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Evers DC, Ackerman JT, Åkerblom S, Bally D, Basu N, Bishop K, Bodin N, Braaten HFV, Burton MEH, Bustamante P, Chen C, Chételat J, Christian L, Dietz R, Drevnick P, Eagles-Smith C, Fernandez LE, Hammerschlag N, Harmelin-Vivien M, Harte A, Krümmel EM, Brito JL, Medina G, Barrios Rodriguez CA, Stenhouse I, Sunderland E, Takeuchi A, Tear T, Vega C, Wilson S, Wu P. Global mercury concentrations in biota: their use as a basis for a global biomonitoring framework. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 33:325-396. [PMID: 38683471 PMCID: PMC11213816 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-024-02747-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
An important provision of the Minamata Convention on Mercury is to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the adopted measures and its implementation. Here, we describe for the first time currently available biotic mercury (Hg) data on a global scale to improve the understanding of global efforts to reduce the impact of Hg pollution on people and the environment. Data from the peer-reviewed literature were compiled in the Global Biotic Mercury Synthesis (GBMS) database (>550,000 data points). These data provide a foundation for establishing a biomonitoring framework needed to track Hg concentrations in biota globally. We describe Hg exposure in the taxa identified by the Minamata Convention: fish, sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals. Based on the GBMS database, Hg concentrations are presented at relevant geographic scales for continents and oceanic basins. We identify some effective regional templates for monitoring methylmercury (MeHg) availability in the environment, but overall illustrate that there is a general lack of regional biomonitoring initiatives around the world, especially in Africa, Australia, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and South Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Temporal trend data for Hg in biota are generally limited. Ecologically sensitive sites (where biota have above average MeHg tissue concentrations) have been identified throughout the world. Efforts to model and quantify ecosystem sensitivity locally, regionally, and globally could help establish effective and efficient biomonitoring programs. We present a framework for a global Hg biomonitoring network that includes a three-step continental and oceanic approach to integrate existing biomonitoring efforts and prioritize filling regional data gaps linked with key Hg sources. We describe a standardized approach that builds on an evidence-based evaluation to assess the Minamata Convention's progress to reduce the impact of global Hg pollution on people and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA.
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA, 95620, USA
| | | | - Dominique Bally
- African Center for Environmental Health, BP 826 Cidex 03, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Nil Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kevin Bishop
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Upsalla, Sweden
| | - Nathalie Bodin
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development Seychelles Fishing Authority, Victoria, Seychelles
| | | | - Mark E H Burton
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Celia Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - John Chételat
- Environment and Cliamte Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Linroy Christian
- Department of Analytical Services, Dunbars, Friars Hill, St John, Antigua and Barbuda
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Paul Drevnick
- Teck American Incorporated, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Collin Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Luis E Fernandez
- Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability and Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 29106, USA
- Centro de Innovación Científica Amazonica (CINCIA), Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, Peru
| | - Neil Hammerschlag
- Shark Research Foundation Inc, 29 Wideview Lane, Boutiliers Point, NS, B3Z 0M9, Canada
| | - Mireille Harmelin-Vivien
- Aix-Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS/INSU/IRD, Institut Méditerranéen d'Océanologie (MIO), UM 110, Campus de Luminy, case 901, 13288, Marseille, cedex 09, France
| | - Agustin Harte
- Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Chem. des Anémones 15, 1219, Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eva M Krümmel
- Inuit Circumpolar Council-Canada, Ottawa, Canada and ScienTissiME Inc, Barry's Bay, ON, Canada
| | - José Lailson Brito
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Sao Francisco Xavier, 524, Sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Medina
- Director of Basel Convention Coordinating Centre, Stockholm Convention Regional Centre for Latin America and the Caribbean, Hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Iain Stenhouse
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Elsie Sunderland
- Harvard University, Pierce Hall 127, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Akinori Takeuchi
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, Health and Environmental Risk Division, 16-2 Onogawa Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Tim Tear
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Claudia Vega
- Centro de Innovaccion Cientifica Amazonica (CINCIA), Jiron Ucayali 750, Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, 17001, Peru
| | - Simon Wilson
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) Secretariat, N-9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Pianpian Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
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Espitia-Pérez L, Brango H, Peñata-Taborda A, Galeano-Páez C, Jaramillo-García M, Espitia-Pérez P, Pastor-Sierra K, Bru-Cordero O, Hoyos-Giraldo LS, Reyes-Carvajal I, Saavedra-Trujillo D, Ricardo-Caldera D, Coneo-Pretelt A. Influence of genetic polymorphisms of Hg metabolism and DNA repair on the frequencies of micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges, and nuclear buds in communities living in gold mining areas. MUTATION RESEARCH. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2024; 897:503790. [PMID: 39054006 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2024.503790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Fishing communities living near gold mining areas are at increased risk of mercury (Hg) exposure via bioaccumulation of methylmercury (MeHg) in fish. This exposure has been linked to health effects that may be triggered by genotoxic events. Genetic polymorphisms play a role in the risk associated with Hg exposure. This study evaluated the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in metabolic and DNA repair genes on genetic instability and total hair Hg (T-Hg) levels in 78 individuals from "La Mojana" in northern Colombia and 34 individuals from a reference area. Genetic instability was assessed by the frequency of micronuclei (MNBN), nuclear buds (NBUDS), and nucleoplasmic bridges (NPB). We used a Poisson regression to assess the influence of SNPs on T-Hg levels and genetic instability, and a Bayesian regression to examine the interaction between Hg detoxification and DNA repair. Among exposed individuals, carriers of XRCC1Arg399Gln had a significantly higher frequency of MNBN. Conversely, the XRCC1Arg194Trp and OGG1Ser326Cys polymorphisms were associated with lower frequencies of MNBN. XRCC1Arg399Gln, XRCC1Arg280His, and GSTM1Null carriers showed lower NPB frequencies. Our results also indicated that individuals with the GSTM1Nulland GSTT1null polymorphisms had a 1.6-fold risk for higher T-Hg levels. The Bayesian model showed increased MNBN frequencies in carriers of the GSTM1Null polymorphism in combination with XRCC1Arg399Gln and increased NBUDS frequencies in the GSTM1Null carriers with the XRCC3Thr241Met and OGG1Ser326Cys alleles. The GSTM1+ variant was found to be a protective factor in individuals carrying OGG1Ser326Cys (MNBN) and XRCC1Arg280His (NPB); the GSTT1+ polymorphism combined with XRCCArg194Trp also modulated lower MNBN frequencies, while GSTT1+ carriers with the XRCC1Arg399Gln allele showed lower NPB frequencies. Consistent with GSTM1, GSTT1Null carriers with XRCC3Thr241Met showed increased NBUDS frequency. With the rise of gold mining activities, these approaches are vital to identify and safeguard populations vulnerable to Hg's toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyda Espitia-Pérez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Laboratorio de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia.
| | - Hugo Brango
- Departamento de Matemáticas y Estadística, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Ana Peñata-Taborda
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Laboratorio de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Claudia Galeano-Páez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Laboratorio de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Manolo Jaramillo-García
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Laboratorio de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia (Postmorten)
| | - Pedro Espitia-Pérez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Laboratorio de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Karina Pastor-Sierra
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Laboratorio de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Osnamir Bru-Cordero
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Dirección académica, kilómetro 9, vía Valledupar-La Paz, La Paz, Cesar, Colombia
| | - Luz Stella Hoyos-Giraldo
- Department of Biology, Research Group Genetic Toxicology and Cytogenetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Education, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Cauca, Colombia
| | - Ingrid Reyes-Carvajal
- Department of Biology, Research Group Genetic Toxicology and Cytogenetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Education, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Cauca, Colombia
| | - Diana Saavedra-Trujillo
- Department of Biology, Research Group Genetic Toxicology and Cytogenetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Education, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Cauca, Colombia
| | - Dina Ricardo-Caldera
- Grupo de Investigación Enfermedades Tropicales y Resistencia Bacteriana, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Andrés Coneo-Pretelt
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Laboratorio de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
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Zhao B, O'Connor D, Zhang H, Jin Y, Wang Y, Yang X, Hou R, Hou D. Assessing mercury pollution at a primary ore site with both ancient and industrial mining and smelting activities. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122413. [PMID: 37598928 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
The Minamata Convention on Mercury has mandated a renewed global effort to tackle Hg pollution. The present study evaluates Hg pollution at a primary Hg production site exploited since the Qin Dynasty (200s BC), with intensive industrial scale production over the past four decades. This single location accounts for over 95% total Hg production in China in recent years. To assess the environmental risk and effectiveness of recently implemented control measures, we collected 90 soil samples, 60 plant tissue samples, 47 sediment samples, and 47 river water samples from the site and its vicinity. A site-specific conceptual site model was established based on the sources, migration transformation pathways of Hg pollutant and its exposure scenarios. The maximum soil Hg concentration reached 10,451 mg kg-1, posing a high health and ecological risk. Vegetable and crop Hg concentrations outside the site reached 0.23 mg kg-1 in rice grains and 4.24 mg kg-1 in green onion. The highest health risk, with a hazard quotient of 130.66, was observed in the Ore Storage Site, which reduced to 17.14 when Hg bioavailability was considered. Risk control measures implemented in recent years included a stormwater collection system and capping of the tailing pond area with clean imported soil. These measures were generally successful; however, Hg in the tailings were found to be contaminating the imported surficial soil due to rainfall saturation and upward migration, suggesting a need for long-term post remedial site monitoring and maintenance. We also found that mining and smelting activities have contaminated a 6 km stretch of a nearby river, with sediment Hg concentrations reaching 2819 mg kg-1, and water column concentrations reaching 193.21 ng L-1. The sediment and water concentrations are highly correlated (R2 = 0.78), suggesting that, with risk control measures in place, a reservoir of Hg in polluted river sediment is now driving pollution in the water column. This work demonstrates that primary Hg mining has caused widespread and serious soil and water pollution. Risk control measures can reduce human health and ecological risks, but robust monitoring and maintenance are required for remediation to be effective in the long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China; School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - David O'Connor
- School of Real Estate and Land Management, Royal Agricultural University, Stroud Rd, Cirencester, GL7 6JS, United Kingdom
| | - Hao Zhang
- Technical Centre for Soil, Agriculture and Rural Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Yuanliang Jin
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yidong Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiaodong Yang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Renjie Hou
- School of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150030, China
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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Suárez-Criado L, Rodríguez-González P, Marrugo-Negrete J, García Alonso JI, Díez S. Determination of methylmercury and inorganic mercury in human hair samples of individuals from Colombian gold mining regions by double spiking isotope dilution and GC-ICP-MS. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:115970. [PMID: 37119841 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
With the aim to distinguish between routes of exposition to mercury (Hg) in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) communities and to distinguish between Hg contamination sources, Hg species composition should be performed in human biomarkers. In this work, Hg species-specific determination were determined in human hair samples (N = 96), mostly non-directly occupied in ASGM tasks, from the six most relevant gold mining Colombian regions. Therefore, MeHg, Hg(II) and THg concentrations were simultaneously determined by double spiking species-specific isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) and GC-ICP-MS. Only 16.67% of participants were involved at some point in AGSM works and fish consumption ranged from 3 to 7 times/week, which is between medium and high intake levels. The median concentration of THg obtained from all samples is higher than the reference dose weekly acceptable of MeHg intake established by the EPA (1 ppm), whereas a 25% were more than 4 times higher than the WHO level (2.2 μg Hg g-1). Median THg value of individuals consuming fish 5-7 times per week was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of the other consuming groups (12.5 μg Hg g-1). Most of the samples presented a % of MeHg relative to THg higher than 80%. The average % of Hg(II)/THg was 11% and only 10 individuals presented a Hg(II) content over 30%. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found when the amount of Hg(II) was compared between people involved in AGSM task and people not involved. Interestingly, significant differences among the evaluated groups where found when the percentage of the Hg(II)/THg ratio of these groups were compared. In fact, people involved in AGSM tasks showed 1.7 times higher Hg(II)/THg vs. inhabitants uninvolved. This suggest that Hg(II) determination by IDMS-GC-ICP-MS could be a good proxy for evaluating Hg(II) adsorption by direct exposure to mercury vapors onto hair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Suárez-Criado
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Oviedo, C/ Julián Clavería, 8, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Pablo Rodríguez-González
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Oviedo, C/ Julián Clavería, 8, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - J Ignacio García Alonso
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Oviedo, C/ Julián Clavería, 8, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Sergi Díez
- Environmental Chemistry Department, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain.
