antibiotics to which the strains were resistant to. The most resistant strains are good candidates for future applications in the bioremediation of mercury-contaminated sites in the Amazon. Key points • Amazon sediments affected by underground gold mining have higher Hg levels. • Highly Hg-resistant isolates belonged to Pseudomonas and Bacillus genera. • TR100 and TP30 strains showed remediation potential to be used in the Amazon region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gladys Inés Cardona
- Instituto Amazónico de Investigaciones Científicas SINCHI, 110321, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - María Camila Escobar
- Instituto Amazónico de Investigaciones Científicas SINCHI, 110321, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Patricia Marín
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Department of Environmental Protection, Granada, Spain
| | - Silvia Marqués
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Department of Environmental Protection, Granada, Spain
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da Silva Montes C, Ferreira MAP, Giarrizzo T, Amado LL, Rocha RM. The legacy of artisanal gold mining and its impact on fish health from Tapajós Amazonian region: A multi-biomarker approach. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 287:132263. [PMID: 34826937 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Tapajós Region, is an area with intense historical artisanal and small-scale gold mining. Therefore, the core objective of this study was to evaluate the environmental status of different rivers located in this region, using biomarker endpoints in Serrasalmus rhombeus as a tool. Fish and sediment were collected from two rivers, Tropas and Crepori, affluent of Tapajós River, located inside a Federal Protection Area and in a Reference site. Mercury concentration in sediment and fish were traced, and biomarkers in gills and liver were analyzed. Results showed a clear difference between these two rivers compared to the Reference site. Fish tissues presented biomarker responses according to the site of collection. Catalase (CAT) activity was statistically higher in fish gills from Crepori, confirming the capacity of mercury interference with redox equilibrium. High levels of lipid peroxidation were also noted to contribute greatly in incidence of morphological changes in the liver and gills, suggesting that mercury bioaccumulation during continuous exposure promote biological responses in a cumulative manner, from molecules to tissues. This study also indicates adaptation in fish defense mechanisms given the conditions in the Tropas River, as well as a variation in biomarker responses to that of the Crepori river. In summary, Tapajós affluents presented high mercury levels in fish tissues leading to biomarker responses, demonstrating a hazardous signal of a long history of mercury pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline da Silva Montes
- Laboratory of Cellular Ultrastructure and Immunohistochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Pará, Brazil.
| | - Maria Auxiliadora Pantoja Ferreira
- Laboratory of Cellular Ultrastructure and Immunohistochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Tommaso Giarrizzo
- Laboratory of Fisheries Biology - Aquatic Resource Management, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Lílian Lund Amado
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Laboratory of Marine Environmental Monitoring Research (LAPMAR) Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Rossineide Martins Rocha
- Laboratory of Cellular Ultrastructure and Immunohistochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Pará, Brazil
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de Bakker LB, Gasparinetti P, de Queiroz JM, de Vasconcellos ACS. Economic Impacts on Human Health Resulting from the Use of Mercury in the Illegal Gold Mining in the Brazilian Amazon: A Methodological Assessment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182211869. [PMID: 34831624 PMCID: PMC8622153 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in the Amazon results in the dumping of tons of mercury into the environment annually. Despite consensus on the impacts of mercury on human health, there are still unknowns regarding: (i) the extent to which mercury from ASGM can be dispersed in the environment until it becomes toxic to humans; and (ii) the economic value of losses caused by contamination becomes evident. The main objective of this study is to propose a methodology to evaluate the impacts of ASGM on human health in different contexts in the Brazilian Amazon. We connect several points in the literature based on hypotheses regarding mercury dispersion in water, its transformation into methylmercury, and absorption by fish and humans. This methodology can be used as a tool to