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Guo X, Wang Z, Li X, Liao J, Zhang X, Ran Y, Wu Q, Zhang T, Wang Z. Heavy metal contamination in duck eggs from a mercury mining area, southwestern China. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1352043. [PMID: 38481852 PMCID: PMC10932963 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1352043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Mercury (Hg) contamination in the environment around mercury mines is often accompanied by heavy metal contamination. Methods Here, we determined concentrations of chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), and lead (Pb) in duck eggs from a Hg mining area in Southwest China to assess the contamination and health risk. Results Duck eggs obtained from the mining area exhibit higher concentrations of Cr, Zn, Sr, Ba, and Pb compared to those from the background area, with egg yolks containing higher metal levels than egg whites. Specifically, the mean Cr, Zn, Sr, Ba, and Pb concentrations of duck eggs from the Hg mining area are 0.38, 63.06, 4.86, 10.08, and 0.05 μg/g, respectively, while those from the background area are only 0.21, 24.65, 1.43, 1.05, and 0.01 μg/g. Based on the single-factor contamination index and health risk assessment, heavy metal contamination in duck eggs poses an ecological risk and health risk. Conclusion This study provides important insight into heavy metal contamination in duck eggs from Hg mining areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Guo
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhuhong Wang
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xue Li
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jing Liao
- Xishui County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xishui, Guizhou, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yulin Ran
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Qixin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhongwei Wang
- Guangdong Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center, Guangzhou, China
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2
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Yin H, Yao H, Yuan W, Lin CJ, Fu X, Yin R, Meng B, Luo J, Feng X. Determination of the Isotopic Composition of Aqueous Mercury in a Paddy Ecosystem Using Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films. Anal Chem 2023; 95:12290-12297. [PMID: 37605798 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c01356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Measuring the isotopic composition of Hg in natural waters is challenging due to the ultratrace level of aqueous Hg (ng L-1). At least 5 ng of Hg mass is required for Hg isotopic analysis. Given the low Hg concentration in natural waters, a large volume of water (>10 L) is typically needed. The conventional grab sampling method is time-consuming, laborious, and prone to contamination during transportation and preconcentration steps. In this study, a DGT (diffusive gradients in thin films) method based on aminopropyl and mercaptopropyl bi-functionalized SBA-15 nanoparticles was developed and extended to determine the concentration and isotopic composition of aqueous Hg for the first time. The results of laboratory analysis showed that Hg adsorption by DGT induces ∼ -0.2‰ mass-dependent fractionation (MDF) and little mass-independent fractionation (MIF). The magnitude of MDF exhibits a dependence on the diffusion-layer thickness of DGT. Since Hg-MDF can occur in a broad range of environmental processes, monitoring the δ202Hg of aqueous Hg using the DGT method should be performed with caution. Field results show consistent MIF signatures (Δ199Hg) between the DGT and conventional grab sampling method. The developed DGT method serves as a passive sampling method that effectively characterizes the MIF of Hg in waters to understand the biogeochemical cycle of Hg at contaminated sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongqian Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Heng Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Che-Jen Lin
- Center for Advances in Water and Air Quality, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas 77710, United States
| | - Xuewu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Runsheng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Ore Deposit Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Bo Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Jun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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3
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Chen F, Wang Q, Meng F, Chen M, Wang B. Effects of long-term zinc smelting activities on the distribution and health risk of heavy metals in agricultural soils of Guizhou province, China. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:5639-5654. [PMID: 32935252 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-020-00716-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
To assess the effect of zinc smelting on environment and human health, the concentration, distribution, sources and health risk of eight heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Mn, and As) were investigated from agricultural soils in a long-term Zn smelting area in Guizhou, China. Different health risk assessment methods and models were used to access health risks. The results show that the concentrations of all the eight heavy metals were significantly higher than their corresponding background values (p < 0.05). Pb, Cd, and As were the most contaminated elements, with 93.6%, 90.3% and 48.4% of agricultural soil samples higher than the risk screening values, respectively. Statistical analysis indicated that Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Mn, and As could be mainly accounted for Zn smelting activities, while Cr and Ni may be generally more controlled by natural sources. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) suggested that the most seriously contaminating heavy metals were Pb, Cd, and Zn, with 96.8%, 90.3%, and 96.8%, respectively, of the soil samples classified as moderately to extremely contaminated. The non-carcinogenic health risk associated with Pb, Cd and As were observed for children, meanwhile, the carcinogenic risk due to As was found for both adults and children. Regardless of cancer risk or non-cancer risk, local children are at greater risk than adults. Therefore, Pb, Cd and As play the leading role to cause potential health risks in the study area, which need to be paid more attention and also effective control measures should be taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Chen
- College of Resource and Environment Engineering, Guizhou Institute of Technology, Guiyang, 550003, Guizhou, China
| | - Qian Wang
- School of Geography and Resources, Guizhou Education University, Guiyang, 550018, Guizhou, China
| | - Fanli Meng
- Guizhou Academy of Environmental Science and Designing, Guiyang, 550081, Guizhou, China
| | - Miao Chen
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Bing Wang
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China.
- Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China.
