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Tennant JH, Cosentino BJ, Cleckner LB, Brubaker KM, Razavi NR. Methylmercury Concentrations More Strongly Associated With Trait Variation Than Food Web Position in Plethodontid Salamanders. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024; 43:2045-2057. [PMID: 39031493 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Salamanders serve as bioindicators of mercury (Hg) in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats and are an important link in the food web between low-trophic prey and higher-trophic predators. We investigated the drivers of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure in three common plethodontid salamander species in New York State, USA, including comparisons among regions, habitat types (terrestrial and semiaquatic), and color morphs of Plethodon cinereus (striped and unstriped). Nonlethal tail samples were collected from one terrestrial species (P. cinereus) and two semiaquatic species (Eurycea bislineata and Desmognathus spp.) in the Adirondack Mountains (ADK) and the Finger Lakes National Forest (FLNF) regions. Samples were analyzed for MeHg and stable isotopes, including δ15N and δ13C which are proxies of trophic position and diet, respectively. Despite elevated biota Hg concentrations typically found in the ADK, salamander MeHg concentrations did not differ by region in the terrestrial species and one of the semiaquatic species. In addition, diet and trophic level did not explain MeHg exposure in salamanders. Semiaquatic salamanders exhibited higher MeHg concentrations than terrestrial salamanders in the FLNF only. Within species, only snout-vent length predicted MeHg concentrations in E. bislineata with few other variables significant as predictors of MeHg concentrations in path models. Among P. cinereus individuals in the FLNF, the striped morph had greater MeHg concentrations than the unstriped morph, and food web tracers were not different between morphs. Overall, New York State salamander Hg concentrations were elevated compared to other locations where these species are present. The present study establishes baseline Hg data in salamanders for future assessments of changes in Hg bioavailability to forests of New York State. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2045-2057. © 2024 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremiah H Tennant
- Department of Environmental Biology, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Bradley J Cosentino
- Department of Biology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, New York, USA
| | - Lisa B Cleckner
- Department of Environmental Studies, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, New York, USA
- Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, New York, USA
| | - Kristen M Brubaker
- Department of Environmental Studies, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, New York, USA
| | - N Roxanna Razavi
- Department of Environmental Biology, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New York, USA
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2
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Adams EM, Gulka JE, Yang Y, Burton MEH, Burns DA, Buxton V, Cleckner L, DeSorbo CR, Driscoll CT, Evers DC, Fisher N, Lane O, Mao H, Riva-Murray K, Millard G, Razavi NR, Richter W, Sauer AK, Schoch N. Distribution and trends of mercury in aquatic and terrestrial biota of New York, USA: a synthesis of 50 years of research and monitoring. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 32:959-976. [PMID: 37861861 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-023-02704-0] [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: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) inputs have particularly impacted the northeastern United States due to its proximity to anthropogenic emissions sources and abundant habitats that efficiently convert inorganic Hg into methylmercury. Intensive research and monitoring efforts over the past 50 years in New York State, USA, have informed the assessment of the extent and impacts of Hg exposure on fishes and wildlife. By synthesizing Hg data statewide, this study quantified temporal trends of Hg exposure, spatiotemporal patterns of risk, the role that habitat and Hg deposition play in producing spatial patterns of Hg exposure in fish and other wildlife, and the effectiveness of current monitoring approaches in describing Hg trends. Most temporal trends were stable, but we found significant declines in Hg exposure over time in some long-sampled fish. The Adirondack Mountains and Long Island showed the greatest number of aquatic and terrestrial species with elevated Hg concentrations, reflecting an unequal distribution of exposure risk to fauna across the state. Persistent hotspots were detected for aquatic species in central New York and the Adirondack Mountains. Elevated Hg concentrations were associated with open water, forests, and rural, developed habitats for aquatic species, and open water and forested habitats for terrestrial species. Areas of consistently elevated Hg were found in areas driven by atmospheric and local Hg inputs, and habitat played a significant role in translating those inputs into biotic exposure. Continued long-term monitoring will be important in evaluating how these patterns continue to change in the face of changing land cover, climate, and Hg emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan M Adams
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA.
