1
|
Chen M, Neupane B, Zhan X, Liu T, Lin Z, Gao C, Zaccone C, Bao K. Three thousand years of Hg pollution recorded in mangrove wetland sediments from South China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118866. [PMID: 38580002 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118866] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is known to affect aquatic, terrestrial ecosystems as well as human health, through biomagnification. Mangrove wetlands are potential Hg sinks because of their low tidal velocity, fast sedimentation rate, strong reducing condition and high organic matter content. The spatial and temporal distribution of Hg has been a hot topic of recent studies in mangrove wetlands. In this study, we investigated Hg concentration, accumulation rate and isotopes to reconstruct the Hg pollution history and to differentiate its potential sources in the Gaoqiao mangrove wetland (Guangdong province), which is part of the largest mangrove area in China. We reconstructed a first, continuous, high-resolution Hg pollution history over the last 3000 years in South China. Our findings show that mangrove wetland sediments are more enriched in Hg than the adjacent grasslands. The increased Hg concentration and δ202Hg in recent sediments mirror the enhanced anthropogenic impacts; Hg concentrations in areas with high levels of anthropogenic disturbance are up to 5× higher than the average background value (9.9 ± 1.2 μg kg-1). Compared to mangroves in coastal areas of South China and around the world, the Hg concentration in Gaoqiao is much lower. The significant increase of Hg since the 1950s and the major Hg peak since the 1980s were the evidence of the human activities influences and indicated the possible start date of Anthropocene. After 2007 CE, a decline in Hg pollution occurs due to the effective implementation of the mangrove protection policy. Three potential sources were identified by the Hg isotope traces including urban gaseous Hg, industrial Hg, and regional soil and leaf litter Hg input.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minqi Chen
- School of Geography, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Bigyan Neupane
- School of Geography, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China; Institute of Fundamental Research and Studies (InFeRS), Kathmandu, 44600, Nepal
| | - Xuan Zhan
- Eco-Environmental Monitoring and Research Center, Pearl River Valley and South China Sea Ecology and Environment Administration, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510611, China
| | - Ting Liu
- School of Geography, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Zhanyi Lin
- School of Geography, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Changjun Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Silviculture, Protection and Utilization, Guangdong Academy of Forestry, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Claudio Zaccone
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, Verona, 37134, Italy.
| | - Kunshan Bao
- School of Geography, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kung HC, Wu CH, Huang BW, Chang-Chien GP, Mutuku JK, Lin WC. Mercury abatement in the environment: Insights from industrial emissions and fates in the environment. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28253. [PMID: 38571637 PMCID: PMC10987932 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Mercury's neurotoxic effects have prompted the development of advanced control and remediation methods to meet stringent measures for industries with high-mercury feedstocks. Industries with significant Hg emissions, including artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM)-789.2 Mg year-1, coal combustion-564.1 Mg year-1, waste combustion-316.1 Mg year-1, cement production-224.5 Mg year-1, and non-ferrous metals smelting-204.1 Mg year-1, use oxidants and adsorbents capture Hg from waste streams. Oxidizing agents such as O3, Cl2, HCl, CaBr2, CaCl2, and NH4Cl oxidize Hg0 to Hg2+ for easier adsorption. To functionalize adsorbents, carbonaceous ones use S, SO2, and Na2S, metal-based adsorbents use dimercaprol, and polymer-based adsorbents are grafted with acrylonitrile and hydroxylamine hydrochloride. Adsorption capacities span 0.2-85.6 mg g-1 for carbonaceous, 0.5-14.8 mg g-1 for metal-based, and 168.1-1216 mg g-1 for polymer-based adsorbents. Assessing Hg contamination in soils and sediments uses bioindicators and stable isotopes. Remediation approaches include heat treatment, chemical stabilization and immobilization, and phytoremediation techniques when contamination exceeds thresholds. Achieving a substantially Hg-free ecosystem remains a formidable challenge, chiefly due to the ASGM industry, policy gaps, and Hg persistence. Nevertheless, improvements in adsorbent technologies hold potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Chieh Kung
- Institute of Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsing Wu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
- Center for General Education, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung 833301, Taiwan
| | - Bo-Wun Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Institute of Mechatronic Engineering, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung City, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Guo-Ping Chang-Chien
- Institute of Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Super micro mass research and technology center, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Center for Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Justus Kavita Mutuku
