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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 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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Alsbach CME, Seijmonsbergen AC, Hoorn C. Geodiversity in the Amazon drainage basin. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2024; 382:20230065. [PMID: 38342214 PMCID: PMC10875704 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2023.0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
The Amazon is the largest drainage basin on Earth and contains a wide variety of abiotic landscape features. In spite of this, the geodiversity in this basin has not yet been objectively evaluated. We address this knowledge gap by combining a meta-analysis of an existing global geodiversity map and its components with a systematic literature review, to identify the key characteristics of geodiversity in the Amazon drainage basin (ADB). We also evaluate how these global geodiversity component maps, that are based on the geology, geomorphology, soils and hydrology, could be refined to better reflect geodiversity in the basin. Our review shows that geology-through lithological diversity and geological structures-and hydrology-through hydrological processes that influence geomorphology and soil diversity-are the main determinants of geodiversity. Based on these features, the ADB can be subdivided into three principal regions: (i) the Andean orogenic belt and western Amazon, (ii) the cratons and eastern Amazon, and (iii) the Solimões-Amazon river system. Additional methods to map geomorphological and hydrological diversity have been identified. Future research should focus on investigating the relationship between the geodiversity components and assess their relationship with biodiversity. Such knowledge can enhance conservation plans for the ADB. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Geodiversity for science and society'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile M. E. Alsbach
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, PO Box 94240, 1090GE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arie C. Seijmonsbergen
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, PO Box 94240, 1090GE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carina Hoorn
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, PO Box 94240, 1090GE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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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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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: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [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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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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Wang Z, Hua P, Zhang J, Krebs P. Bayesian-Based Approaches to Exploring the Long-Term Alteration in Trace Metals of Surface Water and Its Driving Forces. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:1658-1669. [PMID: 36594866 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07210] [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] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Trace metal pollution poses a serious threat to the aquatic ecosystem. Therefore, characterizing the long-term environmental behavior of trace metals and their driving forces is essential for guiding water quality management. Based on a long-term data set from 1990 to 2019, this study systematically conducted the spatiotemporal trend assessment, influential factor analysis, and source apportionment of trace elements in the rivers of the German Elbe River basin. Results show that the mean concentrations of the given elements in the last 30 years were found in the order of Fe (1179.5 ± 1221 μg·L-1) ≫ Mn (209.6 ± 181.7 μg·L-1) ≫ Zn (52.5 ± 166.2 μg·L-1) ≫ Cu (5.3 ± 5.5 μg·L-1) > Ni (4.4 ± 8.3 μg·L-1) > Pb (3.3 ± 4.4 μg·L-1) > As (2.9 ± 2.3 μg·L-1) > Cr (1.8 ± 2.4 μg·L-1) ≫ Cd (0.3 ± 1.1 μg·L-1) > Hg (0.05 ± 0.12 μg·L-1). Wavelet analyses show that river flow regimes and flooding dominated the periodic variations in metal pollution. Bayesian network suggests that the hydrochemical factors (i.e., TOC, TP, TN, pH, and EC) chemically influenced the metal mobility between water and sediments. Furthermore, the source apportionment computed by the Bayesian multivariate receptor model shows that the given element contamination was typically attributed to the geogenic sources (17.5, 95% confidence interval: 13.1-17.6%), urban and industrial sources (22.1, 18.0-27.2%), arable soil erosion (24.2, 16.4-31.5%), and historical anthropogenic activities (35.2, 32.8-43.3%). The results provided herein reveal that both the hydrochemical influence on metal mobility and the chronic disturbance from anthropogenic activities caused the long-term variation in trace metal pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Wang
- Institute of Urban and Industrial Water Management, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062Dresden, Germany
| | - Pei Hua
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, 510006Guangzhou, China
- School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, 510006Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, 210098Nanjing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 830011Urumqi, China
| | - Peter Krebs
- Institute of Urban and Industrial Water Management, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062Dresden, Germany