estimate the extent of environmental damage caused by artisanal gold mining, the severity of damage to the health of individuals contaminated by mercury and, consequently, can contribute to the application of fines to environmental violators. The consequences of contamination are evaluated by dose-response functions relating to mercury concentrations in hair and the development of the following health outcomes: (i) mild mental retardation, (ii) acute myocardial infarction, and (iii) hypertension. From disability-adjusted life years and statistical life value, we found that the economic losses range from 100,000 to 400,000 USD per kilogram of gold extracted. A case study of the Yanomami indigenous land shows that the impacts of mercury from illegal gold mining in 2020 totaled 69 million USD, which could be used by local authorities to compensate the Yanomami people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Barcellos de Bakker
- Leonardo B. Bakker Assessoria, São Clemente Street, Rio de Janeiro 254, Rio de Janeiro 22260-004, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | - Pedro Gasparinetti
- Conservation Strategy Fund, Av. Churchill 129, Rio de Janeiro 20020-050, Brazil;
| | - Júlia Mello de Queiroz
- Julia Queiroz Consultoria Desenvolvimento Verde, Maria Angelica Street, Rio de Janeiro 382, Rio de Janeiro 22461-152, Brazil;
| | - Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratory of Professional Education in Health Surveillance, Joaquim Venâncio Polytechnic School of Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
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de Oliveira RAA, Pinto BD, Rebouças BH, Ciampi de Andrade D, de Vasconcellos ACS, Basta PC. Neurological Impacts of Chronic Methylmercury Exposure in Munduruku Indigenous Adults: Somatosensory, Motor, and Cognitive Abnormalities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910270. [PMID: 34639574 PMCID: PMC8507861 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
There has been increasing evidence about mercury (Hg) contamination in traditional populations from the Amazon Basin due to illegal gold mining. The most concerning health impact is neurotoxicity caused by Hg in its organic form: methylmercury (MeHg). However, the severity and extent of the neurotoxic effects resulting from chronic environmental exposure to MeHg are still unclear. We conducted a clinical-epidemiological study to evaluate the neurological impacts of chronic MeHg exposure in Munduruku indigenous people, focusing on somatosensory, motor, and cognitive abnormalities. All participants were subjected to a systemized neurological exam protocol, including Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB), verbal fluency test, and Stick Design Test. After the examination, hair samples were collected to determine MeHg levels. Data collection took place between 29 October and 9 November 2019, in three villages (Sawré Muybu, Poxo Muybu, and Sawré Aboy) from Sawré Muybu Indigenous Land, Southwest of Pará state. One hundred and ten individuals >12 years old were included, 58 of which were men (52.7%), with an average age of 27.6 years (range from 12 to 72). Participants’ median MeHg level was 7.4 µg/g (average: 8.7; S.D: 4.5; range: 2.0–22.8). In Sawré Aboy village, the median MeHg level was higher (12.5 µg/g) than in the others, showing a significant statistical exposure gradient (Kruskal–Wallis test with p-value < 0.001). Cerebellar ataxia was observed in two participants with MeHg levels of 11.68 and 15.68 µg/g. Individuals with MeHg exposure level ≥10 µg/g presented around two-fold higher chances of cognitive deficits (RP: 2.2; CI 95%: 1.13–4.26) in BCSB, and in the verbal fluency test (RP: 2.0; CI 95%: 1.18–3.35). Furthermore, adolescents of 12 to 19 years presented three-fold higher chances of verbal development deficits, according to the fluency test (RP: 3.2; CI 95%: 1.06–9.42), than individuals of 20 to 24 years. The worsened motor and cognitive functions are suggestive of neurotoxicity due to chronic MeHg exposure. In conclusion, we believe monitoring and follow-up measures are necessary for chronic mercury exposed vulnerable people, and a basic care protocol should be established for contaminated people in the Brazilian Unified Health System.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogério Adas Ayres de Oliveira
- Centro de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (R.A.A.d.O.); (B.D.P.); (B.H.R.); (D.C.d.A.)
| | - Bruna Duarte Pinto
- Centro de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (R.A.A.d.O.); (B.D.P.); (B.H.R.); (D.C.d.A.)
| | - Bruno Hojo Rebouças
- Centro de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (R.A.A.d.O.); (B.D.P.); (B.H.R.); (D.C.d.A.)
| | - Daniel Ciampi de Andrade
- Centro de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (R.A.A.d.O.); (B.D.P.); (B.H.R.); (D.C.d.A.)
| | - Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratório de Educação Profissional em Vigilância em Saúde, Escola Politécnica de Saúde Joaquim Venâncio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (EPSJV/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - Paulo Cesar Basta
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-21-2598-2503
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Basta PC, Viana PVDS, Vasconcellos ACSD, Périssé ARS, Hofer CB, Paiva NS, Kempton JW, Ciampi de Andrade D, Oliveira RAAD, Achatz RW, Perini JA, Meneses HDNDM, Hallwass G, Lima MDO, Jesus IMD, Santos CCRD, Hacon SDS. Mercury Exposure in Munduruku Indigenous Communities from Brazilian Amazon: Methodological Background and an Overview of the Principal Results. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9222. [PMID: 34501811 PMCID: PMC8430525 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The Amazonian indigenous peoples depend on natural resources to live, but human activities' growing impacts threaten their health and livelihoods. Our objectives were to present the principal results of an integrated and multidisciplinary analysis of the health parameters and assess the mercury (Hg) exposure levels in indigenous populations in the Brazilian Amazon. We carried out a cross-sectional study based on a census of three Munduruku indigenous villages (Sawré Muybu, Poxo Muybu, and Sawré Aboy), located in the Sawré Muybu Indigenous Land, between 29 October and 9 November 2019. The investigation included: (i) sociodemographic characterization of the participants; (ii) health assessment; (iii) genetic polymorphism analysis; (iv) hair mercury determination; and (v) fish mercury determination. We used the logistic regression model with conditional Prevalence Ratio (PR), with the respective 95% confidence intervals (CI95%) to explore factors associated with mercury exposure levels ≥6.0 µg/g. A total of 200 participants were interviewed. Mercury levels (197 hair samples) ranged from 1.4 to 23.9 μg/g, with significant differences between the villages (Kruskal-Wallis test: 19.9; p-value < 0.001). On average, the general prevalence of Hg exposure ≥ 6.0 µg/g was 57.9%. For participants ≥12 years old, the Hg exposure ≥6.0 µg/g showed associated with no regular income (PR: 1.3; CI95%: 1.0-1.8), high blood pressure (PR: 1.6; CI95%: 1.3-2.1) and was more prominent in Sawré Aboy village (PR: 1.8; CI95%: 1.3-2.3). For women of childbearing age, the Hg exposure ≥6.0 µg/g was associated with high blood pressure (PR: 1.9; CI95%: 1.2-2.3), with pregnancy (PR: 1.5; CI95%: 1.0-2.1) and was more prominent among residents in Poxo Muybu (PR: 1.9; CI95%: 1.0-3.4) and Sawré Aboy (PR: 2.5; CI95%: 1.4-4.4) villages. Our findings suggest that chronic mercury exposure causes harmful effects to the studied indigenous communities, especially considering vulnerable groups of the population, such as women of childbearing age. Lastly, we propose to stop the illegal mining in these areas and develop a risk management plan that aims to ensure the health, livelihoods, and human rights of the indigenous people from Amazon Basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Cesar Basta
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
| | - Paulo Victor de Sousa Viana
- Centro de Referência Professor Hélio Fraga, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (CRPHF/ENSP/Fiocruz), Estrada de Curicica, 2000-Curicica, Rio de Janeiro 22780-195, Brazil
| | - Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratório de Educação Profissional em Vigilância em Saúde, Escola Politécnica de Saúde Joaquim Venâncio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (EPSJV/Fiocruz), Av. Brazil, 4365-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - André Reynaldo Santos Périssé
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
| | - Cristina Barroso Hofer
- Instituto de Pediatria e Puericultura Martagão Gesteira, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rua Bruno Lobo, 50-Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-912, Brazil
| | - Natalia Santana Paiva
- Instituto de Estudos em Saúde Coletiva (IESC), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Avenida Horácio Macedo, s/n, Ilha do Fundão-Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil
| | - Joseph William Kempton
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Medical School Building, St Mary's Hospital, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Daniel Ciampi de Andrade
- Centro de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Dr. Enéas Carvalho de Aguiar, 255-Cerqueira César, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Rogério Adas Ayres de Oliveira
- Centro de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Dr. Enéas Carvalho de Aguiar, 255-Cerqueira César, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Waddington Achatz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia Clínica do Instituto de Psicologia da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Professor Mello Moraes, 1721-Butantã, São Paulo 05508-030, Brazil
