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Evers DC, Ackerman JT, Åkerblom S, Bally D, Basu N, Bishop K, Bodin N, Braaten HFV, Burton MEH, Bustamante P, Chen C, Chételat J, Christian L, Dietz R, Drevnick P, Eagles-Smith C, Fernandez LE, Hammerschlag N, Harmelin-Vivien M, Harte A, Krümmel EM, Brito JL, Medina G, Barrios Rodriguez CA, Stenhouse I, Sunderland E, Takeuchi A, Tear T, Vega C, Wilson S, Wu P. Global mercury concentrations in biota: their use as a basis for a global biomonitoring framework. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 33:325-396. [PMID: 38683471 PMCID: PMC11213816 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-024-02747-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
An important provision of the Minamata Convention on Mercury is to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the adopted measures and its implementation. Here, we describe for the first time currently available biotic mercury (Hg) data on a global scale to improve the understanding of global efforts to reduce the impact of Hg pollution on people and the environment. Data from the peer-reviewed literature were compiled in the Global Biotic Mercury Synthesis (GBMS) database (>550,000 data points). These data provide a foundation for establishing a biomonitoring framework needed to track Hg concentrations in biota globally. We describe Hg exposure in the taxa identified by the Minamata Convention: fish, sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals. Based on the GBMS database, Hg concentrations are presented at relevant geographic scales for continents and oceanic basins. We identify some effective regional templates for monitoring methylmercury (MeHg) availability in the environment, but overall illustrate that there is a general lack of regional biomonitoring initiatives around the world, especially in Africa, Australia, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and South Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Temporal trend data for Hg in biota are generally limited. Ecologically sensitive sites (where biota have above average MeHg tissue concentrations) have been identified throughout the world. Efforts to model and quantify ecosystem sensitivity locally, regionally, and globally could help establish effective and efficient biomonitoring programs. We present a framework for a global Hg biomonitoring network that includes a three-step continental and oceanic approach to integrate existing biomonitoring efforts and prioritize filling regional data gaps linked with key Hg sources. We describe a standardized approach that builds on an evidence-based evaluation to assess the Minamata Convention's progress to reduce the impact of global Hg pollution on people and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA.
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA, 95620, USA
| | | | - Dominique Bally
- African Center for Environmental Health, BP 826 Cidex 03, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Nil Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kevin Bishop
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Upsalla, Sweden
| | - Nathalie Bodin
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development Seychelles Fishing Authority, Victoria, Seychelles
| | | | - Mark E H Burton
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Celia Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - John Chételat
- Environment and Cliamte Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Linroy Christian
- Department of Analytical Services, Dunbars, Friars Hill, St John, Antigua and Barbuda
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Paul Drevnick
- Teck American Incorporated, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Collin Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Luis E Fernandez
- Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability and Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 29106, USA
- Centro de Innovación Científica Amazonica (CINCIA), Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, Peru
| | - Neil Hammerschlag
- Shark Research Foundation Inc, 29 Wideview Lane, Boutiliers Point, NS, B3Z 0M9, Canada
| | - Mireille Harmelin-Vivien
- Aix-Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS/INSU/IRD, Institut Méditerranéen d'Océanologie (MIO), UM 110, Campus de Luminy, case 901, 13288, Marseille, cedex 09, France
| | - Agustin Harte
- Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Chem. des Anémones 15, 1219, Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eva M Krümmel
- Inuit Circumpolar Council-Canada, Ottawa, Canada and ScienTissiME Inc, Barry's Bay, ON, Canada
| | - José Lailson Brito
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Sao Francisco Xavier, 524, Sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Medina
- Director of Basel Convention Coordinating Centre, Stockholm Convention Regional Centre for Latin America and the Caribbean, Hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Iain Stenhouse
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Elsie Sunderland
- Harvard University, Pierce Hall 127, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Akinori Takeuchi
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, Health and Environmental Risk Division, 16-2 Onogawa Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Tim Tear
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Claudia Vega
- Centro de Innovaccion Cientifica Amazonica (CINCIA), Jiron Ucayali 750, Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, 17001, Peru
| | - Simon Wilson
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) Secretariat, N-9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Pianpian Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
