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Coe GL, Krout IN, Munro-Ehrlich M, Beamish CR, Vorojeikina D, Colman DR, Boyd EJ, Walk ST, Rand MD. Assessing the role of the gut microbiome in methylmercury demethylation and elimination in humans and gnotobiotic mice. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:2399-2418. [PMID: 37392210 PMCID: PMC10913183 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03548-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
The risk of methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity following ingestion of contaminated foodstuffs (e.g., fish) is directly related to the kinetics of MeHg elimination among individuals. Yet, the factors driving the wide range of inter-individual variability in MeHg elimination within a population are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the relationship between MeHg elimination, gut microbiome demethylation activity, and gut microbiome composition using a coordinated human clinical trial and gnotobiotic mouse modeling approach together with metagenomic sequence analysis. We first observed MeHg elimination half-lives (t1/2) ranging from 28 to 90 days across 27 volunteers. Subsequently, we found that ingestion of a prebiotic induced changes in the gut microbiome and mixed effects (increased, decrease, and no effect) on elimination in these same individuals. Nonetheless, elimination rates were found to correlate with MeHg demethylation activity in cultured stool samples. In mice, attempts to remove the microbiome via generation of germ-free (GF) animals or through antibiotic (Abx) treatment both diminished MeHg demethylation to a similar extent. While both conditions substantially slowed elimination, Abx treatment resulted in significantly slower elimination than the GF condition, indicating an additional role for host-derived factors in supporting elimination. Human fecal microbiomes transplanted to GF mice restored elimination rates to that seen in control mice. Metagenomic sequence analysis of human fecal DNA did not identify genes encoding proteins typically involved in demethylation (e.g., merB, organomercury lyase). However, the abundance of several anaerobic taxa, notably Alistipes onderdonkii, were positively correlated with MeHg elimination. Surprisingly, mono-colonization of GF free mice with A. onderdonkii did not restore MeHg elimination to control levels. Collectively, our findings indicate the human gut microbiome uses a non-conventional pathway of demethylation to increase MeHg elimination that relies on yet to be resolved functions encoded by the gut microbes and the hostClinical Trial NCT04060212, prospectively registered 10/1/2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve L Coe
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Ian N Krout
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Mason Munro-Ehrlich
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Catherine R Beamish
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Daria Vorojeikina
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Daniel R Colman
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Eric J Boyd
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Seth T Walk
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Matthew D Rand
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
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2
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Treu G, Sinding MHS, Czirják GÁ, Dietz R, Gräff T, Krone O, Marquard-Petersen U, Mikkelsen JB, Schulz R, Sonne C, Søndergaard J, Sun J, Zubrod J, Eulaers I. An assessment of mercury and its dietary drivers in fur of Arctic wolves from Greenland and High Arctic Canada. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:156171. [PMID: 35613645 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156171] [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: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mercury has become a ubiquitous hazardous element even ending up in pristine areas such as the Arctic, where it biomagnifies and leaves especially top predators vulnerable to potential health effects. Here we investigate total mercury (THg) concentrations and dietary proxies for trophic position and habitat foraging (δ15N and δ13C, respectively) in fur of 30 Arctic wolves collected during 1869-1998 in the Canadian High Arctic and Greenland. Fur THg concentrations (mean ± SD) of 1.46 ± 1.39 μg g -1 dry weight are within the range of earlier reported values for other Arctic terrestrial species. Based on putative thresholds for Hg-mediated toxic health effects, the studied Arctic wolves have most likely not been at compromised health. Dietary proxies show high dietary plasticity among Arctic wolves deriving nutrition from both marine and terrestrial food sources at various trophic positions. Variability in THg concentrations seem to be related to the wolves' trophic position rather than to different carbon sources or regional differences (East Greenland, the Foxe Basin and Baffin Bay area, respectively). Although the present study remains limited due to the scarce, yet unique historic study material and small sample size, it provides novel information on temporal and spatial variation in Hg pollution of remote Arctic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Treu
- German Environment Agency, Department Chemicals, DE-06844 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany; Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Department of Wildlife Diseases, DE-10315 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Mikkel-Holger S Sinding
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Kivioq 2, Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Gábor Á Czirják
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Department of Wildlife Diseases, DE-10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Ecoscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Thomas Gräff
- German Environment Agency, Department Systems on Chemical Safety, DE-6844 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
| | - Oliver Krone
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Department of Wildlife Diseases, DE-10315 Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Ralf Schulz
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, DE-76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Ecoscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jens Søndergaard
- Department of Ecoscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jiachen Sun
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, CN-266003 Qingdao, China
| | - Jochen Zubrod
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, DE-76829 Landau, Germany; Zubrod Environmental Data Science, Friesenstrasse 20, 76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Igor Eulaers
- Department of Ecoscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Fram Centre, Norwegian Polar Institute, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway.
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3
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Dahmardeh Behrooz R, Poma G, Barghi M. Non-destructive mercury exposure assessment in the Brandt's hedgehog (Paraechinus hypomelas): spines as indicators of endogenous concentrations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:56502-56510. [PMID: 35347622 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19926-0] [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: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Due to its persistence, bioaccumulation characteristics, and toxicity, environmental contamination with mercury (Hg) is of high concern for human health, living organisms, and ecosystems, and its biological monitoring is highly relevant. In this study, the levels of total Hg were measured in organs, tissues, and spines of 50 individuals of Brandt's hedgehog collected in Iran in 2019. The Hg median levels in kidneys, liver, muscle, and spines were 156, 47, 47, and 20 ng/g dry weight, respectively. The results showed a significant positive correlation between the levels of Hg in kidneys and liver (r = 0.519; p < 0.01) and in spines and muscle (r = 0.337, p < 0.01) and kidneys (r = 0.309, p < 0.05). Significant differences (p < 0.05) in Hg levels in organs and tissues were also observed depending on the sex, weight, length, and age of the individuals. In addition, the median levels of total Hg in kidneys of Brandt's hedgehogs from an agricultural ecotype (median 190 ± 65) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those collected from a forest ecotype (median 126 ± 50), suggesting that the habitat could have a significant impact on animal contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Dahmardeh Behrooz
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Zabol, Zabol, Sistan, Iran.