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4
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Zhang W, Li F, Gao L, Sun G, Cui Z, Chen F, Li P, Feng X, Shang L. Understanding the excretion rates of methylmercury and inorganic mercury from human body via hair and fingernails. J Environ Sci (China) 2022; 119:59-67. [PMID: 35934466 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Effective biomarkers are necessary to better understand the human mercury (Hg) exposure levels. However, mismatched biomarker sampling method causes extra uncertainty in assessing the risk of Hg exposure. To compare the differences between hair and fingernail, and further understand the excretion rates of methylmercury (MeHg) and inorganic mercury (IHg) via hair and fingernails, the total mercury (THg), MeHg, and IHg concentrations in paired hair and fingernail samples were investigated through paired samples collected from two typical mining areas, Wanshan mercury mine area (WMMA) and Hezhang zinc smelting area (HZSA). The positive correlation in THg, MeHg, and IHg concentrations (p <0.01) between hair and fingernail samples indicated that those two biomarkers can be corrected in application of assessing human Hg exposure. Compared to fingernails, the hair was suggested to be a more sensitive biomarker as the concentration of THg, MeHg and IHg were 2 ∼ 4 times higher than those in fingernails. Furthermore, the amounts of THg, MeHg, and IHg excreted via hair were 70 ∼ 226 times higher than that excreted via fingernails, and the hair plays a more important role than fingernails in the excretion of Hg from human bodies. Present study therefore provides some new insights to better understand the fate of human assimilated Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fen Li
- College of Tea (Pu' er), West Yunnan University of Applied Sciences, Dali 665000, China
| | - Lingjian Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guangyi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Zikang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fengfeng Chen
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Lihai Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
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5
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Camacho-delaCruz AA, Espinosa-Reyes G, Rebolloso-Hernández CA, Carrizales-Yáñez L, Ilizaliturri-Hernández CA, Reyes-Arreguín LE, Díaz-Barriga F. Holistic health risk assessment in an artisanal mercury mining region in Mexico. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:541. [PMID: 34331600 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09312-7] [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: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mexico is one of the world's leading mercury producers and exporters. However, mercury mining is carried out using artisanal procedures, which highly impact ecosystems. In the municipality of Pinal de Amoles, Queretaro, Mexico, artisanal mercury mining (AMM) is practiced in a region that has been categorized as a Biosphere Reserve. Therefore, a holistic health risk assessment for mercury was performed in the region, including environmental monitoring (air, water, and soil) and mercury exposure in both humans (children, women, and miners) and biota (plants, rodents, and worms). The atmospheric mercury determination was carried out using the JEROME® J405 analyzer, whereas total mercury in environmental and biological samples was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry/cold vapor. Results showed that mercury concentrations in the environmental and biological matrices exceeded their respective reference values. These results demonstrate the direct influence of AMM in the increasing levels of mercury in all the components of the studied ecosystem. Therefore, comprehensive intervention strategies must be implemented to reduce and prevent human health and ecological risks due to the presence of mercury. In this regard, the Minamata Convention for mercury control should include biomonitoring programs not only for humans but also for critical ecological receptors in polluted ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arlette A Camacho-delaCruz
- Facultad de Medicina-Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avenida Sierra Leona No. 550, Colonia Lomas Segunda Sección, C.P. 78210, San Luis Potosí, S.L.P., México
| | - Guillermo Espinosa-Reyes
- Facultad de Medicina-Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avenida Sierra Leona No. 550, Colonia Lomas Segunda Sección, C.P. 78210, San Luis Potosí, S.L.P., México.
| | - Carlos A Rebolloso-Hernández
- Facultad de Medicina-Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avenida Sierra Leona No. 550, Colonia Lomas Segunda Sección, C.P. 78210, San Luis Potosí, S.L.P., México
| | - Leticia Carrizales-Yáñez
- Facultad de Medicina-Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avenida Sierra Leona No. 550, Colonia Lomas Segunda Sección, C.P. 78210, San Luis Potosí, S.L.P., México
| | - César A Ilizaliturri-Hernández
- Facultad de Medicina-Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avenida Sierra Leona No. 550, Colonia Lomas Segunda Sección, C.P. 78210, San Luis Potosí, S.L.P., México
| | - Luis E Reyes-Arreguín
- Facultad de Medicina-Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avenida Sierra Leona No. 550, Colonia Lomas Segunda Sección, C.P. 78210, San Luis Potosí, S.L.P., México
| | - Fernando Díaz-Barriga
- Facultad de Medicina-Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avenida Sierra Leona No. 550, Colonia Lomas Segunda Sección, C.P. 78210, San Luis Potosí, S.L.P., México
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6
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Du B, Li P, Feng X, Yin R, Zhou J, Maurice L. Monthly variations in mercury exposure of school children and adults in an industrial area of southwestern China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 196:110362. [PMID: 33169691 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110362] [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: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that rice consumption can be the major pathway for human methylmercury (MeHg) exposure in inland China. However, few studies have considered the susceptible population of school children's exposure through rice ingestion. In this study, monthly variations in total Hg (THg)/MeHg concentrations in rice, fish, hair, and urine samples were studied to evaluate the Hg (both THg and MeHg) exposure in Guiyang, a typical industrial area with high anthropogenic emission of Hg. A total of 17 primary school (school A) students, 29 middle school (school B) students, and 46 guardians participated in this study for one year. Hair THg, hair MeHg, and urine THg concentrations ranged from 355-413 ng g-1, 213-236 ng g-1, and 469-518 ng g-1 Creatinine (ng·g-1 Cr), respectively, and no significant differences were observed between different genders and age groups. Hair and urine Hg concentrations showed slightly higher values in the cold season (October to February) than the hot season (March to September), but without significant difference. High monthly variability of individual hair and urine Hg concentrations suggested that long-term study could effectively decrease the uncertainty. The school students showed significantly higher urine THg concentrations than adults due to children's unique physiological structure and behaviors. Probable daily intake (PDI) of MeHg via rice and fish ingestion averaged at 0.0091, 0.0090, and 0.0079 μg kg-1 d-1 for school A students, school B students, and their guardians, respectively, which means that 86%, 84%, and 87% of the PDI were originated from rice ingestion, respectively. Therefore, more attention should be paid to children as a susceptible population. The results indicated low risk of Hg exposure via rice and fish consumption for urban residents in a Chinese industrial city.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buyun Du