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Selena Shen KL, Cheow JJ, Cheung AB, Koh RJR, Koh Xiao Mun A, Lee YN, Lim YZ, Namatame M, Peng E, Vintenbakh V, Lim EX, Wainwright BJ. DNA barcoding continues to identify endangered species of shark sold as food in a globally significant shark fin trade hub. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16647. [PMID: 38188178 PMCID: PMC10771092 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Shark fins are a delicacy consumed throughout Southeast Asia. The life history characteristics of sharks and the challenges associated with regulating fisheries and the fin trade make sharks particularly susceptible to overfishing. Here, we used DNA barcoding techniques to investigate the composition of the shark fin trade in Singapore, a globally significant trade hub. We collected 505 shark fin samples from 25 different local seafood and Traditional Chinese Medicine shops. From this, we identified 27 species of shark, three species are listed as Critically Endangered, four as Endangered and ten as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Six species are listed on CITES Appendix II, meaning that trade must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival. All dried fins collected in this study were sold under the generic term "shark fin"; this vague labelling prevents accurate monitoring of the species involved in the trade, the effective implementation of policy and conservation strategy, and could unwittingly expose consumers to unsafe concentrations of toxic metals. The top five most frequently encountered species in this study are Rhizoprionodon acutus, Carcharhinus falciformis, Galeorhinus galeus, Sphyrna lewini and Sphyrna zygaena. Accurate labelling that indicates the species of shark that a fin came from, along with details of where it was caught, allows consumers to make an informed choice on the products they are consuming. Doing this could facilitate the avoidance of species that are endangered, and similarly the consumer can choose not to purchase species that are documented to contain elevated concentrations of toxic metals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jin Jie Cheow
- Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | | | - Yun Ning Lee
- Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yan Zhen Lim
- Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Maya Namatame
- Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eileen Peng
- Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Elisa X.Y. Lim
- Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Benjamin John Wainwright
- Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Chan KH, Gowidjaja JAP, Urera MQ, Wainwright BJ. Analysis of Toxic Metals Found in Shark Fins Collected from a Global Trade Hub. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:12620-12631. [PMID: 37582282 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
As human activities release increasingly more fossil fuel-derived emissions directly into the atmosphere, terrestrial, aquatic, or marine ecosystems, the biomagnification and bioaccumulation of toxic metals in seafood is an ever more pressing concern. As apex predators, sharks are particularly susceptible to biomagnification and bioaccumulation. The consumption of shark fin is frequent throughout Asia, and their ingestion represents a pathway through which human exposure to potentially unsafe levels of toxic metals can occur. Shark fins processed for sale are difficult, if not impossible to identify to the species level by visual methods alone. Here, we DNA-barcoded 208 dried and processed fins and in doing so, identified fourteen species of shark. Using these identifications, we determined the habitat of the shark that the fin came from and the concentrations of four toxic metals (mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead) in all 208 samples via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We further analyzed these concentrations by habitat type, either coastal or pelagic, and show that toxic metal concentrations vary significantly between species and habitat. Pelagic species have significantly higher concentrations of mercury in comparison to coastal species, whereas coastal species have significantly higher concentrations of arsenic. No significant differences in cadmium or lead concentrations were detected between pelagic or coastal species. Our results indicate that a number of analyzed samples contain toxic metal concentrations above safe human consumption levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiat Hwa Chan
- Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, 16 College Avenue West, Singapore 138527, Singapore
- NUS College, National University of Singapore, 18 College Avenue East, Singapore 138593, Singapore
| | | | - Mariana Quesada Urera
- Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, 16 College Avenue West, Singapore 138527, Singapore
| | - Benjamin J Wainwright
- Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, 16 College Avenue West, Singapore 138527, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore
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Erasmus JH, Smit NJ, Gerber R, Schaeffner BC, Nkabi N, Wepener V. Total mercury concentrations in sharks, skates and rays along the South African coast. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114142. [PMID: 36182787 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Global declines in elasmobranch populations resulting from several stressors raises conservation concern. Additionally, apex predators bioaccumulate high concentrations of total mercury (THg), due to biomagnification. Although South Africa is considered one of the top ten contributors of Hg emissions globally, information on Hg concentrations in elasmobranchs is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the THg concentrations in 22 species of elasmobranchs along the South African coastline. Concentrations ranged between 0.22 and 5.8 mg/kg in Haploblepharus pictus (dark shysharks) and Rostroraja alba (white skates) on the south coast, respectively. Along the east coast it ranged between 0.21 and 17.8 mg/kg in Mobula kuhlii (shortfin devil rays) and Sphyrna lewini (scalloped hammerheads), respectively. Mercury concentrations on the east coast were in the same range or higher compared to the same species sampled between 2005-10 from the same region, with generally higher concentrations compared to the same species sampled globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Erasmus
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
| | - N J Smit
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
| | - R Gerber
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; South African Shark Conservancy, Old Harbour, 22 Marine Drive, Hermanus 7200, South Africa.