- Institute of Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Super micro mass research and technology center, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Center for Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ching Lin
- Department of Neuroradiology, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, 84001, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, 84001, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jiang JJ, Yan H, Wang X, Su H. Sediment mercury concentration of a subtropical mangrove wetland responded to Hong Kong-Shenzhen industrial development since the 1960s. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 192:115047. [PMID: 37201351 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) in coastal wetlands is of great concern due to its acute toxicity. We measured the total Hg content (THg) from a 210Pb-dated sediment core obtained from the Futian mangrove wetland in Shenzhen Bay, South China to explore the historical variation and possible sources. Our results extend the sediment THg record back to 1960 and reveal three distinct intervals. Interval I (1960-1974) has low and increasing THg values, averaging 83.0 μg/kg; Interval II (1975-1984) witnesses a remarkably increase, peaking in 1980 (261.6 μg/kg) then remaining elevated; Interval III (1985-2014) shows a steady reduction, averaging 118.4 μg/kg. The good correlation among THg, TOC, and Hg/TOC, and the downstream decrease in monitoring sediment THg consistently suggest that the bulk THg are mainly sourced from the Shenzhen River discharge. The different timing in industrial development attributes the elevated THg concentrations during 1975-1984 to Hong Kong industrial sewage pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny J Jiang
- Guangzhou Zhixin High School, Guangzhou 510105, China
| | - Hongyu Yan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xufeng Wang
- School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Hong Su
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mao L, Ren W, Liu X, He M, Zhang BT, Lin C, Ouyang W. Mercury contamination in the water and sediments of a typical inland river - Lake basin in China: Occurrence, sources, migration and risk assessment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 446:130724. [PMID: 36610344 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In the area affected by non-ferrous metal mining activities, mercury (Hg) contamination in the water and sediments posed potential risks to ecology and human health. In this study, river water and sediment samples were collected in the Zijiang river - South Dongting Lake basin to analyze Hg residues, identify potential Hg sources and evaluate the ecological and health risks posed by Hg contamination. In this study, the average concentrations of THg, PHg, DHg and DMeHg in river water were 38.05 ± 27.13 ng/L, 25.18 ± 26.83 ng/L, 12.88 ± 9.64 ng/L and 0.29 ± 0.07 ng/L, respectively. The THg and MeHg contents in sediments were 234.24 ± 152.93 µg/kg and 0.48 ± 0.16 µg/kg, respectively. The more enrichment of Hg in sediments was observed in the Zijiang River than in the South Dongting Lake, especially in the upstream and midstream regions. Two potential Hg sources in the basin were identified by correlation matrix, principal component analysis (PCA) and positive matrix factorization (PMF) model. The comparable Hg flux with other rivers worldwide was found in the Zijiang River (0.53 Mg/y). Furthermore, it was found by the delayed geochemical hazard (DGH) model that the ecological risk of Hg was more significant in the Zijiang River with more frequent transformation pathways. For different populations, the health risk values caused by Hg were all lower than the USEPA's guideline value. This study provided sound evidence for further control of Hg contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Wenbo Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xitao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Mengchang He
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Bo-Tao Zhang
- College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Chunye Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Wei Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Advanced Interdisciplinary Institute of Environment and Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519087, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yu L, Li R, Chai M, Li B. Vertical distribution, accumulation, and characteristics of microplastics in mangrove sediment in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 856:159256. [PMID: 36208769 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mangroves in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide are recognized as important sinks for microplastics (MPs). However, recent studies have focused on surface sediments, and in China, the vertical distribution and characteristics of MPs in mangrove sediments remain poorly understood. In this study, sediment cores of 100 cm depth were collected from six representative mangroves in China to investigate MPs via chronological analysis. Futian had the highest abundance of MPs (0-3123 n/kg), followed by Dongfang, Yunxiao, Zhanjiang, Dongzhaigang and Fangchenggang. The earliest MPs occurring in mangroves were dated back to 1955, and their abundance increased exponentially from bottom to surface sediments. MPs were mainly white in color, fiber-shaped, 1000-5000 μm in size, and of polypropylene/polyethylene polymer types. Furthermore, the MPs in the urban mangrove also showed a higher diversity in color. The results showed that the MP stocks in the urbanized Futian mangrove reached 1828 mg/m3, an order of magnitude higher than in other areas (251 ± 180 mg/m3), contributing to 0.0057 % of the carbon storage of the sediment. The abundance of MPs in mangrove sediments is expected to increase by 2.38-9.54 times by 2030, and therefore deserve further attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingyun Yu