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de Medeiros Costa G, Lázaro WL, Hurtado TC, Teodoro PE, Davée Guimarães JR, Ignácio ÁRA, Filho MDS, Díez S. New insights on the use of bill sheath as a biomonitoring tool for mercury in two kingfisher species: A comparison with different tissues. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 218:114966. [PMID: 36455629 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Bird species have been widely used as suitable bioindicators of environmental mercury (Hg). However, there is still some debate about the most suitable tissue to indicate Hg body burden in birds. For a long time, blood and feathers have proved to be relevant to monitor Hg at different time scales, and recently, bill sheath has been suggested as a potential tissue to this end. In the present study, we evaluated THg in muscle, liver, feathers, claws, and bill sheath in two waterbird species (i.e. the ringed and the Amazon kingfishers) from the Teles Pires, Juruena and Paraguay rivers. Considering all species and sites, feathers (5.47 ± 2.15 μg/g) and bill sheath (3.39 ± 1.37 μg/g) had mean THg concentrations about 2-, 3- and 10-times higher than claws, liver and muscle, respectively. When bird species were segregated, the ringed kingfisher showed THg values 1.8 times higher than the Amazon kingfisher in all tissues. Moreover, results showed that the Amazon kingfisher from the Juruena and Teles Pires rivers was clearly separated from the Paraguay River (control site), and was associated with higher THg values in the claws and feathers. Results obtained for the THg concentrations in bill sheath, muscle and liver tissues of the Amazon kingfisher using multivariate analysis of canonical variates (CVA) showed a pattern of segregation between the sampling areas, being the highest THg values in Teles Pires River samples. The largest bill sheath vector in the CVA suggests that this tissue is a key variable in the segregation of the samples. Overall, feathers may be useful for effects monitoring or spatial patterns, whereas bill sheath, which are more invasive, may be advantejous for temporal trends and retrospective studies of Hg pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerlane de Medeiros Costa
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Limnology Research Center, Biodiversity, Ethnobiology of the Pantanal (CELBE), State University of Mato Grosso - UNEMAT, Cáceres Campus, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Wilkinson Lopes Lázaro
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Limnology Research Center, Biodiversity, Ethnobiology of the Pantanal (CELBE), State University of Mato Grosso - UNEMAT, Cáceres Campus, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Thaysa Costa Hurtado
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Limnology Research Center, Biodiversity, Ethnobiology of the Pantanal (CELBE), State University of Mato Grosso - UNEMAT, Cáceres Campus, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | | | - Jean Remy Davée Guimarães
- Tracers Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ - Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Áurea Regina Alves Ignácio
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Limnology Research Center, Biodiversity, Ethnobiology of the Pantanal (CELBE), State University of Mato Grosso - UNEMAT, Cáceres Campus, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Manoel Dos Santos Filho
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Limnology Research Center, Biodiversity, Ethnobiology of the Pantanal (CELBE), State University of Mato Grosso - UNEMAT, Cáceres Campus, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Sergi Díez
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain.
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Monroy-Licht A, Méndez-Cuadro D, Olivero-Verbel J. Elemental mercury accumulation in Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laubach. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:9898-9913. [PMID: 36064851 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22521-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The aquatic macrophyte Eichhornia crassipes has great potential for the control of Hg pollution in the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the capability of E. crassipes to accumulate elemental mercury (Hg0). The plants were exposed for 30 days to 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg of Hg0 in a 1-L Hoagland medium with the Hg0 settled at the bottom of the flask. The roots of the plants did not touch the mercury during the treatment. After exposure, the total Hg (T-Hg) concentrations in the roots, leaves, and stems were measured using a direct mercury (Hg) analyzer. The highest concentrations were found at 80 mg Hg0 treatment in the roots, leaves, and stems, in that order. The translocation factor indicated a poor capability of Hg to translocate from the roots to the shoots. The relative growth and the root-length inhibition measurements showed that the differences between Hg0 treatments were not significant. In addition, the treatments negatively affected the chlorophyll concentration. The carotenoid content was found to be significantly different at 20 and 40 mg of Hg0 in 1 L. Regarding the carbonyl index in root proteins, significant differences compared to control were found at the highest Hg treatment. Based on these results, it was shown that E. crassipes is able to take up elemental Hg from Hoagland medium. However, the Hg0 treatments did not show a strong stress-response activation mechanism in the evaluated plant tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Monroy-Licht
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cartagena, Zaragocilla Campus, 130014, Cartagena, Colombia
- Chemistry and Biology Group, Chemistry and Biology Department, Universidad del Norte, 081007, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Darío Méndez-Cuadro
- Analytical Chemistry and Biomedicine Group, Department of Biology, School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Cartagena, 130015, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
| | - Jesus Olivero-Verbel
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cartagena, Zaragocilla Campus, 130014, Cartagena, Colombia.
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De la Ossa CA, Ramírez-Giraldo AF, Arroyo-Alvis K, Marrugo-Negrete J, Díez S. Neuropsychological effects and cognitive deficits associated with exposure to mercury and arsenic in children and adolescents of the Mojana region, Colombia. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114467. [PMID: 36265603 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The present study aims to explore the neuropsychological performance and exposure to mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As) in Colombian children and adolescents considering biomarkers in hair and blood. The total sample consisted of 70 participants from the Mojana region, Colombia. A neuropsychological evaluation protocol was used, consisting of 11 internationally recognized tests, with evidence of national validation and use for measurement in neurotoxicology contexts. A 57.1% of the sample presented levels above the reference value according to the USEPA, the WHO, and the ATSDR for total mercury in hair (HgH), blood mercury (HgB), and/or blood arsenic (AsB). The mean values reported for HgH were 1.76 ± 3.1 μg/g (95% CI 1.02-2.50) with ranges between 0.23 and 17.20; for HgB: 4.11 ± 5.93 μg/l (CI 2.69-5.52), ranging between 0.25 and 25.80, and for AsB: 1.96 ± 2.73 (CI 1.31-2.61) ranging between 0.50 and 15.50. In the comparison of groups in relation to the level of exposure, a significant difference was found (p < 0.05) for the subtest The Boston Naming Test (BNT). Correlation analyses found, on the one hand, significant negative relationships in tests integrated within the verbal (CVB) and executive function (EF) components as well as evidence of positive relationships in the manifestation of errors in their performance with the levels of Hg and/or As transformed by biomarker (Log10). In the linear regression analyses it was found that for each increase in the concentration of HgH, HgB, and AsB it is estimated that, both for the models with and without data adjustment, there is a loss of scores in integrated measures within the CVB and EF for the transformed levels of HgH, HgB, and AsB; and an increase in the reported errors in their processing within these functions. According to these results, exposure to mercury and/or arsenic is related with performance in verbal neuropsychological skills and executive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sergi Díez
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain.