| | - B C Schaeffner
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; South African Shark Conservancy, Old Harbour, 22 Marine Drive, Hermanus 7200, South Africa; Institute for Experimental Pathology at Keldur, University of Iceland, Keldnavegur 3, 112 Reykjavík, Iceland.
| | - N Nkabi
- KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board, 1a Herrwood Drive, Umhlanga Rocks 4320, South Africa.
| | - V Wepener
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
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Li Z, Pethybridge HR, Gong Y, Wu F, Dai X, Li Y. Effect of body size, feeding ecology and maternal transfer on mercury accumulation of vulnerable silky shark Carcharhinus falciformis in the eastern tropical pacific. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 309:119751. [PMID: 35835271 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The silky shark Carcharhinus falciformis is a large pelagic species distributed in the global oceans and was recently listed as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN because of its decline in population due to overfishing. As an apex predator, the silky shark can accumulate elevated quantities of mercury (Hg), posing a potential risk to its remaining population. In this study, total Hg (THg) concentrations were determined in silky shark muscle, liver, dermis, red blood cells (RBC) and plasma sampled from the eastern tropical Pacific, and δ15N values were measured to explore the influence of feeding ecology on Hg accumulation. The highest THg concentrations were in muscle (7.81 ± 6.70 μg g-1 dry weight (dw) or 2.14 ± 1.83 μg g-1 wet weight (ww)) and liver (7.88 ± 10.22 μg g-1 dw or 4.66 ± 6.04 μg g-1 ww) rather than dermis, RBC and plasma. The THg concentrations in all tissue types were significantly correlated with fork length and showed faster accumulation rates after maturity. Maternal THg transfer was observed in silky sharks with embryos having 33.16% and 1.98% in muscle and liver compared with their respective mothers. The potentially harmful THg concentrations in silky shark tissues and embryos may lead to health problems of sharks and consumers. THg concentrations were negatively correlated with δ15N values for all tissues, indicating likely baseline variations in δ15N values that reflect changes in the foraging habitats or regions of silky sharks with size or age. Lastly, strong correlations were observed among THg concentrations of all tissue types, indicating that nonlethal sampling of muscle and dermis tissue can be used effectively to quantify THg concentration of other internal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zezheng Li
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Heidi R Pethybridge
- Oceans and Atmosphere, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Yi Gong
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; National Engineering Research Centre for Oceanic Fisheries, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Oceanic Fisheries Exploration, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China.
| | - Feng Wu
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; National Engineering Research Centre for Oceanic Fisheries, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Oceanic Fisheries Exploration, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojie Dai
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; National Engineering Research Centre for Oceanic Fisheries, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Oceanic Fisheries Exploration, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunkai Li
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; National Engineering Research Centre for Oceanic Fisheries, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Oceanic Fisheries Exploration, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China.