| | - Giulia Poma
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Mandana Barghi
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), San 31, Hyoja-dong, Nam-gu, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
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4
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Rodríguez-Alonso J, Cabrales-García C, Millán R. Factors influencing the cleaning of plant samples with ultrasonic technology. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2022; 25:359-367. [PMID: 35695274 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2022.2085241] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Effective cleaning of biological samples is a critical step in environmental studies. However, the literature lacks standardized cleaning procedures and protocols and there is little information about how even the most basic conditions may affect cleaning efficiency. Here, leaves of different species were first exposed to the soil naturally containing mercury particles and then washed in an ultrasound water bath under the following conditions: newly cleaned/reused beakers, water temperature, sample immersion/free-floating, sample quantity, and the number of washing cycles. Additionally, the effects of sample pubescence on cleaning efficacy were also assessed. Results indicated that the best cleaning efficacy was recorded when samples were placed in cold water under forced immersion and beakers were cleaned between washing cycles. At least two of these three conditions were needed for adequate washing. The results also indicated that, for the glabrous leaves, a cumulative leaf surface area of ≤10,000 mm2 was efficiently cleaned after 3-5 washing cycles, while as pubescence increased, 9-11 cycles were needed and often the sample quantity had to be reduced (<5,000 mm2). Our experiments reveal that cleaning can be optimized by applying easy procedures and according to individual sample typology, resulting in faster and more effective cleaning. Novelty statementThe cleaning of samples is a frequent stage in the analytical processes of phytoremediation studies. This work provides new and valuable information to optimize the cleaning of plant samples by simply applying ultrasonic technology and distilled water. In fact, we have tested the influence of some factors never taken into account previously.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rocio Millán
- Department of Environment (DMA), CIEMAT, Madrid, Spain
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Feng X, Li P, Fu X, Wang X, Zhang H, Lin CJ. Mercury pollution in China: implications on the implementation of the Minamata Convention. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:634-648. [PMID: 35485580 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00039c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic metal released into the environment through human activities and natural processes. Human activities have profoundly increased the amount of Hg in the atmosphere and altered its global cycling since the Industrial Revolution. Gaseous elemental Hg is the predominant form of Hg in the atmosphere, which can undergo long-range transport and atmospheric deposition into the aquatic systems. Hg deposition elevates the methylmercury (MeHg) level in fish through bioaccumulation and biomagnification, which poses a serious human health risk. Acute poisoning of MeHg can result in Minamata disease, while low-level long-term exposure in pregnant women can reduce the intelligence quotient of infants. After five sessions of intergovernmental negotiation, the Minamata Convention on mercury entered into force in August 2017 to protect human health and the environment from Hg pollution. Currently China contributes the largest quantity of Hg production, consumption, and emission globally. However, the status of Hg pollution in the environment in China and its associated health risk remains relatively unknown, which hinders the development of implementation plans of the Minamata Convention. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review on the atmospheric release of Hg, distribution of air Hg concentration, human exposure to MeHg and health impacts caused by Hg pollution in China. Ongoing improvement of air pollution control measures is expected to further decrease anthropogenic Hg emissions in China. Air Hg concentrations in China are higher than the background values in the Northern Hemisphere, with spatial distribution largely influenced by anthropogenic emissions. Long-term observations of GEM in China show a decline in recent years. The net Hg transport outflow from China in 2013 is estimated to be 511 t year-1, and ∼60% of such outflow is caused by natural surface Hg emissions. Hg concentrations in fish and rice in China are relatively low and therefore the associated risks of human Hg exposure are low. Future research needs and recommendations for the implementation of the Minamata Convention are also discussed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Xuewu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Xun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Che-Jen Lin
- Center for Advances in Water and Air Quality, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas 77710, USA
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Zhao Y, Chen C, Feng W, Zhang Z, Xu D, Shi W, Wang S, Li YF. Professor Zhifang Chai: Scientific Contributions and Achievements. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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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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8
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Ferreira G, Santander A, Chavarría L, Cardozo R, Savio F, Sobrevia L, Nicolson GL. Functional consequences of lead and mercury exposomes in the heart. Mol Aspects Med 2021; 87:101048. [PMID: 34785060 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2021.101048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lead and mercury are heavy metals that are highly toxic to life forms. There are no known physiological processes that require them, and they do not have a particular threshold concentration to produce biologic damage. They are non-biodegradable, and they slowly accumulate in the environment in a dynamic equilibrium between air, water, soil, food, and living organisms. Their accumulation in the environment has been increasing over time, because they were not banned from use in anthropogenic industrial production. In their +2 cationic state they are powerful oxidizing agents with the ability to interfere significantly with processes that require specific divalent cations. Acute or chronic exposure to lead and mercury can produce multisystemic damage, especially in the developing nervous systems of children and fetuses, resulting in variety of neurological consequences. They can also affect the cardiovascular system and especially the heart, either directly through their action on cardiomyocytes or indirectly through their effects on innervation, humoral responses or blood vessel alterations. For example, heart function modified by these heavy metals are heart rate, contraction, excitability, and rhythm. Some cardiac molecular targets have been identified and characterized. The direct mechanisms of damage of these heavy metals on heart function are discussed. We conclude that exposome to these heavy metals, should be considered as a major relevant risk factor for cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Ferreira
- Laboratory of Ion Channels, Biological Membranes and Cell Signaling. Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de la República, Gral. Flores, 2125, CP 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Axel Santander
- Laboratory of Ion Channels, Biological Membranes and Cell Signaling. Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de la República, Gral. Flores, 2125, CP 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Luisina Chavarría
- Laboratory of Ion Channels, Biological Membranes and Cell Signaling. Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de la República, Gral. Flores, 2125, CP 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Romina Cardozo
- Laboratory of Ion Channels, Biological Membranes and Cell Signaling. Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de la República, Gral. Flores, 2125, CP 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Florencia Savio
- Laboratory of Ion Channels, Biological Membranes and Cell Signaling. Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de la República, Gral. Flores, 2125, CP 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Luis Sobrevia
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Department of Obstetrics, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, 8330024, Chile; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, E-41012, Spain; Medical School (Faculty of Medicine), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil; University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Queensland, Australia; Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Garth L Nicolson
- Department of Molecular Pathology, The Institute for Molecular Medicine, 16731 Gothard St. Huntington Beach, California, 92647, USA
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Wang B, Chen M, Ding L, Zhao Y, Man Y, Feng L, Li P, Zhang L, Feng X. Fish, rice, and human hair mercury concentrations and health risks in typical Hg-contaminated areas and fish-rich areas, China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 154:106561. [PMID: 33895437 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) from consuming contaminated fish has been a major concern for decades. Besides, human MeHg exposure through rice consumption has been recently found to be important in some Asian countries. China is the largest country on mercury (Hg) production, consumption, and anthropogenic emission. However, the health risks of human Hg exposure are not fully understood. A total of 624 fish, 299 rice, and 994 human hair samples were collected from typical Hg-contaminated areas and major fish-rich areas to assess the health risks from human Hg exposure in China. Fish and rice samples showed relatively low Hg levels, except the rice in the Wanshan Hg mining area (WMMA). Human hair total Hg (THg) and MeHg concentrations were significantly elevated in WMMA, Zhoushan (ZS), Xiamen (XM), Qingdao (QD), and zinc smelting area (ZSA), and 85% of hair samples in WMMA, 62% in ZS, 40% in XM, 26% in QD, and 17% in ZSA had THg concentrations exceeding the limit set by the USEPA (1 μg/g). Rice consumption was the main pathway (>85%) for human MeHg exposure in the studied Hg-contaminated areas. Meanwhile, fish was the primary human MeHg exposure source (>85%) in coastal cities. Therefore, soil remediation in typical Hg-contaminated areas and scientific guidance for fish consumption in coastal provinces are urgently needed to reduce the health risks from human Hg exposure in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Min Chen
