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Waichman AV, Nunes GSDS, de Oliveira R, López-Heras I, Rico A. Human health risks associated to trace elements and metals in commercial fish from the Brazilian Amazon. J Environ Sci (China) 2025; 148:230-242. [PMID: 39095160 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Fish constitutes the main protein source for the Amazonian population. However, the impact of different anthropogenic activities on trace element and metal accumulation in fish and their risks for human health at a regional scale remain largely unexplored. Here we assessed exposure levels of 10 trace elements and metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, and Hg) in 56 samples belonging to 11 different species of fish from the Brazilian Amazon. We studied the relationship between exposure levels, fish origin, and fish feeding habits, and assessed toxicological and carcinogenic risks for the Amazonian population. No significant correlation was found between sampling site and exposure levels to the studied elements, but a significant difference was found between the accumulation of some metals and the position of the fish species in the food chain. The concentrations of Cr and Hg in fish flesh were found to exceed the Brazilian limits for human consumption. This study shows that current fish consumption patterns can lead to estimated daily intakes of Hg, As and Cr that exceed the oral reference dose, thus posing a toxicological concern. Furthermore, carcinogenic risks may be expected due to the continued exposure to Cr and As. The results of this study show that the consumption of wild caught fish in the Amazon region should be controlled. Moreover, continued monitoring of trace element and metal contamination in fish and on the health of the Amazonian population is recommended, particularly for riverine and indigenous communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea V Waichman
- Federal University of the Amazon, Institute of Biological Sciences, Av. Rodrigo Ramos 3000, Manaus 69077-000, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Silva de Souza Nunes
- Federal University of Pernambuco, Department of Zoology, Av. Prof Moraes Rego 1235, Cidade Universitária, Recife 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Rhaul de Oliveira
- University of Campinas, School of Technology, Rua Paschoal Marmo 1888 - Jd. Nova Itália, Limeira 13484-332, Brazil
| | - Isabel López-Heras
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Av. Punto Com 2, Alcalá de Henares 28805, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andreu Rico
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Av. Punto Com 2, Alcalá de Henares 28805, Madrid, Spain; Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, c/ Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain.
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2
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Jeong H, Ali W, Zinck P, Souissi S, Lee JS. Toxicity of methylmercury in aquatic organisms and interaction with environmental factors and coexisting pollutants: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 943:173574. [PMID: 38823721 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173574] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Mercury is a hazardous heavy metal that is distributed worldwide in aquatic ecosystems. Methylmercury (MeHg) poses significant toxicity risks to aquatic organisms, primarily through bioaccumulation and biomagnification, due to its strong affinity for protein thiol groups, which results in negative effects even at low concentrations. MeHg exposure can cause various physiological changes, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, metabolic disorders, genetic damage, and immunotoxicity. To assess the risks of MeHg contamination in actual aquatic ecosystems, it is important to understand how MeHg interacts with environmental factors such as temperature, pH, dissolved organic matter, salinity, and other pollutants such as microplastics and organic compounds. Complex environmental conditions can cause potential toxicity, such as synergistic, antagonistic, and unchanged effects, of MeHg in aquatic organisms. This review focuses on demonstrating the toxic effects of single MeHg exposure and the interactive relationships between MeHg and surrounding environmental factors or pollutants on aquatic organisms. Our review also recommends further research on biological and molecular responses in aquatic organisms to better understand the potential toxicity of combinational exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haksoo Jeong
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Wajid Ali
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Artois, UMR 8181 - UCCS - Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide, F-59000 Lille, France; Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, IRD, UMR-8187-LOG, Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, Station Marine de Wimereux, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Philippe Zinck
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Artois, UMR 8181 - UCCS - Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Sami Souissi
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, IRD, UMR-8187-LOG, Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, Station Marine de Wimereux, F-59000 Lille, France; Center of Excellence for Ocean Engineering, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan; Operation Center for Enterprise Academia Networking, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea.
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Schlippe-Justicia L, Lemaire J, Dittrich C, Mayer M, Bustamante P, Rojas B. Poison in the nursery: Mercury contamination in the tadpole-rearing sites of an Amazonian frog. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169450. [PMID: 38135067 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169450] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) has become a major threat for Neotropical forests. This technique for obtaining gold is a substantial driver of small-scale deforestation and the largest contributor of Hg emissions to both the atmosphere and freshwater systems globally. Previous studies have demonstrated the impacts of Hg accumulation on various aquatic ecosystems and organisms. However, its consequences in other, more discrete systems such as phytotelmata (water-holding plant structures), and the organisms therein, have so far gone unnoticed. Here, we show high concentrations of Hg (mean ± SD: 1.43 ± 2.19 ppm) in phytotelmata and other small pools, the aquatic microenvironments used by the Neotropical poison frog Dendrobates tinctorius as tadpole-rearing sites. In 17 % of the cases, we detected Hg concentrations above the severe effect level (SEL = 2 ppm) for freshwater sediments. Hg concentrations varied depending on pool characteristics and tended to increase in proximity to known ASGM sites. We did not find an effect of Hg concentration on the number of D. tinctorius tadpoles in a given pool. Tadpoles were found in pools with concentrations of up to 8.68 ppm, suggesting that D. tinctorius fathers do not avoid pools with high Hg levels for tadpole deposition. While further research is needed to determine the potential effects of Hg on tadpole development, we found an intriguing tendency for tadpoles in later developmental stages to have lower body condition when occurring in pools with higher Hg concentrations. Our findings provide evidence of relevant Hg concentrations in the terrestrial water systems used by phytotelm-breeding anurans, and highlight the need of further field and experimental studies investigating the implications of Hg contamination for tadpole development and behaviour and the overall conservation of Amazonian biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Schlippe-Justicia
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Jérémy Lemaire
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Carolin Dittrich
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria; University of Jyvaskyla, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, P.O. Box 35, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Martin Mayer
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Anne Evenstads Vei 80, 2480 Koppang, Norway; Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Nordre Ringgade 1, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Bibiana Rojas
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria; University of Jyvaskyla, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, P.O. Box 35, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland.