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Chen CF, Chen CW, Ju YR, Wang MH, Lim YC, Tsai WP, Dong CD. Evaluation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in silky sharks Carcharhinus falciformis collected from Western Indian Ocean and human health risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 822:153675. [PMID: 35124066 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153675] [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: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) is the most abundant and widely distributed shark species in the marine system of tropical regions. However, it appears that there is limited information on USEPA 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentration in silky shark muscle tissue, which has together with the lack of a health risk assessment of human consumption of silky shark filets. The potential toxicity of PAHs in muscles of silky sharks and cancer and non-cancer risk of consumers were assessed. Results showed that the total PAHs (TPAHs) concentration in the muscle tissue of silky sharks was between 62 and 657 ng/g ww, with an average of 234 ± 221 (mean ± standard deviation) ng/g ww, and can be considered as minimally to moderately contaminated level. Naphthalene (NA), phenanthrene (PH), and fluoranthene (FLU) are the most abundant PAHs in silky sharks muscle tissue, accounting for 38.6%, 11.0%, and 19.0% of TPAHs, respectively. The average values of toxic benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) equivalent (TEQcarc) and toxic dioxin equivalent (TEQfish) of PAHs equal to the potency of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in silky shark muscle are 13.5 ± 16.4 ng BaP/g ww and 34.1 ± 77.4 pg TCDD/g ww, respectively, and they showed a good linear relationship (r = 0.928; p < 0.001). The TEQcarc of silky sharks muscle is higher than USEPA's screening value of PAHs of 3.2 ng BaP/g ww for adults, indicating a potential negative impact on public health. The calculated hazard index (HI) of PAHs is less than 1, suggesting that residents eating silky shark muscle will not expect to cause significant non-cancer risk. However, the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) of BaP as 10.6-26.3% and 8.2-32.4% in males and females, respectively, may pose a significant cancer risk. In general, children and the elderly have relatively higher risks, as well as males have a higher cancer and non-cancer risk than females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Feng Chen
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Wen Chen
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ru Ju
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National United University, Miaoli 36063, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Huang Wang
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Yee Cheng Lim
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Pei Tsai
- Department of Fisheries Production and Management, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Di Dong
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan.
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Wang MH, Chen CW, Chen CF, Tsai WP, Dong CD. Assessment of trace metal concentrations in Indian Ocean silky sharks Carcharhinus falciformis and their toxicological concerns. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 178:113571. [PMID: 35358889 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the concentrations of nine trace metals from juvenile C. falciformis caught from Indian Ocean. This study also discussed the metal pollution index (MPI) and bioconcentration factor (BCF) of each element, and their correlations. Further, the potential health risks of consuming shark muscles (THI) were evaluated. Results showed the mean concentrations of 9 elements as follows: Cu (0.36 ± 0.17), Zn (5.19 ± 16.6), Pb (0.12 ± 0.23), Cd (0.17 ± 0.21), Cr (0.57 ± 1.61), Ni (0.086 ± 0.51), As (1.36 ± 0.83), Co (0.000073 ± 0.0074), and V (0.0024 ± 0.0094) mg/kg ww. The BCF values of the elements were higher than 1, with Co and V being the lowest indicating their bioaccumulative behavior. Correlation analysis showed MPI to be highly correlated with Cu, indicating its greater contributions to the total pollution load. Principal components analysis explained 81.0% of the variability in biometric characteristics and metal concentrations. Health risk assessment for consuming shark muscle in Taiwanese male and female adults suggests potential chronic non-carcinogenic health hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Huang Wang
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Wen Chen
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Feng Chen
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Pei Tsai
- Department of Fisheries Production and Management, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Di Dong
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan.
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What Is in Your Shark Fin Soup? Probably an Endangered Shark Species and a Bit of Mercury. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12070802. [PMID: 35405792 PMCID: PMC8997153 DOI: 10.3390/ani12070802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Shark fin soup is consumed by many Asian communities throughout the world and is one of the main drivers of the demand for shark fin. The demand for shark products has seen shark populations decline by as much as 70%. The fins found in soups break down into a fibrous mass meaning that identifying the species of shark that a fin came from is impossible by visual methods. Here, we use molecular techniques to identify the species of sharks found in bowls of soup collected in Singapore. We identified a number of endangered species in the surveyed soups, and many of these species have been shown to contain high levels of mercury, a potent neurotoxin. It is highly likely that consumers of shark fin soup are consuming levels of mercury that are above safe allowable limits, and at the same time are contributing to the massive declines in global shark populations. Abstract Shark fin soup, consumed by Asian communities throughout the world, is one of the principal drivers of the demand of shark fins. This near USD 1 billion global industry has contributed to a shark population declines of up to 70%. In an effort to arrest these declines, the trade in several species of sharks is regulated under the auspices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Despite this legal framework, the dried fins of trade-regulated sharks are frequently sold in markets and consumed in shark fin soup. Shark fins found in soups break down into a fibrous mass of ceratotrichia, meaning that identifying the species of sharks in the soup becomes impossible by visual methods. In this paper, we use DNA barcoding to identify the species of sharks found in bowls of shark fin soup collected in Singapore. The most common species identified in our samples was the blue shark (Prionace glauca), a species listed as Near Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List with a decreasing population, on which scientific data suggests catch limits should be imposed. We identified four other shark species that are listed on CITES Appendix II, and in total ten species that are assessed as Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Globally, the blue shark has been shown to contain levels of mercury that frequently exceed safe dose limits. Given the prevalence of this species in the examined soups and the global nature of the fin trade, it is extremely likely that consumers of shark fin soup will be exposed to unsafe levels of this neurotoxin.