- School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Li Ding
- School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yuhang Zhao
- School of Resource and Environment, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yi Man
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lin Feng
- School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Leiming Zhang
- Air Quality Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto M3H 5T4, Canada
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Xi'an 710061, China
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10
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Nadal M, García F, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. Metals in biological tissues of the population living near a hazardous waste incinerator in Catalonia, Spain: Two decades of follow-up. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 176:108578. [PMID: 31299619 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
During the period 1996-1998, a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) was built in Constantí (Tarragona County, Catalonia, Spain). Because of the potential adverse effects of toxic emissions, mainly metals and dioxins and furans, waste incinerators in general have been an important cause of concern for the public opinion. For that reason, to assess its environmental impact on the surroundings, as well as the potential human health risks of the HWI, environmental and biological monitoring studies have been carried out since 1996-1998, when the baseline concentrations were established. This article summarizes all the results corresponding to metals in biological tissues of the population living near the HWI, two decades after the construction of the facility. In 1996-1998, the baseline concentrations of a number of elements (As, Be, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Tl and V) were determined in samples of hair, blood and autopsy tissues (bone, brain, liver, lung and kidney) of subjects living in the area. In successive 5-year periods, new surveys were conducted to periodically measure the levels of metals in the same biological tissues. The daily dietary intake of these metals was also estimated for the population of the area. The results of this surveillance program do no suggest additional adverse health risks of metals for the population living near the HWI. However, special attention should be paid to Cr, due not only to the increases of this element observed in most analyzed biological tissues, but also in its dietary intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martí Nadal
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Francisco García
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Marta Schuhmacher
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
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11
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Li P, Guo S, Zhao J, Gao Y, Li YF. Human Biological Monitoring of Mercury Through Hair Samples in China. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 102:701-707. [PMID: 30739139 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-019-02563-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant that affects environmental and human health. Considering the high toxicity of Hg, it is required to assess the exposure of Hg in human body for appropriate risk management. In this review paper, we summarized data obtained through regional and small-scaled human biomonitoring (HBM) program for Hg in hair samples in China, which can deliver scientific data to make decisions on environmental health policy. Besides, the major conclusions got from this study and perspectives for future works through these HBM program in China were presented. To better understand the current situation of hair Hg levels in China, a well-coordinated and designed national HBM program is urgently needed considering the requirements of the Minamata Convention on Mercury for effectiveness evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Shuhui Guo
- Division of Mercury Convention Implementation, Foreign Economic Cooperation Office, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing, 100035, China
| | - Jiating Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, and HKU-IHEP Joint Laboratory on Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuxi Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, and HKU-IHEP Joint Laboratory on Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yu-Feng Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, and HKU-IHEP Joint Laboratory on Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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12
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Caito SW, Jackson BP, Punshon T, Scrimale T, Grier A, Gill SR, Love TM, Watson GE, van Wijngaarden E, Rand MD. Editor's Highlight: Variation in Methylmercury Metabolism and Elimination Status in Humans Following Fish Consumption. Toxicol Sci 2019; 161:443-453. [PMID: 29145616 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfx226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Evaluating the potential for methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity relies on accurately predicting the mercury (Hg) body burden that results from eating fish. Hg body burden is directly determined by the slow elimination kinetics of MeHg in the human body (kel = 0.014 days-1 or t1/2 =50 days). Existing studies on MeHg half-life in humans demonstrate a wide range values (t1/2 = 30 to >150 days) and has lead to uncertainty in the derivation of a regulatory standard for acceptable daily oral intake. The causes of variation in MeHg toxicokinetics in humans remain little explored. Here we characterize variation in human MeHg metabolism and elimination rate (kel) in 37 adult volunteers who consumed 3 fish meals. We determined MeHg elimination rates via longitudinal Hg analysis in single hairs using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We also measured MeHg metabolism (biotransformation) via speciation of fecal Hg. We find an average kel = 0.0157 days-1 (t1/2 = 44 days) amongst a more than 2-fold variation in kel across the cohort (0.0248-0.0112 days-1; t1/2 = 28-62 days). Although MeHg biotransformation varied widely between individuals, it showed a positive association with elimination rates across the cohort. A more than 2-fold change in kel over a period of 2 years was seen in some individuals. In 2 individuals, who received antibiotic for unrelated health issues, elimination rate was seen to slow significantly. Associations of kel with age, body mass index, gender, and fish eating habits were not observed. We establish that a measure of methylmercury metabolism and eliminaiton status (MerMES) can reduce uncertainty in determining an individual's MeHg toxicokinetics subsequent to eating fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel W Caito
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Brian P Jackson
- Trace Element Analysis Laboratory, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755
| | - Tracy Punshon
- Trace Element Analysis Laboratory, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755
| | - Thomas Scrimale
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Alex Grier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology
| | | | - Tanzy M Love
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642.,Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology
| | - Gene E Watson
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642.,Eastman Institute for Oral Health.,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology
| | - Edwin van Wijngaarden
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642.,Eastman Institute for Oral Health.,Department of Pediatrics.,Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Matthew D Rand
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
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13
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Treu G, Krone O, Unnsteinsdóttir ER, Greenwood AD, Czirják GÁ. Correlations between hair and tissue mercury concentrations in Icelandic arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 619-620:1589-1598. [PMID: 29107366 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring organic pollutants in wildlife is a common approach to evaluate environmental health, chemical exposure and to make hazard assessments. However, pollutant concentrations measured from different tissue types among studies impede direct comparisons of levels and toxicity benchmarks among species and regions. For example, mercury (Hg) is a metal of both natural and anthropogenic origin which poses health risks for marine and arctic biota in particular. Although hair is recognized as the least invasive sample type for Hg exposure measurement in wildlife, measurements in previous studies have used different tissues among individuals and species. This lack of tissue type consistency hinders cross study comparisons. Therefore to systematically evaluate the use of hair in ecotoxicological studies, total mercury (THg) concentrations measured from hair were compared to values obtained from liver and kidney in 35 Icelandic arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus). THg concentrations varied considerably among tissues with hair and kidney levels generally lower than in liver. Nevertheless, significant correlations among tissue types were observed. THg values in hair were predictive for liver (R2=0.61) and kidney THg levels (R2=0.51) and liver values were a good predictor of THg in kidney (R2=0.77). We provide further evidence that non-invasively collected hair samples reflect the THg levels of internal tissues. We present equations derived from multiple linear regression models that can be used to relate THg levels among tissue types in order to extrapolate THg values from hair to soft tissues. Using these equations, we compare the results of previous studies monitoring THg levels in different tissues of arctic foxes from various regions of the Arctic. Our findings support that hair is a suitable sample matrix for ecotoxicological studies of arctic predators and may be applied in both wildlife welfare and conservation contexts for arctic vulpine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Treu
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Oliver Krone
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Alex D Greenwood
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gábor Á Czirják
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany.
