Environmental mercury contamination in China: sources and impacts

Potential human health risk assessment associated with Hg, Cd, Pb, and As in sardines and shrimp from four Egyptian coastal governorates

Heavy metal contamination in seafood is a developing concern due to the potential negative consequences on human health. Egypt's coastal regions are important for seafood production and consumption, making it critical to assess the safety of these aquatic resources. The current study examined toxic metal levels (Hg, Pb, Cd, and AS) in 96 samples of sardine and shrimp from four Egyptian coastal governorates (Alexandria, Kafr El-Sheikh, Damietta, and Port Said) from 2019 to 2021. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used to investigate the four hazardous metals. The recovery percentages of the determined metals ranged between 97 % and 99 %. Limits of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for the determined metals ranged from 0.001 to 0.0077 mg/l and from 0.0035 to 0.026 mg/l, respectively. Mercury (Hg) was not found in any of the samples tested. The concentrations of Pb and Cd in the sardines and shrimp samples were higher in the winter seasons than in the summer seasons. Meanwhile, the difference in seasons had no effect on the concentration of As in the sardines and shrimp samples. The highest concentrations of the other three metals in the sardine and shrimp samples were used to calculate the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and Hazard Index (HI). The obtained THQ as well as the HI of Pb, Cd, and As were all less than 1.0 (with the exception of sardine samples from Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, which recorded 1.262), indicating that there is no significant health risk to the consumer from consuming such sardines and shrimp from these governorates. The effect of different seasons on the concentrations of the metals under study does not have a specific behavior, but varies according to the governorate, the type of sample, and the type of contaminated metal. Due to the high level of contamination with heavy metals in sardine samples collected from Kafr El-Sheikh governorate (TTHQ = 1.26), an environmental study is required to determine the causes of contamination and control them.

Prioritization of chemical food safety hazards in the European feed supply chain

Extensive monitoring programs of chemical hazards in the animal feed chain are in place, both organized by public and private organizations. The objective of this review was to prioritize chemical hazards for monitoring in the European animal feed supply chain. A step-wise approach was designed for the prioritization, based on: historical occurrence of the chemicals in animal feed ingredients and animal feeds (in relation to European guidance values or maximum limits in feed); information on transfer of the chemical to edible animal products, and; the extent of human dietary intake of the products and possible adverse human health effects of the chemical. Possible prioritization outcomes were: high (H), medium (M), or low (L) priority for monitoring, or classification not possible (NC) because of limited available data on the transfer of the chemical to edible animal tissues. The selection of chemicals included (with results in parentheses): dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (H); brominated flame retardants (H); per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (H); the heavy metals arsenic (H) and cadmium (H) as well as lead (M) and mercury (M); aflatoxins (H), ochratoxin A (NC), and other mycotoxins (L); pyrrolizidine alkaloids (H) and other plant toxins (NC); organochlorine pesticides (H) and other pesticides (L); pharmaceutically active substances (M); hormones (NC); polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (L), heat-induced processing contaminants (NC), and mineral oils (NC). Results of this study can be used to support risk-based monitoring by food safety authorities and feed-producing companies in Europe.

Exploring the origins and cleanup of mercury contamination: a comprehensive review

Mercury is a global pollutant that poses significant risks to human health and the environment. Natural sources of mercury include volcanic eruptions, while anthropogenic sources include industrial processes, artisanal and small-scale gold mining, and fossil fuel combustion. Contamination can arise through various pathways, such as atmospheric deposition, water and soil contamination, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification in food chains. Various remediation strategies, including phytoremediation, bioremediation, chemical oxidation/reduction, and adsorption, have been developed to address mercury pollution, including physical, chemical, and biological approaches. The effectiveness of remediation techniques depends on the nature and extent of contamination and site-specific conditions. This review discusses the challenges associated with mercury pollution and remediation, including the need for effective monitoring and management strategies. Overall, this review offers a comprehensive understanding of mercury contamination and the range of remediation techniques available to mitigate its adverse impacts.

Mitigating the Accumulation of Mercury (Hg) and Lead (Pb) through Humic Acid Application under Aquaponic Conditions Using Watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.) as a Model Plant

In aquaponic farming, there is a potential risk that heavy metals will contaminate the water, which can lead to heavy metal accumulation in the plants. Our research investigated the accumulation of mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) under aquaponic conditions and the effect of their increased presence on the uptake of other macro- and micronutrients using watercress (Nasturtium officinale) as a model plant. The potential modifying effect of humic acid on heavy metal accumulation was also investigated. Adding Hg and Pb increased the mercury and lead levels of the watercress plants to over 300 µg kg-1, while the addition of humic acid significantly reduced the concentration of both mercury and lead in the plants compared to plants treated with heavy metals alone, from 310.647 µg kg-1 to 196.320 µg kg-1 for Hg and from 313.962 µg kg-1 to 203.508 µg kg-1 for Pb. For Fe and Mn, higher values were obtained for the Hg + humic acid treatments (188.13 mg kg-1 and 6423.92 µg kg-1, respectively) and for the Pb + humic acid treatments (198.26 mg kg-1 and 6454.31 µg kg-1, respectively). Conversely, the Na, K, Cu levels were lower compared to those in plants treated with heavy metals alone. Our results demonstrated that watercress can accumulate mercury, leading to high levels, even above food safety standards, highlighting the importance of water quality control in aquaponic systems. Furthermore, these results suggest that watercress could be used as a natural filter in recirculation systems. The addition of humic acid significantly reduced the accumulation of heavy metals and altered the element content in the plant.

Global mercury concentrations in biota: their use as a basis for a global biomonitoring framework

An important provision of the Minamata Convention on Mercury is to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the adopted measures and its implementation. Here, we describe for the first time currently available biotic mercury (Hg) data on a global scale to improve the understanding of global efforts to reduce the impact of Hg pollution on people and the environment. Data from the peer-reviewed literature were compiled in the Global Biotic Mercury Synthesis (GBMS) database (>550,000 data points). These data provide a foundation for establishing a biomonitoring framework needed to track Hg concentrations in biota globally. We describe Hg exposure in the taxa identified by the Minamata Convention: fish, sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals. Based on the GBMS database, Hg concentrations are presented at relevant geographic scales for continents and oceanic basins. We identify some effective regional templates for monitoring methylmercury (MeHg) availability in the environment, but overall illustrate that there is a general lack of regional biomonitoring initiatives around the world, especially in Africa, Australia, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and South Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Temporal trend data for Hg in biota are generally limited. Ecologically sensitive sites (where biota have above average MeHg tissue concentrations) have been identified throughout the world. Efforts to model and quantify ecosystem sensitivity locally, regionally, and globally could help establish effective and efficient biomonitoring programs. We present a framework for a global Hg biomonitoring network that includes a three-step continental and oceanic approach to integrate existing biomonitoring efforts and prioritize filling regional data gaps linked with key Hg sources. We describe a standardized approach that builds on an evidence-based evaluation to assess the Minamata Convention's progress to reduce the impact of global Hg pollution on people and the environment.