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Rodrigues ACM, Gravato C, Galvão D, Silva VS, Soares AMVM, Gonçalves JMS, Ellis JR, Vieira RP. Ecophysiological effects of mercury bioaccumulation and biochemical stress in the deep-water mesopredator Etmopterus spinax (Elasmobranchii; Etmopteridae). JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 423:127245. [PMID: 34844362 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a non-essential metal that can have toxic effects on the fitness of organisms and tends to bioaccumulate with age and to biomagnify in higher trophic levels. Few studies have assessed oxidative stress and neurotoxicity in deep-water sharks. This study evaluated early ontogenetic changes and physiological effects (antioxidant defences, oxidative damage, aerobic metabolism and neurotransmission functions) of Hg accumulation in the white muscle and brain tissues of the velvet belly lantern shark Etmopterus spinax from the southern Iberian coast (NE Atlantic). Results suggested that the low mercury concentrations observed may induce acute effects in E. spinax before they reach sexual maturity. We found different Hg concentrations in E. spinax: [Hg] males > [Hg] females; [Hg] muscle > [Hg] brain. Females appeared to have higher redox capability translated into higher activities and levels of antioxidant defences than males. However, higher levels of oxidative damage were also observed in females. Whilst the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unknown, these results suggest differences in mercury accumulation between tissues and sex, and potentially deleterious effects on oxidative stress status and neurophysiology of E. spinax, potentially impairing swimming performance and reproduction, which could subsequently impact on the health of both individuals and population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia C M Rodrigues
- CESAM - Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810- 193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Carlos Gravato
- Faculdade de Ciências & CESAM, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Daniela Galvão
- CESAM - Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810- 193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Virgília S Silva
- CESAM - Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810- 193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- CESAM - Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810- 193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Jorge M S Gonçalves
- Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Jim R Ellis
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Rui P Vieira
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK; School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
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10
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Jinadasa BKKK, Jayasinghe GDTM, Pohl P, Fowler SW. Mitigating the impact of mercury contaminants in fish and other seafood-A review. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 171:112710. [PMID: 34252733 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a well-known toxicant which enters the marine environment by both natural and anthropogenic sources. Consumption of fish and other seafood that contain methylmercury (MeHg) is a leading source of Hg exposure in humans. Considerable efforts have been made to mitigate the Hg presence and reduce its risks to humans. In this review the acknowledged methods of mitigation are summarized such as regulation and maximum allowable limits, and culinary treatments. In addition, selected industrial level trials are reviewed, and studies on Hg intoxication and the protective effects of the essential trace element, selenium (Se), are discussed. In view of the available literature, Hg reduction in fish and other seafood on a large industrial scale still is largely unsuccessful. Hence, more research and further attempts are necessary in order to better mitigate the Hg problem in fish and other seafood products.
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Affiliation(s)
- B K K K Jinadasa
- Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (ACL), National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency (NARA), Colombo-15, Sri Lanka; Department of Food Science & Technology, Faculty of Livestock, Fisheries & Nutrition, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Makandura, Gonawila (NWP), Sri Lanka.