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14
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Elgazali AAS, Gajdosechova Z, Abbas Z, Lombi E, Scheckel KG, Donner E, Fiedler H, Feldmann J, Krupp EM. Reactive gaseous mercury is generated from chloralkali factories resulting in extreme concentrations of mercury in hair of workers. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3675. [PMID: 29487292 PMCID: PMC5829213 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20544-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Occupational exposure of chloralkali workers to highly concentrated mercury (Hg) vapour has been linked to an increased risk of renal dysfunction and behavioural changes. It is generally believed that these workers are exposed to elemental Hg, which is used in abundance during the production process however, the lack in analytical techniques that would allow for identification of gaseous Hg species poses a challenge, which needs to be addressed in order to reach a consensus. Here, we present the results from simulated exposure studies, which provide sound evidence of higher adsorption rate of HgCl2 than Hg0 and its irreversible bonding on the surface of hair. We found that chloralkali workers were exposed to HgCl2, which accumulated in extremely high concentrations on the hair surface, more than 1,000 times higher than expected from unexposed subjects and was positively correlated with Hg levels in the finger- and toenails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelkarem A S Elgazali
- Trace Element Speciation Laboratory, University of Aberdeen, Department of Chemistry, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Zuzana Gajdosechova
- Trace Element Speciation Laboratory, University of Aberdeen, Department of Chemistry, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Zaigham Abbas
- Government of Pakistan Ministry of Climate Change, LG & RD Complex, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Enzo Lombi
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Building X, Mawson Lakes Campus, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kirk G Scheckel
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Building X, Mawson Lakes Campus, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, Australia
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Cincinnati, OH, 45224, USA
| | - Erica Donner
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Building X, Mawson Lakes Campus, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, Australia
| | - Heidelore Fiedler
- United Nations Environmental Programme, Chemicals Branch, DTIE, 11-13 Chemin des Anemones, CH-1219, Chatelaine, Switzerland
- Örebro University, School of Science and Technology, MTM Research Centre, SE-701 82, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Jörg Feldmann
- Trace Element Speciation Laboratory, University of Aberdeen, Department of Chemistry, Aberdeen, UK.
| | - Eva M Krupp
- Trace Element Speciation Laboratory, University of Aberdeen, Department of Chemistry, Aberdeen, UK.
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15
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Salazar-Camacho C, Salas-Moreno M, Marrugo-Madrid S, Marrugo-Negrete J, Díez S. Dietary human exposure to mercury in two artisanal small-scale gold mining communities of northwestern Colombia. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 107:47-54. [PMID: 28658634 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is the largest anthropogenic source of mercury pollution worldwide, posing a grave threat to human health. The present study identifies current levels of mercury in the human population from mining areas of the Chocó Department, Colombia, through total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) measurements in human hair. Mercury exposure of the local population was assessed in two towns affected by ASGM and was related to different variables of interest. Concentrations of THg in human hair ranged from 0.06 to 17.54ppm and the mean value for the subjects under study was 2.48ppm. Men had significantly higher levels than women in both towns (3.29ppm vs. 0.77ppm). Fish consumption was related to a marked increase of THg in hair, with mean values close to five times higher in frequent fish consumers (5-7 times/week) than in non-fish consumers (4.80ppm vs. 0.90ppm). A multiple linear regression model was fitted successfully (R=0.671) and reveals that gender, fish consumption and location of residence were significant indicators of Hg levels in hair, while no significant relationship was found for age. Approximately 60% of subjects tested had THg levels that exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reference dose of 1.0ppm, while 25% surpassed that of the World Health Organization (2.2ppm).
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Salazar-Camacho
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó, A.A. 292 Quibdó, Colombia
| | - Manuel Salas-Moreno
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó, A.A. 292 Quibdó, Colombia
| | - Siday Marrugo-Madrid
- University of Córdoba, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Water, Applied and Environmental Chemistry Group, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Management, Montería, Colombia
| | - José Marrugo-Negrete
- University of Córdoba, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Water, Applied and Environmental Chemistry Group, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Management, Montería, Colombia.
| | - Sergi Díez
- Environmental Chemistry Department, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDÆA-CSIC, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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16
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Buononato EV, De Luca D, Galeandro IC, Congedo ML, Cavone D, Intranuovo G, Guastadisegno CM, Corrado V, Ferri GM. Assessment of environmental and occupational exposure to heavy metals in Taranto and other provinces of Southern Italy by means of scalp hair analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2016; 188:337. [PMID: 27165601 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5311-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The monitoring of heavy metals in industrialized areas to study their association with different occupational and environmental factors is carried out in different ways. In this study, scalp hair analysis was used for the assessment of exposure to these metals in the industrial city of Taranto, characterized by a severe environmental pollution. The highest median values were observed for aluminum, barium, cadmium, lead, mercury, and uranium. Moreover, in the industrial area of Taranto, high levels of barium, cadmium, lead, mercury, nickel, and silver were observed in comparison with other Apulia areas. The risk odds ratios (ORs) for observing values above the 50th percentile were elevated for mercury and fish consumption, uranium and milk consumption, lead and female sex, and aluminum and mineral water consumption. No significant increased risk was observed for occupational activities. In a dendrogram of a cluster analysis, three clusters were observed for the different areas of Taranto (Borgo, San Vito, and Statte). A scree plot and score variables plot underline the presence of two principal components: the first regarding antimony, lead, tin, aluminum and silver; the second regarding mercury and uranium. The observed clusters (Borgo, San Vito, and Statte) showed that lead, antimony, tin, aluminum, and silver were the main component. The highest values above the 50th percentile of these minerals, especially lead, were observed in the Borgo area. The observed metal concentration in the Borgo area is compatible with the presence in Taranto of a military dockyard and a reported increase of lung cancer risk among residents of that area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Viola Buononato
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (DIM). Section "B. Ramazzini". Regional University Hospital "Policlinico- Giovanni XXIII" of Bari. Hospital Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela De Luca
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (DIM). Section "B. Ramazzini". Regional University Hospital "Policlinico- Giovanni XXIII" of Bari. Hospital Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Innocenzo Cataldo Galeandro
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (DIM). Section "B. Ramazzini". Regional University Hospital "Policlinico- Giovanni XXIII" of Bari. Hospital Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Congedo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (DIM). Section "B. Ramazzini". Regional University Hospital "Policlinico- Giovanni XXIII" of Bari. Hospital Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenica Cavone
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (DIM). Section "B. Ramazzini". Regional University Hospital "Policlinico- Giovanni XXIII" of Bari. Hospital Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Graziana Intranuovo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (DIM). Section "B. Ramazzini". Regional University Hospital "Policlinico- Giovanni XXIII" of Bari. Hospital Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Chiara Monica Guastadisegno
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (DIM). Section "B. Ramazzini". Regional University Hospital "Policlinico- Giovanni XXIII" of Bari. Hospital Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Corrado
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (DIM). Section "B. Ramazzini". Regional University Hospital "Policlinico- Giovanni XXIII" of Bari. Hospital Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Maria Ferri
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (DIM). Section "B. Ramazzini". Regional University Hospital "Policlinico- Giovanni XXIII" of Bari. Hospital Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70125, Bari, Italy.