The role of the macroalgae Ulva lactuca on the cellular effects of neodymium and mercury in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis

Rare earth elements (REEs) are increasingly being studied mainly due to their economic importance and wide range of applications, but also for their rising environmental concentrations and potential environmental and ecotoxicological impacts. Among REEs, neodymium (Nd) is widely used in lasers, glass additives, and magnets. Currently, NdFeB-based permanent magnets are the most significant components of electronic devices and Nd is used because of its magnetic properties. In addition to REEs, part of the environmental pollution related to electrical and electronic equipment, fluorescent lamps and batteries also comes from mercury (Hg). Since both elements persist in ecosystems and are continuously accumulated by marine organisms, a promising approach for water decontamination has emerged. Through a process known as sorption, live marine macroalgae can be used, especially Ulva lactuca, to accumulate potential toxic elements from the water. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the cellular toxicity of Nd and Hg in Mytilus galloprovincialis, comparing the biochemical effects induced by these elements in the presence or absence of the macroalgae U. lactuca. The results confirmed that Hg was more toxic to mussels than Nd, but also showed the good capability of U. lactuca in preventing the onset of cellular disturbance and homeostasis disruption in M. galloprovincialis by reducing bioavailable Hg levels. Overall, the biochemical parameters evaluated related to metabolism, antioxidant and biotransformation defences, redox balance, and cellular damage, showed that algae could prevent biological effects in mussels exposed to Hg compared to those exposed to Nd. This study contributes to the advancement of knowledge in this field, namely the understanding of the impacts of different elements on bivalves and the crucial role of algae in the protection of other aquatic organisms.

Bioaccumulation of Lead and Mercury in Water, Sediment, and Fish Samples of Baraila Lake, Vaishali, Bihar

In the current study, a protected subtropical wetland in Bihar (India), Baraila Lake, was investigated for heavy metal (Pb and Hg) status. These metals tend to bioaccumulate in fish, posing a concern to human health. This study reported the concentration of lead and mercury in water, sediment, and fish muscles of Baraila Lake in the year 2022. The samples were collected from pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons at four sampling locations, i.e., Loma, Dhulwar, Chakaiya, and Kawai Baraila, and were analyzed in triplicates. Lead concentration in water samples of all four sites of Baraila Lake observed during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season exceeded the permissible limit for drinking water, while the mercury concentration of all sites was under the permissible limit in both seasons as prescribed by WHO. The extent of elemental pollution was evaluated using the Geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), contamination degree (Cd), ecological risk factor (Er), and the potential ecological risk index (Ri). Lead concentration in fish muscles of both seasons exceeded the permissible limit, while the concentration of mercury exceeded in Xenentodon cancila (0.55 ± 0.07 µg/g) during the pre-monsoon season. Also, estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI) were calculated in different fish muscles to assess potential human health risks. A higher THQ value of 1.303 was observed in carnivore fish during the pre-monsoon season.

Pollution Characteristics and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in the Sediments of the Inflow Rivers of Dianchi Lake, China

To explore the contamination status and identify the source of the heavy metals in the sediments in the major inflow rivers of Dianchi Lake in China, sediment samples were collected and analyzed. Specifically, the distribution, source, water quality, and health risk assessment of the heavy metals were analyzed using correlation analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), the heavy metal contamination factor (Cf), the pollution load index (PLI), and the potential ecological risk index (PERI). Additionally, the chemical fractions were analyzed for mobility characteristics. The results indicate that the average concentration of the heavy metals in the sediment ranked in the descending order of Zn > Cr > Cu > Pb > As > Ni > Cd > Hg, and most of the elements existed in less-mobile forms. The Cfwas in the order of Hg > Zn > Cd > As > Pb > Cr > Ni; the accumulation of Hg, Zn, Cd, and As was obvious. Although the spatial variability of the heavy metal contents was pronounced, the synthetical evaluation index of the PLI and PERI both reached a high pollution level. The PCA and CA results indicate that industrial, transportation, and agricultural emissions were the dominant factors causing heavy metal pollution. These results provide important data for improving water resource management efficiency and heavy metal pollution prevention in Dianchi Lake.

What does scientometry tell us about mercury toxicology and its biological impairments?

Mercury is a toxic pollutant that poses risks to both human and environmental health, making it a pressing public health concern. This study aimed to summarize the knowledge on mercury toxicology and the biological impairments caused by exposure to mercury in experimental studies and/or diagnosis in humans. The research was conducted on the main collection of Web of Science, employing as a methodological tool a bibliometric analysis. The selected articles were analyzed, and extracted data such as publication year, journal, author, title, number of citations, corresponding author's country, keywords, and the knowledge mapping was performed about the type of study, chemical form of mercury, exposure period, origin of exposure, tissue/fluid of exposure measurement, mercury concentration, evaluation period (age), mercury effect, model experiments, dose, exposure pathway, and time of exposure. The selected articles were published between 1965 and 2021, with Clarkson TW being the most cited author who has also published the most articles. A total of 38% of the publications were from the USA. These studies assessed the prenatal and postnatal effects of mercury, emphasizing the impact of methylmercury on neurodevelopment, including motor and cognitive evaluations, the association between mercury and autism, and an evaluation of its protective effects against mercury toxicity. In observational studies, the blood, umbilical cord, and hair were the most frequently used for measuring mercury levels. Our data analysis reveals that mercury neurotoxicology has been extensively explored, but the association among the outcomes evaluated in experimental studies has yet to be strengthened. Providing metric evidence on what is unexplored allows for new studies that may help governmental and non-governmental organizations develop guidelines and policies.

Sea anemones, methylmercury, and bacterial infection: A closer look at multiple stressors

Specimens of the Mediterranean sea anemone Anemonia viridis were exposed to methylmercury (MeHg) and bacterial infection to study their immune responses to a well-known toxic pollutant. Anemones were housed in laboratory conditions and divided into five experimental groups: 1. control (no microinjection); 2. filtered seawater + buffer injection; 3. filtered seawater + Escherichia coli injection; 4. MeHg + buffer injection; 5. MeHg + E. coli injection. Data showed an increase in antioxidant enzyme production compared to the constitutive condition, while methylmercury inhibited lysozyme production. The buffer inoculation had no statistically significant effects on the animals. In addition, electrophoretic and protease analyses revealed differences in the type of proteins produced, as well as a modulation of proteases depending on the treatment. The study demonstrated the immunomodulatory effect of the organic pollutant on A. viridis, validating its use as a model organism for marine coastal biomonitoring programmes and multiple stress studies.

Total mercury and selenium levels in commercial shrimp along the Pacific coast of Mexico

The present study analyzed the content of total mercury (THg) and selenium (Se) in the muscle of shrimp collected from local markets in the 11 Pacific coastal states of Mexico. Methylmercury (MeHg) concentration, Se:Hg ratio, health benefits value from selenium consumption (HBVSe) and the permissible weekly consumption were estimated to assess the health risk to consumers. All THg and Se concentrations were below the maximum permissible limits. All hazard quotient (HQ) values were <1, however in Hermosillo, Culiacán and Guadalajara, the Se:Hg ratio and HBVSe were <1 and negative, due to the low concentrations of Se. As a general conclusion, there is no risk nor benefit from the consumption of shrimp from the Pacific coast of Mexico due to its Hg and Se content.

Identification of Novel QTL for Mercury Accumulation in Maize Using an Enlarged SNP Panel

Mercury (Hg) pollution not only poses a threat to the environment but also adversely affects the growth and development of plants, with potential repercussions for animals and humans through bioaccumulation in the food chain. Maize, a crucial source of food, industrial materials, and livestock feed, requires special attention in understanding the genetic factors influencing mercury accumulation. Developing maize varieties with low mercury accumulation is vital for both maize production and human health. In this study, a comprehensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using an enlarged SNP panel comprising 1.25 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 230 maize inbred lines across three environments. The analysis identified 111 significant SNPs within 78 quantitative trait loci (QTL), involving 169 candidate genes under the Q model. Compared to the previous study, the increased marker density and optimized statistical model led to the discovery of 74 additional QTL, demonstrating improved statistical power. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that most genes participate in arsenate reduction and stress responses. Notably, GRMZM2G440968, which has been reported in previous studies, is associated with the significant SNP chr6.S_155668107 in axis tissue. It encodes a cysteine proteinase inhibitor, implying its potential role in mitigating mercury toxicity by inhibiting cysteine. Haplotype analyses provided further insights, indicating that lines carrying hap3 exhibited the lowest mercury content compared to other haplotypes. In summary, our study significantly enhances the statistical power of GWAS, identifying additional genes related to mercury accumulation and metabolism. These findings offer valuable insights into unraveling the genetic basis of mercury content in maize and contribute to the development of maize varieties with low mercury accumulation.