| | - Julia E Gulka
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- Western Carolina University, 1 University Way, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, USA
| | - Mark E H Burton
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Douglas A Burns
- USGS New York Water Science Center, 425 Jordan Road, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Valerie Buxton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2125 Derring Hall, 926 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
- Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, PO Box 195, Ray Brook, NY, 12977, USA
| | - Lisa Cleckner
- Finger Lakes Institute, 601 South Maine Street, Geneva, NY, 14456, USA
- Hobart and William Smith Colleges, 300 Pulteney St., Geneva, NY, 14456, USA
| | | | - Charles T Driscoll
- Syracuse University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 151 Link Hall, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
| | - David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Nicholas Fisher
- Stony Brook University, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Oksana Lane
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Huiting Mao
- SUNY-ESF Chemistry Department, 1 Forestry Derive, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Karen Riva-Murray
- USGS New York Water Science Center, 425 Jordan Road, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Geoffrey Millard
- Syracuse University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 151 Link Hall, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
- U.S.A. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, 26 W Martin Luther King Dr, Cincinnati, OH, 45220, USA
| | - N Roxanna Razavi
- SUNY-ESF Department of Environmental Biology, 1 Forestry Derive, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Wayne Richter
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Fish and Wildlife, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY, 12233-4756, USA
| | - Amy K Sauer
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Nina Schoch
- Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, PO Box 195, Ray Brook, NY, 12977, USA
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Makaure J, Dube T, Stewart D, Razavi NR. Mercury Exposure in Two Fish Trophic Guilds from Protected and ASGM-Impacted Reservoirs in Zimbabwe and Possible Risks to Human Health. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2023; 84:199-213. [PMID: 36639419 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-023-00977-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite a surge in mercury (Hg) pollution from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Zimbabwe's drainage basins, little is known about Hg trophodynamics in the country's major reservoirs. We analyzed fish tissues for total mercury (THg) and stable isotopes of nitrogen and carbon (δ15N and δ13C) to compare patterns of biomagnification between two trophic guilds from a protected reservoir (Chivero) and an ASGM-impacted reservoir (Mazowe) and assessed consequences for human and fish health. Mean dry weight THg concentrations were significantly higher for both piscivorous and herbivorous fishes from Mazowe reservoir compared to fishes from similar feeding guilds in Chivero. Trophic magnification slopes (TMS), inferred from linear regressions between log10[THg] and δ15N, revealed significant Hg biomagnification in Mazowe (TMS = 0.28; p < 0.05) and no evidence for Hg biomagnification in Chivero (TMS = - 0.005; p > 0.05). In Mazowe's piscivorous fishes, 32% had wet weight THg concentrations that surpassed 0.2 µg/g ww, a threshold for susceptible human populations and biochemical and gene expression alterations in fish. In addition, 17% of Mazowe's piscivorous fishes surpassed the UNEP THg toxicity threshold for human consumption (0.5 µg/g ww). To reduce exposure to Hg toxicity in humans, the maximum fish consumption for piscivorous species from Mazowe reservoir should not exceed 431 g/week for both adult male and female consumers. Our findings demonstrate the importance of creating freshwater-protected areas to prevent direct Hg contamination of aquatic ecosystems and the need for health agencies to provide fish consumption advisories to vulnerable communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Makaure
- Department of Environmental Biology, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Trevor Dube
- Department of Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
| | - Donald Stewart
- Department of Environmental Biology, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - N Roxanna Razavi
- Department of Environmental Biology, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
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Moura VL, de Lacerda LD. Mercury Sources, Emissions, Distribution and Bioavailability along an Estuarine Gradient under Semiarid Conditions in Northeast Brazil. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:17092. [PMID: 36554971 PMCID: PMC9779009 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192417092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In the semiarid coast of northeast Brazil, climate change and changes in land use in drainage basins affect river hydrodynamics and hydrochemistry, modifying the estuarine environment and its biogeochemistry and increasing the mobilization of mercury (Hg). This is particularly relevant to the largest semiarid-encroached basin of the region, the Jaguaribe River. Major Hg sources to the Jaguaribe estuary are solid waste disposal, sewage and shrimp farming, the latter emitting effluents directly into the estuary. Total annual emission reaches 300 kg. In that estuary, the distribution of Hg in sediment and suspended particulate matter decreases seaward, whereas dissolved Hg concentrations increase sharply seaward, suggesting higher mobilization at the marine-influenced, mangrove-dominated portion of the estuary, mostly in the dry season. Concentrations of Hg in rooted macrophytes respond to Hg concentrations in sediment, being higher in the fluvial endmember of the estuary, whereas in floating aquatic macrophytes, Hg concentrations followed dissolved Hg concentrations in water and were also higher in the dry season. Animals (fish and crustaceans) also showed higher concentrations and bioaccumulation in the marine-influenced portion of the estuary. The variability of Hg concentrations in plants and sediments agrees with continental sources of Hg. However, Hg fractionation in water and contents in the animals respond to higher Hg availability in the marine-dominated end of the estuary. The results suggest that the impact of anthropogenic sources on Hg bioavailability is modulated by regional and global environmental changes and results from a conjunction of biological, ecological and hydrological characteristics. Finally, increasing aridity due to global warming, observed in northeast Brazil, as well as in other semiarid littorals worldwide, in addition to increased water overuse, augment Hg bioavailability and environmental risk and exposure of the local biota and the tradition of human populations exploiting the estuary's biological resources.