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Caicedo-Rivas G, Salas-Moreno M, Marrugo-Negrete J. Health Risk Assessment for Human Exposure to Heavy Metals via Food Consumption in Inhabitants of Middle Basin of the Atrato River in the Colombian Pacific. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:435. [PMID: 36612759 PMCID: PMC9819723 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The Atrato river basin is one of the world's most biodiverse areas; however, it is highly impacted by mercury gold mining, which generates air, water, and soil pollution. (1) Background: The concentrations of persistent heavy metal pollutants, mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in the fish, fruits, and vegetables most consumed by the riverside inhabitants of the middle basin of the Atrato river represent a danger to public health; (2) Methods: A total of 154 samples of different fruits and vegetables and 440 samples of fish were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. A sample of 446 people were surveyed to evaluate food consumption and carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk; (4) Conclusions: High concentrations of As, Hg, Pb, and Cd were identified in fish, fruits-tubers, and vegetables-stems commonly consumed by inhabitants of the middle basin of the Atrato River, which exceeded the Codex limits and the limits established by the WHO/FAO, especially for carnivorous fish species. A high carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk was evidenced amongst inhabitants of the middle basin of the Atrato River due to the consumption of fish contaminated with high concentrations of As, MeHg, and THg. The risk due to the consumption of vegetables was very low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Caicedo-Rivas
- Biosistematic Research Group, Biology Department, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad Tecnológica Del Chocó, Quibdó 270002, Chocó, Colombia
| | - Manuel Salas-Moreno
- Biosistematic Research Group, Biology Department, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad Tecnológica Del Chocó, Quibdó 270002, Chocó, Colombia
| | - José Marrugo-Negrete
- Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad de Córdoba, Carrera 6 No. 76-103, Montería 230002, Córdoba, Colombia
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Marrugo-Madrid S, Pinedo-Hernández J, Paternina-Uribe R, Marrugo-Negrete J, Díez S. Health risk assessment for human exposure to mercury species and arsenic via consumption of local food in a gold mining area in Colombia. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 215:113950. [PMID: 35952750 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The risk to human health from exposure to certain pollutants through the consumption of fruits, tubers, and fish were evaluated in a settlement located in a Colombian area highly impacted by gold mining activities. The concentrations of mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As) in edible food tissues and methylmercury (MeHg) in fish were determined for risk assessment. A questionnaire-based dietary survey was answered by 178 residents of three population groups: children (CHD), women of childbearing age (WCBA), and the rest of the population (RP). The estimated weekly intake (EWI) of MeHg presented values of 1.9 and 2.4 times higher than the provisional tolerable weekly intake (1.6 μg/kg BW/week) recommended by the FAO/WHO for CH and WCBA, respectively. The results of the HQ values of As and Hg for different food were above the safety level (HQ < 1) for most of the groups. For Hg, the highest HQ values correspond to fish, whereas for As in most of the food, but specially in fruits. The total target hazard quotients (HI) were higher than 1, in all the groups (except for CHD that consume tubers) indicating potential non-carcinogenic health risks. The values of carcinogenic risk (CR) for As through exposure to food ranged from 1.2·10-4 to 7.7·10-4, well above than the safety level of US EPA risk (10-4-10-6), suggesting the probability of carcinogenic risk for the entire population via ingestion. Therefore, safety control mechanisms and environmental education strategies should be applied to address food intake, associated with good agricultural practices to provide solutions to protect the health of the residents in areas affected by gold mining activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siday Marrugo-Madrid
- Environmental Chemistry Department, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDÆA-CSIC, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain; University of Córdoba, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Water, Applied and Environmental Chemistry Group, Monteria, Colombia
| | - José Pinedo-Hernández
- University of Córdoba, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Water, Applied and Environmental Chemistry Group, Monteria, Colombia
| | - Roberth Paternina-Uribe
- University of Córdoba, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Water, Applied and Environmental Chemistry Group, Monteria, Colombia
| | - José Marrugo-Negrete
- University of Córdoba, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Water, Applied and Environmental Chemistry Group, Monteria, Colombia.
| | - Sergi Díez
- Environmental Chemistry Department, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDÆA-CSIC, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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Nawab J, Ghani J, Rehman SAU, Idress M, Luqman M, Khan S, Asghar A, Rahman Z. Biomonitoring of mercury in water, sediments, and fish (brown and rainbow trout) from remote alpine lakes located in the Himalayas, Pakistan. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:81021-81036. [PMID: 35727512 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21340-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) contamination of aquatic ecological units and subsequent bioaccumulation are major environmental problems of international scope. Moreover, the biogeochemistry of Hg in the remote alpine lakes aquatic ecosystem in the Himalayas remains largely unexplored. The current study investigated Hg concentrations in different environmental compartments such as water, fish, and sediments in the remote alpine lakes (RALs) including Glacial-fed Lake, Ice melting-fed Lake, and Rain-fed Lake in northern areas of Pakistan. The mean concentration of Hg in Rain-fed Lake water was (1.07 µg L-1), Ice melting-fed Lake (1.16 µg L-1), and Glacial-fed Lake (1.95 µg L-1). For fish muscle tissues, mean concentration of Hg was 1.02 mg kg-1 in the Rain-fed Lake, and 1.2 mg kg-1 for the Ice melting-fed Lake, and 1.51 mg kg-1 in the Glacial-fed Lake. Meanwhile, 0.27 mg kg-1 was observed for sediments in the Rain-fed Lake, 0.33 mg kg-1 for the Ice melting-fed Lake, and 0.38 mg kg-1 for the Glacial-fed Lake, respectively. Chronic daily intake (CDI) and potential health quotient (PHQ) for water showed high health risk in Glacial-fed Lake and low in Rain-fed Lake (PHQ < 1). The target hazard quotient (THQ) values for both the Brown and Rainbow trout in all the studied lakes water were less than 1, indicating no health risk. Furthermore, the Hg level showed high level of contamination in the sediments of all the studied lakes (190 ≤ RI < 380). Overall, Glacial-fed Lake water was more polluted with Hg, as compared to Rain-fed Lake and Ice melting-fed Lake. In the light of the abovementioned results, further research work is urgently needed to shed light on the biological and geochemical monitoring of Hg in arid high-altitude ecosystems along with source identification, mercury speciation, and other potential pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javed Nawab
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan.
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan.
| | - Junaid Ghani
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Syed Aziz Ur Rehman
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Idress
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Luqman
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Sardar Khan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, 25120, Pakistan
| | - Ali Asghar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Ziaur Rahman
- Department of Microbiology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
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Salazar-Camacho C, Salas-Moreno M, Marrugo-Madrid S, Paternina-Uribe R, Marrugo-Negrete J, Díez S. A human health risk assessment of methylmercury, arsenic and metals in a tropical river basin impacted by gold mining in the Colombian Pacific region. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113120. [PMID: 35339468 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The Atrato River basin is one of the most biodiverse areas worldwide, and paradoxically, it is one of the sites in Colombia with the highest environmental impact from gold mining. This study assessed the distribution of Hg, As, Pb, and Cd in 47 fish species (n = 1372) and the accumulative human health risk in inhabitants (n = 2325) from 13 municipalities located along the Atrato River basin. The results revealed that Hg and As in fish present a high potential human health risk based on their mean concentrations. Estimated daily intake (EDI) calculations showed that humans could present detrimental health effects, while that target hazard quotient (THQ) above 1 showed that the exposed population might experience noncarcinogenic health risks, mainly from the accumulative effects of Hg (80.4%) and As (18.2%). The species that would most affect the health of the inhabitants are carnivorous H. malabaricus, A. pardalis, P. schultzi, R. quelen, and C. kraussii, which are among the fourteen most consumed in the region. These species had values of estimated weekly intake (EWI) above the provisional tolerable weekly intake thresholds for MeHg (PTWI of 1.6 and 3.2 μg/kg bw/week for adults and children, respectively) in 7 of the 13 localities evaluated. According to the surveys, the calculated weekly allowable fish amount (MFW) showed that carnivorous fish may generate adverse effects on the consumers because the allowed MeHg is about 2 times higher than the upper reference limit. Other results indicate a significant carcinogenic health risk, mainly from As, in 8 of the 13 localities evaluated. Due to the high rates of unsatisfied basic needs and the monetary poverty in the region, the possibility that inhabitants can replace fish as the principal source of protein is low. Therefore, a food guidance is required to avoid risks, obtain nutritional benefits, and sustain fish populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Salazar-Camacho
- Biosistematic Research Group, Biology Department, Faculty of Naturals Sciences, Universidad Tecnológica Del Chocó, Quibdó, Colombia
| | - Manuel Salas-Moreno
- Biosistematic Research Group, Biology Department, Faculty of Naturals Sciences, Universidad Tecnológica Del Chocó, Quibdó, Colombia
| | - Siday Marrugo-Madrid
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roberth Paternina-Uribe
- Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad de Córdoba, Carrera 6 No. 76-103, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - José Marrugo-Negrete
- Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad de Córdoba, Carrera 6 No. 76-103, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia.
| | - Sergi Díez
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain.
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Mercury Pollution from Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Myanmar and Other Southeast Asian Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19106290. [PMID: 35627826 PMCID: PMC9142007 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Marrugo-Madrid S, Salas-Moreno M, Gutiérrez-Mosquera H, Salazar-Camacho C, Marrugo-Negrete J, Díez S. Assessment of dissolved mercury by diffusive gradients in thin films devices in abandoned ponds impacted by small scale gold mining. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 208:112633. [PMID: 34973194 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In order to fulfil the Minamata Convention on Mercury, it is necessary to monitor the Hg contamination in freshwater ecosystems nearby artisanal and small scale gold mining (ASGM) areas. Since most of these ASGM communities are located in remote areas, a convenient method for sampling, preserving and transporting samples is needed. In this study we evaluated the feasibility of the diffusive gradient in thin-films (DGT) technique to detect and quantify the labile fraction of Hg and other metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, Mn and Cr) in a hard-to-reach gold mining district in the state of Chocó, Colombia. We deployed DGT at sampling sites along the Atrato river and abandoned mining ponds (AMPs) which were deserted in different periods since 1997 to 2019 (6-15 years). In average, the labile THg concentrations in AMPs (148.9 ± 43.2 ng L-1) were a 50% higher than in the river water (99.9 ± 37.4 ng L-1). In the ponds, no significant differences were found in labile Hg with respect abandonment period. Labile Ni (0.9-493.1), Mn (1.33-11.48), Cu (0.030-2.233), and Zn (0.67-10.29) (in μg L-1) were found in higher amounts than for the rest of metals. Labile concentrations of metals are related with their downstream proximity to gold mining activities, being higher in devices deployed close to ASGM sites. Moreover, this study demonstrates the feasibility of the DGT technique to sample, transport, storage, and preserve labile Hg from hard-to-reach ASGM areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siday Marrugo-Madrid
- Environmental Chemistry Department, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Salas-Moreno
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó, Quibdó, Colombia
| | - Harry Gutiérrez-Mosquera
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó, Quibdó, Colombia
| | - Carlos Salazar-Camacho
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó, Quibdó, Colombia
| | | | - Sergi Díez
- Environmental Chemistry Department, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain.