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Monteiro LC, Vieira LCG, Bernardi JVE, Bastos WR, de Souza JPR, Recktenvald MCNDN, Nery AFDC, Oliveira IADS, Cabral CDS, Moraes LDC, Filomeno CL, de Souza JR. Local and landscape factors influencing mercury distribution in water, bottom sediment, and biota from lakes of the Araguaia River floodplain, Central Brazil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168336. [PMID: 37949140 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a chemical element widely present in the Earth's crust. However, its high toxicity and ability to accumulate in organisms and biomagnify through food chains characterize it as a global pollutant of primary control. We assessed total mercury concentrations ([THg]) in abiotic and biotic compartments from 98 floodplain lakes associated with the Araguaia River and six tributaries (Midwest Brazil). [THg] quantification in water was performed by cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectroscopy. [THg] in bottom sediment was assessed using cold vapor generation atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while [THg] in macrophyte, periphyton, and plankton were quantified by thermal decomposition atomic absorption spectrometry. Hotspots of [THg] in water, bottom sediment, and macrophytes were determined in areas impacted by pasture and urban areas. In contrast, hotspots of [THg] in periphyton and forest fires were determined in preserved areas downstream. [THg] in plankton did not show a clear spatial distribution pattern. The mean bioaccumulation factor order was plankton (2.3 ± 1.8) > periphyton (1.3 ± 0.9) > macrophytes (0.7 ± 0.4) (KW = 55.09, p < 0.0001). Higher [THg] in water and bottom sediment were associated with high pH (R2adj = 0.118, p = 0.004) and organic matter (R2adj = 0.244, p < 0.0001). [THg] in macrophytes were positively influenced by [THg] in water (R2adj = 0.063, p = 0.024) and sediment (R2adj = 0.105, p = 0.007). [THg] in periphyton are positively related to forest fires (R2adj = 0.156, p = 0.009) and [THg] in macrophytes (R2adj = 0.061, p = 0.03) and negatively related to lake depth (R2adj = 0.045, p = 0.02). The transfer of Hg from water and sediment to the biota is limited. However, the progressive increase of the bioaccumulation factor between macrophyte, periphyton, and plankton may indicate Hg biomagnification along the food chain of the Araguaia River floodplain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Cabrera Monteiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
| | - Ludgero Cardoso Galli Vieira
- Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas Ambientais e Limnológicas, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, Brazil
| | - José Vicente Elias Bernardi
- Laboratório de Geoestatística e Geodésia, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Cássio da Silva Cabral
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Lilian de Castro Moraes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, Brazil
| | - Cleber Lopes Filomeno
- Central Análítica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Jurandir Rodrigues de Souza
- Laboratório de Química Analítica e Ambiental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
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Dórea JG, Monteiro LC, Elias Bernardi JV, Fernandes IO, Barbosa Oliveira SF, Rudrigues de Souza JP, Sarmento Rodrigues YO, Galli Vieira LC, Rodrigues de Souza J. Land use impact on mercury in sediments and macrophytes from a natural lake in the Brazilian savanna. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122414. [PMID: 37598931 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater ecosystems are essential to human and wildlife survival. They harbor a wide biodiversity that contributes to ecosystem services. In the ecosystem of the Brazilian Savanna, anthropic activities related to environmental pollution that includes mercury (Hg) is of concern. We studied total mercury concentrations ([THg]) in bottom sediments and macrophytes to assess its short-term (2012 and 2019) impact on a natural lake. Temporal changes in [Hg] were assessed with the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and the sediment quality guidelines (SQG). The land use index (LUI) was used to assess differences in anthropogenic activities and the Normalized Difference Aquatic Vegetation Index (NDAVI) was used to assess macrophyte biomass density. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) was used to assess Hg accumulation in macrophytes relative to sediments. The LUI showed an increase in the intensity of agricultural activities in the vicinities of the lake. The NDAVI indicated an increase in the density of macrophytes in the evaluated period. The Igeo indicated that in all sampling sites, pollution levels in sediments increased in 2019 (Igeo > 0), with concentrations exceeding the SQG in 2019. In 2012, [THg] in sediments ranged from 20.7 to 74.6 ng g-1, and in 2019 they ranged from 129.1 to 318.2 ng g-1. In macrophytes, [THg] ranged from 14.0 to 42.1 ng g-1 in 2012, to 53.0 and 175.3 ng g-1 in 2019. [THg] in bottom sediments and macrophytes were significantly higher in the second collection period (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in BAF values between the periods and no significant bioaccumulation in macrophytes (BAF <1). Our results demonstrated that the macrophytes are not sensitive indicators of Hg pollution in lentic environments of the Brazilian Savanna; however, the increased land use intensity (agriculture, automotive traffic, and urban infrastructure) could increase Hg accumulation in sediments and macrophytes in a short time interval.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Lucas Cabrera Monteiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil; Laboratório de Geoestatística e Geodésia, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil; Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas Ambientais e Limnológicas, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil.
| | - José Vicente Elias Bernardi
- Laboratório de Geoestatística e Geodésia, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil.
| | - Iara Oliveira Fernandes
- Laboratório de Geoestatística e Geodésia, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil.
| | - Sandy Flora Barbosa Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil.
| | - João Pedro Rudrigues de Souza
- Laboratório de Química Analítica e Ambiental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70919-970, Brazil.
| | - Ygor Oliveira Sarmento Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Geoestatística e Geodésia, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil.
| | - Ludgero Cardoso Galli Vieira
- Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas Ambientais e Limnológicas, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, 73345-010, Brazil.
| | - Jurandir Rodrigues de Souza
- Laboratório de Química Analítica e Ambiental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70919-970, Brazil.
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de Castro Moraes L, Bernardi JVE, de Souza JPR, Portela JF, Pereira HR, de Oliveira Barbosa H, Pires NL, Monteiro LC, Rodrigues YOS, Vieira LCG, Sousa Passos CJ, de Souza JR, Bastos WR, Dórea JG. Mercury Contamination as an Indicator of Fish Species' Trophic Position in the Middle Araguaia River, Brazil. TOXICS 2023; 11:886. [PMID: 37999538 PMCID: PMC10675111 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11110886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluates the use of mercury (Hg) concentrations in fish muscle tissue to determine a species' trophic position (TP) in its environment. A campaign conducted in 2019 along 375 km in the middle Araguaia River basin, Brazil, resulted in 239 organisms from 20 species collected. The highest total mercury (THg) concentrations were found in Pellonacastelnaeana (6.93 µg·g-1, wet weight) and in Triportheus elongatus (3.18 µg·g-1, wet weight), whose TPs were different according to the FishBase database. However, they occupied the same trophic level in this study. The intra-specific comparison showed a difference in Hg concentrations between individuals captured in distinct sites. The study of the biota-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) showed that spatiality interferes with a species' TP. Statistical analyses revealed that when we used a predicted species' TP based on each individual's size, it explained 72% of the variability in THg concentration across all fish species. Multiple regression analysis confirmed that standard length and FishBase values are positively associated with THg (R2 = 0.943). These results point to Hg as a viable indicator of a fish species' TP since it reflects regional, biological, and environmental factors, as demonstrated here for the middle Araguaia River.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian de Castro Moraes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina 73345-010, DF, Brazil; (L.d.C.M.); (H.R.P.); (H.d.O.B.); (N.L.P.); (Y.O.S.R.)
| | - José Vicente Elias Bernardi
- Laboratório de Geoestatística e Geodésia, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina 73345-010, DF, Brazil
| | - João Pedro Rudrigues de Souza
- Laboratório de Química Analítica e Ambiental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70919-970, DF, Brazil; (J.P.R.d.S.); (J.F.P.); (J.R.d.S.)
| | - Joelma Ferreira Portela
- Laboratório de Química Analítica e Ambiental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70919-970, DF, Brazil; (J.P.R.d.S.); (J.F.P.); (J.R.d.S.)