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ruili Li
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Minwei Chai
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Bing Li
- Water Research Center, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tan B, Li Y, Xie H, Dai Z, Zhou C, Qian ZJ, Hong P, Liang Y, Ren L, Sun S, Li C. Microplastics accumulation in mangroves increasing the resistance of its colonization Vibrio and Shewanella. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 295:133861. [PMID: 35149013 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The enrichment of various pollutants in mangrove has attracted widespread attention. Especially, microplastics accumulation in mangrove may provide a more challenging ecological colonization site by enriching pollutants, thus affecting the change of microplastics antibiotic resistance and increasing the risk of antibiotic failure. Herein, the antibiotic-resistant of microplastics and sediment from mangrove were investigated. The results show that isolates are mainly colonized by Vibrio parahemolyticus (V. parahemolyticus), Vibrio alginolyticus (V. alginolyticus), and Shewanella. 100% mangrove microplastics isolates are resistant to chloramphenicol, cefazolin, and tetracycline, especially amoxicillin clavulanate and ampicillin. Meanwhile, the multiple antibiotics resistance (MAR) indexes of V. parahaemolyticus, Shewanella, and V. alginolyticus in mangrove microplastics are 0.72, 0.77, and 0.77, respectively, which are far higher than the MAR index standard (0.2) and that of mangrove sediment isolates. Furthermore, compared with V. parahaemolyticus isolated from the same mangrove microplastics, Shewanella and V. alginolyticus show stronger drug resistance. It should be noted that there is a closely related relationship between the type of microplastics and the antibiotics resistance of isolated bacteria. For the antibiotics sensitivity test of norfloxacin, streptomycin, amoxicillin, and chloramphenicol, V. parahaemolyticus have the lower antibiotics resistance than that of V. alginolyticus isolated from the same mangrove microplastics. However, Vibrio isolated from PE has stronger antibiotics resistance. Results reveal that mangrove may be one of the potential risks for emergence and spread of bacterial antibiotics-resistant and multidrug-resistant, and microplastic biofilms may act as promoters of bacterial antibiotic resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baoyi Tan
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China
| | - Yibin Li
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China
| | - Huifeng Xie
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China
| | - Zhenqing Dai
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518108, China.
| | - Chunxia Zhou
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518108, China
| | - Zhong-Ji Qian
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China
| | - Pengzhi Hong
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518108, China
| | - Yanqiu Liang
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518108, China
| | - Lei Ren
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518108, China; College of Agriculture, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China
| | - Shengli Sun
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China
| | - Chengyong Li
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518108, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Elezz AA, Castillo A, Hassan HM, Alsaadi HA, Vethamony P. Distribution and environmental geochemical indices of mercury in tar contaminated beaches along the coast of Qatar. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113349. [PMID: 35092929 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113349] [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: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The current study aimed to gauge total mercury (THg) concentration and the environmental geochemical indices in tarmat contaminated sediments and test their presence in targeted coastal species. Layers of hard asphalt-like tarmats and sediment samples were collected from 34 sites along the coast of Qatar. The mean concentration of THg in tarmat-sediment mixture is 89 ± 20 ng·g-1. THg concentration varies significantly between the northern and eastern coasts. Geographically, sampling area were divided into four zones according to the relative closeness with low to serious potential ecological risk index (Er), moderate pollution load index (PLI), moderate Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), and no toxic risk (TRI) trending as Northern (Zones 4, 3) > North-Eastern (Zone 1) > Western (Zone 2) coasts. Three biota classes (Gastropoda, Bivalvia, and Crustacea) were sampled on the tarmat which the hermit crab (Clibanarius signatus) from Ras Rakan island obtained the highest THg (977 ng·g-1) and BSAF (29.70).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abou Elezz
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, Doha, P.O. Box 2713, State of Qatar.
| | - Azenith Castillo
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, Doha, P.O. Box 2713, State of Qatar.