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da Silva Costa M, Viana LF, Lima Cardoso CA, Gonar Silva Isacksson ED, Silva JC, Florentino AC. Landscape composition and inorganic contaminants in water and muscle tissue of Plagioscion squamosissimus in the Araguari River (Amazon, Brazil). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 208:112691. [PMID: 35016868 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Amazonian aquatic environments are seriously impacted by dam-building and deforestation, among other threats. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine water quality in the middle and lower course of the Araguari River with respect to the composition of vegetative cover and the concentration of As, Cd and Hg in order to determine risks to the preservation of biota and risks to human health from consumption of P. squamosissimus contaminated with these inorganic elements. To accomplish this, water samples and fish specimens were collected in the middle and lower Araguari River in 2019. The concentration of inorganic contaminants was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. These stretches of the Araguari River presented higher proportions of forest fragments and evident expansion of buffalo pastures. According to Brazilian legislation, the concentrations of Cd and Hg in the water samples represented risk quotient values > 1, indicating risk to the preservation of aquatic biota. In particular, the concentrations of Cd in the muscle tissue of P. squamosissimus in the lower Araguari River also indicated risks to human health. The bioaccumulation factor indicated that Hg is bioavailable in the water. It can be concluded that water imbalances in the middle and lower Araguari River compromise the health of both aquatic and human life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia da Silva Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais (PPGCA/UNIFAP), Universidade Federal Do Amapá, Rod. Juscelino Kubitschek, Km 02 - Jardim Marco Zero, 68903-419, Macapá, AP, Brazil; Laboratório de Ictio e Genotoxidade, Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), Rod. Juscelino Kubitschek, Km 02 - Jardim Marco Zero, 68903-419, Macapá, AP, Brazil
| | - Lucilene Finoto Viana
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia Ambiental (CTA) Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD), Rod. Dourados Itahum Km 12, Dourados, MS, Caixa, Postal: 79804-970, Brazil.
| | - Claudia Andrea Lima Cardoso
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais (PPGRN/UEMS), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso Do Sul, Rod. Dourados Itahum Km 12, Dourados, MS, 79804-970, Brazil.
| | - Eisla Delaine Gonar Silva Isacksson
- Laboratório de Ictio e Genotoxidade, Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), Rod. Juscelino Kubitschek, Km 02 - Jardim Marco Zero, 68903-419, Macapá, AP, Brazil
| | - Jadna Costa Silva
- Laboratório de Ictio e Genotoxidade, Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), Rod. Juscelino Kubitschek, Km 02 - Jardim Marco Zero, 68903-419, Macapá, AP, Brazil
| | - Alexandro Cezar Florentino
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais (PPGCA/UNIFAP), Universidade Federal Do Amapá, Rod. Juscelino Kubitschek, Km 02 - Jardim Marco Zero, 68903-419, Macapá, AP, Brazil; Laboratório de Ictio e Genotoxidade, Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), Rod. Juscelino Kubitschek, Km 02 - Jardim Marco Zero, 68903-419, Macapá, AP, Brazil.
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Cardona GI, Escobar MC, Acosta-González A, Marín P, Marqués S. Highly mercury-resistant strains from different Colombian Amazon ecosystems affected by artisanal gold mining activities. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:2775-2793. [PMID: 35344092 PMCID: PMC8990959 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-11860-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Two sites of the Colombian Amazon region with different levels of human intervention and mercury pollution were selected for the collection of samples of river and lake water, sediments, and associated forest soils. The Tarapacá region, affected mainly by barrage mining, showed low mercury concentrations, whilst in the Taraira region, affected by underground mining, there were several points with high mercury pollution levels. A collection of 72 bacterial and 10 yeast strains with different levels of mercury resistance was isolated and characterized. Most of the highly resistant bacterial strains (MIC > 40 mg L−1 HgCl2) were isolated from soil and sediment samples and belonged to either Pseudomonas (60%) or Bacillus (20%). Most of highly resistant bacterial strains were positive for the presence of the merA gene, suggesting an active mercury resistance mechanism. This was confirmed in the two most resistant strains, Pseudomonas sp. TP30 and Burkholderia contaminans TR100 (MIC = 64 and 71 mg L−1 HgCl2, respectively), which in the presence of increasing mercury concentrations expressed the merA gene at increasing levels, concomitant with a significant mercury reduction activity. Analysis of the MerA sequences present in the different isolates suggested a high gene conservation within the taxonomic groups but also several horizontal gene transfer events between taxonomically distant genera. We also observed a positive correspondence between the presence of the merA gene and the number of antibiotics to which the strains were resistant to. The most resistant strains are good candidates for future applications in the bioremediation of mercury-contaminated sites in the Amazon. Key points • Amazon sediments affected by underground gold mining have higher Hg levels. • Highly Hg-resistant isolates belonged to Pseudomonas and Bacillus genera. • TR100 and TP30 strains showed remediation potential to be used in the Amazon region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gladys Inés Cardona
- Instituto Amazónico de Investigaciones Científicas SINCHI, 110321, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - María Camila Escobar
- Instituto Amazónico de Investigaciones Científicas SINCHI, 110321, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Patricia Marín
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Department of Environmental Protection, Granada, Spain
| | - Silvia Marqués
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Department of Environmental Protection, Granada, Spain
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Koenigsmark F, Weinhouse C, Berky AJ, Morales AM, Ortiz EJ, Pierce EM, Pan WK, Hsu-Kim H. Efficacy of Hair Total Mercury Content as a Biomarker of Methylmercury Exposure to Communities in the Area of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Madre de Dios, Peru. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:13350. [PMID: 34948962 PMCID: PMC8707462 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Total mercury content (THg) in hair is an accepted biomarker for chronic dietary methylmercury (MeHg) exposure. In artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) communities, the validity of this biomarker is questioned because of the potential for contamination from inorganic mercury. As mining communities may have both inorganic and organic mercury exposures, the efficacy of the hair-THg biomarker needs to be evaluated, particularly as nations begin population exposure assessments under their commitments to the Minamata Convention. We sought to validate the efficacy of hair THg for public health monitoring of MeHg exposures for populations living in ASGM communities. We quantified both THg and MeHg contents in hair from a representative subset of participants (N = 287) in a large, population-level mercury exposure assessment in the ASGM region in Madre de Dios (MDD), Peru. We compared population MeHg-THg correlations and %MeHg values with demographic variables including community location, sex, occupation, and nativity. We observed that hair MeHg-THg correlations were high (r > 0.7) for all communities, regardless of location or nativity. Specifically, for individuals within ASGM communities, 81% (121 of 150 total) had hair THg predominantly in the form of MeHg (i.e., >66% of THg) and reflective of dietary exposure to mercury. Furthermore, for individuals with hair THg exceeding the U.S. EPA threshold (1.0 μg/g), 88 out of 106 (83%) had MeHg as the predominant form. As a result, had urine THg solely been used for mercury exposure monitoring, approximately 59% of the ASGM population would have been misclassified as having low mercury exposure. Our results support the use of hair THg for monitoring of MeHg exposure of populations in ASGM settings where alternative biomarkers of MeHg exposure are not feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faye Koenigsmark
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA;
| | - Caren Weinhouse
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
| | - Axel J. Berky
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA;
| | - Ana Maria Morales
- Centro Nacional de Salud Intercultural, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Ministerio de Salud, Cápac Yupanqui 1400-Jesus María, Lima 15027, Peru;
| | - Ernesto J. Ortiz
- Duke Global Health Innovation Center, Duke University, 310 Blackwell Street, Durham, NC 27701, USA;
| | - Eric M. Pierce
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA;
| | - William K. Pan
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA;
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Heileen Hsu-Kim
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA;
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Valbuena-Rodríguez S, Navarro-Ramírez MÁ. Mercurio total en bagre rayado y bocachico del río Meta, Colombia. REVISTA U.D.C.A ACTUALIDAD & DIVULGACIÓN CIENTÍFICA 2021. [DOI: 10.31910/rudca.v24.n2.2021.1880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Jensen M, Combariza Bayona DA, Sripada K. Mercury Exposure among E-Waste Recycling Workers in Colombia: Perceptions of Safety, Risk, and Access to Health Information. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9295. [PMID: 34501885 PMCID: PMC8430711 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Exposures to the toxic element mercury (Hg) are exceptionally high among recycling workers globally. Recycling is a growing sector in Colombia, yet workers who directly handle e-waste are often unaware of the risks of exposure to mercury from post-consumer lighting products (e.g., fluorescent lamps). This qualitative study aimed to understand how recycling workers perceive their own risks from mercury exposure and how they find information about these risks, through interviews (n = 35) at the three largest formal recycling facilities in Colombia. Workers' risk perception was generally disconnected from their likely actual exposure to mercury, instead often seen juxtaposed to co-workers who worked more directly with hazardous waste. Recycling workers, who were predominantly men from lower-income socioeconomic backgrounds, had limited knowledge of health risks due to mercury exposure and were more likely to receive health-related information from informal sources. Over a third of interviewees had searched online for information about occupational health risks of mercury, but these searches were perceived as unsatisfactory due to information being difficult to find, not available in Spanish, or related to mercury exposure via seafood or mining rather than recycling. Workers expressed (over)confidence in personal protective equipment and concern about frequent employee turnover. This study points to weaknesses in environmental health literacy and public health communication around toxic exposures to mercury in the workplace. Stronger regulation and enforcement are needed to prevent toxic exposures and promote worker health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jensen
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU—Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway;
| | | | - Kam Sripada
- Centre for Global Health Inequalities Research (CHAIN), NTNU—Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
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Lombana Gómez MM, Lans Ceballos EE, Pinedo Hernández JJ. Concentraciones de mercurio en atún comercializado en Montería, Colombia: evaluación del riesgo en la salud. Rev Salud Publica (Bogota) 2021. [DOI: 10.15446/rsap.v23n2.85827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Objetivo El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la concentración de mercurio total (HgT) y metilmercurio (MeHg) en atún enlatado que se distribuye en la ciudad de Montería (Córdoba, Colombia).