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17
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Rand MD, Vorojeikina D, van Wijngaarden E, Jackson BP, Scrimale T, Zareba G, Love TM, Myers GJ, Watson GE. Methods for Individualized Determination of Methylmercury Elimination Rate and De-Methylation Status in Humans Following Fish Consumption. Toxicol Sci 2015; 149:385-95. [PMID: 26572661 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfv241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) exposure via fish in the diet remains a priority public health concern. Individual variation in response to a given MeHg exposure and the biotransformation of MeHg that follows complicate our understanding of this issue. MeHg elimination from the human body occurs slowly (elimination rate (kel) approximately 0.01 day(-1) or approximately 70 days half-life [t1/2]) and is a major determinant of the Hg body burden resulting from fish consumption. The underlying mechanisms that control MeHg elimination from the human body remain poorly understood. We describe here improved methods to obtain a MeHg elimination rate via longitudinal Hg analysis in hair using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. We measured MeHg elimination rates in eight individuals following the consumption of 3 fish meals in two 75-day trials separated by a 4-month washout period. In addition, since MeHg biotransformation to inorganic Hg (I-Hg) is associated with Hg excretion, we speciated Hg in feces samples to estimate individual MeHg de-methylation status. We observed a wide range of MeHg elimination rates between individuals and within individuals over time (kel = 0.0163-0.0054 day(-1); estimated t1/2 = 42.5-128.3 days). The ratio of MeHg and I-Hg in feces also varied widely among individuals. While the %I-Hg in feces was likely influenced by dental amalgams, findings with subjects who lacked amalgams suggest that faster MeHg elimination is associated with a higher %I-Hg in feces indicating more complete de-methylation. We anticipate these methods will contribute to future investigations of genetic and dietary factors that influence MeHg disposition in people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Edwin van Wijngaarden
- *Department of Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, Department of Pediatrics
| | - Brian P Jackson
- Trace Element Analysis Laboratory, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755
| | | | | | - Tanzy M Love
- *Department of Environmental Medicine, Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Gary J Myers
- *Department of Environmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Department of Neurology
| | - Gene E Watson
- *Department of Environmental Medicine, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology
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18
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Esteban M, Schindler BK, Jiménez JA, Koch HM, Angerer J, Rosado M, Gómez S, Casteleyn L, Kolossa-Gehring M, Becker K, Bloemen L, Schoeters G, Den Hond E, Sepai O, Exley K, Horvat M, Knudsen LE, Joas A, Joas R, Aerts D, Biot P, Borošová D, Davidson F, Dumitrascu I, Fischer ME, Grander M, Janasik B, Jones K, Kašparová L, Larssen T, Naray M, Nielsen F, Hohenblum P, Pinto R, Pirard C, Plateel G, Tratnik JS, Wittsiepe J, Castaño A. Mercury analysis in hair: Comparability and quality assessment within the transnational COPHES/DEMOCOPHES project. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 141:24-30. [PMID: 25483984 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Revised: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring (HBM) is an effective tool for assessing actual exposure to chemicals that takes into account all routes of intake. Although hair analysis is considered to be an optimal biomarker for assessing mercury exposure, the lack of harmonization as regards sampling and analytical procedures has often limited the comparison of data at national and international level. The European-funded projects COPHES and DEMOCOPHES developed and tested a harmonized European approach to Human Biomonitoring in response to the European Environment and Health Action Plan. Herein we describe the quality assurance program (QAP) for assessing mercury levels in hair samples from more than 1800 mother-child pairs recruited in 17 European countries. To ensure the comparability of the results, standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sampling and for mercury analysis were drafted and distributed to participating laboratories. Training sessions were organized for field workers and four external quality-assessment exercises (ICI/EQUAS), followed by the corresponding web conferences, were organized between March 2011 and February 2012. ICI/EQUAS used native hair samples at two mercury concentration ranges (0.20-0.71 and 0.80-1.63) per exercise. The results revealed relative standard deviations of 7.87-13.55% and 4.04-11.31% for the low and high mercury concentration ranges, respectively. A total of 16 out of 18 participating laboratories the QAP requirements and were allowed to analyze samples from the DEMOCOPHES pilot study. Web conferences after each ICI/EQUAS revealed this to be a new and effective tool for improving analytical performance and increasing capacity building. The procedure developed and tested in COPHES/DEMOCOPHES would be optimal for application on a global scale as regards implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Esteban
- Environmental Toxicology, Centro Nacional de Sanidad Ambiental (CNSA), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Spain
| | - Birgit Karin Schindler
- Department of Hygiene, Social and Environmental Medicine, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance - Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Germany; PROOF-ACS GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
| | - José Antonio Jiménez
- Environmental Toxicology, Centro Nacional de Sanidad Ambiental (CNSA), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Spain
| | - Holger Martin Koch
- Department of Hygiene, Social and Environmental Medicine, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance - Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Germany
| | - Jürgen Angerer
- Department of Hygiene, Social and Environmental Medicine, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance - Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Germany
| | - Montserrat Rosado
- Environmental Toxicology, Centro Nacional de Sanidad Ambiental (CNSA), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Spain
| | - Silvia Gómez
- Environmental Toxicology, Centro Nacional de Sanidad Ambiental (CNSA), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Spain
| | | | | | | | - Louis Bloemen
- Environmental Health Sciences International, The Netherlands
| | - Greet Schoeters
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Environmental Risk and Health, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium; University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
| | - Elly Den Hond
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Environmental Risk and Health, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dominique Aerts
- Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, Belgium
| | - Pierre Biot
- Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, Belgium
| | - Daniela Borošová
- Regional Authority of Public Health of the Slovak Republic, Slovakia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Miklos Naray
- Hungarian Institute of Occupational Health, Hungary
| | | | | | | | - Catherine Pirard
- CHU of Liege, Laboratory of Clinical, Forensic and Environmental Toxicology, Belgium
| | | | | | - Jürgen Wittsiepe
- Department of Hygiene, Social and Environmental Medicine, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance - Institute of the Ruhr-University Bochum (IPA), Germany
| | - Argelia Castaño
- Environmental Toxicology, Centro Nacional de Sanidad Ambiental (CNSA), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Spain.