| | - Hasley Rodrigo Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina 73345-010, DF, Brazil; (L.d.C.M.); (H.R.P.); (H.d.O.B.); (N.L.P.); (Y.O.S.R.)
| | - Hugo de Oliveira Barbosa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina 73345-010, DF, Brazil; (L.d.C.M.); (H.R.P.); (H.d.O.B.); (N.L.P.); (Y.O.S.R.)
| | - Nayara Luiz Pires
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina 73345-010, DF, Brazil; (L.d.C.M.); (H.R.P.); (H.d.O.B.); (N.L.P.); (Y.O.S.R.)
| | - Lucas Cabrera Monteiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil;
| | - Ygor Oliveira Sarmento Rodrigues
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina 73345-010, DF, Brazil; (L.d.C.M.); (H.R.P.); (H.d.O.B.); (N.L.P.); (Y.O.S.R.)
| | - Ludgero Cardoso Galli Vieira
- Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas Ambientais e Limnológicas, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina 73345-010, DF, Brazil;
| | | | - Jurandir Rodrigues de Souza
- Laboratório de Química Analítica e Ambiental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70919-970, DF, Brazil; (J.P.R.d.S.); (J.F.P.); (J.R.d.S.)
| | - Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho 76901-000, RO, Brazil;
| | - José Garrofe Dórea
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70919-970, DF, Brazil;
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Mestanza-Ramón C, Jiménez-Oyola S, Montoya AVG, Vizuete DDC, D’Orio G, Cedeño-Laje J, Straface S. Assessment of Hg pollution in stream waters and human health risk in areas impacted by mining activities in the Ecuadorian Amazon. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:7183-7197. [PMID: 37160830 PMCID: PMC10517888 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01597-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Illegal gold mining activities have contributed to the release and mobilization of Hg and environmental degradation in many parts of the world. This study aims to determine the concentration of Hg in five provinces of the Amazon Region of Ecuador, in addition to assessing the risk to human health of exposed populations, applying deterministic and probabilistic methods. For this purpose, 147 water samples were collected in rivers and streams crossing and/or located near mining areas. As a result, 100% of the samples analyzed exceeded the maximum permissible limit (MPL) according to the water quality criteria for the preservation of aquatic life of the Ecuadorian regulations, while 7% of the samples exceeded the MPL for drinking water. On the other hand, considering the European Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) for surface water bodies, in our study, 100% of the samples exceed the maximum permissible limit (0.07 µg/L), and with respect to the Canadian water quality guidelines, 35% of the samples exceed the permissible limit (0.001 mg/l) for drinking water, and 100% of the samples exceed the limit for life in water bodies (0.0001 mg/l). The risk assessment revealed that the probability of developing adverse health effects from exposure to Hg is below the recommended limits according to the probabilistic assessment; this is in relation to the criterion of residential and recreational use of water resources. However, it was identified that the child population doubles the acceptable systemic risk level according to the results of the deterministic assessment in the residential scenario. This information can be used by decision-makers to implement strategies to reduce Hg contamination and exposure of the population in Ecuadorian Amazonian rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Mestanza-Ramón
- Research Group YASUNI-SDC, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Sede Orellana, 20001 El Coca, Ecuador
- Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Samantha Jiménez-Oyola
- Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de La Tierra, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Alex Vinicio Gavilanes Montoya
- Faculty of Natural Resources, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Panamericana Sur, Km 1 ½, EC-060155 Riobamba, Ecuador
- Department of Forest Engineering, Forest Management Planning and Terrestrial Measurements, Faculty of Silviculture and Forest Engineering, Transilvania University of Brasov, Şirul Beethoven 1, 500123 Brasov, Romania
| | - Danny Daniel Castillo Vizuete
- Faculty of Natural Resources, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Panamericana Sur, Km 1 ½, EC-060155 Riobamba, Ecuador
- Department of Forest Engineering, Forest Management Planning and Terrestrial Measurements, Faculty of Silviculture and Forest Engineering, Transilvania University of Brasov, Şirul Beethoven 1, 500123 Brasov, Romania
| | - Giovanni D’Orio
- Department of Economics, Statistics ands Finasnce, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata Di Rende, Italy
| | - Juan Cedeño-Laje
- Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de La Tierra, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Salvatore Straface
- Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de La Tierra, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, ESPOL Polytechnic University, Campus Gustavo Galindo Km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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8
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Targino FJ, Ribeiro JDDN, Simões JS, Carneiro CS, Lazzarini SM, Souza AR, Ferreira MDS, Mano SB, Mársico ET. Total Mercury Content in the Tissues of Freshwater Chelonium ( Podocnemis expansa) and a Human Health Risk Assessment for the Amazon Population in Brazil. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6489. [PMID: 37569029 PMCID: PMC10418661 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20156489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Researchers recognize the silent, negative and deleterious effects caused by mercury pollution in gold mining areas. Freshwater turtles are culturally part of the diet of riverside populations in the Amazon region and this area presents mercury (Hg) pollution issues mainly due to gold mining activities. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the total mercury (THg) content in the different organs of Amazonian giant river turtle (Podocnemis expansa) and carry out a human health risk assessment associated with the consumption of these animals. This study was conducted in the Vila Balbina, municipality of Presidente Figueiredo, state of Amazonas, Brazil. Skin (n = 28), muscle (n = 19) and brain (n = 2) samples were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (TDA-AAS) and a DMA-80™ mercury analyzer was used for the total mercury determinations. The average values found for THg in the skin, muscle and brain samples were, respectively, 0.1045 mg·kg-1, 0.1092 mg·kg-1 and 0.0601 mg·kg-1. Thus, THg was observed even though the P. expansa were kept in captivity, possibly due to previous contamination by air, water and food. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) was calculated considering a 9.07 g·day-1 intake dose of P. expansa and the consumption of turtles once a week showed an HQ = 2.45, which may cause long-term injuries to human health. Although the muscle concentrations were below the maximum limit established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Brazilian regulatory agencies, it is important to evaluate consumption factors such as amount ingested, frequency and animal gender, which may cause a potential risk to regular consumers due to mercury bioaccumulation. The WHO may consider various aspects in order to warn the Amazon population about the severity and silent hazard of this metal, especially due to the importance of this matrix in the region. This region urgently needs government actions to inhibit clandestine mining and to prevent future serious, chronic health problems of the entire population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio Júnior Targino
- Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói 24230-321, Brazil; (F.J.T.); (J.D.d.N.R.); (J.S.S.); (M.d.S.F.); (S.B.M.)
| | - Joanna Damazio de Nunes Ribeiro
- Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói 24230-321, Brazil; (F.J.T.); (J.D.d.N.R.); (J.S.S.); (M.d.S.F.); (S.B.M.)
| | - Julia Siqueira Simões
- Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói 24230-321, Brazil; (F.J.T.); (J.D.d.N.R.); (J.S.S.); (M.d.S.F.); (S.B.M.)
| | - Carla Silva Carneiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-580, Brazil;
| | - Stella Maris Lazzarini
- Centro de Pesquisa e Preservação de Mamíferos Aquáticos (CPPMA), Eletronorte, Presidente Figueiredo 69736-000, Brazil; (S.M.L.); (A.R.S.)
| | - Aline Ramos Souza
- Centro de Pesquisa e Preservação de Mamíferos Aquáticos (CPPMA), Eletronorte, Presidente Figueiredo 69736-000, Brazil; (S.M.L.); (A.R.S.)