Materiales y Métodos Se analizaron 160 muestras de cuatro marcas diferentes, identificadas como A, B, C y D y comercializadas de agosto a noviembre de 2017. Mensualmente se realizó un muestreo simple por atributo. El HgT y el MeHg fueron determinados usando un equipo DMA-80 (marca Milestone) y cromatógrafo de gases (Perkin Elmer Autosystem XL).
Resultados El promedio de HgT y MeHg fue 0,589 ± 0,163 y 0,536 ± 0,148 μg/g, respectivamente. La mayor concentración de HgT y MeHg en atún se presentó en la marca B (HgT: 0,792 ± 0,165; MeHg: 0,725 ± 0,127).
Conclusiones La evaluación del riesgo a la salud debido al consumo de atún enlatado, basado en la ingesta semanal estimada (ESI), sugiere que el consumo de atún de las diferentes marcas no asocia posibilidad de riesgo en la salud al grupo de adultos de la población (APG), al presentar valores por debajo de la ingesta semanal tolerable (3,2 μg/ kg/semana). Mientras que para los grupos de niños (N) y mujeres en edad fértil (MEF) representa riesgo para la salud el consumo del atún enlatado de la marca B, con la cual se superaría la ingesta semanal tolerable de 1,6 μg/kg/semana. Por lo tanto, se recomienda un monitoreo continuo de mercurio total y metilmercurio en atún enlatado.
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Gutiérrez-Mosquera H, Marrugo-Negrete J, Díez S, Morales-Mira G, Montoya-Jaramillo LJ, Jonathan MP. Mercury distribution in different environmental matrices in aquatic systems of abandoned gold mines, Western Colombia: Focus on human health. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 404:124080. [PMID: 33142140 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg) in water, sediments, macrophytes, fish and human health risks were analyzed and assessed from abandoned gold mining ponds (AGMPs)/ mining areas in Western Colombia to know its present environmental condition. Concentrations of THg in water (avg. 13.0 ± 13.73 ng L-1) was above the EPA threshold level (12 ng L-1), suggesting possible chronic effects. Sediment sample revealed that the ponds are methylated (%MeHg: 3.3-11). Macrophyte Eleocharis elegans presented higher THg content in the underground biomass (0.16 ± 0.13 µg g-1 dw) than in the aerial biomass (0.05 ± 0.04 µg g-1 dw) indicating accumulation of THg. MeHg was the most abundant chemical species in fish (MeHg/THg: 83.2-95.0%), signifying higher bioavailability and its risk towards human health. Fish samples (15%) indicate that THg were above WHO limit (0.5 µg g), particularly in Ctenolucius beani, Hoplias malabaricus and lowest in Sternopygus aequilabiatus and Geophagus pellegrini. Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of MeHg were higher in the carnivores representing a source of exposure and potential threat to human health. Fulton's condition factor (K) for bioaccumulation indicate a decrease with increasing trophic level of fishes. Overall results suggest, mercury species found in different AGMPs compartments should be monitored in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Gutiérrez-Mosquera
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó, Carrera 22 No.18B-10, Quibdó, Colombia; Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Medellín, Carrera 87 No. 30-65, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Sergi Díez
- Environmental Chemistry Department, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gladis Morales-Mira
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Medellín, Carrera 87 No. 30-65, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - M P Jonathan
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, C.P.07340, Ciudad de México, México.
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Salazar-Camacho C, Salas-Moreno M, Paternina-Uribe R, Marrugo-Negrete J, Díez S. Mercury species in fish from a tropical river highly impacted by gold mining at the Colombian Pacific region. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 264:128478. [PMID: 33065322 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study was carried out in the Atrato River basin, a tropical ecosystem in northwestern Colombia, highly impacted by gold mining. The aim of this study was to show how these activities have deteriorated the quality of fish species, and how their intensity has influenced the distribution of mercury (Hg) pollution in the Atrato River basin. Results showed that total mercury (THg, n = 842) ranged between 32 ± 53 μg kg-1 (Cyphocharax magdalenae) and 678.5 ± 345 μg kg-1 (Agneiosus pardalis); 38% of the samples exceeded the WHO limit for the protection of populations at risk, and 15% surpassed the WHO maximum limit of THg in fish for human consumption. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.001) was found between THg with total fish length and trophic level, indicating bioaccumulation and biomagnification of mercury in fish, respectively. Using the non-migratory and carnivorous fish species Hoplias malabaricus and Caquetaia kraussii, Hg contamination was found distributed from high mining activity zones (Rio Quito, Medio Atrato, and Murindó & Vigía del Fuerte - upstream zones) to low activity areas (Rio Sucio & Carmen del Darién, and Ciénaga de Ungía & Tumaradó - downstream zones). In the first-ever performed methylmercury (MeHg) measurements in 520 fish muscle samples analyzed from the Atrato River basin, a high MeHg/THg ratio (91% of the THg) in species such as A. pardalis and H. malabaricus were recorded. Results indicated that the environment and the fish species in the Atrato River basin had been greatly affected by gold mining activities practiced on the river and its tributaries. Therefore, environmental authorities must take protection measures for the inhabitants of the area as well as for the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Salazar-Camacho
- Universidad Tecnológica Del Chocó, Biology Department, Biosistematic Research Group, Quibdó, 270008, Colombia
| | - Manuel Salas-Moreno
- Universidad Tecnológica Del Chocó, Biology Department, Biosistematic Research Group, Quibdó, 270008, Colombia
| | | | - José Marrugo-Negrete
- Universidad de Córdoba, Carrera 6 No. 76-103, Montería, Córdoba, 230003, Colombia.
| | - Sergi Díez
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain.
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Galeano-Páez C, Espitia-Pérez P, Jimenez-Vidal L, Pastor-Sierra K, Salcedo-Arteaga S, Hoyos-Giraldo LS, Gioda A, Saint'Pierre TD, García SC, Brango H, Espitia-Pérez L. Dietary exposure to mercury and its relation to cytogenetic instability in populations from "La Mojana" region, northern Colombia. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 265:129066. [PMID: 33293049 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Fish consumption and chronic exposure to low doses of mercury (Hg) seems to activate several molecular mechanisms leading to carcinogenic and/or teratogenic processes. However, Hg genotoxic effects on humans are not completely described. In the present study, we assessed cytogenetic damage in isolated human peripheral lymphocytes using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay (CBMN-Cyt), micronucleus formation with anti-kinetochore antibody (CREST staining), levels of total Hg in hair (T-Hg), fish consumption, and estimated Hg dose. The study comprised 39 non-exposed, and 73 residents from La Mojana region, an area with a well-documented Hg contamination. Data showed a significant increase in micronuclei (MNBN), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPB), and necrotic and apoptotic cell frequencies in residents of "La Mojana." The overall mean T-Hg level in hair for exposed residents was 1.12 ± 0.94 mg kg-1 and 0.15 ± 0.05 in individuals from the reference area. Approximately 40% of analyzed individuals showed T-Hg levels that exceeded US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) reference dose. Increased T-Hg levels in hair were related to increased MNBN frequencies and high fish consumption. Other cellular markers, such as necrotic and apoptotic cell frequencies, were also correlated with high fish intake and T-Hg contents. Results of the CREST staining demonstrated that in vivo exposure to Hg induces genetic instability by chromosome fragment loss (clastogenic). Additionally, a high average intake of some fish species, particularly with carnivorous habits like Caquetaia kraussii, Hoplias malabaricus, and Sorubin cuspicaudus, seems to increase MNBN frequencies significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Galeano-Páez
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Laboratorio de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad Del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Pedro Espitia-Pérez
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Laboratorio de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad Del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia.
| | - Luisa Jimenez-Vidal
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Laboratorio de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad Del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Karina Pastor-Sierra
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Laboratorio de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad Del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Shirley Salcedo-Arteaga
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Laboratorio de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad Del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Luz Stella Hoyos-Giraldo
- Departamento de Biología, Grupo de Investigación en Genética Toxicológica y Citogenética, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas de La Educación, Universidad Del Cauca, Popayán, Cauca, Colombia
| | - Adriana Gioda
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Dillenburg Saint'Pierre
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Solange Cristina García
- Laboratório de Toxicologia (LATOX), Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Hugo Brango
- Departamento de Matemáticas y Estadística, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Lyda Espitia-Pérez
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Laboratorio de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad Del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia.