| | - Jamila Alessandra Perini
- Laboratório de Pesquisa de Ciências Farmacêuticas (LAPESF), Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste (UEZO), Av. Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga, 1.203, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, Brazil
| | - Heloísa do Nascimento de Moura Meneses
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCSA), Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, Rua Vera Paz Av. Vera Paz, s/n, Bairro Salé, 1° Pavimento, Bloco Modular Tapajós, Unidade Tapajós, Santarém, Pará 68035-110, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Hallwass
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências (PPGBio), Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, Rua Vera Paz, s/n, Bairro Salé, Santarém 68035-110, Brazil
| | - Marcelo de Oliveira Lima
- Seção de Meio Ambiente, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde (SEAMB/IEC/SVS/MS), Rodovia BR-316 km 7, s/n, Levilândia 67030-000, Brazil
| | - Iracina Maura de Jesus
- Seção de Meio Ambiente, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde (SEAMB/IEC/SVS/MS), Rodovia BR-316 km 7, s/n, Levilândia 67030-000, Brazil
| | - Cleidiane Carvalho Ribeiro Dos Santos
- Distrito Sanitário Especial Indígena Rio Tapajós (DSEI), Secretaria Especial de Saúde Indígena Tapajós (Sesai), Av. Santa Catarina, 10° Rua, nº 96, Bairro Bela Vista, Itaituba 68180-210, Brazil
| | - Sandra de Souza Hacon
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
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Rocha MFG, Diógenes EM, Carvalho VL, Marmontel M, da Costa MO, da Silva VMF, de Souza Amaral R, Gravena W, do Carmo NAS, Marigo J, Ocadaque CJ, Freitas AS, Pinheiro RM, de Lima-Neto RG, de Aguiar Cordeiro R, de Aquino Pereira-Neto W, de Melo Guedes GM, Sidrim JJC, de Souza Collares Maia Castelo-Branco D. One Health Implications of Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacteria from Amazon River Dolphins. ECOHEALTH 2021; 18:383-396. [PMID: 34709509 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-021-01558-4] [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: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Studies on the microbiota of freshwater cetaceans are scarce and may provide important data on animal and environmental health. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility of Gram-negative bacteria recovered from two populations of free-ranging Amazon river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis). Twenty-one animals were captured and released, 13 from Negro River and 8 from Tapajós River, Brazil. Swab samples were obtained from the oral cavity, blowhole, genital opening and rectum and were cultured on MacConkey agar. Isolates were biochemically identified, and antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed by disk diffusion method. Overall, 132 isolates were recovered, of which 71 were recovered from animals from Negro River and 61 from Tapajós River. The most commonly recovered bacterial species were Enterobacter cloacae, Morganella morganii, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Overall, 51.6% (63/122) of the isolates were not-susceptible (intermediate resistance and resistance), of which 28/122 (22.9%) were resistant to at least one antimicrobial. Cephalothin, cefuroxime and cefepime were the drugs to which more resistant and intermediate results were observed (P < 0.001). The results indicate that free-ranging Amazon river dolphins host resistant bacteria, contributing for their maintenance in the environment. This study highlights the importance of the One Health approach to monitor the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Summary Gram-negative bacteria recovered from 21 free-ranging Amazon river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis) from the Negro River and the Tapajós River populations were evaluated for their antimicrobial susceptibility. Overall, 51.6% (63/122) of the isolates were not-susceptible (intermediate resistance and resistance), of which 28/122 (22.9%) were resistant to at least one antimicrobial. Cephalothin, cefuroxime and cefepime were the drugs to which more resistant and intermediate results were observed. Thus, free-ranging Amazon river dolphins, never treated with antimicrobials, host resistant bacteria, contributing for their maintenance in the environment and highlighting the importance of the One Health approach to monitor the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Fábio Gadelha Rocha
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, School of Veterinary, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Laboratory of Emerging and Reemerging Pathogens, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Expedito Maia Diógenes
- Group of Applied Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo, 1315. Fortaleza60.430-275, Ceará, CEP, Brazil
| | - Vitor Luz Carvalho
- Associação de Pesquisa E Preservação de Ecossistemas Aquáticos (AQUASIS), Av. José Alencar, 150. Praia de IparanaCEP 61.627-210, Caucaia, Ceará, Brazil.