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19
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Sherman LS, Blum JD, Basu N, Rajaee M, Evers DC, Buck DG, Petrlik J, DiGangi J. Assessment of mercury exposure among small-scale gold miners using mercury stable isotopes. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 137:226-34. [PMID: 25577187 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2014] [Revised: 11/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/25/2014] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Total mercury (Hg) concentrations in hair and urine are often used as biomarkers of exposure to fish-derived methylmercury (MeHg) and gaseous elemental Hg, respectively. We used Hg stable isotopes to assess the validity of these biomarkers among small-scale gold mining populations in Ghana and Indonesia. Urine from Ghanaian miners displayed similar Δ(199)Hg values to Hg derived from ore deposits (mean urine Δ(199)Hg=0.01‰, n=6). This suggests that urine total Hg concentrations accurately reflect exposure to inorganic Hg among this population. Hair samples from Ghanaian miners displayed low positive Δ(199)Hg values (0.23-0.55‰, n=6) and low percentages of total Hg as MeHg (7.6-29%, n=7). These data suggest that the majority of the Hg in these miners' hair samples is exogenously adsorbed inorganic Hg and not fish-derived MeHg. Hair samples from Indonesian gold miners who eat fish daily displayed a wider range of positive Δ(199)Hg values (0.21-1.32‰, n=5) and percentages of total Hg as MeHg (32-72%, n=4). This suggests that total Hg in the hair samples from Indonesian gold miners is likely a mixture of ingested fish MeHg and exogenously adsorbed inorganic Hg. Based on data from both populations, we suggest that total Hg concentrations in hair samples from small-scale gold miners likely overestimate exposure to MeHg from fish consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura S Sherman
- University of Michigan, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 1100 North University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
| | - Joel D Blum
- University of Michigan, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 1100 North University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Niladri Basu
- McGill University, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada H9X3V9
| | - Mozhgon Rajaee
- University of Michigan, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 19 Flaggy Meadow Road, Gorham, ME 04038, United States
| | - David G Buck
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 19 Flaggy Meadow Road, Gorham, ME 04038, United States
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20
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Cardiovascular responses to lead are biphasic, while methylmercury, but not inorganic mercury, monotonically increases blood pressure in rats. Toxicology 2014; 328:1-11. [PMID: 25478804 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2014.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Revised: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke, are the major cause of death worldwide. It is well known that a high number of environmental and physiological risk factors contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Although risk factors are additive, increased blood pressure (hypertension) is the greatest risk factor. Over the last two decades, a growing number of epidemiological studies associate environmental exposure to lead or mercury species with hypertension. However, cardiovascular effects beyond blood pressure are rarely studied and thresholds for effect are not yet clear. To explore effects of lead or mercury species on the cardiovascular system, normal male Wistar rats were exposed to a range of doses of lead, inorganic mercury or methylmercury through the drinking water for four weeks. High-resolution ultrasound was used to measure heart and vascular function (carotid artery blood flow) at baseline and at the end of the exposure, while blood pressure was measured directly in the femoral artery at the end of the 4-week exposure. After 4 weeks, blood pressure responses to lead were biphasic. Low lead levels decreased blood pressure, dilated the carotid artery and increased cardiac output. At higher lead doses, rats had increased blood pressure. In contrast, methylmercury-exposed rats had increased blood pressure at all doses despite dilated carotid arteries. Inorganic mercury did not show any significant cardiovascular effects. Based on the current study, the benchmark dose level 10% (BMDL10s) for systolic blood pressure for lead, inorganic mercury and methylmercury are 1.1, 1.3 and 1.0 μg/kg-bw/d, respectively. However, similar total mercury blood levels attributed to inorganic mercury or methylmercury produced strikingly different results with inorganic mercury having no observable effect on the cardiovascular system but methylmercury increasing systolic and pulse pressures. Therefore, adverse cardiovascular effects cannot be predicted by total blood mercury level alone and the mercury species of exposure must be taken into account.
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Chen G, Chen X, Yan C, Wu X, Zeng G. Surveying mercury levels in hair, blood and urine of under 7-year old children from a coastal city in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 11:12029-41. [PMID: 25419876 PMCID: PMC4245658 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph111112029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Revised: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM The average mercury load in children under 7-years old was determined in a populated but not overly industrial coastal area in China. METHODS 395 blood samples, 1072 urine samples, and 581 hair samples were collected from 1076 children, aged 0 to 6 years, from eight representative communities of Xiamen, China. Mercury levels in the samples were surveyed. RESULTS The 95% upper limits of mercury in blood, urine, and hair for the children were 2.30, 1.50 and 2100.00 μg/kg, respectively. Levels tended to increase with age. Correlation analyses showed that mercury levels in blood and urine correlated with those in hair (n = 132), r = 0.49, p < 0.0001 and r = 0.20, p = 0.0008; however, blood mercury levels did not correlate with urine levels (n = 284), r = 0.07, p = 0.35. CONCLUSIONS Surveying the average mercury load in children 0 to 6 years, and the 95% upper limit value of mercury in their blood, urine, and hair should help guide risk assessment and health management for children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guixia Chen
- Xiamen Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Xiamen 361000, China.
| | - Xiaoxin Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Chonghuai Yan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xingdong Wu
- Xiamen Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Guozhang Zeng
- Xiamen Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Xiamen 361000, China
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22
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Pirard C, Koppen G, De Cremer K, Van Overmeire I, Govarts E, Dewolf MC, Van De Mieroop E, Aerts D, Biot P, Casteleyn L, Kolossa-Gehring M, Schwedler G, Angerer J, Koch HM, Schindler BK, Castaño A, Esteban M, Schoeters G, Den Hond E, Sepai O, Exley K, Horvat M, Bloemen L, Knudsen LE, Joas R, Joas A, Van Loco J, Charlier C. Hair mercury and urinary cadmium levels in Belgian children and their mothers within the framework of the COPHES/DEMOCOPHES projects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 472:730-740. [PMID: 24333995 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Revised: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A harmonized human biomonitoring pilot study was set up within the frame of the European projects DEMOCOPHES and COPHES. In 17 European countries, biomarkers of some environmental pollutants, including urinary cadmium and hair mercury, were measured in children and their mothers in order to obtain European-wide comparison values on these chemicals. The Belgian participant population consisted in 129 school children (6-11 years) and their mothers (≤ 45 years) living in urban or rural areas of Belgium. The geometric mean levels for mercury in hair were 0.383 μg/g and 0.204 μg/g for respectively mothers and children. Cadmium in mother's and children's urine was detected at a geometric mean concentration of respectively 0.21 and 0.04 μg/l. For both biomarkers, levels measured in the mothers and their child were correlated. While the urinary cadmium levels increased with age, no trend was found for hair mercury content, except the fact that mothers hold higher levels than children. The hair mercury content increased significantly with the number of dental amalgam fillings, explaining partially the higher levels in the mothers by their higher presence rate of these amalgams compared to children. Fish or seafood consumption was the other main parameter determining the mercury levels in hair. No relationship was found between smoking status and cadmium or mercury levels, but the studied population included very few smokers. Urinary cadmium levels were higher in both mothers and children living in urban areas, while for mercury this difference was only significant for children. Our small population showed urinary cadmium and hair mercury levels lower than the health based guidelines suggested by the WHO or the JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). Only 1% had cadmium level slightly higher than the German HBM-I value (1 μg/l for adults), and 9% exceeded the 1 μg mercury/g hair suggested by the US EPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Pirard
- CHU of Liege, Laboratory of Clinical, Forensic and Environmental Toxicology, CHU (B35), 4000 Liege, Belgium.