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus 69077-000, Brazil
| | - Micheli da Silva Ferreira
- Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói 24230-321, Brazil; (F.J.T.); (J.D.d.N.R.); (J.S.S.); (M.d.S.F.); (S.B.M.)
| | - Sergio Borges Mano
- Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói 24230-321, Brazil; (F.J.T.); (J.D.d.N.R.); (J.S.S.); (M.d.S.F.); (S.B.M.)
| | - Eliane Teixeira Mársico
- Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói 24230-321, Brazil; (F.J.T.); (J.D.d.N.R.); (J.S.S.); (M.d.S.F.); (S.B.M.)
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9
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Azevedo LS, Pestana IA, Nascimento L, Oliveira RC, Bastos WR, di Beneditto APM. Risk of exposure to Hg and pesticides residues in a traditional fishing community in the Amazon: a probabilistic approach based on dietary pattern. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:34164-34173. [PMID: 35034314 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-18409-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: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to mercury (Hg) and pesticides (o.p'DDT, p.p'DDT, o.p'DDE, and p.p'DDE) in the Amazon through eating fish is of concern due to the large participation of this food in the diet of traditional fishing communities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the estimated daily intake (EDI) and the incremental lifetime cancer risk associated with Hg and o.p'DDT, p.p'DDT, o.p'DDE, and p.p'DDE in an Amazonian community. The results showed that for Hg, the EDI from carnivorous and detritivorous fish had the highest values, while for pesticides, the EDI from detritivorous fish intake had the highest value. The incremental lifetime cancer risk was below the permitted limit. A recommendation for controlling the high risk of exposure includes the reduction of detritivorous fish ingestion and/or replacement with herbivorous fish, which had lower EDI. We highlight the importance of investigating the human dietary patterns when estimating risk of exposure to Hg and pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Silva Azevedo
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil.
| | - Inácio Abreu Pestana
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Luiza Nascimento
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo Cavalcante Oliveira
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, RO, CEP: 76815-800, Brazil
| | - Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, RO, CEP: 76815-800, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Madeira di Beneditto
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
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10
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Mancini L, Miniero R, Beccaloni E, di Domenico K, Lacchetti I, Puccinelli C, Cicero MR, Scaini F, Carere M. Mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in sediment and biota: A case study in a lagoon in Central Italy. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113308. [PMID: 35051847 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113308] [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: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A quantification of total mercury (Hgtot) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in sediment and mussels was carried out in the east basin of the Orbetello lagoon in order to assess their bioaccumulation potential. The sediment was sampled in four macroareas, mussels were transplanted in the same sites and collected after seven weeks. The results show that Hgtot concentrations in sediments exceeded (0.21-16.9 mg/kg dry weight (dw)) the environmental quality standard of the Italian legislation (0.3 mg/kg dw). The Hgtot concentration in mussels (0.050-0.324 mg/kg wet weight (ww)) does not exceed the limit values (0.5 mg/kg ww) of the European food legislation. The biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) derived for MeHg (80-306.7) and a biomagnification factor (BMF) greater than 1 for Hgtot demonstrate that in the lagoon, these compounds can be transferred in the upper levels of the trophic chain and pose a risk to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Mancini
- Italian Institute of Health, Department: Environment and Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Miniero
- Italian Institute of Health, Department: Environment and Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Beccaloni
- Italian Institute of Health, Department: Environment and Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Kevin di Domenico
- Italian Institute of Health, Department: Environment and Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ines Lacchetti
- Italian Institute of Health, Department: Environment and Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Puccinelli
- Italian Institute of Health, Department: Environment and Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Cicero
- Italian Institute of Health, Department: Environment and Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Scaini
- Italian Institute of Health, Department: Environment and Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Carere
- Italian Institute of Health, Department: Environment and Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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11
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de Bakker LB, Gasparinetti P, de Queiroz JM, de Vasconcellos ACS. Economic Impacts on Human Health Resulting from the Use of Mercury in the Illegal Gold Mining in the Brazilian Amazon: A Methodological Assessment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182211869. [PMID: 34831624 PMCID: PMC8622153 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in the Amazon results in the dumping of tons of mercury into the environment annually. Despite consensus on the impacts of mercury on human health, there are still unknowns regarding: (i) the extent to which mercury from ASGM can be dispersed in the environment until it becomes toxic to humans; and (ii) the economic value of losses caused by contamination becomes evident. The main objective of this study is to propose a methodology to evaluate the impacts of ASGM on human health in different contexts in the Brazilian Amazon. We connect several points in the literature based on hypotheses regarding mercury dispersion in water, its transformation into methylmercury, and absorption by fish and humans. This methodology can be used as a tool to estimate the extent of environmental damage caused by artisanal gold mining, the severity of damage to the health of individuals contaminated by mercury and, consequently, can contribute to the application of fines to environmental violators. The consequences of contamination are evaluated by dose-response functions relating to mercury concentrations in hair and the development of the following health outcomes: (i) mild mental retardation, (ii) acute myocardial infarction, and (iii) hypertension. From disability-adjusted life years and statistical life value, we found that the economic losses range from 100,000 to 400,000 USD per kilogram of gold extracted. A case study of the Yanomami indigenous land shows that the impacts of mercury from illegal gold mining in 2020 totaled 69 million USD, which could be used by local authorities to compensate the Yanomami people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Barcellos de Bakker
- Leonardo B. Bakker Assessoria, São Clemente Street, Rio de Janeiro 254, Rio de Janeiro 22260-004, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | - Pedro Gasparinetti
- Conservation Strategy Fund, Av. Churchill 129, Rio de Janeiro 20020-050, Brazil;
| | - Júlia Mello de Queiroz
- Julia Queiroz Consultoria Desenvolvimento Verde, Maria Angelica Street, Rio de Janeiro 382, Rio de Janeiro 22461-152, Brazil;
| | - Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratory of Professional Education in Health Surveillance, Joaquim Venâncio Polytechnic School of Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
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12
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Dias Dos Santos AN, Recktenvald MCNDN, de Carvalho DP, Bortoleto Puerta EL, de Sousa-Filho IF, Dórea JG, Bastos WR. Mercury in birds (aquatic and scavenger) from the Western Amazon. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 201:111574. [PMID: 34181920 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In the Amazon rainforest, methylmercury (MeHg) is easily biomagnified and bio-accumulated in the aquatic food chain. This unique biome has been studied for occupational and environmental issues related to human health and contamination through fish consumption; however, wildlife studies have not yet addressed fish-eating birds. Different species of birds categorized by foraging strategies and life-stages were studied in the Madeira River Basin (Western Amazon rainforest). Feather and tissue (muscle, liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, brain, and blood) samples were collected opportunistically from six bird species feeding on fish and aquatic fauna and a scavenger (a saprophagous species) during the low-water season (July 2017). All collected samples were analyzed for total Hg (THg); methyl-Hg (MeHg) was determined only in feathers. The mean THg concentrations in feathers (dw) were as follows: Ardea cocoi (4.05 μg g-1, n = 51) > Egretta thulla (3.94 μg g-1, n = 5) > Ardea alba (3.80 μg g-1, n = 61) > Anhinga anhinga (3.69 μg g-1, n = 8) > Nannopterum brasilianus (3.07 μg g-1, n = 10). The scavenger Coragyps atratus showed mean THg in feathers (9.93 μg g-1, n = 30) to be significantly higher than in fish-eating birds. Across species, THg levels in feathers correlated significantly with THgmuscle (p = 0.022) and THgbrain (p = 0.002). THg concentrations varied in tissues (feather > liver > kidneys > lungs > heart > muscle > blood > brain). The Hgbrain:Hgfeather, Hgbrain:Hgmuscle, and Hgbrain:Hgblood ratios were 0.031, 0.503 and 0.516, respectively. The mean [MeHg:THg] ratio in feathers from aquatic birds varied between species from 14 to 74% with a mean of 38%. Scavenger birds that forage in the terrestrial Amazonian environments concentrate more THg than species that forage in the aquatic environment. None of the aquatic species showed THg concentration in internal organs that were above threshold for risk of Hg toxicity; additionally, they are not listed in the categories of threat by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela N Dias Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental Wolfgang C. Pfeiffer, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Izidro F de Sousa-Filho
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental Wolfgang C. Pfeiffer, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil
| | - José G Dórea
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brazil
| | - Wanderley R Bastos
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental Wolfgang C. Pfeiffer, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil.