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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: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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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9
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Souza-Araujo J, Andrades R, Hauser-Davis RA, Lima MO, Giarrizzo T. Before the Dam: A Fish-Mercury Contamination Baseline Survey at the Xingu River, Amazon Basin Before the Belo Monte Dam. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 108:861-866. [PMID: 34524505 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-021-03371-9] [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: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In the last decades, mega-diverse rivers worldwide (e.g., the Amazon and their tributaries) have experienced several human-driven transformations, although impact assessments oftentimes lack baseline data or reference values to better estimate observed disturbances. Herein, we assessed THg and δ15N in fish muscle tissue to determine biomagnification processes, also including seasonal assessments, concerning Hg in fish from the Belo Monte reservoir, located on the Xingu River, prior to its impoundment. A total of 312 samples from 19 fish species belonging to distinct feeding guilds were sampled. None presented THg concentrations above the threshold levels of 0.5 μg g-1 established by the World Health Organization. However, biomagnification was observed (R = 0.8; p < 0.001), also confirmed by a trophic magnification factor of 1.76 for the entire food web. The THg content in the water was less than 0.001 mg L-1 and only Hemiodus unimaculatus presented seasonal variations for THg. Therefore, at the time of this study, the Xingu River presented low Hg contamination levels in both water and target fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Souza-Araujo
- Grupo de Ecologia Aquática, Espaço Inovação do Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia Guamá, Av. Perimetral km 01, s/n, Belém, PA, 66075-750, Brazil.
| | - R Andrades
- Grupo de Ecologia Aquática, Espaço Inovação do Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia Guamá, Av. Perimetral km 01, s/n, Belém, PA, 66075-750, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ictiologia, Departamento de Oceanografia e Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - R A Hauser-Davis
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil
| | - M O Lima
- Seção de Meio Ambiente, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Rodovia B. R.-316, km 7, S/N, Levilândia, Ananindeua, PA, 67030-000, Brazil
| | - T Giarrizzo
- Grupo de Ecologia Aquática, Espaço Inovação do Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia Guamá, Av. Perimetral km 01, s/n, Belém, PA, 66075-750, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciencias do Mar (LABOMAR), Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Avenida da Abolição 3207, Fortaleza, CE, 60165-081, Brazil
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10
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Jiménez-Oyola S, Chavez E, García-Martínez MJ, Ortega MF, Bolonio D, Guzmán-Martínez F, García-Garizabal I, Romero P. Probabilistic multi-pathway human health risk assessment due to heavy metal(loid)s in a traditional gold mining area in Ecuador. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 224:112629. [PMID: 34399125 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mining operations are important causes of environmental pollution in developing countries where mining waste management is not adequate. Consequently, heavy metal(loid)s are easily released into the environment, being a potential risk to human health. This study carries out a Bayesian probabilistic human health risk assessment, related to multi-pathway exposure to heavy metal(loid)s in a gold mining area in Southern Ecuador. Concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in tap water, surface water, and soil samples, were analyzed to assess the potential adverse human health effects based on the Hazard Index (HI) and Total cancer risk (TCR). Adults and children residents were surveyed to adjust their exposure parameters to the site-specific conditions. Exposure to heavy metal(loid)s resulted in unacceptable risk levels for human health in the two age groups, both carcinogenic (TCR > 1 × 10-5) and non-carcinogenic (HI > 1) through ingestion of tap water and incidental ingestion of surface water. Sensitivity analysis showed that As concentration in waters and exposure frequency were the main contributors to risk outcome. Exposure to soil via accidental ingestion and dermal contact was below the safety limit, not posing a risk to human health. These findings can provide a baseline for the environmental management of the mining area and indicate the need for further research on As pollution in water and its implications on the health of the inhabitants of mining communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Jiménez-Oyola
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, Campus Gustavo Galindo km 30.5 vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador; Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Eduardo Chavez
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Campus Gustavo Galindo km 30.5 vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - María-Jesús García-Martínez
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcelo F Ortega
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Bolonio
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fredy Guzmán-Martínez