Variability in methylmercury exposure across migratory terrestrial bird species: Influencing factors, biomagnification and potential risks

Despite China's considerable mercury (Hg) emissions, monitoring of methylmercury (MeHg) levels in its terrestrial environments remains limited. This study examined the occurrence and accumulation of MeHg in body feathers of 12 migratory terrestrial bird species originating from Siberia and northeastern China. Considerable variations in foraging habits and MeHg levels were observed among these species. Accipiters, including Eurasian and Japanese sparrowhawks (A. gularis and A. nisus) and northern goshawk (A. gentilis), along with insectivorous songbirds including grey-backed thrush (T. hortulorum) and orange-flanked bluetail (T. cyanurus), showed notable levels of MeHg (0.62-1.20 mg/kg). Up to 25 % of the individuals within these species were classified as low-risk based on feather Hg toxicity thresholds, while the remaining species fell into the no-risk category. Despite showing enriched δ15N, MeHg concentrations in short-eared and long-eared owls (A. flammeus and A. otus) were lower than in sparrowhawks. The herbivorous oriental turtle dove (S. orientalis) exhibited significantly lower MeHg levels compared to all other species. There was a significant positive correlation between MeHg concentrations and δ15N across species, highlighting the substantial biomagnification potential of MeHg within the terrestrial food web. Additionally, we found significantly higher MeHg levels in adults than juveniles in both sparrowhawk species. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of utilizing migratory bird feathers for monitoring terrestrial Hg contamination, and underscore the importance of further assessment.

The concentration and prevalence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in cheese: a global systematic review and meta-analysis

The present study aimed to systematically review the concentration of different PTEs, including Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), and Cadmium (Cd) in cheese among some databases between 2000 and 2021 (from 57 included studies). Estimated concentrations of 160.78 (95% CI = 119.24-202.28), 15.68 (95% CI = 11.88-19.48), 16.94 (95% CI = 13.29-20.59), and 2.47 (95% CI = 1.70-3.23) µg/kg were calculated for As, Pb, Cd, and Hg, respectively. Most of the studies for PTEs are related to Pb, about 40% of the studies, compared to As, which has fewer studies. The results showed that As and Hg concentrations were lower than the Codex Alimentarius Commission standard limits. Nevertheless, Cd and Pb concentrations were higher than the standard limit values. Results showed that cheese making, the ripening period, fat content, and texture are influential factors in a high level of Pb and Cd in cheese samples.

Atmospheric mercury and its deposition during the phasing out of an amalgam electrolysis plant: temporal, seasonal, and spatial patterns

Large amounts of mercury (Hg) were consumed and emitted into the atmosphere during the process of amalgam electrolysis used to produce chlorine and caustic soda since the nineteenth century. In Europe, amalgam electrolysis has been gradually replaced by advanced Hg-free technologies. In this work, we describe changes in atmospheric Hg and bulk Hg wet deposition during the phasing out of an amalgam electrolytic production line of a chlor-alkali plant in Neratovice, Czech Republic, central Europe. Bulk wet deposition Hg near the chlor-alkali plant was low at 3.6 ± 0.8 μg m-2 year-1 due in part to low annual precipitation amounts (486 ± 97 mm) in the period 2015-2021. Nevertheless, Hg deposition was elevated relative to a nearby reference site both before and after decommissioning of the electrolytic line. Switching off the amalgam electrolytic line did not notably affect bulk wet deposition Hg near the chlor-alkali plant. Levels of gaseous elemental Hg (GEM) and particle-bound Hg (PBM) monitored seasonally four times per year over 24-h time periods indicated rapid declines in four nearby settlements set in cardinal directions from the Hg emission source. Mean atmospheric GEM and PBM concentrations decreased rapidly from 9.0 ± 2.1 ng m-3 and 243 ± 255 pg m-3 in the period 2013-2017 when amalgam electrolysis was operating to 3.3 ± 0.4 ng m-3 and 32 ± 6 pg m-3 in the period 2018-2021 after its decommissioning in November 2017. Seasonal changes of GEM coincided with changes in temperature with the highest concentrations in summer, while PBM air levels were lowest in summer due to the highest seasonal precipitation amount. GEM concentrations at the four monitored settlements at Neratovice remained elevated at 2.8 ng m-3 with respect to regional background, but PBM levels decreased to background levels.

Mercury chloride activates the IFNγ-IRF1 signaling in myeloid progenitors and promotes monopoiesis in mice

Inorganic mercury (Hg2+) is a highly toxic heavy metal in the environment. To date, the impacts of Hg2+ on the development of monocytes, or monopoiesis, have not been fully addressed. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of Hg2+ on monopoiesis. In this study, we treated B10.S mice and DBA/2 mice with 10 μM or 50 μM HgCl2 via drinking water for 4 wk, and we then evaluated the development of monocytes. Treatment with 50 μM HgCl2, but not 10 μM HgCl2, increased the number of monocytes in the blood, spleen and bone marrow (BM) of B10.S mice. Accordingly, treatment with 50 μM HgCl2, but not 10 μM HgCl2, increased the number of common myeloid progenitors (CMP) and granulocyte-macrophage progenitors (GMP) in the BM. Functional analyses indicated that treatment with 50 μM HgCl2 promoted the differentiation of CMP and GMP to monocytes in the BM of B10.S mice. Mechanistically, treatment with 50 μM HgCl2 induced the production of IFNγ, which activated the Jak1/3-STAT1/3-IRF1 signaling in CMP and GMP and enhanced their differentiation potential for monocytes in the BM, thus likely leading to increased number of mature monocytes in B10.S mice. Moreover, the increased monopoiesis by Hg2+ was associated with the increased inflammatory status in B10.S mice. In contrast, treatment with 50 μM HgCl2 did not impact the monopoiesis in DBA/2 mice. Our study reveals the impact of Hg on the development of monocytes.

Distribution, contamination assessment, and sources of heavy metals in surface sediments from the south of the North Yellow Sea, China

This paper reports the contents of six heavy metals and particle sizes in the surface sediments of 120 sampling stations in the southern North Yellow Sea to reveal heavy metal distribution characteristics, contamination assessment, and sources. Cu and Cr enrichments were mainly found in coastal areas with high mud content (silt and clay). However, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Hg were enriched in Weihai Bay and Dongpu Bay, which have denser populations, estuaries, and shipyards. The geoaccumulation index and principal component analysis showed that Cu and Cr contamination was low, and the sources were mainly natural processes. In addition, Zn and Cd pollution in the nearshore area was moderate, and its provenance was natural processes and human activity. However, most areas exhibited Pb and Hg contamination due to waterborne traffic and industries, including shipbuilding and gold mining.

Recent Advances in Mechanical Vibration Energy Harvesters Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerators

With the development of autonomous/smart technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT), tremendous wireless sensor nodes (WSNs) are of great importance to realize intelligent mechanical engineering, which is significant in the industrial and social fields. However, current power supply methods, cable and battery for instance, face challenges such as layout difficulties, high cost, short life, and environmental pollution. Meanwhile, vibration is ubiquitous in machinery, vehicles, structures, etc., but has been regarded as an unwanted by-product and wasted in most cases. Therefore, it is crucial to harvest mechanical vibration energy to achieve in situ power supply for these WSNs. As a recent energy conversion technology, triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is particularly good at harvesting such broadband, weak, and irregular mechanical energy, which provides a feasible scheme for the power supply of WSNs. In this review, recent achievements of mechanical vibration energy harvesting (VEH) related to mechanical engineering based on TENG are systematically reviewed from the perspective of contact-separation (C-S) and freestanding modes. Finally, existing challenges and forthcoming development orientation of the VEH based on TENG are discussed in depth, which will be conducive to the future development of intelligent mechanical engineering in the era of IoT.