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13
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Joshi G, Meena B, Verma P, Nayak J, Vinithkumar NV, Dharani G. Deep-sea mercury resistant bacteria from the Central Indian Ocean: A potential candidate for mercury bioremediation. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 169:112549. [PMID: 34182201 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112549] [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: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Deep-sea bacteria when grown in normal environmental conditions get morphologically and genetically adapted to resist the provided culture conditions for their survival, making them a possible aspirant in mercury bioremediation. In this study, seawater samples were collected from different depths of the Central Indian Ocean and seven mercury resistant bacteria (resistant to 100 mg L-1 concentration of inorganic Hg as HgCl2) were isolated. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the identified isolates belong to the genera Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Pseudoalteromonas. The presence of the merA gene in the isolates contributes to the effective volatilization of mercury. The Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass-Spectroscopy analysis revealed that the isolates can reduce up to >80% of inorganic mercury. Moreover, Fourier Transform Infrared spectrum analysis indicates that functional groups play a key role in the mechanism of adaptation towards Hg2+ reduction. Thus, the deep-sea bacteria expressed significant tolerance and reduction potential towards ionic mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gajendra Joshi
- Atal Centre for Ocean Science and Technology for Islands, National Institute of Ocean Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, Port Blair 744103, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.
| | - Balakrishnan Meena
- Atal Centre for Ocean Science and Technology for Islands, National Institute of Ocean Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, Port Blair 744103, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
| | - Pankaj Verma
- Ocean Science and Technology for Islands, National Institute of Ocean Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, Chennai 600100, India
| | - Jibananand Nayak
- Atal Centre for Ocean Science and Technology for Islands, National Institute of Ocean Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, Port Blair 744103, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
| | - Nambali Valsalan Vinithkumar
- Atal Centre for Ocean Science and Technology for Islands, National Institute of Ocean Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, Port Blair 744103, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
| | - Gopal Dharani
- Ocean Science and Technology for Islands, National Institute of Ocean Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, Chennai 600100, India
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14
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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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15
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Salazar-Pammo AC, Achá D, Miranda-Chumacero G. Preferential Liver Accumulation of Mercury Explains Low Concentrations in Muscle of Caiman yacare (Alligatoridae) in Upper Amazon. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 106:264-269. [PMID: 33394066 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-020-03081-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Caiman yacare is considered one of the top predators in the Amazon basin, and understanding pollutant distribution within its tissues may help its sustainable management. As a top predator, C. yacare should have the highest mercury concentrations, but has lower Hg concentrations than carnivorous fish (Rivera et al. 2016), which are part of their diet. We compared total Hg among liver, kidney, fat, and muscle of C. yacare, and whether trends in the distribution of Hg among tissues were like other crocodilians, aquatic birds, omnivorous, and carnivorous fish. Fat had the lowest concentrations (0.025 ± 0.03 mg kg-1) followed by muscle (0.15 ± 0.06 mg kg-1), kidney (0.57 ± 0.30 mg kg-1) and liver (1.81 ± 0.80 mg kg-1). Such preferential accumulation makes C. yacare meat a safer alternative for human consumption than carnivorous fish. The relation between Hg accumulation in liver and muscle is highest in crocodilians, which has evolutive and environmental implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Salazar-Pammo
- Maestría en Ciencias Biológicas, Carrera de Biología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, P.O. Box 10077, La Paz, Bolivia.
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Madidi-Tambopata Landscape Conservation Program, P.O. Box 3- 35181, La Paz, Bolivia.
| | - Dario Achá
- Instituto de Ecología, Unidad de Calidad Ambiental, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, La Paz, P.O. Box 10077, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - Guido Miranda-Chumacero
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Madidi-Tambopata Landscape Conservation Program, P.O. Box 3- 35181, La Paz, Bolivia
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16
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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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Azevedo LS, Pestana IA, Almeida MG, Ferreira da Costa Nery A, Bastos WR, Magalhães Souza CM. Mercury biomagnification in an ichthyic food chain of an amazon floodplain lake (Puruzinho Lake): Influence of seasonality and food chain modeling. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 207:111249. [PMID: 32890953 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) biomagnification in fish food chains is a relevant subject due to the high fish consumption of the Amazonian population and the high toxicity of this metal. In the Amazon, floodplain lake hydrodynamics change considerably along the four seasons of the hydrological cycle (rising water, high water, falling water and low water), which can influence Hg bioaccumulation in fish. The main aim of this study was to evaluate if Hg biomagnification is influenced by seasonality in a floodplain lake (Puruzinho Lake) in the Brazilian Amazon. Additionally, the influence of food chain modeling on measurement of Hg biomagnification was tested. Hg concentrations and stable isotope signatures (carbon and nitrogen) were estimated in four species, Mylossoma duriventre (herbivorous), Prochilodus nigricans (detritivorous), Cichla pleiozona (piscivorous) and Serrasalmus rhombeus (piscivorous). The "trophic magnification slope" (TMS) of the food chain composed by the four species was calculated and compared among the four seasons. There was no significant seasonal variation in TMS among rising water, high water, falling water and low water seasons (p = 0.08), suggesting that Hg biomagnification does not change seasonally. However, there was significant variation in TMS among different food chain models. Lower TMS was observed in a food chain composed of detritivorous and piscivorous fish (0.20) in comparison with a food chain composed of the four species (0.26). The results indicate food chain modeling influences TMS results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Silva Azevedo
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Parque Califórnia, CEP, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil.