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003 Madrid, Spain; Mexican Geological Survey, Boulevard Felipe Angeles Km. 93.50-4, 42083 Pachuca, Mexico
| | - Iker García-Garizabal
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, Campus Gustavo Galindo km 30.5 vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Paola Romero
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, Campus Gustavo Galindo km 30.5 vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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11
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Barbosa MDM, Fernandes ACC, Alves RSC, Alves DA, Barbosa Junior F, Batista BL, Ribeiro MC, Hornos Carneiro MF. Effects of native forest and human-modified land covers on the accumulation of toxic metals and metalloids in the tropical bee Tetragonisca angustula. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 215:112147. [PMID: 33756294 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112147] [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: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The intensive shift on land cover by anthropogenic activities have led to changes in natural habitats and environmental contamination, which can ultimately impact and threat biodiversity and ecosystem services, such as pollination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of native forest and human-modified land covers on the concentrations of chemical elements accumulated in the neotropical pollinator bee T. angustula. Eight landscapes, within an Ecological Corridor in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, with gradients of forest cover, spatial heterogeneity and varying land covers were used as sampling unities. Bees collected in traps or through actives searches had the concentration of 21 chemical elements determined by ICP-MS. Results show a beneficial effect of forested areas on the concentrations of some well-known toxic elements accumulated in bees, such as Hg, Cd, and Cr. Multivariate Redundancy Analysis (RDA) suggests road as the most important driver for the levels of Cr, Hg, Sb, Al, U, As, Pb and Pt and bare soil, pasture and urban areas as the landscape covers responsible for the concentrations of Zn, Cd, Mn, Mg, Ba and Sr in bees. The results reinforce the potential use of T. angustula bees as bioindicators of environmental quality and also show that these organisms are being directly affected by human land use, offering potential risks for the Neotropical ecosystem. Our study sheds light on how land covers (native forest and human-modified) can influence the levels of contaminants in insects within human-dominated landscapes. The generation of predictions of the levels of toxic metals and metalloids based on land use can both contribute to friendly farming planning as well as to support public policy development on the surrounding of protected areas and biodiversity conservation hotspots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela de Matos Barbosa
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Rafael Souza Cruz Alves
- Laboratório de Ecologia Espacial e Conservação, Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Estadual "Julio de Mesquita Filho", Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Denise Araujo Alves
- Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Fernando Barbosa Junior
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Bruno Lemos Batista
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Milton Cezar Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Ecologia Espacial e Conservação, Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Estadual "Julio de Mesquita Filho", Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Maria Fernanda Hornos Carneiro
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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12
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Human Health Risk Assessment for Exposure to Potentially Toxic Elements in Polluted Rivers in the Ecuadorian Amazon. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13050613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities performed in the Ecuadorian Amazon have released potentially toxic elements (PTEs) into the rivers, causing severe environmental pollution and increasing the risk of exposure to the residents of the surrounding areas. This study aims to carry out a human health risk assessment using deterministic and probabilistic methods to estimate the hazard index (HI) and total cancer risk (TCR) related to multi-pathway human exposure to PTEs in polluted rivers. Concentrations of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in surface water and sediment samples from rivers on the Ecuadorian Amazon were considered to assess the potential adverse human health effects. As a result, deterministic and probabilistic estimations of cancer and non-cancer risk through exposure to surface waters and sediments were above the safety limit. A sensitivity analysis identified the concentration of PTEs and the exposure duration (ED) as the two most important variables for probabilistic health risk assessment. The highest risk for receptors was related to exposure to polluted sediments through incidental ingestion and dermal contact routes. According to the deterministic estimation, the human health risk through ingestion of water was above the threshold in specific locations. This study reveals the potential health risk to which the population is exposed. This information can be used as a baseline to develop public strategies to reduce anthropogenic pollution and exposure to PTEs in Ecuadorian Amazon rivers.