| | | | | | - Ponnumony Vethamony
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, Doha, P.O. Box 2713, State of Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang X, Zhang C, Li S, Wang C, Wang H, Cui Y. Ecological risk, health risk assessment, and pollution source analysis of Xinli Lake wetland based on triangular fuzzy number. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:22334-22347. [PMID: 33417134 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-12301-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Wetland environmental pollution has become a global problem involving the ecological environment and human health. This study measured the concentration of seven potentially toxic elements (PTEs Hg, Cd, Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, and As) in the soil upstream of the Xinli Lake wetland in China. Based on the fuzzy theory, the sources, spatial distribution, ecological risks, and health risks of pollutants are studied. The result shows that the concentrations of the seven potentially toxic elements are close to or exceed the background value, and their spatial distribution showed irregular changes. The soil upstream of the wetland has not been seriously polluted, and Cd, which has higher bioavailability, is the priority element for ecological risk. Pollutants do not harm human health; children face higher health risks; Pb and As have the highest carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks, respectively. Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, and As in the study area are derived from agricultural activities, while Hg and Cd are mainly affected by soil-forming parent materials. Attention should be paid to controlling the intensity of agricultural activities to avoid excessive input and accumulation of pollutants that would harm the ecological environment and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuedong Wang
- College of Mining, Liaoning Technical University, Fuxin, 123000, China.
- Research Station on Mechanics for Postdoctoral Fellows, Liaoning Technical University, Fuxin, 123000, China.
| | - Chaobiao Zhang
- College of Mining, Liaoning Technical University, Fuxin, 123000, China
| | - Shiyu Li
- College of Mining, Liaoning Technical University, Fuxin, 123000, China
| | - Cui Wang
- College of Mining, Liaoning Technical University, Fuxin, 123000, China
| | - Haoren Wang
- College of Mining, Liaoning Technical University, Fuxin, 123000, China
| | - Yunhao Cui
- College of Mining, Liaoning Technical University, Fuxin, 123000, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Araújo PRM, Biondi CM, do Nascimento CWA, da Silva FBV, da Silva WR, da Silva FL, de Melo Ferreira DK. Assessing the spatial distribution and ecologic and human health risks in mangrove soils polluted by Hg in northeastern Brazil. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 266:129019. [PMID: 33272678 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129019] [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: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The emission of mercury (Hg) by chlor-alkali plants can pollute soils and sediments, posing risks to the environment and human health. Mangrove ecosystems are particularly sensitive to Hg contamination. Here, we studied the Hg spatial distribution and associated human and ecologic risks in mangrove soils impacted by a chlor-alkali plant. Sixty-six samples of superficial soils were collected from the mangrove of the Botafogo River, Brazil. Mercury contents were determined and ecological and human health risks were estimated from the soil. The Hg contents exceeded the local Hg background by up to 180 times, indicating the substantial anthropic contribution that occurred in the area. Mercury concentrations followed a gradient as a function of the distance from the chlor-alkali plant, with an apparent contribution from the estuary's hydrodynamic regime. The ecological risk was considered high in all the soils evaluated, while the daily average exposure for humans, considering multiple exposure routes to soil, is below the tolerable dose recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, the risk to human health was unacceptable in the estuary section closest to the plant, mainly for children. Vapor inhalation was the main route for estimating non-carcinogenic risk. The results of this study indicate a severe scenario of Hg pollution with unacceptable risks to the ecosystem and the health of human beings, especially of the communities that live from fishery and shellfish colletion and are exposed daily to soils polluted by mercury. Studies on the organomercurial species in the food chain and Hg levels in individuals living close to the estuary are warranted. This research is an important reference in the world regarding the contamination of mangrove areas by Hg.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Renata Muniz Araújo
- Department of Agronomy, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Dom Manuel de Medeiros Street, S/n - Dois Irmãos, 52171-900, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Caroline Miranda Biondi
- Department of Agronomy, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Dom Manuel de Medeiros Street, S/n - Dois Irmãos, 52171-900, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | | | - Fernando Bruno Vieira da Silva
- Department of Agronomy, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Dom Manuel de Medeiros Street, S/n - Dois Irmãos, 52171-900, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - William Ramos da Silva
- Department of Agronomy, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Dom Manuel de Medeiros Street, S/n - Dois Irmãos, 52171-900, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Franklone Lima da Silva
- Department of Agronomy, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Dom Manuel de Medeiros Street, S/n - Dois Irmãos, 52171-900, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Djennyfer Karolaine de Melo Ferreira
- Department of Agronomy, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Dom Manuel de Medeiros Street, S/n - Dois Irmãos, 52171-900, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|