RNA-Seq Analysis of Aboveground and Underground Parts of Biomass Sorghum Was Performed to Evaluate Its Suitability for Environmental Remediation

"Alto2" is a new biomass sorghum variety, which has the characteristics of fast growth, high growth, and strong cadmium (Cd) resistance, so it has the application prospect of soil remediation plants. In order to reveal the Cd resistance mechanism of this plant and pave the way for genetic breeding and cultivation of efficient remediation plants in the future, in this research, through the determination of Cd content in various tissues of sorghum under Cd stress and the physicochemical response combined with RNA-Seq analysis, the mechanism of Cd resistance of "Alto2" was initially revealed. The results show biomass sorghum "Alto2" was mainly connected with aboveground and underground parts through the MAPK signaling pathway and plant hormone signaling pathway, and transmit stress signal in response to Cd stress. Chelase and metal-binding proteins may be the functional genes mainly responsible for Cd enrichment and transport and regulated by stress signals. However, the expression of aboveground transporters was not significant. This may be because Cd in biomass sorghum is mainly concentrated in the underground part and is enriched by the chelation of secondary metabolites from plant roots by the cell wall leading to inhibition of aboveground transporter expression. The results of this study indicate that the biomass sorghum "Alto2" on Cd has high resistance, but the lack of the aboveground enrichment of transportability requires further research to improve the Cd transportability of this plant.

Heavy metals in Chinese freshwater fish: Levels, regional distribution, sources and health risk assessment

China is a major producer and consumer of freshwater fish, which can provide nutrients to the human body but is also of great concern because of the bioaccumulation and amplification of heavy metals that are directly related to human health. In this paper, we reviewed the accumulation and distribution patterns of lead (Pb), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) in freshwater fish from 2010 to 2020 in nine basins of China (Yangtze River, Pearl River, Yellow River, Haihe River, Huaihe River, Songhua and Liaohe River, Continental, Southeast, and Southwest basins), assessed the health risks, and compared them with those in Chinese marine fish, international freshwater fish, Chinese wild freshwater fish, and artificially cultured freshwater fish. The results showed that 1) the pollution status of the five heavy metals in freshwater fish from nine basins in China is at an intermediate level internationally; 2) the magnitude of heavy metal concentration in four types of artificially farmed freshwater fish and wild freshwater fish is ranked as follows: rice-farmed fish < cage-farmed fish < pond-farmed fish < lake-farmed fish < wild fish; 3) the noncarcinogenic risk factors for heavy metals in freshwater fish in the nine major basins in China were <1 for adults, but the noncarcinogenic risk factors for heavy metals in freshwater fish in the Yellow River, Yangtze River, Pearl River, Songhua and Liaohe River, and Huaihe River basins were all >1 for children.

The timing and magnitude of anthropogenic mercury pollution: A 200-year record from multi-lake sediment cores in northeast China

The recent substantial expansion of human activities in northeast (NE) China has resulted in increased emission of environmental pollutants. Longer-term records of such environmental pollutants provide a benchmark against which it is possible to evaluate the nature, extent and timing of anthropogenic environmental changes. Based on measurements of mercury (Hg) concentrations and accumulation rates in 11 lake sediment cores from the Songnen Plain in NE China, we here present a reconstruction of the historical deposition of Hg as an indicator of the changing scale of human impact. The results demonstrate an increasing trend of Hg concentration, concurrent with elevated anthropogenic emissions, beginning from the early 1900s, accelerating through the mid-1950s and slightly decreasing from the late 1990s onwards. The increase in anthropogenic Hg coincides with the reform and opening up of China, which precipitated social and economic transformation, and rapid industrial and economic growth. Measurements of the Hg enrichment factor in all the cores enables identification of the anthropogenic contribution to Hg accumulation. The geoaccumulation index indicates that the lakes are in general moderately polluted by Hg. The historical trend of Hg accumulation rate parallels the temporal progression of biomass burning and fossil fuel consumption in the region. The findings elucidate the extent of anthropogenic pollution in the Anthropocene and underline the importance of identifying Hg sources to reduce emissions and guide the implementation of effective mitigation strategies.

Mercury contamination in the riparian ecosystem during the reservoir discharging regulated by a mega dam

Mercury (Hg) is extremely poisonous and can be absorbed through touch, inhalation, or consumption. In the living environment, Hg in contaminated sediment can be transferred into grass by the direct absorption through the roots or shoots. The intake of Hg due to Hg emissions may pose a threat to living bodies especially to human beings. The present study aims to provide a novel insight about total mercury (THg) and methyl mercury (MeHg) in a riparian grass (Cynodon dactylon (L).Pers) and sediments during the discharging phase (summertime at 145 m water level) in Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR-China); where C. dactylon is a dominant perennial herb in the riparian zone. Yet, the potential risk of Hg contamination in the riparian ecosystem is not thoroughly assessed in the dam regulated reservoir. This study was conducted in the riparian zones of the reservoir formed by a mega dam (Three Gorge Dam) which regulates the water levels during the summer and winter period in the TGR. Our results showed that riparian sediments were acting as a sink for THg and MeHg. Insignificant correlation of THg and MeHg was found between the amphiphyte C. dactylon and its surrounding sediments in the TGR. Bioconcentration factors values for MeHg were found higher than 1 in all study locations in the riparian zones in TGR, which could be due to action of certain bacteria/purely chemical-based methylation on inorganic form of Hg. Additionally, translocation factor indices also highlighted that the amphiphyte C. dactylon was MeHg accumulator in riparian zones. These results suggested that since riparian sediment was found acting as the sink for THg and MeHg during discharging phase, MeHg contamination in the amphiphyte C. dactylon in riparian zones was not caused by the riparian sediments but by other factors, for instance, the anthropogenic activities in the TGR. Finally, this study leads to conclude that amphiphyte C. dactylon can be used as biomonitoring agent for Hg pollution in the TGR.

The effects of different temperatures in mercury toxicity to the terrestrial isopod Porcellionides pruinosus

Climate changes and metal contamination are pervasive stressors for soil ecosystems. Mercury (Hg), one of the most toxic metals, has been reported to interact with temperature. However, compared to aquatic biota, little is known about how temperature affects Hg toxicity and bioaccumulation to soil organisms. Here, toxicity and bioaccumulation experiments were replicated at 15 °C, 20 °C, and 25 °C to understand how sub-optimal temperatures affect the toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics of Hg via soil. Genotoxicity and energy reserves were also assessed to disclose potential trade-offs in life-history traits. Results underpin the complexity of temperature-Hg interactions. Survival was determined mainly by toxicokinetics, but toxicodynamics also played a significant role in defining survival probability during early stages. The processes determining survival probability were faster at 25 °C: General Unified Threshold of Survival (GUTS) model identified an earlier/steeper decline in survival, compared to 20 °C or 15 °C, but it also approached the threshold faster. Despite potentiation of Hg genotoxicity, temperature promoted faster detoxification, either increasing toxicokinetics rates or damage repair mechanisms. This metabolism-driven increase in detoxification led to higher depletion of energy reserves and likely triggered stress response pathways. This work emphasized the need for comprehensive experimental approaches that can integrate the multiple processes involved in temperature-metal interactions.