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13
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Azevedo LS, Pestana IA, Almeida MG, Ferreira da Costa Nery A, Bastos WR, Magalhães Souza CM. Mercury biomagnification in an ichthyic food chain of an amazon floodplain lake (Puruzinho Lake): Influence of seasonality and food chain modeling. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 207:111249. [PMID: 32890953 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111249] [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: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) biomagnification in fish food chains is a relevant subject due to the high fish consumption of the Amazonian population and the high toxicity of this metal. In the Amazon, floodplain lake hydrodynamics change considerably along the four seasons of the hydrological cycle (rising water, high water, falling water and low water), which can influence Hg bioaccumulation in fish. The main aim of this study was to evaluate if Hg biomagnification is influenced by seasonality in a floodplain lake (Puruzinho Lake) in the Brazilian Amazon. Additionally, the influence of food chain modeling on measurement of Hg biomagnification was tested. Hg concentrations and stable isotope signatures (carbon and nitrogen) were estimated in four species, Mylossoma duriventre (herbivorous), Prochilodus nigricans (detritivorous), Cichla pleiozona (piscivorous) and Serrasalmus rhombeus (piscivorous). The "trophic magnification slope" (TMS) of the food chain composed by the four species was calculated and compared among the four seasons. There was no significant seasonal variation in TMS among rising water, high water, falling water and low water seasons (p = 0.08), suggesting that Hg biomagnification does not change seasonally. However, there was significant variation in TMS among different food chain models. Lower TMS was observed in a food chain composed of detritivorous and piscivorous fish (0.20) in comparison with a food chain composed of the four species (0.26). The results indicate food chain modeling influences TMS results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Silva Azevedo
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Parque Califórnia, CEP, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil.
| | - Inácio Abreu Pestana
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Parque Califórnia, CEP, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Gomes Almeida
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Parque Califórnia, CEP, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Adriely Ferreira da Costa Nery
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Olaria, CEP, 76815-800, Porto Velho, Rondônia, RO, Brazil
| | - Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Olaria, CEP, 76815-800, Porto Velho, Rondônia, RO, Brazil
| | - Cristina Maria Magalhães Souza
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Parque Califórnia, CEP, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
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14
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Alcala-Orozco M, Caballero-Gallardo K, Olivero-Verbel J. Biomonitoring of Mercury, Cadmium and Selenium in Fish and the Population of Puerto Nariño, at the Southern Corner of the Colombian Amazon. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2020; 79:354-370. [PMID: 33025049 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-020-00761-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals threaten communities near biodiversity hotspots, as their protein sources come from the environment. This study assessed Hg, Cd, and Se concentrations in fish, as well as the magnitude of exposure and hematological conditions of adult citizens from Puerto Nariño (Colombian Amazon). Among fish samples, greater Hg concentrations were found in higher trophic level species, including Rhaphiodon vulpinus (880 ± 130 ng/g) and Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum (920 ± 87 ng/g). These species presented the highest hazard quotients and lowest Se:Hg molar ratios among those studied, showing their consumption represents a health risk to consumers. Moreover, some samples of Mylossoma duriventre and Prochilodus magdalenae had Cd levels greater than the regulated limit (100 ng/g). The average total Hg (T-Hg) concentrations in human hair and blood were 5.31 µg/g and 13.7 µg/L, respectively. All hair samples exceeded the 1.0 μg/g threshold set by the USEPA, whereas 93% of the volunteers had T-Hg blood levels greater than 5 μg/L, suggesting elevated exposure. The mean Cd level was 3.1 µg/L, with 21% of samples surpassing 5 µg/L, value at which mitigating actions should be taken. Eighty-four percent of participants presented Se deficiencies (<100 μg/L). There was a significant association between fish consumption and T-Hg in hair (ρ = 0.323; p = 0.032) and blood (ρ = 0.381; p = 0.011). In this last matrix, Se correlated with Cd content, whereas lymphocytes were inversely linked to Hg concentrations. The results of this study show that there is extensive exposure to Hg in fish, the consumption of which may promote detrimental impacts on hematology parameters within the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alcala-Orozco
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Zaragocilla Campus, 130015, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Karina Caballero-Gallardo
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Zaragocilla Campus, 130015, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Jesus Olivero-Verbel
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Zaragocilla Campus, 130015, Cartagena, Colombia.