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Runsheng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Ore Deposit Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Laurence Maurice
- Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Laboratoire Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, IRD-CNRS-Université Toulouse, 14 Avenue Edouard Belin, Toulouse, 31400, France
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7
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Snow MA, Feigis M, Lei YD, Mitchell CPJ, Wania F. Development, characterization, and testing of a personal passive sampler for measuring inhalation exposure to gaseous elemental mercury. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 146:106264. [PMID: 33227582 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Inhalation of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) is an occupational exposure concern for workers handling elemental mercury or mercury-containing waste. GEM is also often present near historically mercury-contaminated sites, potentially resulting in low-level, chronic exposure of the wider population. Here we introduce a passive sampler for personal GEM monitoring which combines a radial porous diffusive barrier with an activated carbon sorbent. A total mercury analyzer is used to quantify GEM sorbed to the carbon by thermal decomposition, amalgamation, and atomic absorption spectroscopy. A sampling rate of 0.070 m3/day was determined by calibrating the sampler at low and high concentrations. Deployments lasting 8 h result in limits of quantification well below 200 ng/m3. The sampler has a measurement range of at least four orders of magnitude. Derived air concentrations were not statistically significantly different from those obtained by active air sampling but were more precise than those obtained using a personal pump. If properly stored, the sampler maintains low blank levels in high GEM environments. Affordability, sturdiness, simplicity, and the wide availability of total mercury analyzers make this sampler highly suited for monitoring GEM inhalation exposure, including in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie A Snow
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Michelle Feigis
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Ying Duan Lei
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Carl P J Mitchell
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Frank Wania
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada.
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8
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Han J, Chen Z, Pang J, Liang L, Fan X, Li Q. Health Risk Assessment of Inorganic Mercury and Methylmercury via Rice Consumption in the Urban City of Guiyang, Southwest China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16020216. [PMID: 30646539 PMCID: PMC6352273 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16020216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Rice consumption is the main methylmercury (MeHg) exposure route for residents in mercury (Hg) mining areas. However, there is limited studies on mercury in commercial rice, which has high liquidity and can be directly consumed by urban residents. This study measured the total Hg (THg) and MeHg concentrations in 146 rice samples purchased from the markets in Guiyang city, southwest China, and both the inorganic Hg (IHg) and MeHg estimated daily intakes (EDIs) and hazard quotients (HQs) were calculated according to rice consumption. The THg concentrations in all rice samples (range: 0.97 to 13.10 μg·kg−1; mean: 3.88 μg·kg−1) were lower than the Chinese national standard (20 μg·kg−1). The average MeHg concentration in rice was 1.16 μg·kg−1. The total HQs (THQs) ranged from 0.0106 to 0.1048, with a mean of 0.0462, which was far lower than 1. This result suggests that there were low Hg exposure levels through consumption of commercial rice in residents of Guiyang.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialiang Han
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550003, China.
| | - Zhuo Chen
- School of Chemistry and Material Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China.
| | - Jian Pang
- School of Chemistry and Material Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China.
| | - Longchao Liang
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550003, China.
| | - Xuelu Fan
- School of Chemistry and Material Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China.
| | - Qiuhua Li
- Key Laboratory for Information System of Mountainous Area and Protection of Ecological Environment of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China.
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9
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Park CM. Analysis of mercury adsorption at the gibbsite-water interface using the CD-MUSIC model. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:21721-21730. [PMID: 29790048 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-2328-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), one of the most toxic substances in nature, has long been released during the anthropogenic activity. A correct description of the adsorptive behavior of mercury is important to gain a better insight into its fate and transport in natural mineral surfaces, which will be a prerequisite for the development of surface complexation model for the adsorption processes. In the present study, simulation experiments on macroscopic Hg(II) sorption by gibbsite (α-Al(OH)3), a representative aluminum (hydr)oxide mineral, were performed using the charge distribution and multi-site complexation (CD-MUSIC) approach with 1-pK triple plane model (TPM). For this purpose, several data sets which had already been reported in the literature were employed to analyze the effect of pH, ionic strength, and co-exisiting ions (NO3- and Cl-) on the Hg(II) adsorption onto gibbsite. Sequential optimization approach was used to determine the acidity and asymmetric binding constants for electrolyte ions and the affinity constants of the surface species through the model simulation using FITEQLC (a modified code of FITEQL 4.0). The model successfully incorporated the presence of inorganic ligands at the dominant edge (100) face of gibbsite with consistent surface species, which was evidenced by molecular scale analysis. The model was verified with an independent set of Hg(II) adsorption data incorporating carbonate binding species in an open gibbsite-water system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Min Park
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu, 41566, South Korea.