Mercury Contamination in Fish and Its Effects on the Health of Pregnant Women and Their Fetuses, and Guidance for Fish Consumption-A Narrative Review

As a principal source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (3FAs), which provide vital health benefits, fish consumption also comes with the additional benefit of being rich in diverse nutrients (e.g., vitamins and selenium, high in proteins and low in saturated fats, etc.). The consumption of fish and other seafood products has been significantly promoted universally, given that fish is an important part of a healthy diet. However, many documents indicate that fish may also be a potential source of exposure to chemical pollutants, especially mercury (Hg) (one of the top ten chemicals or groups of chemicals of concern worldwide), and this is a grave concern for many consumers, especially pregnant women, as this could affect their fetuses. In this review, the definition of Hg and its forms and mode of entrance into fish are introduced in detail and, moreover, the bio-accumulation of Hg in fish and its toxicity and action mechanisms on fish and humans, especially considering the health of pregnant women and their fetuses after the daily intake of fish, are also reviewed. Finally, some feasible and constructive suggestions and guidelines are recommended for the specific group of pregnant women for the consumption of balanced and appropriate fish diets in a rational manner.

Pollution-Derived Br2 Boosts Oxidation Power of the Coastal Atmosphere

The bromine atom (Br^•) has been known to destroy ozone (O₃) and accelerate the deposition of toxic mercury (Hg). However, its abundance and sources outside the polar regions are not well-known. Here, we report significant levels of molecular bromine (Br₂)─a producer of Br^•─observed at a coastal site in Hong Kong, with an average noontime mixing ratio of 5 ppt. Given the short lifetime of Br₂ (∼1 min at noon), this finding reveals a large Br₂ daytime source. On the basis of laboratory and field evidence, we show that the observed daytime Br₂ is generated by the photodissociation of particulate nitrate (NO₃^-) and that the reactive uptake of dinitrogen pentoxide (N₂O₅) on aerosols is an important nighttime source. Model-calculated Br^• concentrations are comparable with that of the OH radical─the primary oxidant in the troposphere, accounting for 24% of the oxidation of isoprene, a 13% increase in net O₃ production, and a nearly 10-fold increase in the production rate of toxic Hg^II. Our findings reveal that reactive bromines play a larger role in the atmospheric chemistry and air quality of polluted coastal and maritime areas than previously thought. Our results also suggest that tightening the control of emissions of two conventional pollutants (NO_x and SO₂)─thereby decreasing the levels of nitrate and aerosol acidity─would alleviate halogen radical production and its adverse impact on air quality.

Stronger responses of soil protistan communities to legacy mercury pollution than bacterial and fungal communities in agricultural systems

Soil pollution is an important stressor affecting biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. However, we lack a holistic understanding of how soil microbial communities respond to heavy metal pollution in agricultural ecosystems. Here, we explored the distribution patterns and inter-kingdom interactions of entire soil microbiome (including bacteria, fungi, and protists) in 47 paired paddy and upland fields along a gradient of legacy mercury (Hg) pollution. We found that the richness and composition of protistan community had stronger responses to Hg pollution than those of bacterial and fungal communities in both paddy and upland soils. Mercury polluted soils harbored less protistan phototrophs but more protistan consumers. We further revealed that long-term Hg pollution greatly increased network complexity of protistan community than that of bacterial and fungal communities, as well as intensified the interactions between protists and the other microorganisms. Moreover, our results consistently indicated that protistan communities had stronger responses to long-term Hg pollution than bacterial and fungal communities in agricultural soils based on structural equation models and random forest analyses. Our study highlights that soil protists can be used as bioindicators of Hg pollution, with important implications for the assessment of contaminated farmlands and the sustainable management of agricultural ecosystems.

Study on Damage Characteristics of Water-Bearing Coal Samples under Cyclic Loading–Unloading

For underground water reservoirs in coal mines, the complex water-rich environment and changing overburden stress can damage coal pillar dams. In this paper, the coal samples from coal seam 22 of Shangwan coal mine were taken as research objects and the damage mechanism and characteristics of coal samples with different moisture content and wetting-drying cycles under cyclic loading were investigated. The results show that as the moisture content and wetting-drying cycles increase, the post-peak stage of the coal samples under cyclic stress becomes obvious, and the hysteresis loop changes from dense to sparse. Compared to the uniaxial compression experiment, when w = 5.28% (the critical water content), mechanical parameters such as peak strength and modulus of elasticity decrease the most. Under cyclic loading, the damage mode of both sets of coal samples was tensile damage, but the increase in wetting-drying cycles promotes the development of shear fractures. For evaluating fracture types, the RA-AF density map is more applicable to wetting-drying cycle coal samples, whereas for the coal samples with different moisture contents this should be carried out with caution. This study can provide some theoretical basis for the stability evaluation of coal pillar dams in underground water reservoirs.

Mercury and selenium bioaccumulation in wild commercial fish in the coastal East China Sea: Selenium benefits versus mercury risks

This study investigated the contents of total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg) and selenium (Se) in 22 fish species and 10 invertebrate species from the coastal East China Sea. The THg and MeHg contents were significantly higher in benthic fishes. Both Hg and Se biomagnified in the food webs, with evidences of associations during trophic transfer. In addition, Se:Hg molar ratio and Se health benefit value (HBV_Se) were used as novel criteria for Hg exposure risk assessments, showing that Se presented in molar excess of Hg in all samples, which would negate the risks of Hg toxicity. HBV_Se provided more informative results than Se:Hg molar ratio, pointing to possibly lower health risks for some fishes containing high levels of Hg and Se. Although the HBV_Se results challenge the traditional Hg health risk assessment, its future application still requires worldwide comprehensive investigations.

Mercury Pollution from Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Myanmar and Other Southeast Asian Countries

Mercury (Hg) is one of the most harmful metals and has been a public health concern according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is the world’s fastest-growing source of Hg and can release Hg into the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. Hg has been widely used in ASGM industries throughout Southeast Asia countries, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Thailand. Here, 16 relevant studies were systematically searched by performing the PRISMA flow, combining the keywords of “Hg”, “ASGM”, and relevant study areas. Mercury concentrations exceeding the WHO and United States Environmental Protection Agency guideline values were reported in environmental (i.e., air, water, and soil) and biomonitoring samples (i.e., plants, fish, and human hair). ASGM-related health risks to miners and nonminers, specifically in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Myanmar, were also assessed. The findings indicated severe Hg contamination around the ASGM process, specifically the gold-amalgamation stage, was significantly high. To one point, Hg atmospheric concentrations from all observed studies was shown to be extremely high in the vicinity of gold operating areas. Attentions should be given regarding the public health concern, specifically for the vulnerable groups such as adults, pregnant women, and children who live near the ASGM activity. This review summarizes the effects of Hg in Myanmar and other Southeast Asian countries. In the future, more research and assessment will be required to investigate the current and evolving situation in ASGM communities.

Contamination, exposure, and health risk assessment of Hg in Pakistan: A review

Mercury is a highly toxic and highly mobile heavy metal. It has been regarded as more toxic than other nonessential and toxic nonradioactive heavy metals. Moreover, it has a high tendency of bioaccumulation and biomagnification in the ecosystem. This study aimed to assess the environmental and health risks related to Hg. Seventy studies related to Hg in environmental media, aquatic biota, and food stuffs across Pakistan were reviewed, and their concentrations were used for ecological and human health risk assessments. High concentrations of Hg were reported in the environment, with maximum concentrations of 72 mg L^-1, 144 mg kg^-1, 887 mg kg^-1, and 49,807 ng m^-3 in surface water, surface soil, surface sediments, and urban atmosphere, respectively. The possible non-carcinogenic health risk (hazard quotient) of Hg was assessed in soil, water, and fish. High risks were calculated for seafood and vegetable consumption, while low risks were estimated for soils and groundwater ingestion and exposure. Overall, children showed higher risks than adults. Last, the risk quotient analysis (RQ) revealed significant risks for aquatic species. RQs showed that multiple species, especially those with smaller resilience, could face long-term detrimental impacts. High, medium, and low risks were calculated from 66.66, 16.17, and 16.17% of the reported Hg concentrations.