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Calao-Ramos C, Bravo AG, Paternina-Uribe R, Marrugo-Negrete J, Díez S. Occupational human exposure to mercury in artisanal small-scale gold mining communities of Colombia. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 146:106216. [PMID: 33181411 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
With the aim of protecting human life and the environment, the Minamata Convention seeks to reduce and monitor mercury (Hg) concentrations in the environment. Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) has been identified as the most important anthropogenic source of Hg at a global scale and an important route of human exposure to Hg. In this context, this study assessed total Hg (THg) in blood, urine and hair, and methylmercury (MeHg) in human hair samples from 238 participants with occupational exposure to Hg in the most relevant ASGM communities of Colombia. Mercury concentrations in different biological matrices were related to several variables of interest such as age, gender, body mass index, fish consumption, exposure time, and specific occupational activities, such as amalgamation and amalgam burning. The median values of THg in blood (3.70 µg/L), urine (4.00 µg/L) and hair (1.37 mg/kg), and hair MeHg (1.47 mg/kg) for all participants were below permissible concentrations set by WHO. However, about 40% of the miners showed Hg concentrations in blood, urine and/or hair above the WHO thresholds. In all the biological matrices studied, miners burning amalgams showed significantly higher concentrations than miners who did not burn amalgams, with values 7-, 7-, and 8-fold higher in blood, urine and hair, respectively. A multiple linear regression model revealed that burning amalgam and fish consumption were significant predictors of Hg exposure in miners. Miners from Guainía had the highest concentrations in urine and hair, most likely due to the high manipulation and burning of amalgam, and a high fish consumption. In contrast, miners from Caldas showed the lowest Hg concentrations in all the biomarkers because they do not manipulate or burn amalgam, as well as reporting the lowest fish consumption. Our study also highlighted that gold miners exposure to Hg depends on their work practices. Therefore, the implementation of a health education programme on gold mining strategies is required, especially in Guaina, Vaupés, Córdoba, and Antioquia departments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clelia Calao-Ramos
- Universidad de Córdoba, Carrera 6 No. 76-103, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Andrea G Bravo
- Environmental Chemistry Department, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Sergi Díez
- Environmental Chemistry Department, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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Participatory Analysis of Small-Scale Artisanal Gold Mining in the Santa Rita District, Municipality of Andes, Antioquia, Based on the PAIIO Methodology. SYSTEMIC PRACTICE AND ACTION RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11213-020-09551-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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25
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Gutiérrez-Mosquera H, Marrugo-Negrete J, Díez S, Morales-Mira G, Montoya-Jaramillo LJ, Jonathan MP. Distribution of chemical forms of mercury in sediments from abandoned ponds created during former gold mining operations in Colombia. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 258:127319. [PMID: 32563065 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) were studied in sediments from 27 abandoned gold mining ponds (AGMPs) through small-scale artisanal gold mining in the district of San Juan in Chocó region of Colombia. The AGMPs were abandoned in the last century (1997) and were grouped into three distinct groups (2-6; 7-12; 13-20 years). Overall concentration (in ng g-1) pattern of THg in sediments varied from 39.06 to 1271.32 (avg. 209.57) with 174.81 (13-20 years), 205.56 (7-12 years) and 248.33 (2-6 years) respectively. MeHg concentrations accounted for 3.3-10.9% (avg. 6.5%) of THg and were significantly correlated with THg during all periods. Correlations between organic matter (OM) vs MeHg and THg were negative in the oldest pools, signifying a "dilution effect" or "natural burial" of THg and MeHg. Results for sequential extraction indicate that the fraction of elemental Hg (Hg-e) and organo chelated Hg (Hg-o) represent the main chemical forms of Hg in the sediments, regardless of the abandonment period, whereas the bioavailable fraction was only 0.12-1.65% of THg. The significant statistical relationship between MeHg, THg and OM suggests that these parameters control the distribution, mobility, toxicity and bioavailability of Hg in the sediments of these abandoned ponds. Evaluation of THg with sediment quality guidelines indicates that the values are on the higher side for Threshold effect concentration and Upper continental crust. Comparing of MeHg with many other regions outside Colombia is a worrying factor and needs immediate attention to protect the human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Gutiérrez-Mosquera
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó, Carrera 22 No.18B-10, Quibdó, Colombia; Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Medellín, Carrera 87 No. 30-65, Medellín, Colombia
| | - José Marrugo-Negrete
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Grupo de Agua, Química Aplicada y Ambiental, Universidad de Córdoba, Carrera 6 No. 76-103, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia.
| | - Sergi Díez
- Environmental Chemistry Department, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gladis Morales-Mira
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Medellín, Carrera 87 No. 30-65, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - M P Jonathan
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, C.P.07340, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico.
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Alcala-Orozco M, Caballero-Gallardo K, Olivero-Verbel J. Biomonitoring of Mercury, Cadmium and Selenium in Fish and the Population of Puerto Nariño, at the Southern Corner of the Colombian Amazon. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2020; 79:354-370. [PMID: 33025049 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-020-00761-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals threaten communities near biodiversity hotspots, as their protein sources come from the environment. This study assessed Hg, Cd, and Se concentrations in fish, as well as the magnitude of exposure and hematological conditions of adult citizens from Puerto Nariño (Colombian Amazon). Among fish samples, greater Hg concentrations were found in higher trophic level species, including Rhaphiodon vulpinus (880 ± 130 ng/g) and Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum (920 ± 87 ng/g). These species presented the highest hazard quotients and lowest Se:Hg molar ratios among those studied, showing their consumption represents a health risk to consumers. Moreover, some samples of Mylossoma duriventre and Prochilodus magdalenae had Cd levels greater than the regulated limit (100 ng/g). The average total Hg (T-Hg) concentrations in human hair and blood were 5.31 µg/g and 13.7 µg/L, respectively. All hair samples exceeded the 1.0 μg/g threshold set by the USEPA, whereas 93% of the volunteers had T-Hg blood levels greater than 5 μg/L, suggesting elevated exposure. The mean Cd level was 3.1 µg/L, with 21% of samples surpassing 5 µg/L, value at which mitigating actions should be taken. Eighty-four percent of participants presented Se deficiencies (<100 μg/L). There was a significant association between fish consumption and T-Hg in hair (ρ = 0.323; p = 0.032) and blood (ρ = 0.381; p = 0.011). In this last matrix, Se correlated with Cd content, whereas lymphocytes were inversely linked to Hg concentrations. The results of this study show that there is extensive exposure to Hg in fish, the consumption of which may promote detrimental impacts on hematology parameters within the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alcala-Orozco
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Zaragocilla Campus, 130015, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Karina Caballero-Gallardo
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Zaragocilla Campus, 130015, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Jesus Olivero-Verbel
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Zaragocilla Campus, 130015, Cartagena, Colombia.
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Marrugo-Negrete J, Durango-Hernández J, Díaz-Fernández L, Urango-Cárdenas I, Araméndiz-Tatis H, Vergara-Flórez V, Bravo AG, Díez S. Transfer and bioaccumulation of mercury from soil in cowpea in gold mining sites. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 250:126142. [PMID: 32105852 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126142] [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] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the phytoremediation ability of three different genotypes of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) grown on mercury-contaminated soils from gold mining areas. In particular we compared a native genotype with two commercial lines L-019 and L-042. The plants were cultivated in soils amended at different concentrations of Hg (i.e. 0.2, 1, 2, 5 and 8 mg kg-1). After three months exposure, we determined plant growth, seed production, and Hg accumulation in different plant tissues (root, leaf, seed and stem). Indices of soil-plant metal transfer such as translocation, bioconcentration and bioaccumulation factors were calculated. Results showed that the native variety presented the highest seed production (3.8 g), however the highest plant biomass (7.9 g) was observed in line L-019, both on Hg-contaminated soil of 1 mg kg-1. The different plant tissues differed in terms of Hg concentration (root > leaf > stem). In the highest treated soil, the line L-042 accumulates higher Hg in both roots and leaves, while line L-019 accumulates more metal in stems. In line L-019, Hg concentrations in the fruit showed significant differences being higher in the valves than in the seeds. The transfer factors were generally lower than 1 and indicates the low accumulation of Hg by cowpeas. The estimated daily Hg intake through cowpea consumption showed values far below the threshold of 0.57 μg kg-1 dw day-1 recommended by the World Health Organization. Our results show cowpea V. unguiculata as a good protein-rich food substitute of Hg-contaminated fish for populations living near gold mining sites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Vicente Vergara-Flórez
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sucre, Carrera 28 No. 5-267, Sincelejo, Sucre, Colombia
| | - Andrea G Bravo
- Environmental Chemistry Department, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Díez
- Environmental Chemistry Department, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain.
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Marrugo-Negrete J, Vargas-Licona S, Ruiz-Guzmán JA, Marrugo-Madrid S, Bravo AG, Díez S. Human health risk of methylmercury from fish consumption at the largest floodplain in Colombia. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 182:109050. [PMID: 32069752 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.109050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Colombia is one of the countries with the highest emissions of mercury (Hg) to the environment, due to its use in gold mining. This study evaluated the human health risk from exposure to Hg through fish consumption in 11 municipalities located in the Mojana region, northern Colombia. The study participants (n = 839) were categorized into three population groups: children (CHD), women of childbearing age (WCHA) and the rest of population (RP). Total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations were evaluated in the top ten most consumed fish species (n = 292). Median concentrations (range: 0.22-0.58 μg/g ww) of the five carnivorous fish species exceeded the reference limit established by FAO/WHO (0.2 μg/g ww) for vulnerable populations. For 6 of the 10 studied fish species, the estimated weekly intake (EWI) in children was above the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI, 1.6 μg/kg bw/week) of MeHg established by JECFA. EWI values for WCHA were above PTWI in 4 fish species, whereas in general, for RP group values were below PTWI (3.2 μg/kg bw/week). Our assessment of potential risks to MeHg exposure indicated that most of the consumed fish could generate negative effects in vulnerable groups, because according to ingestion rate, MeHg permissible is, in some cases, up to 4 times higher than reference limits. Consumption advisories should be a guidance to avoid risk, gain nutritional benefits, and sustain fish populations. Because its high MeHg levels as well as high ingestion, it is recommended that inhabitants of this region should stop eating certain kinds of fish and the whole fish as a single meal. To reduce its harmful intake, we have proposed a didactic strategy based on marbles that control the portion of fish they are eating.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Siday Marrugo-Madrid
- Universidad de Córdoba, Carrera 6 No. 76-103, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia; Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea G Bravo
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Díez
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain.