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Aquatic Ecological Risk of Heavy-Metal Pollution Associated with Degraded Mining Landscapes of the Southern Africa River Basins: A Review. MINERALS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/min12020225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Africa accounts for nearly 30% of the discovered world’s mineral reserves, with half of the world’s platinum group metals deposits, 36% of gold, and 20% of cobalt being in Southern Africa (SA). The intensification of heavy-metal production in the SA region has exacerbated negative human and environmental health impacts. In recent years, mining waste generated from industrial and artisanal mining has significantly affected the ecological integrity of SA aquatic ecosystems due to the accelerated introduction and deposition of heavy metals. However, the extent to which heavy-metal pollution associated with mining has impacted the aquatic ecosystems has not been adequately documented, particularly during bioassessments. This review explores the current aquatic ecological impacts on the heavily mined river basins of SA. It also discusses the approaches to assessing the ecological risks, inherent challenges, and potential for developing an integrated ecological risk assessment protocol for aquatic systems in the region. Progress has been made in developing rapid bioassessment schemes (RBS) for SA aquatic ecosystems. Nevertheless, method integration, which also involves heavy-metal pollution monitoring and molecular technology, is necessary to overcome the current challenges of the standardisation of RBS protocols. Citizenry science will also encourage community and stakeholder involvement in sustainable environmental management in SA.
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Neal-Walthall N, Ndu U, Rivera NA, Elias DA, Hsu-Kim H. Utility of Diffusive Gradient in Thin-Film Passive Samplers for Predicting Mercury Methylation Potential and Bioaccumulation in Freshwater Wetlands. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:1743-1752. [PMID: 35044747 PMCID: PMC9630924 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c06796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a risk in aquatic ecosystems when the metal is converted to methylmercury (MeHg) and subsequently bioaccumulates in aquatic food webs. This risk can be difficult to manage because of the complexity of biogeochemical processes for mercury and the need for accessible techniques to navigate this complexity. Here, we explored the use of diffusive gradient in thin-film (DGT) passive samplers as a tool to simultaneously quantify the methylation potential of inorganic Hg (IHg) and the bioaccumulation potential of MeHg in freshwater wetlands. Outdoor freshwater wetland mesocosms were amended with four isotopically labeled and geochemically relevant IHg forms that represent a range of methylation potentials (202Hg2+, 201Hg-humic acid, 199Hg-sorbed to FeS, and 200HgS nanoparticles). Six weeks after the spikes, we deployed DGT samplers in the mesocosm water and sediments, evaluated DGT-uptake rates of total Hg, MeHg, and IHg (calculated by difference) for the Hg isotope spikes, and examined correlations with total Hg, MeHg, and IHg concentrations in sediment, water, and micro and macrofauna in the ecosystem. In the sediments, we observed greater relative MeHg concentrations from the initially dissolved IHg isotope spikes and lower MeHg levels from the initially particulate IHg spikes. These trends were consistent with uptake flux of IHg into DGTs deployed in surface sediments. Moreover, we observed correlations between total Hg-DGT uptake flux and MeHg levels in periphyton biofilms, submergent plant stems, snails, and mosquitofish in the ecosystem. These correlations were better for DGTs deployed in the water column compared to DGTs in the sediments, suggesting the importance of vertical distribution of bioavailable MeHg in relation to food sources for macrofauna. Overall, these results demonstrate that DGT passive samplers are a relatively simple and efficient tool for predicting IHg methylation and MeHg bioaccumulation potentials without the need to explicitly delineate IHg and MeHg speciation and partitioning in complex ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Neal-Walthall
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Box 90287, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Udonna Ndu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Box 90287, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
- Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, 78412, United States
| | - Nelson A. Rivera
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Box 90287, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Dwayne A. Elias
- Elias Consulting, LLC, Knoxville, Tennessee 37934, United States
| | - Heileen Hsu-Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Box 90287, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
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7
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Webster AM, Cleckner LB, Razavi NR. Mercury Concentrations in Big Brown Bats (Eptesicus fuscus) of the Finger Lakes Region, New York. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 81:1-14. [PMID: 33796893 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-021-00839-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The northeastern United States receives elevated mercury (Hg) deposition from United States and global emissions, making it critical to understand the fate of Hg in watersheds with a variety of aquatic habitats and land use types, such as the Finger Lakes region of New York State. Bats are valuable and important organisms to study chronic Hg exposure, because they are at risk of sublethal effects from elevated Hg exposure. The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) of the Finger Lakes region; (2) assess whether morphometric, temporal, or spatial factors predict bat Hg concentrations; and (3) investigate the role of trophic position and diet represented by stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen in explaining variations in bat Hg concentrations. We found comparable THg and MeHg concentrations to previous studies (THg range 1-45 ppm, MeHg range 0.5-38 ppm) in big brown bat fur collected throughout the Finger Lakes region. On average, MeHg made up 81% of THg in bat fur. Fifteen percent of our samples showed higher THg than a proposed toxicity threshold of 10 ppm. Together, dominant land cover and % wetland cover explained bat THg in the Finger Lakes. Trophic position (i.e., δ15N) was strongest in predicting bat THg in forests but was a weaker predictor of Hg bioaccumulation in bats from agricultural and urban areas. The range of Hg concentrations found in this study warrants further examination into the potential toxicological impacts of Hg to wildlife and the role of land use in Hg exposure to terrestrial organisms of the Finger Lakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby M Webster