Analysis and Health Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in Three Codonopsis Radix Varieties in China

As a valuable medicine food homology plant, Codonopsis Radix has been widely used in China. This study aimed to analyze the content of nine potentially toxic elements in three Codonopsis Radix varieties and evaluate their health risks to the human body. In this study, a total of 147 samples were collected from five provinces in China. The content of nine potentially toxic elements (Al, Mn, Cu, Cr, Ni, As, Pb, Cd, and Hg) were determined by ICP-MS. Results showed that the average contents of Al, Mn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, As, Cd, and Hg were 486.81, 30.30, 5.59, 1.38, 1.24, 0.40, 0.20, 0.16, and 0.11 mg/kg, respectively. The Codonopsis tangshen Oliv. samples from Hubei showed the highest contents of eight elements (Al, Mn, Cr, Ni, Pb, As, Cd, and Hg) among three varieties, and the highest Cu level was found in Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. samples from Shanxi. The content of toxic elements in three Codonopsis Radix varieties showed significant differences (p < 0.05). LDA models facilitated the identification of three Codonopsis Radix varieties with a 91.2% classification score and 89.1% prediction score. Further, when Codonopsis Radix was used as food or medicine, both the hazard quotient values for single element and the hazard index values for nine elements (0.87 for food and 0.84 for medicine) were far below one. The carcinogenic risk values for Pb in Codonopsis Radix when used as food or medicine were 1.14 × 10^-6 and 5.51 × 10^-8; the values for As were 4.80 × 10^-5 and 4.98 × 10^-6, respectively. It indicated that under the current consumption of Codonopsis Radix, the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks from these potentially toxic elements were acceptable for consumers.

Mercury levels in Merluccius merluccius muscle tissue in the central Mediterranean Sea: Seasonal variation and human health risk

In this study we analysed total mercury (THg) levels in European hake (Merluccius merluccius) - an ecologically and commercially important species throughout the Mediterranean - caught in the northern and central Adriatic Sea. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating THg levels in hake fillets in relation to ecological (season) and biological (body size, sex, sexual maturity, lipid content) parameters. THg levels in muscle showed no sex-related differences; in contrast, significant season-related differences were found in females, with higher levels in spring-summer compared with autumn-winter. No season-related differences were seen in males. A significant sex effect was found for body size and sexual maturity. Females showed a correlation between THg level and length, THg being significantly higher in mature compared with immature specimens. No significant sex effect was found for muscle lipid content, because a correlation between THg concentration and tissue lipids was found in both sexes. Since the mean THg concentration found in M. merluccius fillets (0.64 ± 0.29 mg kg^-1 dry weight; range, 0.20-1.53) was consistently under the level set by EU regulations, this study demonstrates that European hake caught in the northern and central Adriatic is safe for human consumption.

Mercury concentrations and stable isotopes (δ15N and δ13C) in fish muscle indicate human impacts in tropical coastal lagoons

Coastal lagoons are essential nursery habitats of many marine fishes, but they are often sites of intense human activities that impact water quality and potentially the fish using these habitats. We compared the variability in nutrient uptake (using δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C) and total mercury (THg) levels in juveniles and adults of three common species in two lagoons on the central Mexican coast of the Pacific Ocean during the wet and dry seasons. One of three species, Achirus mazatlanus had higher THg, δ¹⁵N, and δ¹³C levels in the lagoon with the greatest wastewater inputs (Barra de Navidad). Delta¹³C varied seasonally for all three species and THg was higher in the dry season for Lutjanus argentiventris and in males of A. mazatlanus. Our results demonstrate that mercury and stable isotopes can identify impacts of human activities on estuarine ichthyofauna and the importance of understanding seasonal and spatial variability of measures that could impact monitoring and predictions of impacts in these lagoons.

Mercury emission profile for the torrefaction of sewage sludge at a full-scale plant and application of polymer sorbent

We evaluated mercury (Hg) behavior in a full-scale sewage sludge torrefaction plant with a capacity of 150 wet tons/day, which operates under a nitrogen atmosphere at a temperature range of 250-350 °C. Thermodynamic calculations and monitoring results show that elemental Hg (Hg⁰) was the dominant species in both the pyrolysis gas during the torrefaction stage and in the flue gas from downstream air pollution control devices. A wet scrubber (WS) effectively removed oxidized Hg from the flue gas and moved Hg to wastewater, and an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) removed significant particulate-bound Hg but showed a limited capacity for overall Hg removal. Hg bound to total suspended solids had a much higher concentration than that of dissolved Hg in wastewater. Total suspended solid removal from wastewater is therefore recommended to reduce Hg discharge. Existing air pollution control devices, which consist of a cyclone, WS, and ESP, are not sufficient for Hg removal due to the poor Hg⁰ removal performance of the WS and ESP; a further Hg⁰ removal unit is necessary. A commercial packed tower with sorbent polymer catalyst composite material was effective in removing Hg (83.3%) during sludge torrefaction.

Contrasting changes in long-term wet mercury deposition and socioeconomic development in the largest city of Tibet

Information about the long-term trends of wet mercury (Hg) deposition is important for assessing the impact of atmospheric pollution on environmental health. As the most populated and capital city of Tibet, Lhasa is isolated far away from the heavily-polluted urban clusters in China. In this study, a 10-year observation was conducted in Lhasa to establish the long-term trend of wet Hg deposition and investigate the possible causes of this variation trend. Our study showed no significant increase in wet Hg deposition while Lhasa has achieved rapid population and economic growth during the study period. The contrasting changes in long-term wet Hg deposition and socioeconomic development (e.g., GDP growth) could be greatly attributed to the efforts in preventing and controlling air pollution at regional and local levels. This trend in Lhasa differs greatly from those observed by a rapid increase of Hg trend in the remote areas of the Tibetan Plateau. Our findings indicate that the remote cryospheric areas over the Tibetan Plateau are prone to be affected by transboundary Hg pollution, and more attention should be paid to its environmental and health effects for future study.

Heavy metal pollution in the soil around municipal solid waste incinerators and its health risks in China

OBJECTIVE

In China, municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration (MSWI) has been increasing in recent years. However, little is known about how the operation of incinerators can affect levels of heavy metals (HMs) in nearby soils or about the possible associated health risks. It is necessary to understand the degree of enrichment of HMs and health risks to people living nearby.

METHODS

Previous studies (2002-2021) regarding soil HMs near MSW incinerators were collected, and a cluster and factor analysis was used to evaluate the accumulation trends and distribution characteritics of HMs. The soil contamination degrees and the consequent health risks were then assessed.

RESULTS

Cd (0.24 ± 0.16 mg kg-1) is typically accumulated in the topsoil near incinerators, and this is followed by Hg (0.13 ± 0.09 mg kg-1). Most of the health risk due to the total HMs is derived from dermal contact. Dermal contact with Cd and As contributes to more than 67% of the non-carcinogenic risk, while dermal contact with As contributes to more than 99% of the carcinogenic risk (CR). Furthermore, 81.43% of adult males and 76.85% of adult females suffer from CR levels greater than 10-4 due to dermal exposure to As.