| | - Gudrun Koppen
- Flemish Institute of Technological Research, Environmental Risk and Health Unit, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium.
| | - Koen De Cremer
- Scientific Institute of Public Health, Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Ilse Van Overmeire
- Scientific Institute of Public Health, Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Eva Govarts
- Flemish Institute of Technological Research, Environmental Risk and Health Unit, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium.
| | - Marie-Christine Dewolf
- Provincial Institute Hainaut Vigilance Sanitaire - Hainaut Hygiène Publique en (HVS-HPH), Boulevard Sainctelette, 55, 7000 Mons, Belgium.
| | - Els Van De Mieroop
- Provincial Institute for Hygiene (PIH), Boomgaardstraat 22 bus 1, 2600 Antwerpen, Belgium.
| | - Dominique Aerts
- Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, Place Victor Horta 40/10, 1060 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Pierre Biot
- Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, Place Victor Horta 40/10, 1060 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Ludwine Casteleyn
- University of Leuven, Center for Human Genetics, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | | | - Gerda Schwedler
- Federal Environment Agency, Corrensplatz 1, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Jürgen Angerer
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Holger M Koch
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Birgit K Schindler
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Argelia Castaño
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ctra. Majadahonda - Pozuelo, Km. 2, 28220, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Marta Esteban
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ctra. Majadahonda - Pozuelo, Km. 2, 28220, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Greet Schoeters
- Flemish Institute of Technological Research, Environmental Risk and Health Unit, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium.
| | - Elly Den Hond
- Flemish Institute of Technological Research, Environmental Risk and Health Unit, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium.
| | - Ovnair Sepai
- Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, United Kingdom.
| | - Karen Exley
- Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, United Kingdom.
| | - Milena Horvat
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Louis Bloemen
- Environmental Health Science International, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Lisbeth E Knudsen
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Public Health, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 København, Denmark.
| | - Reinhard Joas
- BiPRO GmbH, Grauertstrasse 12, 81545 Munich, Germany.
| | - Anke Joas
- BiPRO GmbH, Grauertstrasse 12, 81545 Munich, Germany.
| | - Joris Van Loco
- Scientific Institute of Public Health, Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Corinne Charlier
- CHU of Liege, Laboratory of Clinical, Forensic and Environmental Toxicology, CHU (B35), 4000 Liege, Belgium.
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23
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Larras F, Regier N, Planchon S, Poté J, Renaut J, Cosio C. Physiological and proteomic changes suggest an important role of cell walls in the high tolerance to metals of Elodea nuttallii. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2013; 263 Pt 2:575-583. [PMID: 24225582 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2013.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Revised: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Macrophytes bioaccumulate metals, the suggestion being made that they be considered for phytoremediation. However, a thorough understanding of the mechanisms of metal tolerance in these plants is necessary to allow full optimization of this approach. The present study was undertaken to gain insight into Hg and Cd accumulation and their effects in a representative macrophyte, Elodea nuttallii. Exposure to methyl-Hg (23 ng dm(-3)) had no significant effect while inorganic Hg (70 ng dm(-3)) and Cd (281 μg dm(-3)) affected root growth but did not affect shoots growth, photosynthesis, or antioxidant enzymes. Phytochelatins were confirmed as having a role in Cd tolerance in this plant while Hg tolerance seems to rely on different mechanisms. Histology and subcellular distribution revealed a localized increase in lignification, and an increased proportion of metal accumulation in cell wall over time. Proteomics further suggested that E. nuttallii was able to efficiently adapt its energy sources and the structure of its cells during Hg and Cd exposure. Storage in cell walls to protect cellular machinery is certainly predominant at environmental concentrations of metals in this plant resulting in a high tolerance highlighted by the absence of toxicity symptoms in shoots despite the significant accumulation of metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floriane Larras
- Institut F.-A. Forel, University of Geneva, 10, route de Suisse, CP 416, CH-1290 Versoix, Switzerland
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24
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Rothenberg SE, Yu X, Zhang Y. Prenatal methylmercury exposure through maternal rice ingestion: insights from a feasibility pilot in Guizhou Province, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2013; 180:291-8. [PMID: 23800416 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2013.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2012] [Revised: 05/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Maternal hair and blood were investigated as biomarkers for prenatal methylmercury (MeHg) exposure among seventeen mothers recruited at parturition in Wanshan, Guizhou Province, China, where rice ingestion was the primary MeHg exposure pathway and atmospheric mercury (Hg) levels were elevated. For all three trimesters (n = 51), hair total Hg (THg) and MeHg concentrations ranged from 0.27 to 4.9 μg/g (median: 0.96 μg/g) and 0.077 to 2.3 μg/g (median: 0.43 μg/g), respectively, while blood THg levels ranged from 1.7 to 11 μg/L (median: 3.0 μg/L, n = 17). Despite adequate hair washing procedures, median %MeHg (of THg) was 37% (range: 14-89%, n = 51), indicating exogenous inorganic Hg(II) contamination or incorporation of elemental Hg (Hg(o)) into the hair shaft were important. Rice MeHg levels (n = 17) were highly correlated with blood THg (r(2) = 0.66) compared to hair MeHg (r(2) = 0.31) (when variables were log10-transformed), suggesting blood THg was a more preferable biomarker for prenatal MeHg exposure within this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Rothenberg
- University of South Carolina, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, The Arnold School of Public Health, 921 Assembly Street, Room 401, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
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25
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Sherman LS, Blum JD, Franzblau A, Basu N. New insight into biomarkers of human mercury exposure using naturally occurring mercury stable isotopes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:3403-9. [PMID: 23463943 DOI: 10.1021/es305250z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) and elemental mercury vapor (Hg(0)(g)) are often estimated using total Hg concentrations in hair and urine, respectively. We investigated whether Hg stable isotopes could be used to better distinguish between exposure to Hg(0)(g) versus MeHg. We found that hair from North American dental professionals was characterized by high positive Δ(199)Hg values (mean = 1.86‰, 1 SD = 0.12‰, n = 11). This confirms that among people who regularly consume fish, total Hg concentrations in hair reflect exposure to MeHg. In contrast, we found that urine from the same individuals was characterized by a range of Δ(199)Hg values (0.29 to 1.77‰, 2 SD = 0.06‰, n = 12) that were significantly correlated to the number of dental amalgams in each individual's mouth. We hypothesize that fish-derived MeHg is demethylated within the body, causing mass-dependent fractionation and the excretion of inorganic Hg in urine. Mercury in urine therefore represents a mixture of demethylated fish-derived MeHg and amalgam-derived inorganic Hg. We estimate that the majority (>70%) of Hg in urine from individuals with <10 dental amalgams is derived from ingestion of MeHg in fish. These data suggest that within populations that consume fish, urine total Hg concentrations may overestimate Hg exposure from personal dental amalgams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura S Sherman
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Michigan, 1100 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.