- Department of Environmental Biology, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
| | - Lisa B Cleckner
- Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
| | - N Roxanna Razavi
- Department of Environmental Biology, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
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Twining CW, Razavi NR, Brenna JT, Dzielski SA, Gonzalez ST, Lawrence P, Cleckner LB, Flecker AS. Emergent Freshwater Insects Serve as Subsidies of Methylmercury and Beneficial Fatty Acids for Riparian Predators Across an Agricultural Gradient. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:5868-5877. [PMID: 33878866 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c07683] [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] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic-to-terrestrial subsidies have the potential to provide riparian consumers with benefits in terms of physiologically important organic compounds like omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs). However, they also have a "dark side" in the form of exposure to toxicants such as mercury. Human land use intensity may also determine whether subsidies provide benefits or come at a cost for riparian predators. We sampled insects as well as Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) chicks in 2015-2016 within the southern Finger Lakes region to understand how food quality, in terms of n-3 LCPUFAs and methylmercury (MeHg), of emergent freshwater insects compared with that of terrestrial insects and how land use affected the quality of prey, predator diet composition, and MeHg exposure. Across the landscape, freshwater insects had a significantly higher percentage of the n-3 LCPUFA eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) compared to terrestrial insects and contained significantly more MeHg than terrestrial insects did. In spite of differences in MeHg concentrations between aquatic and terrestrial insects, chick MeHg concentrations were not related to diet composition. Instead, chick MeHg concentrations increased with several metrics of human land use intensity, including percent agriculture. Our findings suggest that freshwater subsidies provide predators with both risks and benefits, but that predator MeHg exposure can vary with human land use intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia W Twining
- Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior 78315 Radolfzell, Germany
- Limnological Institute, University of Konstanz 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - N Roxanna Razavi
- Department of Environmental Biology, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
| | - J Thomas Brenna
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University Ithaca, New York 14850, United States
- University of Texas, Austin, Dell Pediatric Research Center Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Sarah A Dzielski
- Department of Environmental Biology, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
| | - Sara T Gonzalez
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, California 95064, United States
| | - Peter Lawrence
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University Ithaca, New York 14850, United States
| | - Lisa B Cleckner
- Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Finger Lakes Institute Geneva, New York 14456, United States
| | - Alexander S Flecker
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University Ithaca, New York 14850, United States
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Donadt C, Cooke CA, Graydon JA, Poesch MS. Mercury bioaccumulation in stream fish from an agriculturally-dominated watershed. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 262:128059. [PMID: 33182110 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Bioaccumulation of mercury in freshwater fish is a complex process driven by environmental and biological factors. In this study, we assessed mercury in fish from four tributaries to the Red Deer River, Alberta, Canada, which are characterized by high surface water mercury concentrations. We used carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopes to examine relationships between fish total mercury (THg) concentrations, food web dynamics and patterns in unfiltered THg and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations. We found that THg concentrations exceeded the tissue residue quality guideline for the protection of wildlife consumers in 99.7% of fish sampled. However, while the surface water THg concentration was highest in Michichi Creek and the MeHg concentration was consistent across streams, patterns of fish THg concentrations varied depending on species. Furthermore, body size and trophic level were only correlated with THg concentrations in white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) and Prussian carp (Carrasius gibelio). The results of this study suggest that mercury poses a risk to the health of piscivorous wildlife in the Red Deer River watershed. Despite high THg concentrations in these streams, mercury bioaccumulation is not driven by environmental inorganic mercury concentrations. Additionally, commonly cited factors associated with mercury concentrations in fish, such as body size and trophic level, may not strongly influence bioaccumulation in these stream ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn Donadt
- University of Alberta, Department of Renewable Resources, 751 General Services Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H1, Canada.