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Novirsa R, Dinh QP, Jeong H, Addai-Arhin S, Nugraha WC, Hirota N, Wispriyono B, Ishibashi Y, Arizono K. The dietary intake of mercury from rice and human health risk in artisanal small-scale gold mining area, Indonesia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.2131/fts.7.215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Randy Novirsa
- Graduate School of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto
| | - Quang Phan Dinh
- Graduate School of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto
| | - Huiho Jeong
- Graduate School of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto
| | - Sylvester Addai-Arhin
- Graduate School of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto
| | - Willy Cahya Nugraha
- Graduate School of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto
| | - Nana Hirota
- Faculty of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto
| | - Bambang Wispriyono
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia
| | - Yasuhiro Ishibashi
- Faculty of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto
| | - Koji Arizono
- Faculty of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto
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Patiño-Ruiz D, Bonfante H, De Ávila G, Herrera A. Adsorption kinetics, isotherms and desorption studies of mercury from aqueous solution at different temperatures on magnetic sodium alginate-thiourea microbeads. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.enmm.2019.100243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Alcala-Orozco M, Caballero-Gallardo K, Olivero-Verbel J. Mercury exposure assessment in indigenous communities from Tarapaca village, Cotuhe and Putumayo Rivers, Colombian Amazon. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:36458-36467. [PMID: 31728948 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06620-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a complex and multifaceted global pollutant. Artisanal and small-scale gold mining activities are largely responsible for Hg contamination in developing countries, in many cases impacting areas of high biodiversity such as the Amazon. The aim of the study was to establish Hg exposure in indigenous citizens from the Tarapaca village, Cotuhe and Putumayo Rivers, at the Colombian Amazon. Total Hg (T-Hg) concentrations were measured employing a DMA-80 Hg analyzer. For that purpose, 190 hair samples were taken from volunteers living in different communities of Tarapaca. The overall mean T-Hg level for all samples was 10.6 ± 0.4 μg/g, with values ranging from 0.61 to 31.1 μg/g. The mean T-Hg level decreased in the order Puerto Huila > Puerto Ticuna > Ventura > Nueva Union > Buenos Aires > Santa Lucia > Puerto Nuevo > Caña Brava > Pupuña. Based on recommendations from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), 99.5% of the samples exceeded the maximum level of 1.0 μg/g. Hg content in human hair was significantly associated with fish consumption (ρ = 0.253; p < 0.001). According to the health survey, at least 24.7% of the volunteers manifested some signs and symptoms of Hg poisoning. In short, these data support the extensive Hg exposure in the environment of the Colombian Amazon, a process that could be impacting the quality of life of its vulnerable indigenous groups. Immediate actions must be taken by competent authorities to protect these communities from Hg poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alcala-Orozco
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, 130015, Colombia
| | - Karina Caballero-Gallardo
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, 130015, Colombia
| | - Jesus Olivero-Verbel
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, 130015, Colombia.
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Lino AS, Kasper D, Guida YS, Thomaz JR, Malm O. Total and methyl mercury distribution in water, sediment, plankton and fish along the Tapajós River basin in the Brazilian Amazon. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 235:690-700. [PMID: 31279119 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.06.212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is known as one of the major contaminants in the Amazon. The Tapajós River basin, in the Brazilian Amazon, has diverse anthropogenic activities which increase Hg concentrations in the aquatic ecosystem. Moreover, high concentrations of Hg are naturally found in this basin. Distribution of total (THg) and methyl (MeHg) mercury were assessed in unfiltered water (n = 47), suspended particulate matter (SPM, n = 30), superficial sediment (BS, n = 29), plankton (n = 28) and fishes (n = 129) from the Tapajós River basin. Suspended particles were the main carrier of Hg in the water column and sediment. Increased erosion, prompted by anthropic activities, led to higher Hg concentrations in water from the most impacted areas. Hg is transported mainly in particulate matter; thus, anthropic disturbances influence Hg concentrations downstream. Limnological parameters such as organic matter content influenced MeHg concentrations in water, plankton and sediment of the Tapajós basin. Hg methylation in total plankton was more efficient in lakes (13-66%) than in Tapajós River main channel (2-14%). Biotic and abiotic factors interact in a complex way in the aquatic ecosystem, making Hg concentrations to vary in food web. Gold mining and deforestation probably increase Hg levels in the Tapajós basin. Thus, in addition to Hg monitoring, prevention and remediation efforts should be focused on soil and sediment erosion control.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Lino
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna-Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - D Kasper
- Laboratório de Traçadores em Ciências Ambientais Wolfgang Christian Pfeiffer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Y S Guida
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna-Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - J R Thomaz
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna-Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - O Malm
- Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna-Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Vargas Licona SP, Marrugo Negrete JL. Mercurio, metilmercurio y otros metales pesados en peces de Colombia: riesgo por ingesta. ACTA BIOLÓGICA COLOMBIANA 2019. [DOI: 10.15446/abc.v24n2.74128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
En 2013 el pescado proporcionó a más de 3100 millones de personas casi el 20 % de la ingesta promedio de proteínas de origen animal per cápita (FAO, 2016). De acuerdo con el Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo (PNUD), en Colombia y, particularmente en las poblaciones ribereñas y costeras, el 90 % del consumo de proteína de origen animal proviene del pescado, como resultado de un acceso muy bajo a otro tipo de proteínas. Colombia enfrenta uno de los mayores problemas por contaminación ambiental a nivel mundial, generado en gran parte por el abuso de sustancias químicas para el aprovechamiento de minerales, mala disposición de aguas servidas y prácticas industriales y agrícolas inadecuadas, en cuerpos de aguas fundamentales para la dinámica poblacional de animales, vegetales y humanos. Como estrategia mundial para reducir los riesgos a la salud humana por consumo de pescado contaminado con metales pesados, se han considerado límites máximos permisibles, propuestos por diferentes entidades; sin embargo, el 31,5 % de los resultados de estudios publicados para Colombia, son superiores al límite permisible recomendado por la OMS (0,5 μg/g). Los resultados presentados en esta revisión evidencian la urgente necesidad de realizar estudios que evalúen el riesgo a la salud que enfrentan pobladores de zonas mineras y no mineras de Colombia, aportará también fundamentos científicos y bases para el establecimiento de ejes estratégicos que permitan la puesta en marcha de nuevos proyectos productivos que ofrezcan el acceso de la población a diversas fuentes de alimentación.
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High Efficiency Mercury Sorption by Dead Biomass of Lysinibacillus Sphaericus-New Insights into the Treatment of Contaminated Water. MATERIALS 2019; 12:ma12081296. [PMID: 31010243 PMCID: PMC6514844 DOI: 10.3390/ma12081296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic metal frequently used in illegal and artisanal extraction of gold and silver which makes it a cause of environmental poisoning. Since biosorption of other heavy metals has been reported for several Lysinibacillus sphaericus strains, this study investigates Hg removal. Three L. sphaericus strains previously reported as metal tolerant (CBAM5, Ot4b31, and III(3)7) were assessed with mercury chloride (HgCl2). Bacteria were characterized by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS-SEM). Sorption was evaluated in live and dead bacterial biomass by free and immobilized cells assays. Hg quantification was achieved through spectrophotometry at 508 nm by reaction of Hg supernatants with dithizone prepared in Triton X-114 and by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GF-AAS). Bacteria grew up to 60 ppm of HgCl2. Non-immobilized dead cell mixture of strains III(3)7 and Ot4b31 showed a maximum sorption efficiency of 28.4 µg Hg/mg bacteria during the first 5 min of contact with HgCl2, removing over 95% of Hg. This process was escalated in a semi-batch bubbling fluidized bed reactor (BFB) using rice husk as the immobilization matrix leading to a similar level of efficiency. EDS-SEM analysis showed that all strains can adsorb Hg as particles of nanometric scale that can be related to the presence of S-layer metal binding proteins as shown in previous studies. These results suggest that L. sphaericus could be used as a novel biological method of mercury removal from polluted wastewater.
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Gutiérrez-Mosquera H, Shruti VC, Jonathan MP, Roy PD, Rivera-Rivera DM. Metal concentrations in the beach sediments of Bahia Solano and Nuquí along the Pacific coast of Chocó, Colombia: A baseline study. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 135:1-8. [PMID: 30300992 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.06.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Thirty sediment samples from four different beaches along Bahia Solano and Nuquí (Department of Chocó) of eastern Colombia, with tourism and gold mining activities, were analysed to estimate the concentrations of fourteen different acid leachable metals. Metal distribution patterns showed elevated concentrations of Co, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn compared with the upper continental crust values. Calculation of geochemical indices confirmed that the enrichment is due to periodic gold mining activities (severe to extremely severe enrichment of Cu, Zn, V, Co, Cr and Pb) along with natural (geological) contributions (minor and moderate enrichment of Ca, Mg, Fe, Ti, Mn and Li). Potential ecological risk index revealed that Pb posed the highest risk. Our results together with a global comparison suggest that the observed metal enrichments are mainly caused by mining and to a lesser extent by tourism in this region, thus instigating continuous monitoring of metal concentrations in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Gutiérrez-Mosquera
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó, Carrera 22 No.18B-10, Quibdó, Colombia; Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Medellín, Carrera 87 No. 30-65, Medellín, Colombia
| | - V C Shruti
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - M P Jonathan
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Priyadarsi D Roy
- Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria C.P. 04510, Del. Coyoacan, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - D M Rivera-Rivera
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340 Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Fuentes-Gandara F, Herrera-Herrera C, Pinedo-Hernández J, Marrugo-Negrete J, Díez S. Assessment of human health risk associated with methylmercury in the imported fish marketed in the Caribbean. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 165:324-329. [PMID: 29778966 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The decline in marine and freshwaters catches in recent years in Colombia has led to a change in dietary habits, with an increase in the purchase and consumption of imported fish. This is of particular concern as fish are sometimes caught in mercury-contaminated waters, and are subsequently sold canned or uncanned. In addition, canned tuna has received little attention as it is widely assumed that concentrations are low. In this study, total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations were evaluated in three imported fish species marketed in Colombia, Prochilodus lineatus, Prochilodus reticulatus, and Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, plus four brands of canned tuna and one of sardines. One brand of tuna showed the highest mean concentrations of THg (0.543 ± 0.237 μg/g, wet weight, ww) and MeHg (0.518 ± 0.337 μg/g ww), while concentrations in P. hypophthalmus were approximately 30 times lower (≈0.02 µg/g ww). The estimated weekly intake (EWI) in children was above the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of MeHg established by the Joint FAO/World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) in 2007, 1.6 μg/kg body weight (bw) per week, for all the canned tuna brands. Values for adults were below PTWI, whereas for women of childbearing age, values were above PTWI only for brand D of canned tuna. The estimate of the potential risk indicated that MeHg levels in canned tuna can generate negative effects in vulnerable groups, while the EWI of fresh fish did not pose a threat to the general population. Therefore, establishing strategies to address the high consumption of canned tuna, and continuous monitoring to control commercial food, are recommended to decrease Hg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Fuentes-Gandara
- Department of Natural and Exact Sciences, Universidad de la Costa, Calle 58 Nº 55-66, 080002, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Claudia Herrera-Herrera
- Department of Natural and Exact Sciences, Universidad de la Costa, Calle 58 Nº 55-66, 080002, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - José Pinedo-Hernández
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Water, Applied and Environmental Chemistry Group, University of Córdoba, Monteria, Colombia
| | - José Marrugo-Negrete
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Water, Applied and Environmental Chemistry Group, University of Córdoba, Monteria, Colombia.