| | - Inácio Abreu Pestana
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Parque Califórnia, CEP, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Gomes Almeida
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Parque Califórnia, CEP, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Adriely Ferreira da Costa Nery
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Olaria, CEP, 76815-800, Porto Velho, Rondônia, RO, Brazil
| | - Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Olaria, CEP, 76815-800, Porto Velho, Rondônia, RO, Brazil
| | - Cristina Maria Magalhães Souza
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Parque Califórnia, CEP, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
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Bastos WR, Dórea JG, Lacerda LD, Almeida R, Costa-Junior WA, Baía CC, Sousa-Filho IF, Sousa EA, Oliveira IAS, Cabral CS, Manzatto AG, Carvalho DP, Ribeiro KAN, Malm O. Dynamics of Hg and MeHg in the Madeira River basin (Western Amazon) before and after impoundment of a run-of-river hydroelectric dam. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 189:109896. [PMID: 32979999 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The impact of a hydroelectric run-of-river (RoR) dam construction on the dynamics of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) is of interest to the environment and health of human and wild life. We monitored (May 2010 to October 2018) THg and MeHg in the waters and in the suspended particulate matter (SPM) of the Madeira River and its tributaries (before and after dam construction) to evaluate changes upstream and downstream from the Santo Antonio Hydroelectric Dam (SAHD). We collected 2826 samples of water and SPM at sampling stations upstream (UPMD-01, UPMD-02 and UPMD-03) and downstream the Madeira River (DWMD-04, DWMD-05 and DWMD-06), and Tributaries upstream (Branco River, Jaci-Parana River, Jatuarana-I Igarapé, Contra River, Caripunas Igarapé, Ceara Igarapé, and Teotonio Igarapé) and downstream (Jatuarana-II Igarapé and Belmont Igarapé) from the SAHD and monitored water and the total load of SPM. SPM was significantly higher in the Madeira River (median: 178.63 mg.L-1) than in upstream and downstream tributaries (median: 15.30 mg.L-1); however, the THg and MeHg concentrations were significantly higher in the tributaries (median: 161.14 ng g-1 and 9.03 ng g-1, respectively) than in the mainstream Madeira River (median = 57.06 ng g-1 and 1.63 ng g-1, respectively). THg concentration in the water was significantly higher in the mainstream Madeira River (median = 6.51 ng.L-1) than in the tributaries (median = 2.57 ng.L-1). However, the percentage of methylation in the tributaries (median = 4.9%) was 4-times higher than in the Madeira River (median: 1.3%). The significantly higher MeHg percentages in the tributaries may indicate natural (hydro-bio-geochemical factors) still predominant in this changing landscape of the Western Amazon. So far, the data suggest that this RoR has not yet impacted the THg and MeHg concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanderley R Bastos
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental WCP, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Brazil.
| | - José G Dórea
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brazil
| | - Luiz D Lacerda
- Instituto de Ciências Do Mar, Universidade Federal Do Ceará, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo Almeida
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental WCP, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências Sociais e Ambientais, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Brazil
| | | | - Célia C Baía
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental WCP, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Izidro F Sousa-Filho
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental WCP, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Brazil; Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eduardo A Sousa
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental WCP, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Brazil
| | | | - Cássio S Cabral
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental WCP, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Angelo G Manzatto
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental WCP, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Dario P Carvalho
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Santo Antônio Energia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | | | - Olaf Malm
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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19
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do Nascimento EL, Miyai RK, de Oliveira Gomes JP, de Almeida R, de Carvalho DP, Manzatto ÂG, Bernardi JVE, da Silveira EG, Bastos WR. Dynamics of mercury in the plankton of a hydroelectric reservoir, Western Amazon. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2020; 192:647. [PMID: 32948923 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-08600-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: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The energy transfer in the aquatic food chain is an important way for mercury (Hg) to enter other trophic levels. The objective of this work was to evaluate the Hg concentrations in plankton upstream and downstream of the Samuel Hydroelectric Reservoir, Rondônia, Brazil. Phytoplankton and zooplankton samples were collected with 20-μm and 68-μm nylon nets. An aliquot was removed for taxonomic analysis and another for total mercury determination, performed by cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy. Water physical-chemical parameters were also measured. The Hg concentrations in total plankton (phytoplankton and zooplankton samples) obtained at the three sampling upstream stations showed the same behavior, with the highest values registered in June 2005 (232 μg kg-1, 118 μg kg-1, 128 μg kg-1). The lowest values at stations J1 and M1 were recorded in November 2005 (4 μg kg-1 and 22 μg kg-1, respectively), while the lowest values at stations M4 and M8 were recorded in October 2005 (22 μg kg-1 and 5 μg kg-1, respectively). The Hg results found in the plankton in this study corroborate the results of other recent studies in the same region. The statistical analyses revealed that Hg concentrations in plankton do not explain the distribution of these organisms at the four sampling stations of Samuel Reservoir. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabete Lourdes do Nascimento
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Águas Superficiais e Subterrâneas-GPEASS. Laboratório de Limnologia e Microbiologia-LABLIM. Departamento Acadêmico de Engenharia Ambiental-DAEA, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia-UNIR, Rua Rio Amazonas, 351, Jardins dos Migrantes, Ji-Paraná, CEP: 76900-726, Brazil.