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10
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Jia Q, Zhu X, Hao Y, Yang Z, Wang Q, Fu H, Yu H. Mercury in soil, vegetable and human hair in a typical mining area in China: Implication for human exposure. J Environ Sci (China) 2018; 68:73-82. [PMID: 29908747 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2017.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of total mercury (T-Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in soil, vegetables, and human hair were measured in a mercury mining area in central China. T-Hg and MeHg concentrations in soil ranged from 1.53 to 1054.97mg/kg and 0.88 to 46.52μg/kg, respectively. T-Hg concentrations was correlated with total organic carbon (TOC) content (R2=0.50, p<0.01) and pH values (R2=0.21, p<0.05). A significant linear relationship was observed between MeHg concentrations and the abundance of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) (R2=0.39, p<0.05) in soil. Soil incubation experiments amended with specific microbial stimulants and inhibitors showed that Hg methylation was derived from SRB activity. T-Hg and MeHg concentrations in vegetables were 24.79-781.02μg/kg and 0.01-0.18μg/kg, respectively; levels in the edible parts were significantly higher than in the roots (T-Hg: p<0.05; MeHg: p<0.01). Hg species concentrations in rhizosphere soil were positively correlated to those in vegetables (p<0.01), indicating that soil was an important source of Hg in vegetables. Risk assessment indicated that the consumption of vegetables could result in higher probable daily intake (PDI) of T-Hg than the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) for both adults and children. In contrast, the PDI of MeHg was lower than the reference dose. T-Hg and MeHg concentrations in hair samples ranged from 1.57 to 12.61mg/kg and 0.04 to 0.94mg/kg, respectively, and MeHg concentration in hair positively related to PDI of MeHg via vegetable consumption (R2=0.39, p<0.05), suggesting that vegetable may pose health risk to local residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Jia
- College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Research Institute of Solid Waste Management, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Xuemei Zhu
- Research Institute of Solid Waste Management, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Yaqiong Hao
- Research Institute of Solid Waste Management, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Ziliang Yang
- Research Institute of Solid Waste Management, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Research Institute of Solid Waste Management, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Haihui Fu
- Research Institute of Solid Waste Management, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Hongjin Yu
- Research Institute of Solid Waste Management, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
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Liu CB, Hua XB, Liu HW, Yu B, Mao YX, Wang DY, Yin YG, Hu LG, Shi JB, Jiang GB. Tracing aquatic bioavailable Hg in three different regions of China using fish Hg isotopes. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 150:327-334. [PMID: 29304475 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.12.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
To trace the most concerned bioavailable mercury (Hg) in aquatic environment, fish samples were collected from three typical regions in China, including 3 rivers and 1 lake in the Tibetan Plateau (TP, a high altitude background region with strong solar radiation), the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR, the largest artificial freshwater reservoir in China), and the Chinese Bohai Sea (CBS, a heavily human-impacted semi-enclosed sea). The Hg isotopic compositions in fish muscles were analyzed. The results showed that anthropogenic emissions were the main sources of Hg in fish from TGR and CBS because of the observed negative δ202Hg and positive Δ199Hg in these two regions (TGR, δ202Hg: - 0.72 to - 0.29‰, Δ199Hg: 0.15 - 0.52‰; CBS, δ202Hg: - 2.09 to - 0.86‰, Δ199Hg: 0.07 - 0.52‰). The relatively higher δ202Hg and Δ199Hg (δ202Hg: - 0.37 - 0.08‰, Δ199Hg: 0.50 - 1.89‰) in fish from TP suggested the insignificant disturbance from local anthropogenic activities. The larger slopes of Δ199Hg/Δ201Hg in fish from TGR (1.29 ± 0.14, 1SD) and TP (1.25 ± 0.06, 1SD) indicated methylmercury (MeHg) was produced and photo-reduced in the water column before incorporation into the fish. In contrast, the photoreduction of Hg2+ was the main process in CBS (slope of Δ199Hg/Δ201Hg: 1.06 ± 0.06, 1SD). According to the fingerprint data of Hg isotopes, the most important source for aquatic bioavailable Hg in TP should be the long-range transported Hg, contrasting to the anthropogenic originated MeHg from surface sediments and runoffs in TGR and inorganic Hg from continental inputs in CBS. Therefore, the isotopic signatures of Hg in fish can provide novel clues in tracing sources and behaviors of bioavailable Hg in aquatic systems, which are critical for further understanding the biogeochemical cycling of Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Bin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiu-Bing Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Institute of Resources and Environment, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, China
| | - Hong-Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ben Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yu-Xiang Mao
- Institute of Resources and Environment, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, China
| | - Ding-Yong Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yong-Guang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Li-Gang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jian-Bo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Gui-Bin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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12