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15
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Jiménez-Oyola S, García-Martínez MJ, Ortega MF, Bolonio D, Rodríguez C, Esbrí JM, Llamas JF, Higueras P. Multi-pathway human exposure risk assessment using Bayesian modeling at the historically largest mercury mining district. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 201:110833. [PMID: 32535368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The largest mercury (Hg) mining district in the world is located in Almadén (Spain), with well-known environmental impacts in the surrounding ecosystem. However, the impact of mercury on the health of the inhabitants of this area has not been documented accordingly. This study aims to carry out a probabilistic human health risk assessment using Bayesian modeling to estimate the non-carcinogenic risk related to Hg through multiple exposure pathways. Samples of vegetables, wild mushrooms, fish, soil, water, and air were analyzed, and adult residents were randomly surveyed to adjust the risk models to the specific population data. On the one hand, the results for the non-carcinogenic risk based on Hazard Quotient (HQ) showed unacceptable risk levels through ingestion of Hg-contaminated vegetables and fish, with HQ values 20 and 3 times higher, respectively, than the safe exposure threshold of 1 for the 97.5th percentile. On the other hand, ingestion of mushrooms, dermal contact with soil, ingestion of water, dermal contact with water and inhalation of air, were below the safety limit for the 97.5th percentile, and did not represent a risk to the health of residents. In addition, the probabilistic approach was compared with the conservative deterministic approach, and similar results were obtained. This is the first study conducted in Almadén, which clearly reveals the high levels of human health risk to which the population is exposed due to the legacy of two millennia of Hg mining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Jiménez-Oyola
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain; Escuela Superior Politécnica Del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, Campus Gustavo Galindo, Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - María-Jesús García-Martínez
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Marcelo F Ortega
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Bolonio
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain
| | - Clara Rodríguez
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain
| | - José-María Esbrí
- Department of Geology and Mining Engineering, Escuela Universitaria Politécnica de Almadén, Universidad de Castilla La Mancha, Plaza Manuel Meca, 13400, Almadén, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Juan F Llamas
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Higueras
- Department of Geology and Mining Engineering, Escuela Universitaria Politécnica de Almadén, Universidad de Castilla La Mancha, Plaza Manuel Meca, 13400, Almadén, Ciudad Real, Spain
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16
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Historical Evolution of Sources and Pollution Levels of Heavy Metals in the Sediment of the Shuanglong Reservoir, China. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12071855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the concentrations of seven heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Hg, and Pb) and Pb isotope in a sediment core from the Shuanglong reservoir, Southwestern China, were investigated. Based on the constant rate of supply (CRS) model, the age span of a 60 cm sediment sample was determined to range from the years 1944 to 2015. Combined with chronology and heavy metal content, the evolution of the sources and pollution levels of heavy metals showed a changing trend composed of various stages. The sources of heavy metals transitioned from natural origins in 1944–1964 to industrial origins in 1965–2004. The subsequent reduction in heavy metal content was mainly due to the vigorous implementation of environmental protection policies from 2005 to 2012. In recent years (2013–2015), the heavy metal content has increased due to frequent human activity. Principal component analysis (PCA), correlation analysis, and the coefficient of variation (CV) analysis indicated that Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and As were derived from natural processes, Pb mainly came from automobile manufacturing, and Hg was mainly from industrial sources. The values of the geo-accumulation index (Ig), single pollution index (Pi), and single potential ecological risk index (Er) showed that the contamination of Hg and Pb was slight to moderate. Moreover, the values of the potential ecological risk index (RI), pollution load index (PLI), and Nemerow index (PN) indicated that the Shuanglong reservoir is under low ecological risk.