| | - Roberto Keidy Miyai
- Centrais Elétricas do Norte do Brasil S/A, Rua Major Amarante, 513, Arigolândia, Porto Velho, CEP: 76801-180, Brazil
| | - João Paulo de Oliveira Gomes
- Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade-ICMBio, Rua São Cristovão, 903 - Bairro Jardim Presidencial, Ji-Paraná, CEP:76901-038, Brasil
| | - Ronado de Almeida
- Departamento de Ciências Sociais e Ambientais, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia-UNIR, Rodovia 425 - km 2,5 - Jardim das Esmeraldas, Guajara-Mirim, CEP: 76850-000, Brazil
| | - Dario Pires de Carvalho
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental Wolfgang C. Pfeiffer. Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia-UNIR, Av. Presidente Dutra, 2967, Porto Velho, CEP: 76801-016, Brazil
| | - Ângelo Gilberto Manzatto
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental Wolfgang C. Pfeiffer. Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia-UNIR, Av. Presidente Dutra, 2967, Porto Velho, CEP: 76801-016, Brazil
| | - José Vicente Elias Bernardi
- Departamento de Química, Laboratório de Ciências da Vida e da Terra (campus Planaltina), Universidade de Brasília-UNB, Brasilia, CEP: 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Ene Glória da Silveira
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental Wolfgang C. Pfeiffer. Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia-UNIR, Av. Presidente Dutra, 2967, Porto Velho, CEP: 76801-016, Brazil
| | - Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Águas Superficiais e Subterrâneas-GPEASS. Laboratório de Limnologia e Microbiologia-LABLIM. Departamento Acadêmico de Engenharia Ambiental-DAEA, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia-UNIR, Rua Rio Amazonas, 351, Jardins dos Migrantes, Ji-Paraná, CEP: 76900-726, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental Wolfgang C. Pfeiffer. Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia-UNIR, Av. Presidente Dutra, 2967, Porto Velho, CEP: 76801-016, Brazil
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Gomes DF, Moreira RA, Sanches NAO, do Vale CA, Daam MA, Gorni GR, Bastos WR. Dynamics of (total and methyl) mercury in sediment, fish, and crocodiles in an Amazonian Lake and risk assessment of fish consumption to the local population. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2020; 192:101. [PMID: 31916004 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-8066-z] [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: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Increasing concerns have been raised about the toxicity of mercury (Hg) to humans, especially for those that consume a great amount of fish. High Hg concentrations have previously been measured in Amazonian waterbodies, both resulting from natural and anthropogenic sources. However, few studies have been conducted so far in Amazonian lakes that are fished by local populations. In addition, few of those studies included methylmercury (MeHg), the most toxic and bioaccumulative Hg form, and evaluated the influence of physico-chemical conditions and season on Hg dynamics. In the present study, total Hg (THg) and MeHg concentrations were measured in bottom sediment as well as in two fish and two crocodile species of the Amazonian Cuniã Lake. Bottom sediment MeHg concentrations were higher in the dry season than in the wet season, which is related to differences in physico-chemical (pH and electrical conductivity) conditions. Diet appeared to be related with animal tissue MeHg concentrations, with the herbivorous fish having lower MeHg levels than the predatory fish and crocodiles. Based on the measured tissue concentrations and published data on local person weight and fish consumption, MeHg risk to Cuniã Lake populations was estimated. Although the MeHg fish tissue concentrations did not exceed national and international standards, a significant risk to the local population is anticipated due to their high fish consumption rates. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Ferreira Gomes
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Federal University of São Carlos, Rod. Washington Luís km 235 - SP-310, São Carlos, São Paulo, 13565-905, Brazil.
| | - Raquel Aparecida Moreira
- NEEA/CRHEA/SHS, São Carlos Engineering School, University of São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador São Carlense, 400, São Carlos, 13560-970, Brazil
| | | | - Cristiano Andrey do Vale
- Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation, Resex Lago do Cuniã, Avenida Lauro Sodré, 6500, Porto Velho, RO, 76803-260, Brazil
| | - Michiel Adriaan Daam
- CENSE, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, New University of Lisbon, Quinta da Torre, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Guilherme Rossi Gorni
- Postgraduate Program in Territorial Development and Environment, University of Araraquara, Carlos Gomes, Araraquara, SP, 14801-340, Brazil
| | - Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Federal University of São Carlos, Rod. Washington Luís km 235 - SP-310, São Carlos, São Paulo, 13565-905, Brazil
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Evaluation of Total Mercury in Sediments of the Descoberto River Environmental Protection Area-Brazil. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 17:ijerph17010154. [PMID: 31878258 PMCID: PMC6981829 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17010154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the total mercury accumulation (THg) in the Descoberto river basin environmental protection area (DREPA), nine sediment and water samples were collected from the Descoberto reservoir (lentic environment), and 23 in its tributaries (lotic environment), which are located in a densely urbanized area within the Descoberto river watershed, Brazil. The following physicochemical parameters of water were determined: dissolved oxygen (DO); hydrogen potential (pH); total dissolved solids (TDS); nitrate (NO3−); chloride (Cl−); temperature (T); sulfate (SO42−), and in sediment, the concentration of total mercury (THg) and volatile material (VM) was determined. THg concentrations in sediments showed a significant difference (p = 0.002) between tributaries (0.03 µg g−1 ± 0.02) and reservoir (0.08 µg g−1 ± 0.04), indicating accumulation in the lentic environment. Most of the results evaluated for ecotoxicological risks presented values below the concentration, at which adverse effects would rarely be observed, ERL (effects range low). However, in relation to the enrichment factor (EF), applied to identify the anthropogenic contribution, the results indicate that most of the samples are moderately polluted through atmospheric deposition due to vehicular traffic and agriculture. These results show that the likelihood of methylation in the lentic environment is higher than in the lotic environment.
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Azevedo LS, Pestana IA, da Costa Nery AF, Bastos WR, Souza CMM. Variation in Hg accumulation between demersal and pelagic fish from Puruzinho Lake, Brazilian Amazon. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2019; 28:1143-1149. [PMID: 31620950 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-019-02118-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic ecosystems in the Amazon are exposed to mercury, mostly from natural sources. Hg accumulation in fish tissues poses a risk to the local population since fish is one of the main sources of protein in the region. The aim of this study was to evaluate Hg distribution in demersal and pelagic carnivorous fish between seasons in Puruzinho Lake in the Brazilian Amazon. Total Hg was quantified in 221 individuals of 8 species obtained during the high water and low water seasons. Two-way ANOVA indicated an interaction between foraging habitat and season. During high water, total Hg concentrations were similar between demersal and pelagic fish, while in low water, total Hg levels were higher in demersal fish. Pelagic and demersal fishes' Hg levels were similar between the two seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Silva Azevedo
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 28013-602, Brazil.
| | - Inácio Abreu Pestana
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 28013-602, Brazil
| | | | - Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental WCP, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, CEP: 76815-800, Brazil
| | - Cristina Maria Magalhães Souza
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 28013-602, Brazil
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César Dos Santos Lima J, Gazonato Neto AJ, de Pádua Andrade D, Freitas EC, Moreira RA, Miguel M, Daam MA, Rocha O. Acute toxicity of four metals to three tropical aquatic invertebrates: The dragonfly Tramea cophysa and the ostracods Chlamydotheca sp. and Strandesia trispinosa. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 180:535-541. [PMID: 31128551 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The relatively low availability of toxicity data for indigenous tropical species has often been discussed. In addition, several taxonomic groups of invertebrates are understudied, such as dragonflies and ostracods. The aim of the present study was therefore to evaluate the acute toxicity of four metals (cadmium - Cd, copper - Cu, manganese - Mn, and mercury - Hg) to the tropical dragonfly nymphs of Tramea cophysa and two tropical ostracod species (Chlamydotheca sp. and Strandesia trispinosa). Toxicity data for other invertebrates were also mined to allow comparing the sensitivity of the three test species with that of other (temperate and tropical) invertebrates. The order of metal sensitivity was different for the three test species: T. cophysa: Cu > CdHg > Mn, Chlamydotheca sp.: Cd > Cu > Hg > Mn, and S. trispinosa: Cd > Hg > Cu > Mn. However, manganese was the least toxic metal tested for all three species, which is hypothesized to be due to a possible metal transfer to the cuticle of the moulting test species. The sensitivity ranking of the three test species to the metals was S. trispinosa > Chlamydotheca sp.>T. cophysa (except for Cu for which the ranking was Chlamydotheca sp.>T. cophysa > S. trispinosa). Overall, the test species are concluded to be suitable test organisms for tropical toxicity evaluations. Future studies should also evaluate the chronic toxicity and include other important metal exposure routes such as sediment and food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio César Dos Santos Lima
- Post-Graduate Program of Sciences of Environmental Engineering, São Carlos Engineering School, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Trabalhador São Carlense, 400, 13.560-970, São Carlos, Brazil.