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Briki M, Zhu Y, Gao Y, Shao M, Ding H, Ji H. Distribution and health risk assessment to heavy metals near smelting and mining areas of Hezhang, China. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2017; 189:458. [PMID: 28823066 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-017-6153-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mining and smelting areas in Hezhang have generated a large amount of heavy metals into the environment. For that cause, an evaluative study on human exposure to heavy metals including Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, As, Cd, Pb, Sb, Bi, Be, and Hg in hair and urine was conducted for their concentrations and correlations. Daily exposure and non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk were estimated. Sixty-eight scalp hair and 66 urine samples were taken from participants of different ages (6-17, 18-40, 41-60, and ≥ 65 years) living in the vicinity of an agricultural soil near mine and smelting areas. The results compared to the earlier studies showed an elevated concentration of Pb, Be, Bi, Co, Cr, Ni, Sb, and Zn in hair and urine. These heavy metals were more elevated in mining than in smelting. Considering gender differences, females were likely to be more affected than male. By investigating age differences in this area, high heavy metal concentrations in male's hair and urine existed in age of 18-40 and ≥ 66, respectively. However, females did not present homogeneous age distribution. Hair and urine showed a different distribution of heavy metals in different age and gender. In some cases, significant correlation was found between heavy metals in hair and urine (P > 0.05 and P > 0.01) in mining area. The estimated average daily intake of heavy metals in vegetables showed a great contribution compared to the soil and water. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk values of total pathways in mining and smelting areas were higher than 1 and exceeded the acceptable levels. Thus, the obtained data might be useful for further studies. They can serve as a basis of comparison and assessing the effect of simultaneous exposure from heavy metals in mining and smelting areas, and potential health risks from exposure to heavy metals in vegetables need more consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meryem Briki
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road No. 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yang Gao
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road No. 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengmeng Shao
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Huaijian Ding
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road No. 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbing Ji
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road No. 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Contaminación por mercurio de leche materna de madres lactantes de municipios de Antioquia con explotación minera de oro. BIOMEDICA 2017; 38:19-29. [DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.v38i0.3609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Introducción. La leche materna es esencial para el desarrollo del ser humano, pero puede contener sustancias tóxicas provenientes de la contaminación ambiental, especialmente en las áreas mineras.Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia de la contaminación con mercurio de la leche materna de mujeres lactantes residentes en los municipios con explotación minera de oro.Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio transversal de 150 madres lactantes de cuatro municipios mineros de Antioquia (El Bagre, Segovia, Remedios y Zaragoza), a quienes se les hizo una encuesta sobre factores sociodemográficos, ocupacionales y ambientales relacionados con el mercurio, y se les tomaron muestras de leche materna, de orina y de cabello. Se calculó el promedio de la concentración de mercurio y las prevalencias municipales de contaminación.Resultados. El promedio de la concentración de mercurio en la leche materna fue de 2,5 (± desviación estándar 9,2) μg/L. La prevalencia de muestras de leche materna con niveles altos de mercurio fue de 11,7 %.Conclusión. En este estudio se evidencia un grave problema en las regiones mineras auríferas de Antioquia por el efecto de la contaminación con mercurio en sectores de la población más vulnerable.
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Du B, Li P, Feng X, Qiu G, Zhou J, Maurice L. Mercury Exposure in Children of the Wanshan Mercury Mining Area, Guizhou, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:E1107. [PMID: 27834827 PMCID: PMC5129317 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13111107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the mercury (Hg) exposure level of children located in a Hg mining area, total Hg concentrations and speciation were determined in hair and urine samples of children in the Wanshan Hg mining area, Guizhou Province, China. Rice samples consumed by these same children were also collected for total mercury (THg) and methyl-mercury (MeHg) analysis. The geometric mean concentrations of THg and MeHg in the hair samples were 1.4 (range 0.50-6.0) μg/g and 1.1 (range 0.35-4.2) μg/g, respectively, while the geometric mean concentration of urine Hg (UHg) was 1.4 (range 0.09-26) μg/g Creatinine (Cr). The average of the probable daily intake (PDI) of MeHg via rice consumption was 0.052 (0.0033-0.39) µg/kg/day, which significantly correlated with the hair MeHg concentrations (r = 0.55, p < 0.01), indicating that ingestion of rice is the main pathway of MeHg exposure for children in this area. Furthermore, 18% (26/141) of the PDIs of MeHg exceeded the USEPA Reference Dose (RfD) of 0.10 µg/kg/day, indicating that children in this area are at a high MeHg exposure level. This paper for the first time evaluates the co-exposure levels of IHg and MeHg of children living in Wanshan mining area, and revealed the difference in exposure patterns between children and adults in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buyun Du
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
| | - Guangle Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
| | - Jun Zhou
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Laurence Maurice
- Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Laboratoire Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, IRD-CNRS-Université Toulouse, 14 avenue Edouard Belin, Toulouse 31400, France.