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Wang Z, Hua P, Dai H, Li R, Xi B, Gui D, Zhang J, Krebs P. Influence of surface properties and antecedent environmental conditions on particulate-associated metals in surface runoff. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 2:100017. [PMID: 36160919 PMCID: PMC9488065 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2020.100017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Particulate-associated trace metals have been regarded as an important pollution source for urban surface runoff. Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn and total solids (TS) washed off two different surfaces (low-elevated facade and road surfaces) under two kinds of antecedent environmental conditions (dry and snow-melting) were determined in this study. Wet-vacuuming sweeping (WVS) and surface washing (SW) methods, representing the maximum pollution potential and common rainfall-induced wash-off condition respectively, were used to collect the particulate matters. The result shows that the wash-off concentrations of trace metals were found in the order of Cd (2.28 ± 2.08 μg/l) < Pb (435.85 ± 412.61 μg/l) < Cu (0.93 ± 0.61 mg/l) < Zn (2.52 ± 2.30 mg/l). The snow-melting process had a considerable influence on the wash-off concentrations of the trace metals on both road and facade surfaces. It reduced >38% and >79% of metals and TS concentrations in the facade surface and road surface runoff respectively. The wash-off concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Zn on the road surface 45-780% higher than those on the facade surfaces. The sensitivity analysis based on the Bayesian network indicates that the wash-off concentrations of metals were mainly dependent on the antecedent environmental conditions or the surface properties while the sampling methods had a minor influence. Therefore, to accurately model the pollutant migration in the surface runoff requires an improving method considering different surfaces and antecedent environment conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Wang
- Institute of Urban Water Management, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Pei Hua
- The Environmental Research Institute, MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Theoretical Chemistry, South China Normal University, 510006, Guangzhou, China
| | - Heng Dai
- Institute of Groundwater and Earth Sciences, Jinan University, 510632, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Beidou Xi
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Dongwei Gui
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Institute of Groundwater and Earth Sciences, Jinan University, 510632, Guangzhou, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Peter Krebs
- Institute of Urban Water Management, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062, Dresden, Germany
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Liu Z, Callies U. A probabilistic model of decision making regarding the use of chemical dispersants to combat oil spills in the German Bight. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 169:115196. [PMID: 31670089 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.115196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Oil spills are one of the major threats to the marine environment in the German Bight (North Sea). In case of an accident, application of chemical dispersants would be one response option among others. Dispersion breaks oil slicks into small droplets which get then mixed into the water column. Removal of the oil from the water surface may reduce contamination of the coast. However, the window of opportunity for effective dispersant application is short and there are concerns about potential effects to the marine life. We propose a Bayesian network (BN) as an interactive and intuitive tool for responders to justify decisions on using chemical dispersants and possibly the provision of appropriate assets. The BN combines detailed sub-BNs for different criteria that govern the decision process. Expected drift trajectories are estimated based on comprehensive numerical ensemble simulations of hypothetical oil spills. Ecological impacts are represented prototypically, focusing on vulnerability of seabird concentrations to pollution in coastal areas. Dispersant effectiveness is estimated considering oil properties and weather conditions. Decision making is supposed to be based on expected satisfaction. The definition of what is considered satisfactory is of central importance for the whole analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengkai Liu
- College of Electromechanical Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao, 266580, China.