| | - Miriam Marmontel
- Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá, Tefé, Amazonas, Brazil
| | | | - Vera M F da Silva
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia -INPA/Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Associação Amigos Do Peixe-Boi-AMPA, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo de Souza Amaral
- Associação Amigos Do Peixe-Boi-AMPA, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência eTecnologia Do Amazonas - IFAMZona Leste - CMZL, Campus Manaus, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Waleska Gravena
- Associação Amigos Do Peixe-Boi-AMPA, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Amazonas - UFAM, Campus Coari, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Nívia A S do Carmo
- Associação Amigos Do Peixe-Boi-AMPA, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Instituto Bioma, Pará, Brazil
| | - Juliana Marigo
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária E Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo (LAPCOM, FMVZ-USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Crister José Ocadaque
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, School of Veterinary, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Alyne Soares Freitas
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, School of Veterinary, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Machado Pinheiro
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, School of Veterinary, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Reginaldo Gonçalves de Lima-Neto
- Departamento de Medicina Tropical, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco. Avenida Professor Moraes Rêgo, Universitária - CEP:, S/N - Cidade, Recife, Pernambuco, 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Rossana de Aguiar Cordeiro
- Laboratory of Emerging and Reemerging Pathogens, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Waldemiro de Aquino Pereira-Neto
- Laboratory of Emerging and Reemerging Pathogens, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Glaucia Morgana de Melo Guedes
- Laboratory of Emerging and Reemerging Pathogens, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
- Group of Applied Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo, 1315. Fortaleza60.430-275, Ceará, CEP, Brazil.
| | - José Júlio Costa Sidrim
- Laboratory of Emerging and Reemerging Pathogens, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Débora de Souza Collares Maia Castelo-Branco
- Laboratory of Emerging and Reemerging Pathogens, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Group of Applied Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo, 1315. Fortaleza60.430-275, Ceará, CEP, Brazil
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Albuquerque FEA, Herrero-Latorre C, Miranda M, Barrêto Júnior RA, Oliveira FLC, Sucupira MCA, Ortolani EL, Minervino AHH, López-Alonso M. Fish tissues for biomonitoring toxic and essential trace elements in the Lower Amazon. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 283:117024. [PMID: 33857879 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Brazilian soils can have high concentrations of toxic elements, mainly mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As), metals also associated with anthropogenic activities (e.g. intensive agriculture, mining, deforestation and hydroelectric plants). This can lead to large amounts of these elements reaching and/or being mobilized in the aquatic ecosystem, which constitutes a serious threat to the environment and to the health of local populations. Thus, we evaluate the feasibility of analyzing the tissues of freshwater fish species for monitoring toxic and trace element accumulation within the aquatic ecosystem in the Lower Amazon, Brazil. Two fish species were considered: Cichla temensis (Tucunaré), a carnivorous species, and Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Acari), a detritivorous species. Samples of liver and muscle from both species were evaluated in relation to their potential use for biomonitoring purposes. The study findings clearly demonstrate the value these fish species and tissues, particularly liver, for biomonitoring toxic and trace element concentrations in the aquatic environment across the study region. While Tucunaré liver proved the best option for biomonitoring elements that accumulate through the food chain (e.g. Hg), Acari liver better reflected elements that typically accumulate in the sediments (e.g. As). Moreover, the trace element profiles, determined using chemometric (multivariate) techniques, differed greatly in specimens from waters in the Andean mountain range (sampling sites located in the main course of the Amazon River) with high sediment concentrations, and in specimens from the Guyana and Brazilian shields (Porto Trombetas on the Trombetas River and Itaituba on the Tapajós River). The findings also indicate that deposition of elements in freshwater fish in this area is mainly associated with the geological origin of the soils and that large amounts of toxic elements can reach the aquatic ecosystem due to anthropogenic activities, thereby posing a serious danger to the environment and the health of the riverside communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Edir Amaral Albuquerque
- Laboratory of Animal Health, LARSANA, Federal University of Western Pará, UFOPA, Rua Vera Paz, S/n, Salé, CEP 68040-255, Santarém, PA, Brazil; Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Carlos Herrero-Latorre
- Research Institute on Chemical and Biological Analyses (IIAQBUS), Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Bromatology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Marta Miranda
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Raimundo Alves Barrêto Júnior
- Department of Animal Science, Federal Rural University of the Semiarid Region (UFERSA), Av. Francisco Mota, S/nº - Bairro Pres. Costa e Silva, CEP 59625-900, Mossoró, RN, Brazil
| | - Francisco Leonardo Costa Oliveira
- Department of Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo (FMVZ/USP), Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, CEP 05508-270, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Cláudia Araripe Sucupira
- Department of Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo (FMVZ/USP), Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, CEP 05508-270, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Enrico Lippi Ortolani
- Department of Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo (FMVZ/USP), Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, CEP 05508-270, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Antonio Humberto Hamad Minervino
- Laboratory of Animal Health, LARSANA, Federal University of Western Pará, UFOPA, Rua Vera Paz, S/n, Salé, CEP 68040-255, Santarém, PA, Brazil.