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15
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Li P, Feng X, Chan HM, Zhang X, Du B. Human Body Burden and Dietary Methylmercury Intake: The Relationship in a Rice-Consuming Population. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:9682-9689. [PMID: 26189659 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b00195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Rice can be the main route of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure for rice-consuming populations living in area where mercury (Hg) is mined. However, the current risk assessment paradigm for MeHg exposure is based on epidemiological data collected from fish-consuming populations. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between dietary MeHg intake and human body burden in a rice -consuming population from the Wanshan Hg mining area in China. Hair MeHg concentrations averaged 2.07 ± 1.79 μg/g, and the average blood MeHg concentration across the study area ranged from 2.20 to 9.36 μg/L. MeHg constituted 52.8 ± 17.5% and 71.7 ± 18.2% of total Hg (THg) on average in blood and hair samples, respectively. Blood and hair MeHg concentrations, rather than THg, can be used as a proxy of human MeHg exposure. Hair MeHg levels showed no significant monthly variation; however, hair THg can be impacted by inorganic Hg exposure. The toxicokinetic model of MeHg exposure based on fish consumption underestimated the human hair MeHg levels, and this may be a consequence of the high hair-to-blood MeHg ratio (361 ± 105) in the studied rice-consuming population. The use of risk assessment models based on fish consumption may not be appropriate for inland mining areas where rice is the staple food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- †State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- †State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Hing-Man Chan
- ‡Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- §Department of Toxicology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Buyun Du
- †State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
- !!University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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16
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Li P, Du B, Chan HM, Feng X. Human inorganic mercury exposure, renal effects and possible pathways in Wanshan mercury mining area, China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 140:198-204. [PMID: 25863593 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Rice can accumulate methylmercury (MeHg) and rice consumption is the main route of MeHg exposure for the local population in Guizhou, China. However, inorganic Hg (IHg) load in human body is not comprehensively studied in highly Hg polluted areas such as Hg mining areas. This study is designed to evaluate human IHg exposure, related renal effects and possible pathways in Wanshan Hg mining area, Guizhou, Southwest China. Residents lived within 3 km to the mine waste heaps showed high Urine Hg (UHg) concentrations and the geometrical means (Geomean) of UHg were 8.29, 5.13, and 10.3 μg/g Creatinine (Cr) at site A, D, and E, respectively. It demonstrated a gradient of UHg concentrations with the distance from the pollution sources. A significantly positive correlation between paired results for UHg concentrations and serum creatinine (SCr) was observed in this study, but not for UHg and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). There are significant increases of SCr in two quartiles with high UHg concentrations. The results indicated that human IHg exposure may cause impairment of renal function. By calculation of Probable Daily Intake from different routes, we found that dietary intake is the main pathway of IHg exposure for the local population, rather than inhalation of Hg vapor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Buyun Du
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada K1N 6N5
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, China.
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17
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Zhou J, Liu H, Du B, Shang L, Yang J, Wang Y. Influence of soil mercury concentration and fraction on bioaccumulation process of inorganic mercury and methylmercury in rice (Oryza sativa L.). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:6144-6154. [PMID: 25398217 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3823-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies showed that rice is the major pathway for methylmercury (MeHg) exposure to inhabitants in mercury (Hg) mining areas in China. There is, therefore, a concern regarding accumulation of Hg in rice grown in soils with high Hg concentrations. A soil pot experimental study was conducted to investigate the effects of Hg-contaminated soil on the growth of rice and uptake and speciation of Hg in the rice. Our results imply that the growth of rice promotes residual fraction of Hg transforming to organic-bound fraction in soil and increased the potential risks of MeHg production. Bioaccumulation factors deceased for IHg but relatively stabilized for MeHg with soil total mercury (THg) increasing. IHg in soil was the major source of Hg in the root and stalk, but leaf was contributed by Hg from both atmosphere and soil. Soluble and exchangeable Hg fraction can predict the bioavailability of IHg and MeHg in soils, and that can provide quantitative description of the rate of uptake of the bioavailable Hg. Soluble and exchangeable Hg fraction in paddy soil exceeding 0.0087 mg kg(-1) may cause THg concentration in rice grain above the permissible limit standard, and MeHg concentration in paddy soil more than 0.0091 mg kg(-1) may have the health risks to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002, China
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18
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Liang P, Feng X, Zhang C, Zhang J, Cao Y, You Q, Leung AOW, Wong MH, Wu SC. Human exposure to mercury in a compact fluorescent lamp manufacturing area: By food (rice and fish) consumption and occupational exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2015; 198:126-32. [PMID: 25590130 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Revised: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
To investigate human Hg exposure by food consumption and occupation exposure in a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) manufacturing area, human hair and rice samples were collected from Gaohong town, Zhejiang Province, China. The mean values of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in local cultivated rice samples were significantly higher than in commercial rice samples which indicated that CFL manufacturing activities resulted in Hg accumulation in local rice samples. For all of the study participants, significantly higher THg concentrations in human hair were observed in CFL workers compared with other residents. In comparison, MeHg concentrations in human hair of residents whose diet consisted of local cultivated rice were significantly higher than those who consumed commercial rice. These results demonstrated that CFL manufacturing activities resulted in THg accumulation in the hair of CFL workers. However, MeHg in hair were mainly affected by the sources of rice of the residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liang
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forest University, Lin'an, Zhejiang Province 311300, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, PR China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, PR China.
| | - Chan Zhang
- College of Law and Political Science, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forestry University, Lin'an, Zhejiang Province 311300, PR China
| | - Jin Zhang
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forest University, Lin'an, Zhejiang Province 311300, PR China
| | - Yucheng Cao
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forest University, Lin'an, Zhejiang Province 311300, PR China
| | - Qiongzhi You
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forest University, Lin'an, Zhejiang Province 311300, PR China
| | - Anna Oi Wah Leung
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Ming-Hung Wong
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forest University, Lin'an, Zhejiang Province 311300, PR China
| | - Sheng-Chun Wu
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forest University, Lin'an, Zhejiang Province 311300, PR China.