| | - G D T M Jayasinghe
- Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (ACL), National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency (NARA), Colombo-15, Sri Lanka
| | - Pawel Pohl
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Chemical Metallurgy, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeze St. Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Scott W Fowler
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000, USA
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11
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Álvaro-Berlanga S, Calatayud-Pavía CE, Cruz-Ramírez A, Soto-Jiménez MF, Liñán-Cabello MA. Trace elements in muscle tissue of three commercial shark species: Prionace glauca, Carcharhinus falciformis, and Alopias pelagicus off the Manzanillo, Colima coast, Mexico. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:22679-22692. [PMID: 33423198 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-12234-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Given their predatory characteristics, long life, and high trophic levels, sharks can have a remarkable ability to bioaccumulate and/or biomagnify trace elements (TE). In the present study, 13 TE (Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, As, Se, Zn, Cr, V, Fe, Ni, Co, and Mn) were analyzed in the muscle tissue of three shark species (Prionace glauca, Carcharhinus falciformis, and Alopias pelagicus) using high-resolution mass spectrometry inductively coupled to a plasma generator (HR-ICP-MS); 30 shark specimens of each specie were obtained during commercial fish landings in the port of Manzanillo, Mexico. The morphometric characteristics and sex of the sharks were recorded. Shark A. pelagicus accumulated higher concentrations of TE, especially for Hg and Cd, than the other species. Significant differences in the TE levels were detected between sexes in P. glauca and A. pelagicus; in all cases, the highest concentrations were found in female muscle tissue. The ability of sharks to bioaccumulate ETs depends of the metals (essentials higher than non-essential) but is explained mainly by feeding habits associated to sexes (population segregation) and size (ontogeny). The association between TE in shark specimens was related to the essentiality, their antagonistic action, and origin. The Se/Hg ratio was significantly higher than 1, evidence of the protective role of dietary Se against Hg uptake and toxicity in all specimens of the three shark species. Also, the elevate inverse correlation of As and Cd versus Se could indicate a protective action of Se against these toxic metals, but the mechanism must be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Álvaro-Berlanga
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la Laguna, Avda. Asfrodisicao Francisco Sánchez, SN. Edificio Calabaza and 2 Apto. 456, 38200, San Cristóbal de la Laguna, Spain
| | - Clara E Calatayud-Pavía
- Fundación México Azul, A. C, Avenida México 141, Colonia del Carmen, Coyoacán, C.P. 04100, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Angelica Cruz-Ramírez
- Facultad de Ciencias Marinas, Universidad de Colima, Km 19.5 Carretera Manzanillo Barra de Navidad, C.P. 28860, Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico
| | - Martin F Soto-Jiménez
- Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Av. Joel Montes Camarena S/N Apartado Postal 811, C.P. 82040, Mazatlán, Sin, México
| | - Marco A Liñán-Cabello
- Facultad de Ciencias Marinas, Universidad de Colima, Km 19.5 Carretera Manzanillo Barra de Navidad, C.P. 28860, Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico.
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12
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Lara A, Galván-Magaña F, Elorriaga-Verplancken F, Marmolejo-Rodríguez AJ, Gonzalez-Armas R, Arreola-Mendoza L, Sujitha SB, Jonathan MP. Bioaccumulation and trophic transfer of potentially toxic elements in the pelagic thresher shark Alopias pelagicus in Baja California Sur, Mexico. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 156:111192. [PMID: 32365003 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Pelagic thresher shark (Alopias pelagicus) is a circumglobal species with high ecological and economic importance. Concentrations of mercury, selenium and cadmium in the muscle and liver tissues of A. pelagicus captured from Baja California Sur, Mexico were determined for assessing the potential human hazard. Results revealed that the average concentrations of Hg (0.76 mg kg-1) and Cd (0.18 mg kg-1) in muscle tissues were below the maximum permissible limits for human consumption. Se in the muscles were relatively low (mean: 0.30 mg kg-1 -1) resulting in a molar excess of Hg over Se. Average levels of hepatic Cd were extremely higher than the maximum limit for consumption. Organotropism of Hg was muscle > liver, whereas Se and Cd presented an order of liver > muscle. Biomagnification Factor (BMF) emphasized the trophic transfer of elements. Selenium Health Benefit value was negative (-3.76) posing potential health risks demanding regular monitoring for health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariagna Lara
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Avenida IPN, s/n Colonia Playa Palo de Santa Rita, C.P. 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
| | - Felipe Galván-Magaña
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Avenida IPN, s/n Colonia Playa Palo de Santa Rita, C.P. 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
| | - Fernando Elorriaga-Verplancken
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Avenida IPN, s/n Colonia Playa Palo de Santa Rita, C.P. 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
| | - Ana Judith Marmolejo-Rodríguez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Avenida IPN, s/n Colonia Playa Palo de Santa Rita, C.P. 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
| | - Rogelio Gonzalez-Armas
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Avenida IPN, s/n Colonia Playa Palo de Santa Rita, C.P. 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
| | - Laura Arreola-Mendoza
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, C.P.07340 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - S B Sujitha
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Mexicano para la Producción más Limpia (CMP+L), Av. Acueducto s/n, Col. Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - M P Jonathan
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, C.P.07340 Ciudad de México, Mexico
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