| | - Ulrich Callies
- Institute of Coastal Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Geesthacht, 21502, Germany
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Bonotto DM, Wijesiri B, Goonetilleke A. Nitrate-dependent Uranium mobilisation in groundwater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 693:133655. [PMID: 31635015 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate is a critical substance that determines the prevailing redox conditions in groundwater, and in turn the behaviour of Uranium (U). Therefore, the excessive use of nitrate-fertiliser in agricultural catchments could exert a significant influence on U mobilisation. This is a significant issue in catchments, where groundwater resources are increasingly being exploited for drinking water production. Past studies on U mobility in groundwater have considered individual hydro-geochemical factors influencing U concentrations, rather than as a single system with multiple factors. This research study investigated nitrate-dependent U mobility within a catchment in Brazil, where a range of intensive agricultural activities are undertaken and the giant Guarani aquifer is located. The study used direct measurements of groundwater redox conditions and other hydro-geochemical parameters. The research outcomes indicated that U could have two hydro-geochemical systems based on positive and negative redox potential of groundwater. The pH, HCO3- and temperature pose the largest influence, respectively, on U mobilisation, and these impacts are greater in agricultural lands than urban areas. Acidic and less reducing (positive redox) groundwater across the aquifer and basic and highly reducing (negative redox) groundwater in agricultural areas make U more mobile. The alkalinity increases U mobility in less reducing groundwater across the aquifer and in highly reducing groundwater in agricultural areas. Further, U can be mobile in hot and less reducing groundwater across the aquifer, but hot and highly reducing groundwater in agricultural areas can limit U mobility. More importantly, the study revealed that U can be mobile under high NO3- concentrations in reducing groundwater in non-agricultural areas. However, anthropogenic inputs of NO3- are expected to be lower than natural NO3- inputs in areas where the groundwater is highly reducing. Hence, fertiliser use in agricultural lands is less likely to increase U mobility in highly reducing groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Marcos Bonotto
- Departamento de Petrologia e Metalogenia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Câmpus de Rio Claro, Av. 24-ANo.1515, C.P. 178, CEP 13506-900 Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Buddhi Wijesiri
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Qld 4001, Australia.
| | - Ashantha Goonetilleke
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Qld 4001, Australia.
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20
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Wijesiri B, Liu A, Deilami K, He B, Hong N, Yang B, Zhao X, Ayoko G, Goonetilleke A. Nutrients and metals interactions between water and sediment phases: An urban river case study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 251:354-362. [PMID: 31091499 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The provision of water to meet the needs of an ever increasing urban population is a significant challenge. This is because urban receiving waters are constantly at risk from pollutant inputs via stormwater runoff and wastewater discharge. This research study employed multiple approaches including principal component analysis, Bayesian Networks (BNs) modelling and geospatial analysis to identify patterns in the distributions of nutrients and metals in water and sediments in an urban river and the interactions between the two phases. In both, water and sediments, nutrient concentrations/loads varied in the order of total carbon (TC) > total nitrogen (TN) > total phosphorus (TP). The river sediments were found to contain the highest crustal metal loads, while in water, the marine-related metals had the highest concentrations. The BNs modelling of pollutant interactions between water and sediment phases indicated that nitrogen is more likely to be transferred from water to sediment than the opposite, while anthropogenic metals are more likely to be transferred from sediments to water. Further, geospatial analysis showed that TN, crustal metals and anthropogenic metal loads in sediments increased from upstream to downstream, while having a decreasing pattern in water. However, marine-related metals in both, water and sediments had increasing concentrations/loads from upstream to downstream. These spatial patterns are attributed to the interactions between water and sediment phases, sediment transport along the river and seawater intrusion in the estuarine area. The study outcomes are expected to contribute to enhancing the knowledge required for developing mitigation strategies to improve urban receiving water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buddhi Wijesiri
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China; Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Qld, 4001, Australia
| | - An Liu
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China; Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Qld, 4001, Australia; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecological Remediation, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
| | - Kaveh Deilami
- School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Vic, 3001, Australia.
| | - Beibei He
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Qld, 4001, Australia
| | - Nian Hong
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecological Remediation, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Bo Yang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecological Remediation, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Xu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Godwin Ayoko
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Qld, 4001, Australia
| | - Ashantha Goonetilleke
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China; Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Qld, 4001, Australia
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