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Li WC, Tse HF. Health risk and significance of mercury in the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:192-201. [PMID: 25220768 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3544-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) has long been recognised as a global pollutant, because it can remain in the atmosphere for more than 1 year. The mercury that enters the environment is generally acknowledged to have two sources: natural and anthropogenic. Hg takes three major forms in the environment, namely methyl-Hg (MeHg), Hg(0) and Hg(2+). All three forms of Hg adversely affect the natural environment and pose a risk to human health. In particular, they may damage the human central nervous system, leading to cardiovascular, respiratory and other diseases. MeHg is bioavailable and can be bioaccumulated within food webs. Therefore, several methods of eliminating Hg from the soil and the aquatic system have been proposed. The focus of this article is on phytoremediation, as this technique provides a low-cost and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- W C Li
- Centre for Education in Environmental Sustainability and Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Hong Kong Institute of Education, 10 Lo Ping Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong, SAR, China,
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20
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Meng M, Li B, Shao JJ, Wang T, He B, Shi JB, Ye ZH, Jiang GB. Accumulation of total mercury and methylmercury in rice plants collected from different mining areas in China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2014; 184:179-86. [PMID: 24056187 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2013.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2013] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
A total of 155 rice plants were collected from ten mining areas in three provinces of China (Hunan, Guizhou and Guangdong), where most of mercury (Hg) mining takes place in China. During the harvest season, whole rice plants were sampled and divided into root, stalk & leaf, husk and seed (brown rice), together with soil from root zone. Although the degree of Hg contamination varied significantly among different mining areas, rice seed showed the highest ability for methylmercury (MeHg) accumulation. Both concentrations of total mercury (THg) and MeHg in rice plants were significantly correlated with Hg levels in soil, indicating soil is still an important source for both inorganic mercury (IHg) and MeHg in rice plants. The obvious discrepancy between the distribution patterns of THg and MeHg reflected different pathways of IHg and MeHg accumulation. Water soluble Hg may play more important role in MeHg accumulation in rice plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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21
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Ni W, Chen Y, Huang Y, Wang X, Zhang G, Luo J, Wu K. Hair mercury concentrations and associated factors in an electronic waste recycling area, Guiyu, China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 128:84-91. [PMID: 24267793 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2013.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Revised: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Toxic heavy metals are released to the environment constantly from unregulated electronic waste (e-waste) recycling in Guiyu, China, and thus may contribute to the elevation of mercury (Hg) and other heavy metals levels in human hair. We aimed to investigate concentrations of mercury in hair from Guiyu and potential risk factors and compared them with those from a control area where no e-waste processing occurs. METHODS A total of 285 human hair samples were collected from three villages (including Beilin, Xianma, and Huamei) of Guiyu (n=205) and the control area, Jinping district of Shantou city (n=80). All the volunteers were administered a questionnaire regarding socio-demographic characteristics and other possible factors contributed to hair mercury concentration. Hair mercury concentration was analyzed by hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS). RESULTS Our results suggested that hair mercury concentrations in volunteers of Guiyu (median, 0.99; range, 0.18-3.98μg/g) were significantly higher than those of Jinping (median, 0.59; range, 0.12-1.63μg/g). We also observed a higher over-limit ratio (>1μg/g according to USEPA) in Guiyu than in Jinping (48.29% vs. 11.25%, P<0.001). Logistic regression model showed that the variables of living house also served as an e-waste workshop, work related to e-waste, family income, time of residence in Guiyu, the distance between home and waste incineration, and fish intake were associated with hair mercury concentration. After multiple stepwise regression analysis, in the Guiyu samples, hair mercury concentration was found positively associated with the time residence in Guiyu (β=0.299, P<0.001), and frequency of shellfish intake (β=0.184, P=0.016); and negatively associated with the distance between home and waste incineration (β=-0.190, P=0.015) and whether house also served as e-waste workshop (β=-0.278, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study investigated human mercury exposure and suggested elevated hair mercury concentrations in an e-waste recycling area, Guiyu, China. Living in Guiyu for a long time and work related to e-waste may primarily contribute to the high hair mercury concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Ni
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaowen Chen
- Central Laboratory of Shantou University, Shantou 515063, Guangdong, China
| | - Yue Huang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoling Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Gairong Zhang
- Central Laboratory of Shantou University, Shantou 515063, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiayi Luo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Kusheng Wu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China.