| | - Antonio José Gazonato Neto
- Post-Graduate Program of Ecology and Natural Resources, Federal University of São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235, 13565-905, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Douglas de Pádua Andrade
- Post-Graduate Program of Ecology and Natural Resources, Federal University of São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235, 13565-905, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Emanuela Cristina Freitas
- NEEA/CRHEA/SHS, São Carlos Engineering School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Trabalhador São Carlense, 400, 13.560-970, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Raquel Aparecida Moreira
- NEEA/CRHEA/SHS, São Carlos Engineering School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Trabalhador São Carlense, 400, 13.560-970, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Mariana Miguel
- Post-Graduate Program of Sciences of Environmental Engineering, São Carlos Engineering School, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Trabalhador São Carlense, 400, 13.560-970, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Michiel Adriaan Daam
- CENSE, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, New University of Lisbon, Quinta da Torre, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Odete Rocha
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Biological Sciences and Health Center, Federal University of São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235, 13565-905, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
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Azevedo LS, Pestana IA, Nery AFDC, Bastos WR, Souza CMM. Influence of the flood pulse on mercury accumulation in detritivorous, herbivorous and omnivorous fish in Brazilian Amazonia. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2019; 28:478-485. [PMID: 31025154 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-019-02044-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Hg accumulation in fish is influenced by several factors including seasonality. In the Amazon, ecosystems are marked by strong seasonal variation in precipitation, which leads to drastic changes in the water level of lakes and rivers. The aim of this study was to evaluate Hg levels in muscle of detritivorous, herbivorous and omnivorous fish from an Amazon lake (Madeira River Basin, Amazonas, Brazil) over four seasons (rising water, high water, falling water and low water). We hypothesized that total Hg concentration varies during the seasons. The results indicate that total Hg levels in detritivorous fish were higher in rising and low water seasons while in herbivorous and omnivorous fish the total Hg concentration was higher during the rising water season. The hypothesis was supported by the results. Additionally, the study provides evidence that Hg levels in fish with different feeding habits are influenced by the flood pulse of the Amazon region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Silva Azevedo
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 28013-602, Brazil.
| | - Inácio Abreu Pestana
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 28013-602, Brazil
| | | | - Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, CEP: 76815-800, Brazil
| | - Cristina Maria Magalhães Souza
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 28013-602, Brazil
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Moraes Pinto LDC, Dórea JG, Bernardi JVE, Gomes LF. Mapping the Evolution of Mercury (Hg) Research in the Amazon (1991⁻2017): A Scientometric Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16071111. [PMID: 30925692 PMCID: PMC6479522 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16071111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Because the Amazon rain forest is ecologically relevant on a global scale, we applied scientometric techniques to integrate studies dealing with mercury research in this unique ecosystem between 1991 and 2017. Using a combination of co-authorship and co-citation analyses, keyword mapping and overlay visualization of topics in the field, this article identified three major areas in the 26-year period of mercury research: (1) human exposure to mercury (artisanal small-scale gold mining-ASGM) and methylmercury through fish consumption, and their respective risks for human health; (2) mercury accumulation in the environment and its relation to ASGM and atmospheric concentration; and (3) mercury geochemistry and its presence in soils, sediments, and water. The paper also identified the leading institutions related to the published research and respective influential scholars in the context of this study. Overall, the analyses revealed patterns of convergence and divergence between authors, specialization, and interdisciplinary engagement in mercury investigation, thus highlighting strengths and weaknesses of research topics in the field. This scientometric approach could be a useful tool to monitor/assess the implementation of the Minamata Convention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian de C Moraes Pinto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Planaltina, Distrito Federal 73345-010, Brazil.
| | - José G Dórea
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Asa Norte, Brasília, Distrito Federal 70919-970, Brazil.
| | - José Vicente Elias Bernardi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Planaltina, Distrito Federal 73345-010, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo Fernandes Gomes
- Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas Ambientais e Limnológicas-NEPAL, Faculdade UnB de Planaltina, Planaltina, Distrito Federal 73345-010, Brazil.
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Méndez-Fernández L, Casado-Martínez C, Martínez-Madrid M, Moreno-Ocio I, Costas N, Pardo I, Rodriguez P. Derivation of sediment Hg quality standards based on ecological assessment in river basins. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 245:1000-1013. [PMID: 30682734 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.11.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) directive was an important improvement of long-term water quality monitoring at the European level, leading to the use of sediments and biota as relevant matrices for assessing priority substances under the European Water Framework directive. Currently, commonly accepted sediment EQS for Hg are missing in Europe. In this study we present a new, tiered approach to deriving sediment quality standards for Hg: the derivation of Predicted No-Effect Concentration (PNEC) from data in the literature, followed by adjusting values at regional scale, using ecological field data (macroinvertebrate community assessment) and field sediment ecotoxicity bioassays. The limited set of effect data available for Hg spiked-sediment ecotoxicity tests has resulted in unreliable PNEC values for sediment quality assessment. Field reference sites (n = 40) where the macroinvertebrate community status was assessed as High or Good were used to define the ecological background and threshold levels in sediments in northern Spain. Sediment QS developed in other areas were not suitable for specific basins in our study area, since they were within the range of our Hg background levels. Temporary sediment Quality Standards (QS) for Hg were developed for the Nalón River basin (where several mining districts occur), using field effect-based approaches such as sediment ecotoxicity data from Tubifex tubifex chronic bioassays and ecological assessment of macroinvertebrate communities. A proposal for Hg quality assessment in freshwater sediments of northern Spain is made based on ecologically relevant QS values, providing benchmark values for No-Effect and Effect Hg sediment concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leire Méndez-Fernández
- Dpt. Zoology and Animal Cellular Biology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Box 644, 48080, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Carmen Casado-Martínez
- Centre Ecotox/Oekotoxzentrum EAWAG-EPFL. EPFL-ENAC-IIE-GE Station 2 (GR B0 391), 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maite Martínez-Madrid
- Dpt. Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Box 644, 48080, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Iñigo Moreno-Ocio
- Dpt. Zoology and Animal Cellular Biology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Box 644, 48080, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Noemí Costas
- Dpt. Ecology and Animal Biology, University of Vigo, 36310, Vigo, Spain
| | - Isabel Pardo
- Dpt. Ecology and Animal Biology, University of Vigo, 36310, Vigo, Spain
| | - Pilar Rodriguez
- Dpt. Zoology and Animal Cellular Biology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Box 644, 48080, Bilbao, Spain
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dos Santos CCM, da Costa JFM, dos Santos CRM, Amado LL. Influence of seasonality on the natural modulation of oxidative stress biomarkers in mangrove crab Ucides cordatus (Brachyura, Ucididae). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2019; 227:146-153. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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