CONCLUSIONS

Soils near incinerators indicated light pollution and moderate potential ecological risk, especially with regard to Cd and Hg contamination. Undeniably, there was no significant difference between the health risks from soil HMs near incinerators and from arable land at the national level. It is suggested to reduce the input quantity of HMs by taking advantage of the nationwide implementation of MSW classification and upgrading air pollution control devices for further HM emission reductions.

A new method of predicting the contribution of TGM to Hg in white rice: Using leaf THg and implications for Hg risk control in Wanshan Hg mine area

Rice plants accumulate Hg from the soil and ambient air, however, evaluating the contribution of Hg from these two sources remains challenging. Here, we proposed a practical method to predict the contribution of total gaseous mercury (TGM) to Hg in white rice in Wanshan Hg mine area (WMM). In this study, rice was planted in the same low-Hg soil at different sites of WMM with varying TGM levels. Comparing to the control sites at IG (Institute of Geochemistry, Guiyang), TGM is the dominant source of Hg in rice leaves and white rice at TB (Tianba) and ZJW (Zhangjiawan) sites of WMM. Subsequently, a good correlation between the Hg concentrations in rice leaves and the concentration contributions of TGM to Hg in white rice was obtained. Such a correlation enabled feasible quantification of the contribution of TGM to Hg in white rice collected from the Wanshan Hg mine. The contribution of TGM to Hg in white rice across the WMM area was also estimated, demonstrating that white rice receives 14-83% of Hg from the air. Considering the high contribution of TGM to Hg in white rice, we compared the relative health risks of Hg via inhalation and rice consumption and found that inhalation, rather than rice consumption, was the major pathway for bioaccessible Hg exposure in adults at high-TGM sites. This study provides new knowledge of Hg biogeochemistry in Hg-mining areas.

Assessment of metal pollution and subsequent ecological risk in the coastal zone of the Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal, Russia

Olkhon Island is the largest island in Lake Baikal and a part of Baikal National Park, Russia. The first objective of this study is to establish relationships between the particle size of accumulating sediments and their elemental composition, as well as the concentrations of heavy metals (Hg, Cd, As, Pb, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn). The second goal is to completely assess the contamination level and to identify the possible sources of heavy metals using geochemical indices, including enrichment (EF) and contamination (C_f) factors, contamination degree (C_d), geoaccumulation index (I_geo), and pollution load index (PLI). The results obtained are summarized as follows. Heavy metal pollution in the coastal zone of Olkhon Island ranged from moderate to significant levels for Hg, As, Cd, Pb, and Cu. The EF and I_geo indices showed that Hg, Cd, Pb, and Cu sources were more likely to be anthropogenic, whereas the As, Cr, Co, Ni, and Zn sources were similar to crustal sources. Thus, Hg, Cd, and Pb are the main pollutants in the study area and pose high ecological risks. Pearson correlation analysis indicated high positive correlations between Pb and Hg (0.741), As and Cd (0.730), and Cd and Pb (0.803), and strong positive correlations among Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Fe. This can reflect the same source and migration pathway, either crustal or anthropogenic. However, it does not indicate that Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn have anthropogenic origins because these metals are linked with FeMn deposits. These findings could contribute to a more effective investigation of relationships between heavy metals and their sources. We emphasize that Hg, Cd, and Pb could rise to dangerous levels. These reliable results allow us to use our study as a model for studies relating to heavy metal contamination in different areas.

Fatty acids, persistent organic pollutants, and trace elements in small pelagic fish from the eastern Mediterranean Sea

Fatty acids (FAs) composition, 24 persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and 16 trace elements were examined in small pelagic fish (sardine, anchovy, round sardinella, chub and horse mackerels) caught by a fishing fleet for more than three years in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Five Unmix source profiles associated with both sources, such as overlapping diet, including low-niche marine organisms and inputs from the surrounding environmental compartments were resolved. Inorganic compounds were notably more abundant in fish tissue than organochlorine xenobiotics. Comparison with the values of toxicological parameters revealed that the examined fish species are safe for human consumption, while the content of FAs emphasized the studied species as a valuable source of nutrients. A significant linear correlation was not observed between the 18 FAs and lipophilic organochlorines. Based on the obtained database, future assessments of the quality of edible fish species and the aquatic environment of the eastern Mediterranean Sea, which is known as an important fishing ground, could be significantly improved.

Trends in soil mercury stock associated with pollution sources on a Mediterranean island (Majorca, Spain)

Hg is a global concern given its adverse effects on human health, food security and the environment, and it requiring actions to identify major local Hg sources and to evaluate pollution. Our study provides the first assessment of Hg stock trends on the entire Majorca surface, identifying major Hg sources by studying the spatiotemporal soil Hg variation at two successive times (2006 and 2016-17). The Hg soil concentration ranged from 14 to 258 μg kg^-1 (mean 52 μg kg^-1). Higher concentrations (over 100 μg kg^-1) were found in two areas: (i) close to the Alcudia coal-fired power plant; (ii) in the city of La Palma. During the 11-year, the total Hg stock in Majorcan soil increased from 432.96 tons to 493.18 tones (14% increase). Based on a block kriging analysis, soil Hg enrichment due to power plant emissions was clearly detectable on a local scale (i.e. a shorter distance than 18 km from the power plant). Nonetheless, a significant island-wide Hg increase due to diffuse pollution was reported. This result could be extrapolated to other popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean islands where tourism has increased in recent decades In short, more than 60 tons of Hg have accumulated on Majorca island in 11 years.

Autism spectrum disorder: Trace elements imbalances and the pathogenesis and severity of autistic symptoms

The identification of biomarkers as diagnostic tools and predictors of response to treatment of neurological developmental disorders (NDD) such as schizophrenia (SZ), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), still remains an important challenge for clinical medicine. Metallomic profiles of ASD patients cover, besides essential elements such as cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, selenium, also toxic metals burden of: aluminum, arsenic, mercury, lead, beryllium, nickel, cadmium. Performed studies indicate that children with ASD present a reduced ability of eliminating toxic metals, which leads to these metals' accumulation and aggravation of autistic symptoms. Extensive metallomic studies allow a better understanding of the importance of trace elements as environmental factors in the pathogenesis of ASD. Even though a mineral imbalance is a fact in ASD, we are still expecting relevant tests and the elaboration of reference levels of trace elements as potential biomarkers useful in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of ASD.

Evaluating mercury concentrations in edible plant and fungi species in the Canadian Arctic environment

Levels of environmental mercury (Hg) within the Canadian Arctic are a current area of concern. Although efforts have been made to reduce Hg released into the environment, levels remain elevated in flora and fauna. This study examined the concentrations of Hg in soil and naturally occurring edible plant and fungi species, identified by local Inuit residents, from eight locations in Iqaluit, Nunavut, and the surrounding area during the summers of 2018 and 2019. Total Hg concentrations were obtained in 24 soil samples, 112 flora samples from 23 plant and five lichen species, and 157 fungal samples from eight species. Median Hg concentrations in plant species ranged from 0.005 μg g^-1 Hg dry weight (dw) in Saxifraga cernua to 0.19 μg g^-1 Hg dw in Oxytropis maydelliana. Median concentrations in edible fungi species ranged from 0.084 μg g^-1 Hg dw in the Cortinarius croceus (non-puffball species) to 1.6 μg g^-1 Hg dw in Lycoperdon perlatum (a puffball mushroom). Additionally, median Hg concentration in puffball species (1.4 μg g^-1 ) were higher than non-puffball species (0.12 μg g^-1 ). Three puffball species were assessed for methylmercury (MeHg), with mean concentrations ranging from 0.013 to 0.085 μg g^-1 MeHg dw. Limited research has been conducted on Hg uptake in naturally occurring edible plant and fungi species of the Canadian Arctic. This study contributes important information on Hg accumulation and processes in edible plant and fungi Arctic species, is the first to focus on plants used by the local Indigenous community, and demonstrates a need for further studies to assess Hg in Arctic environments.