| | - Sergi Díez
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDÆA-CSIC, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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Arrifano GPF, Martín-Doimeadios RCR, Jiménez-Moreno M, Fernández-Trujillo S, Augusto-Oliveira M, Souza-Monteiro JR, Macchi BM, Alvarez-Leite JI, do Nascimento JLM, Amador MT, Santos S, Ribeiro-Dos-Santos Â, Silva-Pereira LC, Oriá RB, Crespo-Lopez ME. Genetic Susceptibility to Neurodegeneration in Amazon: Apolipoprotein E Genotyping in Vulnerable Populations Exposed to Mercury. Front Genet 2018; 9:285. [PMID: 30100920 PMCID: PMC6073741 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Human exposure to mercury is a serious problem of public health in Amazon. As in other vulnerable populations throughout the world, Amazonian riverine populations are chronically exposed to this metal and some symptoms of mercury intoxication were already detected in these populations. However, studies on the genetic susceptibility to mercury toxicity in the Amazon are scarce, and they tested a limited number of individuals. In this context, apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) is a key element with a well-established association among their alleles and the neurodegenerative consequences of mercury intoxication. However, no studies have addressed APOE genotyping in Amazonian exposed populations. Additionally, epidemiological studies with APOE genotyping in Amazon have been restricted to indigenous populations. Therefore, this work analyzed for the first time the genotypic and allelic profiles of APOE in Amazonian riverine populations chronically exposed to mercury. Eight hundred and twenty three individuals were enrolled in our study donating blood (794) and/or hair (757). APOE genotyping was analyzed by real-time PCR. Total mercury and mercury species were quantified by ICP-MS and GC-pyro-AFS, respectively. Genomic ancestry markers were evaluated by multiplex-PCR reaction, separated by capillary electrophoresis on the ABI 3130 Genetic Analyzer instrument and analyzed on GeneMapper ID v3.2. The 𝜀3 and 𝜀3/𝜀3 were the most frequent allele and genotype, respectively, followed by 𝜀4 allele and 𝜀3/𝜀4 genotype. Only 𝜀2/𝜀2 genotype was not found, suggesting that the absence of this genotype is a generalized phenomenon in Amazon. Also, our data supported an association between the presence of APOE4 and the Amerindian origin in these populations. Fifty-nine individuals were identified at maximum risk with levels of mercury above 10 μg/g and the presence of APOE4. Interestingly, among individuals with high mercury content, APOE4-carriers had high mercury levels than APOE2-carriers, pointing to a different heavy metal accumulation according to the APOE allele. These data suggest that APOE4, in addition to a possible pharmacodynamic effect, may influence pharmacokinetically the mercury exposure causing its higher accumulation and leading to worse deleterious consequences. Our results may aid in the development of prevention strategies and health policy decision-making regarding these at-risk vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela P F Arrifano
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Rosa C R Martín-Doimeadios
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Technology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Biochemistry, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | - María Jiménez-Moreno
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Technology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Biochemistry, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | - Sergio Fernández-Trujillo
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Technology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Biochemistry, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | - Marcus Augusto-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção (Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto), Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - José R Souza-Monteiro
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Barbarella M Macchi
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | | | - José L M do Nascimento
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil.,Neuroscience Research Group, CEUMA University, São Luís, Brazil
| | - Marcos T Amador
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Sidney Santos
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Ândrea Ribeiro-Dos-Santos
- Laboratório de Genética Humana e Médica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | | | - Reinaldo B Oriá
- Laboratório da Biologia da Cicatrização, Ontogenia e Nutrição de Tecidos, Departamento de Morfologia e Instituto de Biomedicina, Escola de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Maria E Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
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Schrecker T, Birn AE, Aguilera M. How extractive industries affect health: Political economy underpinnings and pathways. Health Place 2018; 52:135-147. [PMID: 29886130 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A systematic and theoretically informed analysis of how extractive industries affect health outcomes and health inequities is overdue. Informed by the work of Saskia Sassen on "logics of extraction," we adopt an expansive definition of extractive industries to include (for example) large-scale foreign acquisitions of agricultural land for export production. To ground our analysis in concrete place-based evidence, we begin with a brief review of four case examples of major extractive activities. We then analyze the political economy of extractivism, focusing on the societal structures, processes, and relationships of power that drive and enable extraction. Next, we examine how this global order shapes and interacts with politics, institutions, and policies at the state/national level contextualizing extractive activity. Having provided necessary context, we posit a set of pathways that link the global political economy and national politics and institutional practices surrounding extraction to health outcomes and their distribution. These pathways involve both direct health effects, such as toxic work and environmental exposures and assassination of activists, and indirect effects, including sustained impoverishment, water insecurity, and stress-related ailments. We conclude with some reflections on the need for future research on the health and health equity implications of the global extractive order.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ted Schrecker
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, United Kingdom.
| | - Anne-Emanuelle Birn
- Critical Development Studies and Social and Behavioural Health Sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada
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Esdaile LJ, Chalker JM. The Mercury Problem in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining. Chemistry 2018; 24:6905-6916. [PMID: 29314284 PMCID: PMC5969110 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201704840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Mercury-dependent artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is the largest source of mercury pollution on Earth. In this practice, elemental mercury is used to extract gold from ore as an amalgam. The amalgam is typically isolated by hand and then heated-often with a torch or over a stove-to distill the mercury and isolate the gold. Mercury release from tailings and vaporized mercury exceed 1000 tonnes each year from ASGM. The health effects on the miners are dire, with inhaled mercury leading to neurological damage and other health issues. The communities near these mines are also affected due to mercury contamination of water and soil and subsequent accumulation in food staples, such as fish-a major source of dietary protein in many ASGM regions. The risks to children are also substantial, with mercury emissions from ASGM resulting in both physical and mental disabilities and compromised development. Between 10 and 19 million people use mercury to mine for gold in more than 70 countries, making mercury pollution from ASGM a global issue. With the Minamata Convention on Mercury entering force this year, there is political motivation to help overcome the problem of mercury in ASGM. In this effort, chemists can play a central role. Here, the problem of mercury in ASGM is reviewed with a discussion on how the chemistry community can contribute solutions. Introducing portable and low-cost mercury sensors, inexpensive and scalable remediation technologies, novel methods to prevent mercury uptake in fish and food crops, and efficient and easy-to-use mercury-free mining techniques are all ways in which the chemistry community can help. To meet these challenges, it is critical that new technologies or techniques are low-cost and adaptable to the remote and under-resourced areas in which ASGM is most common. The problem of mercury pollution in ASGM is inherently a chemistry problem. We therefore encourage the chemistry community to consider and address this issue that affects the health of millions of people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa J. Esdaile
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and EngineeringFlinders UniversitySturt RoadBedford Park, South AustraliaAustralia
| | - Justin M. Chalker
- Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and EngineeringFlinders UniversitySturt RoadBedford Park, South AustraliaAustralia
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Palacios-Torres Y, Caballero-Gallardo K, Olivero-Verbel J. Mercury pollution by gold mining in a global biodiversity hotspot, the Choco biogeographic region, Colombia. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 193:421-430. [PMID: 29154117 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.10.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a harmful pollutant released into the environment from gold mining activities, representing a risk to human health and the ecosystems. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of total Hg (T-Hg) in human hair, fish, sediments and air; and to determine fish consumption-based risks for T-Hg ingestion in the Choco biogeographic region, a global biodiversity hotspot located at the Colombian Pacific. Mercury concentrations in hair were measured in two locations, Quibdo, the state capital, and Paimado, a riverine community. The median T-Hg value in human hair in Quibdo was 1.26 μg/g (range: 0.02-116.40 μg/g), whereas in Paimado it was 0.67 μg/g (range: 0.07-6.47 μg/g). Mercury levels in examined locations were weakly associated with height (ρ = 0.145, P = 0.024). Air T-Hg levels in Quibdo were high inside gold shops being up to 200.9-fold greater than the background. Mercury concentrations in fish from Atrato River were above WHO limit (0.5 μg/g), with highest levels in Pseudopimelodus schultzi, Ageneiosus pardalis, Sternopygus aequilabiatus, Rhamdia quelen and Hoplias malabaricus, whereas the lowest appeared in Cyphocharax magdalenae and Hemiancistrus wilsoni. Based on fish consumption, these last two species offer low risk to human health. Sediment samples from fifty different sites of Atrato River showed low T-Hg concentrations, with little variability between stations. However, contamination factors revealed a moderate pollution in 44% of sampling sites along the river. In conclusion, Hg pollution is widespread in the Biogeographic Choco and governmental actions must be taken to protect the population and preserve its biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuber Palacios-Torres
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena 130015, Colombia; Environmental Toxicology and Natural Resources Group. School of Natural Sciences, Technological University of Choco "Diego Luis Cordoba", Quibdo, Choco, A.A. 292, Colombia
| | - Karina Caballero-Gallardo
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena 130015, Colombia
| | - Jesus Olivero-Verbel
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena 130015, Colombia.
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