| | - Colin A Cooke
- Alberta Environment and Parks, 9888 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5J 5C6, Canada; University of Alberta, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, 1-28 Earth Sciences Building, T6G 2E3, AB, Canada
| | - Jennifer A Graydon
- Alberta Health, Health Protection Branch, 10025 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5J 1S6, Canada
| | - Mark S Poesch
- University of Alberta, Department of Renewable Resources, 751 General Services Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H1, Canada
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Razavi NR, Halfman JD, Cushman SF, Massey T, Beutner R, Foust J, Gilman B, Cleckner LB. Mercury concentrations in fish and invertebrates of the Finger Lakes in central New York, USA. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 29:1673-1685. [PMID: 31820166 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-019-02132-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Deleterious health effects in humans and wildlife are associated with the consumption of fish contaminated by mercury (Hg). This study was conducted to assess Hg concentrations in biota of the Finger Lakes (New York, USA), a region where fisheries are important for the economy but where no assessment of the drivers of food web Hg dynamics exists to date. Additionally, this region is of interest for the study of Hg bioaccumulation because of the importance of agricultural land cover, which can affect lake trophic status and thus the bioavailability of methyl Hg (MeHg). The study objectives were to (1) assess if fish Hg concentrations were of concern to humans and wildlife, (2) determine if differences in biota Hg concentrations exist among lakes, and (3) assess models developed for New York State as predictors of present day Finger Lakes fish Hg concentrations. Exploratory analyses were also conducted to assess predictors of fish Hg concentrations using lower trophic level MeHg concentrations, water quality, and lake and land cover characteristics. Fish concentrations were above the EPA criterion (300 ng/g wet weight, ww) in 24% of fish, but only Walleye (Sander vitreus) from Owasco Lake exceeded New York State Department of Health consumption guidelines (1000 ng/g ww). The threshold indicating biological changes within fish (500 ng/g ww) was exceeded in 11% of the individuals sampled. Significant differences were found among lakes for all fish species except Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides). Notably, Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush) had significantly lower Hg concentrations in Cayuga Lake compared to other Finger Lakes. This trend was not mirrored in the lower food web, as benthic invertebrates had higher MeHg concentrations in Cayuga Lake. Using models developed for New York State in 2003-2005, observed concentrations in 90% of fish were different (±200 ng/g ww) than expected. Findings from this study suggest Hg dynamics in the Finger Lakes require consideration of fish age, growth rates, and food web structure to accurately predict fish Hg concentrations among lakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Roxanna Razavi
- Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA.