A novel comprehensive model of set pair analysis with extenics for river health evaluation and prediction of semi-arid basin - A case study of Wei River Basin, China

The accelerated development of urbanization in semi-arid areas is easy to cause varying degrees of disturbance to its fragile aquatic ecosystem. To find a general method for assessing the health status in semi-arid basins in China, and to provide theoretical basis for river health management and sustainable development, this study is that health evaluation index system is established in the Wei River Basin, covering a huge semi-arid area, and analyzed the biological structure of plankton obtained by field sampling and identified in laboratory, chemical conditions including dissolved oxygen, water temperature, ammonia nitrogen, pH, chlorophyll and other water physical and chemical factors determined by field instruments and sediment heavy metals analyzed in laboratory, physical habitat scored on site and social factors including water resource utilization rate and water consumption per 10,000 yuan of GDP collected in local water resource bulletin. Based on the idea of game theory, an improved coupling model of set pair analysis with extenics is established to assess and predict health. The results show that Wei River System and Jing River System are healthy, Beiluo River System is sub-healthy, and the whole Wei River Basin is also healthy; most of the cross-sections have a tendency to change to a bad level. Compared with simple weighting, set pair analysis and variable fuzzy set methods based on the corresponding sampling data and the weight in this paper, the coupling model can explain the transition and its trend between levels, reflect the certainty and uncertainty, and get more accurate results. It is suggested that daily monitoring and management should be strengthened in most sections to improve their health. And improve the development level of ecological function and social service function, give priority to the development of downstream water resources economy.

Evaluation of heavy metal pollutants in salt and seawater under the influence of the Lyari River and potential health risk assessment

Heavy metals intoxication through edible salt poses serious health hazards. The conducted research assessed the levels of heavy metals, health risks of salt samples, and the pollution index of seawater obtained from saltpans located at Sandpit, Karachi, Pakistan, which receive untreated effluents through the Lyari River. Seawater (n = 27) and salt samples (n = 27) were prepared for the detection of Al, Cd, Pb, Cr, Fe, Cu, Hg, Ni, As and Zn through atomic absorption spectroscopy, mean concentrations ± S.D. (mg/mL) were compared with the National Environmental Quality Standards, Pakistan. The levels of Cr (40.06 ± 0.21) were the highest followed by Fe (39.77 ± 0.08) > As (25.12 ± 0.21) > Ni > Pb > Al > Hg > Zn > Cd > Cu. In sea salt (Mean ± S·D mg/Kg), the Cr (47.79 ± 0.19), Fe (47.5 ± 0.15), As (30.62 ± 0.22), and Ni were redundant elements followed by Al > Pb > Hg > Zn > Cu > Cd. The water comprehensive pollution index was 1000 times greater than the critical values. The single factor pollution index was highest for Hg (1321), followed by Cr (40), Ni (36), Pb (32), Al (31.4), Cd (31.3), and As (25). Health risk assessment indices (from salt samples), including target hazard quotient (THQ) for As, Pb, Al, Hg, and Cr were two to six times higher than the noncarcinogenic THQ reference range. Similarly, the hazardous index indicated that salt was 20 times hazardous (HI = 20.29), and the carcinogenic rate index for the heavy metals i.e., Cd, As, Cr, and Ni was above the reference CR value i.e., 1 × 10^-4. In conclusion, the experimental and theoretical approaches recommend that the use of contaminated salt may impart health hazards.

Phylogenetic analysis of hyperaccumulator plant species for heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Increasing concentration of heavy metals (HMs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the soil may impose a serious threat to living organisms due to their toxicity and the ability to accumulate in plant tissues. The present review focuses on the phylogenetic relationships, sources, biotransformation and accumulation potential of hyperaccumulators for the priority HMs and PAHs. This review provides an opportunity to reveal the role of hyperaccumulators in removal of HMs and PAHs from soils, to understand the relationships between pollutants and their influence on the environment and to find potential plant species for soil remediation. The phylogenetic analysis results showed that the hyperaccumulators of some chemicals (Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cd) are clustered on the evolutionary tree and that the ability to hyperaccumulate different pollutants can be correlated either positively (Cd-Zn, Pb-Zn, Co-Cu, Cd-Pb) or negatively (Cu-PAHs, Co-Cd, Co-PAHs, Ni-PAHs, Cu-Ni, Mn-PAHs). Further research needs to be extended on the focus of commercializing the techniques including the native hyperaccumulators to remediate the highly contaminated soils.

Mercury pollution in the coastal Urmia aquifer in northwestern Iran: potential sources, mobility, and toxicity

The concentration of total dissolved mercury (Hg_T) in surface and groundwater resources in the coastal parts of Urmia aquifer (NW of Iran) was investigated to identify the possible sources and sinks of mercury and the geochemical mechanisms controlling its mobilization. The distribution of water samples on the Piper diagram demonstrates that most samples have the Ca-Mg-HCO₃ facies. From 62 water samples collected in this area, one sample contained Hg_T concentrations exceeding the maximum contaminant level recommended by the WHO (6 μg/L). The principal component analysis (PCA) produced five principal components. The positive moderate correlation of Hg_T with EC, Cl, K, Mg, and Na indicated that the weathering of geological formations was one of the main sources of mercury in groundwater samples. Position of water samples in Eh-pH regions where microorganisms involved in mercury methylation and mineralization were potentially active demonstrated that the aquifer had undergone sulfate reduction and had reached the final stage of the terminal electron accepting process (TEAP) sequence in the methane production processes which are limited to only 37% of the water samples that have anaerobic conditions. Some Hg-bearing species are in nonequilibrium geochemical conditions. The supersaturation of water samples with magnetite and goethite indicated that these Fe-bearing minerals could act as the strong reducing agents for the reduction of Hg(II) to Hg(0).

Investigation of the potential human health risk of toxic mercury determined in the grapevine exposed to mine gallery waters

In the present study, mercury was selected because of its toxicity. It was detected in the grapevines exposed to mine gallery waters. The potential health risk of mercury in leaves of grapevine those are consumed by human worldwide was investigated. The grapevines were harvested and separated into organs of roots, stems, and leaves. The concentrations of mercury were determined in roots, stems, and leaves. The translocation and bioconcentration factors were calculated. Maximum concentrations of mercury were stem < root < leaf. The health risk potential of mercury on human health was calculated. The estimated daily exposure doses of mercury followed an order for children and adults: dietary > ingestion > inhalation > dermal. The HQ values calculated for exposure ways of dietary, ingestion and inhalation were male < female < children. As a result, it was determined that grapevine exposed to mine gallery waters that cause environmental contamination may cause non-carcinogenic risks on human health.

Assessing the Potential Health Risk from Mercury Through Consumption of the Most Popular and Preferable Fish Species, Rutilus frisii kutum, on the Northern Coast of Iran

Due to the importance of Caspian kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum) in the nutrition and health of consumers, a study was conducted to evaluate the concentration of mercury and its associated health risk for this species, its predators, and the people. Samples were collected from the fish at the four best-selling stations, Bandar Torkaman, Bander Anzali, Fereydunkenar, and Chalos, with mean mercury concentrations in the samples from the stations being 49.4, 132.6, 103.6, and 107.6 μg/g respectively. Mercury in the muscle tissue of the collected samples increased from east to west in the southern Caspian Basin. The mercury concentrations at all stations were below the permissible international levels for this heavy metal, suggesting no or low potential health risk. However, due to the toxicity and other harmful properties of mercury, it is necessary to monitor the values of this element as well as other pollutants in fish species to assess the health risk.