| | - Marta López-Alonso
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
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Silva-Filho R, Santos N, Santos MC, Nunes Á, Pinto R, Marinho C, Lima T, Fernandes MP, Santos JCC, Leite ACR. Impact of environmental mercury exposure on the blood cells oxidative status of fishermen living around Mundaú lagoon in Maceió - Alagoas (AL), Brazil. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 219:112337. [PMID: 34029837 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112337] [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: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mercury in the aquatic environment can lead to exposure of the human population and is a known toxic metal due to its capacity for accumulation in organs. We aimed to evaluate the mercury level in the blood and urine of fishermen and correlate it with the level of oxidative stress in blood cells. We show in this case-control study that the fishermen of the exposed group (case) of Mundaú Lagoon (Maceió - Alagoas, Brazil) have higher concentrations of total mercury in the blood (0.73-48.38 μg L-1) and urine (0.430-10.2 μg L-1) than the total mercury concentrations in blood (0.29-17.30 μg L-1) and urine (0.210-2.65 μg L-1) of the control group. In the blood cells of fishermen, we observed that the lymphomononuclear cells produced high levels of reactive oxygen species (61.7%), and the erythrocytes presented increased lipid peroxidation (151%) and protein oxidation (41.0%) and a decrease in total thiol (36.5%), GSH and the REDOX state (16.5%). The activity of antioxidant system enzymes (SOD, GPx, and GST) was also reduced in the exposed group by 26.9%, 28.3%, and 19.0%, respectively. Furthermore, hemoglobin oxygen uptake was decreased in the exposed group (40.0%), and the membrane of cells presented increased osmotic fragility (154%) compared to those in the control group. These results suggest that mercury in the blood of fishermen can be responsible for causing impairments in the oxidative status of blood cells and is probably the cause of the reduction in oxygen uptake capacity and damage to the membranes of erythrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reginaldo Silva-Filho
- Laboratory of Bioenergetics, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil; Laboratory of Instrumentation and Development in Analytical Chemistry, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| | - Nerveson Santos
- Laboratory of Bioenergetics, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| | - Mayara Costa Santos
- Laboratory of Instrumentation and Development in Analytical Chemistry, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| | - Ábner Nunes
- Research Group of Catalysis and Chemical Reactivity, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió-AL, Brazil
| | | | | | - Talitta Lima
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Exercise Biochemistry, Academic Center of Victory, Federal University of Pernambuco, Vitória de Santo Antão, Brazil
| | - Mariana P Fernandes
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Exercise Biochemistry, Academic Center of Victory, Federal University of Pernambuco, Vitória de Santo Antão, Brazil
| | - Josué Carinhanha C Santos
- Laboratory of Instrumentation and Development in Analytical Chemistry, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil.
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de Vasconcellos ACS, Hallwass G, Bezerra JG, Aciole ANS, Meneses HNDM, Lima MDO, de Jesus IM, Hacon SDS, Basta PC. Health Risk Assessment of Mercury Exposure from Fish Consumption in Munduruku Indigenous Communities in the Brazilian Amazon. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:7940. [PMID: 34360233 PMCID: PMC8345402 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Fish serves as the principal source of animal protein for the indigenous people of the Amazon, ensuring their food and nutritional security. However, gold mining causes mercury (Hg) contamination in fish, and consequently increases health risks associated with fish consumption. The aim of this study was to assess the health risk attributed to the consumption of mercury-contaminated fish by Munduruku indigenous communities in the Middle-Tapajós Region. Different fish species were collected in the Sawré Muybu Indigenous Land to determine mercury levels. The health risk assessment was carried out according to the World Health Organization (WHO 2008) methodology and different scenarios were built for counterfactual analysis. Eighty-eight fish specimens from 17 species and four trophic levels were analyzed. Estimates of Hg ingestion indicated that the methylmercury daily intake exceeds the U.S. EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) (2000) reference dose from 3 to 25-fold, and up to 11 times the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)/WHO (2003) dose recommendation. In all situations analyzed, the risk ratio estimates were above 1.0, meaning that the investigated Munduruku communities are at serious risk of harm as a result of ingestion of mercury-contaminated fish. These results indicate that, at present, fish consumption is not safe for this Munduruku population. This hazardous situation threatens the survival of this indigenous population, their food security, and their culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratory of Professional Education in Health Surveillance, Joaquim Venâncio Polytechnic School of Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Hallwass
- Laboratory of Human Ecology, Fish, Fisheries and Conservation, Postgraduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of West Para, 68270-000 Oriximiná, Brazil; (G.H.); (J.G.B.); (A.N.S.A.)