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
| | - John D Halfman
- Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
- Department of Geoscience, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
- Environmental Studies Program, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
| | - Susan F Cushman
- Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
- Environmental Studies Program, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
- Department of Biology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
| | - Trevor Massey
- Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
| | - Robert Beutner
- IT Services, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
| | - John Foust
- Environmental Conservation and Horticulture, Finger Lakes Community College, Canandaigua, NY, 14424, USA
| | - Bruce Gilman
- Environmental Conservation and Horticulture, Finger Lakes Community College, Canandaigua, NY, 14424, USA
| | - Lisa B Cleckner
- Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
- Environmental Studies Program, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
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11
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Ye Z, Mao H, Driscoll CT. Impacts of anthropogenic emissions and meteorology on mercury deposition over lake vs land surface in upstate New York. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 29:1590-1601. [PMID: 31586287 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-019-02113-2] [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] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric deposition is a major input of mercury (Hg) to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. To evaluate Hg pollution mitigation strategies for inland lakes, the two Great Lakes (Ontario and Erie) adjacent to New York State (NYS), and rural land areas of Upstate New York, the relative contributions to atmospheric Hg deposition from anthropogenic emission reductions and meteorological variations were investigated using a regional three-dimensional chemical transport model with detailed Hg and bromine chemistry (CMAQ-newHg-Br). Our simulations suggested that NYS in-state emissions and the Northeastern US emission reductions from 2005 to 2011 did not significantly alter Hg wet and dry deposition in all study areas when averaged over time and space. However, such emission changes significantly altered intensive emission sources (>10 lb/year) with subsequent effects on deposition to nearby water bodies. For the Great Lakes, Hg dry deposition was enhanced by a factor of 2-5 in the adjacent model grids (within distances of ~12 km downwind), and the enhancements decreased to negligible values over ~50 km distances. Over land, anthropogenic emissions contributed 30% of the spatial variation in Hg dry deposition and 46% in ambient concentrations of gaseous oxidized Hg (GOM). Spatial and temporal variations in meteorology and foliar characteristics were found to affect both Hg wet and dry deposition. Convective precipitation significantly contributed to spatial and seasonal variations (~65%) in Hg wet deposition over both lake and land surfaces, whereas wind speed and surface heat flux were the main factors contributing to the spatial variation in Hg dry deposition over the lake surfaces through their impacts on dry deposition velocities of GOM and PBM. Leaf area index, which regulates deposition velocity, contributed 14% of the spatial variation in dry deposition flux over land. Variation in solar radiation, which influences photochemical formation of GOM and PBM, explained ~10% of the spatial variation over lake and land surfaces alike. Findings from our highly focused study suggested broad implications. Future climate change will likely serve to enhance Hg concentrations in biota via increases in Hg dry and wet deposition to varying degrees contingent on land surface type. Hence, liminating the health risks of Hg requires mitigation of both anthropogenic Hg emission hotspots and human-induced climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuyun Ye
- Deparment of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Huiting Mao
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, USA.
| | - Charles T Driscoll
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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12
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Riva-Murray K, Richter W, Roxanna Razavi N, Burns DA, Cleckner LB, Burton M, George SD, Freehafer D. Mercury in fish from streams and rivers in New York State: Spatial patterns, temporal changes, and environmental drivers. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 29:1686-1708. [PMID: 32440861 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-020-02225-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) concentrations in freshwater fish across the state of New York frequently exceed guidelines considered harmful to humans and wildlife, but statewide distribution and temporal changes are not well known for the state's streams and rivers. We analyzed existing data to describe recent spatial patterns, identify key environmental drivers, and assess temporal changes. Size classes within sportfishes and prey fishes formed 'functional taxa' (FT), and standardized scores were generated from 2007-2016 data for 218 sites. Muscle Hg in ≥1 sportfish FT exceeded human-health guidelines of 50 ng/g (sensitive populations) and 300 ng/g (general population, GP) at 93 and 56% of sites, respectively, but exceeded 1000 ng/g (a state threshold) at only 10% of sites. Whole-body Hg in ≥1 prey fish FT exceeded wildlife thresholds of 40 ng/g and 100 ng/g at 91 and 51% of sites, respectively. Environmental drivers of recent spatial patterns include extent of forest cover and storage, the latter an indicator of wetlands. Standardized Hg scores increased with increasing atmospheric Hg deposition and storage across rural 'upland' regions of New York. However, scores were not related to atmospheric deposition in more-developed 'lowland' regions due to the limited methylation potential of urban landscapes. Comparisons of 2010-2015 sportfish Hg concentrations with those of 1998 and 2000-2005 showed inconsistent temporal changes both among and within eight sites examined. Some recent stream and river fish Hg spatial patterns differed from those of lake-based studies, highlighting the importance of New York's flowing waters to future Hg monitoring and risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Riva-Murray
- U.S. Geological Survey, New York Water Science Center, Troy, NY, 12180, USA.