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26
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Laffont L, Sonke JE, Maurice L, Monrroy SL, Chincheros J, Amouroux D, Behra P. Hg speciation and stable isotope signatures in human hair as a tracer for dietary and occupational exposure to mercury. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2011; 45:9910-6. [PMID: 22003970 DOI: 10.1021/es202353m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Exposure of humans and wildlife to various inorganic and organometallic forms of mercury (Hg) may induce adverse health effects. While human populations in developed countries are mainly exposed to marine fish monomethylmercury (MMHg), this is not necessarily the case for developing countries and diverse indigenous people. Identification of Hg exposure sources from biomonitor media such as urine or hair would be useful in combating exposure. Here we report on the Hg stable isotope signatures and Hg speciation in human hair across different gold miner, indigenous and urban populations in Bolivia and France. We found evidence for both mass-dependent isotope fractionation (MDF) and mass-independent isotope fractionation (MIF) in all hair samples. Three limiting cases of dominant exposure to inorganic Hg (IHg), freshwater fish MMHg, and marine fish MMHg sources are used to define approximate Hg isotope source signatures. Knowing the source signatures, we then estimated Hg exposure sources for the Bolivian gold miner populations. Modeled IHg levels in hair correspond well to measured IHg concentrations (R = 0.9), demonstrating that IHg exposure sources to gold miners can be monitored in hair samples following either its chemical speciation or isotopic composition. Different MMHg and inorganic exposure levels among gold miners appear to correspond to living and working conditions, including proximity to small towns, and artisanal vs large scale mining activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Laffont
- Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Laboratoire de Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, 14 avenue Edouard Belin, 31400 Toulouse, France.
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27
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Li P, Feng X, Qiu G, Wan Q. Hair can be a good biomarker of occupational exposure to mercury vapor: simulated experiments and field data analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2011; 409:4484-4488. [PMID: 21784505 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2011] [Revised: 06/17/2011] [Accepted: 06/21/2011] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Generally, urine mercury (U-Hg) is widely used for assessment of inorganic mercury (I-Hg) exposure in humans. The reliability of scalp hair as an indicator of mercury vapor exposure is contentious. However, significant correlations were found between hair total mercury (T-Hg) and U-Hg and between hair I-Hg and total gaseous mercury (TGM) in ambient air in our previous studies. Simulated experiments were designed to assess the contribution of direct absorption/adsorption of mercury vapor in the hair. Results indicated that the increases of hair T-Hg concentrations were less than 1 μg/g, which was negligible compared with hair T-Hg concentrations in occupationally exposed workers. The β-mercaptoethanol washing can remove 30% of mercury (Hg) in the exposed hair samples. The inhaled Hg constituted the major fraction (97.4%) of I-Hg exposure for the artisanal Hg mining workers. From the simulated experiments and field data analysis, we can conclude that hair I-Hg can be a useful tool for monitoring occupational exposure to Hg vapor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002, China
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28
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Rothenberg SE, Feng X, Li P. Low-level maternal methylmercury exposure through rice ingestion and potential implications for offspring health. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2011; 159:1017-1022. [PMID: 21276645 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2010.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2010] [Revised: 09/03/2010] [Accepted: 12/21/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Fish consumption is considered the primary pathway for MeHg (MeHg) exposure; however, MeHg exposure also occurs through rice ingestion. Rice is grown in an aquatic environment and although documented MeHg concentrations in rice are lower compared to fish tissue, human exposures exceed international guidelines in some regions where rice is a staple food and rice MeHg levels are elevated. Studies concerning human health exposure to MeHg should also include populations where maternal MeHg exposure occurs through ingestion of rice. Rice does not contain long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are associated with confounding developmental outcomes in offspring. Rice is also a staple food for more than half the world's population; therefore, it is critical to investigate the potential health risks of maternal ingestion of rice to the developing fetus, the most susceptible population to the deleterious effects of MeHg. Data concerning MeHg in rice are reviewed and micronutrients in rice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Rothenberg
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, PR China.
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29
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Li P, Feng X, Shang L, Qiu G, Meng B, Zhang H, Guo Y, Liang P. Human co-exposure to mercury vapor and methylmercury in artisanal mercury mining areas, Guizhou, China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2011; 74:473-479. [PMID: 21056470 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2010.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2010] [Revised: 10/15/2010] [Accepted: 10/18/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) concentrations were determined in human urine and hair samples from Gouxi (GX, n=25) and Laowuchang (LWC, n=18), Tongren, Guizhou, China, to evaluate human exposure from artisanal Hg mining. Geometric means of urinary Hg (U-Hg) were 216 and 560 μg g(-1) Creatinine (μg g(-1) Cr) for artisanal mining workers from GX and LWC, respectively, and clinical symptoms (finger tremor) were observed in three workers. The means of hair Me-Hg concentrations were 4.26 μg g(-1) (1.87-10.6 μg g(-1)) and 4.55 μg g(-1) (2.29-9.55 μg g(-1)) for the population in GX and LWC, respectively. Significant relationship was found between estimated rice Me-Hg intake and hair Me-Hg levels (r=0.73, p<0.001). Co-exposure to Hg vapor and Me-Hg may pose health risks for the study population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, China
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30
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Fakour H, Esmaili-Sari A, Zayeri F. Mercury exposure assessment in Iranian women's hair of a port town with respect to fish consumption and amalgam fillings. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:1538-1543. [PMID: 20100624 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2009] [Revised: 01/03/2010] [Accepted: 01/06/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In this study we aimed to estimate the level of mercury in women's hair and its association with fish consumption and amalgam fillings in an Iranian southern port town (named Mahshahr). A total number of 195 hair samples were collected randomly from women aged 25-45 years free from occupational exposures to mercury. Additional information about these women's age, weight, height, number of pregnancies, level of education, number of amalgam fillings and fish consumption were also gathered. The determination of Hg level in hair samples was carried out by the LECO, AMA 254, Advanced Mercury Analyzer, according to ASTM standard No. D-6722. The average mercury level in these women's hair was 2.95+/-2.33microg/g (ranged from 0.07 to 24.46microg/g). In the next stage, the study participants were divided into four groups with respect to their fish consumption and number of amalgam fillings; A) <3 amalgam fillings, <3 times fish consumption per month, B) <3 amalgam fillings, >7 times fish consumption per month, C) >6 amalgam fillings, <3 times fish consumption per month, and D) >6 amalgam fillings, >7 times fish consumption per month. Statistical analysis showed that the Hg level was significantly different in these four groups (P<0.001). Mercury levels in this sample exceeded the USEPA-recommended 1microg/g in 76.4% of the studied population. Finally, the multiple linear regression results revealed that frequency of fish consumption and amalgam restorations are the most important routes of Hg exposure. However, the main determinant of Hg exposure was the intake of Hg through fish consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Fakour
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Mazandaran, Iran.
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Anderson HA. Eighth International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant (ICMGP): human health and exposure to methylmercury. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2008; 107:1-3. [PMID: 18374911 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2008.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2008] [Accepted: 02/14/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Henry A Anderson
- Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, Madison, WI 53701, USA.
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