| | - Jaqueline Gato Bezerra
- Laboratory of Human Ecology, Fish, Fisheries and Conservation, Postgraduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of West Para, 68270-000 Oriximiná, Brazil; (G.H.); (J.G.B.); (A.N.S.A.)
| | - Angélico Nonato Serrão Aciole
- Laboratory of Human Ecology, Fish, Fisheries and Conservation, Postgraduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of West Para, 68270-000 Oriximiná, Brazil; (G.H.); (J.G.B.); (A.N.S.A.)
| | | | - Marcelo de Oliveira Lima
- Environment Section, Evandro Chagas Institute, Health Surveillance Secretariat, Ministry of Health, 67030-000 Ananindeua, Brazil; (M.O.L.); (I.M.J.)
| | - Iracina Maura de Jesus
- Environment Section, Evandro Chagas Institute, Health Surveillance Secretariat, Ministry of Health, 67030-000 Ananindeua, Brazil; (M.O.L.); (I.M.J.)
| | - Sandra de Souza Hacon
- Samuel Pessoa Department of Endemics, National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;
| | - Paulo Cesar Basta
- Samuel Pessoa Department of Endemics, National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;
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50
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Carvalho GOD, Meire RO, Lino AS, Yogui DR, Desbiez ALJ, Torres JPM, Malm O. Biomonitoring mercury contamination using fur from roadkilled giant anteaters. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 270:128644. [PMID: 33121800 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128644] [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: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) can occur in both preserved and anthropogenic environments in Brazilian biomes. The Cerrado biome, where the samples were collected, is considered one of the world's biodiversity hotspots; however, a large part of it has been converted to pasture and agricultural land. In this environment, animals may be exposed to contaminants, such as mercury (Hg). Despite its immense biodiversity, there are few studies investigating Hg contamination in terrestrial mammals in Brazil. This study aimed to create a baseline for Hg levels in giant anteater fur and establish which biotic and abiotic variables can influence its concentration. Total Hg (THg) concentrations were determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry in 141 individuals sampled on highways between January and October 2017, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. THg concentrations in fur ranged from 0.27 to 4.77 μg g -1. The decomposition stage of the carcasses and vehicular traffic volume on highways did not influence the THg concentrations. Juveniles presented lower THg concentrations than adults. A spatial pattern of higher concentrations in the eastern-southeastern region of the state was found, which could be related to anthropogenic impacts; however, no clear links have been established. The THg concentrations in giant anteaters' fur seems higher than expected considering the trophic position of the species. Despite this, the range was in accordance with studies of other Brazilian terrestrial mammals and within safe threshold levels. This study indicates the potential of utilizing roadkilled fauna to monitor large-scale contamination in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Oliveira de Carvalho
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 - Bloco G - Subsolo - Sala G061, Cidade Universitária, CEP 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; SAGE - Núcleo Professor Rogério Valle de Produção Sustentável, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), COPPE/UFRJ, Centro de Gestão Tecnológica - CT2 - Rua Moniz de Aragão, No.360 - Bloco 2, Ilha Do Fundão - Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Ornellas Meire
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 - Bloco G - Subsolo - Sala G061, Cidade Universitária, CEP 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Adan Santos Lino
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 - Bloco G - Subsolo - Sala G061, Cidade Universitária, CEP 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Débora Regina Yogui
- Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestres, Rua Afonso Lino Barbosa, 142, Chácara Cachoeira, Campo Grande, MS, CEP: 79040-290, Brazil; Nashville Zoo, 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN, 37211, USA
| | - Arnaud Léonard Jean Desbiez
- Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestres, Rua Afonso Lino Barbosa, 142, Chácara Cachoeira, Campo Grande, MS, CEP: 79040-290, Brazil; The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS, United Kingdom
| | - João Paulo Machado Torres
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 - Bloco G - Subsolo - Sala G061, Cidade Universitária, CEP 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Olaf Malm
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 - Bloco G - Subsolo - Sala G061, Cidade Universitária, CEP 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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