| | - Wayne Richter
- Division of Fish and Wildlife, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Albany, NY, 12233, USA
- Department of Biology, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, USA
| | - N Roxanna Razavi
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Douglas A Burns
- U.S. Geological Survey, New York Water Science Center, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Lisa B Cleckner
- Finger Lakes Institute, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY, 14556, USA
| | - Mark Burton
- Biodiversity Research Institute, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Scott D George
- U.S. Geological Survey, New York Water Science Center, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Douglas Freehafer
- U.S. Geological Survey, New York Water Science Center, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
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13
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Li S, Baiyun R, Lv Z, Li J, Han D, Zhao W, Yu L, Deng N, Liu Z, Zhang Z. Exploring the kidney hazard of exposure to mercuric chloride in mice:Disorder of mitochondrial dynamics induces oxidative stress and results in apoptosis. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 234:822-829. [PMID: 31247492 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.06.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is one of the 10 toxic chemicals with major public health concerns. Continuous exposure to low levels of heavy metals including mercury is related to renal injury, especially in children. This study investigated the possible molecular mechanism of inorganic mercury-induced kidney injury. Twenty eight Kunming mice were divided into four groups (n = 7), and treated with 0, 20, 40, 80 mg/L mercuric chloride (HgCl2) in drinking water for 16 weeks respectively. All the HgCl2 exposure mice displayed different degrees of renal injury, which was diagnosed by hematoxylin and eosin stain, biochemical analysis, and ultrastructure examination. The treatment of HgCl2 inhibited the silent information regulator two ortholog 1 (Sirt1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) signaling pathway and resulted the disorder of mitochondrial dynamics, as evidenced by the increasing expression of dynamin-related protein 1 and decreasing expression of mitofusin 2. Meanwhile, HgCl2 inhibited the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) axis. The abnormality of mitochondrial dynamics and the suppression of Nrf2 axis exacerbated oxidative stress, and then induced cell apoptosis. These findings demonstrated that the disorder of mitochondrial dynamics induced by HgCl2 activated oxidative stress, and further resulted in renal apoptosis through inhibiting the Sirt1/PGC-1α signaling pathway and the Nrf2 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Ruiqi Baiyun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Zhanjun Lv
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Harbin 150030, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, 600 Changjiang Road, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jiayi Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Dongxu Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Wenyue Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Lanjie Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Ning Deng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Zhiyan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Zhigang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Harbin 150030, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, 600 Changjiang Road, Harbin 150030, China.
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Janssen SE, Riva-Murray K, DeWild JF, Ogorek JM, Tate MT, Van Metre PC, Krabbenhoft DP, Coles JF. Chemical and Physical Controls on Mercury Source Signatures in Stream Fish from the Northeastern United States. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:10110-10119. [PMID: 31390861 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b03394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Streams in the northeastern U.S. receive mercury (Hg) in varying proportions from atmospheric deposition and legacy point sources, making it difficult to attribute shifts in fish concentrations directly back to changes in Hg source management. Mercury stable isotope tracers were utilized to relate sources of Hg to co-located fish and bed sediments from 23 streams across a forested to urban-industrial land-use gradient within this region. Mass-dependent isotopes (δ202Hg) in prey and game fish at forested sites were depleted (medians -0.95 and -0.83 ‰, respectively) in comparison to fish from urban-industrial settings (medians -0.26 and -0.38 ‰, respectively); the forested site group also had higher prey fish Hg concentrations. The separation of Hg isotope signatures in fish was strongly related to in-stream and watershed land-use indicator variables. Fish isotopes were strongly correlated with bed sediment isotopes, but the isotopic offset between the two matrices was variable due to differing ecosystem-specific drivers controlling the extent of MeHg formation. The multivariable approach of analyzing watershed characteristics and stream chemistry reveals that the Hg isotope composition in fish is linked to current and historic Hg sources in the northeastern U.S. and can be used to trace bioaccumulated Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Janssen
- United States Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center , Middleton , Wisconsin 53562 , United States
| | - Karen Riva-Murray
- United States Geological Survey, New York Water Science Center , Troy , New York 12180 , United States
| | - John F DeWild
- United States Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center , Middleton , Wisconsin 53562 , United States
| | - Jacob M Ogorek
- United States Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center , Middleton , Wisconsin 53562 , United States
| | - Michael T Tate
- United States Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center , Middleton , Wisconsin 53562 , United States
| | - Peter C Van Metre
- United States Geological Survey, Texas Water Science Center Austin , Texas 78754 , United States
| | - David P Krabbenhoft
- United States Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center , Middleton , Wisconsin 53562 , United States
| | - James F Coles
- United States Geological Survey, New England Water Science Center Northborough , Massachusetts 01532 , United States
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