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Li P, Feng X, Yuan X, Chan HM, Qiu G, Sun GX, Zhu YG. Rice consumption contributes to low level methylmercury exposure in southern China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2012; 49:18-23. [PMID: 22944358 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2012.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2012] [Revised: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Fish consumption is considered as the primary pathway of human methylmercury (MeHg) exposure. However, recent studies highlighted that, rice, rather than fish, is the main route of human MeHg exposure in Guizhou, inland China. China is considered as the largest anthropogenic source of mercury (Hg) emission in the world, which has led to serious environmental Hg pollution. But there are no comprehensive studies regarding this environmental health problem to evaluate human Hg exposure and associated health effects. This study aimed to estimate daily MeHg intake and health risk in 7 provinces in southern China, and to assess the relative contribution from rice and fish consumption. The average levels of total mercury (THg) and MeHg in rice samples were generally low at 10.1 ng·g⁻¹ and 2.47 ng·g⁻¹, respectively. But a total of 36 rice samples (12.7%) had THg concentration exceeding the national limit (20 ng·g⁻¹). Generally, rural population had significantly higher Probable Daily Intakes (PDIs) of MeHg than urban population from rice consumption and its relative contribution to MeHg exposure increased significantly from coastal to inland area. The averages of PDIs of MeHg were 0.020 μg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹ and 0.028 μg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹ for urban and rural population in southern China, respectively. Despite the serious environmental Hg pollutions in China, the general population in southern China had low risk of MeHg exposure. But rice is an important route of human MeHg exposure in southern China, especially for the rural population in inland area. The findings indicate that rice consumption should be considered when evaluating MeHg exposure in rice eating population in southern China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, China
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Comparison of neurobehavioral effects of methylmercury exposure in older and younger adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Neurotoxicology 2012; 33:1212-8. [PMID: 22796261 PMCID: PMC8803049 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2012.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2012] [Revised: 06/21/2012] [Accepted: 06/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
It is widely recognized that the nature and severity of responses to toxic exposure are age-dependent. Using active avoidance conditioning as the behavioral paradigm, the present study examined the effect of short-term methylmercury (MeHg) exposure on two adult age classes, 1- and 2-year-olds to coincide with zebrafish in relatively peak vs. declining health conditions. In Experiment 1, 2-year-old zebrafish were randomly divided into groups and were exposed to no MeHg, 0.15% ethanol (EtOH), 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, or 0.3 μM of MeHg (in 0.15% ethanol) for 2 weeks. The groups were then trained and tested for avoidance responses. The results showed that older zebrafish exposed to no MeHg or EtOH learned and retained avoidance responses. However, 0.01 μM or higher concentrations of MeHg exposure impaired avoidance learning in a dose-dependent manner with 0.3 μM of MeHg exposure producing death during the exposure period or shortly after the exposure but before the avoidance training. In Experiment 2, 1-year-old zebrafish were randomly divided into groups and were exposed to the same concentrations of MeHg used in Experiment 1 for 2 weeks. The groups were then trained and tested for avoidance responses. The results showed that younger zebrafish exposed to no MeHg, EtOH, or 0.01 μM of MeHg learned and retained avoidance responses, while 0.1 or 0.3 μM of MeHg exposure impaired avoidance learning in a dose-dependent manner. The study suggested that MeHg exposure produced learning impairments at a much lower concentration of MeHg exposure and more severely in older adult compared against younger adult zebrafish even after short exposure times.
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Murata K, Yoshida M, Sakamoto M, Iwai-Shimada M, Yaginuma-Sakurai K, Tatsuta N, Iwata T, Karita K, Nakai K. Recent evidence from epidemiological studies on methylmercury toxicity. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi 2011; 66:682-95. [PMID: 21996768 DOI: 10.1265/jjh.66.682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
More than fifty years have passed since the outbreak of Minamata disease, and large-scale methylmercury poisoning due to industrial effluents or methylmercury-containing fungicide intoxication has scarcely happened in developed countries. On the other hand, widespread environmental mercury contamination has occurred in gold and mercury mining areas of developing countries. In this article, we provided an overview of recent studies addressing human health effects of methylmercury, which we searched using the PubMed of the US National Library of Medicine. The following suggestions were obtained for low-level methylmercury exposure: (1) In recent years, the proportion of human studies addressing methylmercury has tended to decrease. (2) Prenatal exposure to methylmercury through fish intake, even at low levels, adversely affects child development after adjusting for polychlorinated biphenyls and maternal fish intake during pregnancy, whereas maternal seafood intake has some benefits. (3) Long-term methylmercury exposure through consumption of fish such as bigeye tuna and swordfish may pose a potential risk of cardiac events involving sympathovagal imbalance. (4) In measuring methylmercury levels in preserved umbilical cord collected from inhabitants born in Minamata areas between 1945 and 1989, the elevated concentrations (≥1 mg/g) were observed mainly in inhabitants born between 1947 and 1968, and the peak coincided with the peak of acetaldehyde production in Minamata. (5) Since some developing countries appear to be in similar situations to Japan in the past, attention should be directed toward early recognition of a risky agent and precautions should be taken against it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuyuki Murata
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
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Li P, Feng X, Qiu G, Wan Q. Hair can be a good biomarker of occupational exposure to mercury vapor: simulated experiments and field data analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2011; 409:4484-4488. [PMID: 21784505 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2011] [Revised: 06/17/2011] [Accepted: 06/21/2011] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Generally, urine mercury (U-Hg) is widely used for assessment of inorganic mercury (I-Hg) exposure in humans. The reliability of scalp hair as an indicator of mercury vapor exposure is contentious. However, significant correlations were found between hair total mercury (T-Hg) and U-Hg and between hair I-Hg and total gaseous mercury (TGM) in ambient air in our previous studies. Simulated experiments were designed to assess the contribution of direct absorption/adsorption of mercury vapor in the hair. Results indicated that the increases of hair T-Hg concentrations were less than 1 μg/g, which was negligible compared with hair T-Hg concentrations in occupationally exposed workers. The β-mercaptoethanol washing can remove 30% of mercury (Hg) in the exposed hair samples. The inhaled Hg constituted the major fraction (97.4%) of I-Hg exposure for the artisanal Hg mining workers. From the simulated experiments and field data analysis, we can conclude that hair I-Hg can be a useful tool for monitoring occupational exposure to Hg vapor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002, China
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