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Lima GDS, Pedrobom JH, Suarez CA, Torres-Florez JP, Vidal LG, Domit C, Menegario AA. Bioaccumulation of trace elements in marine mammals: New data and transplacental transfer on threatened species. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 948:174854. [PMID: 39032751 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Coastal areas are affected by urban, industrial and agriculture pollutants runoff, wastewater and stormwater discharges, making this environment the final repository of chemical contaminants. These contaminants have the potential to spread out to the entire food chain, impacting marine life and the quality of their habitat. In this aspect, the concept of marine mammals as bioindicators provides an approach to the degree of contamination in the environment and to the identification and management of multiple sources of contaminants. The present study analyzed several elements like As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn in liver tissue from two dolphin species: Sotalia guianensis, a near-threatened species, and the vulnerable Pontoporia blainvillei. In the study, we also investigated if dolphins (population) recorded using the heaviest urban areas have higher concentrations of contaminants in their tissues. Dolphin samples (n = 40 S. guianensis; n = 97 P. blainvillei) were collected by daily monitoring carried out by Santos Basin Beach Monitoring Project (PMP-BS), from stranded individuals found in São Paulo state. The Spearman's rank correlation showed distinct correlations in the accumulation of trace elements by both species, indicating different sources of exposure to the elements studied or distinct biochemical processes between species. Interspecific and intraspecific variations were observed, possibly related to the individual distribution and feeding habits. Correlations were observed between age and concentrations of trace elements, positive for Cd, Hg and Mo. Finally, our findings indicate high levels of Cu, Zn, and concentrations of As, V and Hg in fetuses, in particular, an analysis was performed on a fetus found inside a stranded individual, indicating placental transfer as the first route of exposure for some elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Dos Santos Lima
- Environmental Studies Center (CEA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Geosciences and Environment, Institute of Geosciences and Exact Sciences (IGCE), Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Jorge Henrique Pedrobom
- Environmental Studies Center (CEA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil; Nova Analitica Company, Diadema, SP 09941-202, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alfredo Suarez
- Environmental Studies Center (CEA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Juan Pablo Torres-Florez
- Department of Marine Research, Fujairah Research Centre, Sakamkam Road, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates; Centro Ballena Azul / Blue Whale Center, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Lara Gama Vidal
- Laboratory of Ecology and Conservation, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Pontal do Paraná, PR 83255-000, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Coastal and Oceanic Systems (PGSISCO), Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Pontal do Paraná, PR 83255-000, Brazil
| | - Camila Domit
- Laboratory of Ecology and Conservation, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Pontal do Paraná, PR 83255-000, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Coastal and Oceanic Systems (PGSISCO), Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Pontal do Paraná, PR 83255-000, Brazil
| | - Amauri Antonio Menegario
- Environmental Studies Center (CEA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Geosciences and Environment, Institute of Geosciences and Exact Sciences (IGCE), Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil.
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Molina A, Duque G, Cogua P. Effect of environmental variables on mercury accumulation in sediments of an anthropogenically impacted tropical estuary (Buenaventura Bay, Colombian Pacific). ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1316. [PMID: 37833421 PMCID: PMC10575815 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11721-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Estuaries are the main entry areas of mercury to the marine environment and are important to understand the effect of this contaminant on marine organisms, since it accumulates in the sediments becoming available to enter the food trophic chain. This study aims to determine the environmental variables that mainly influence the spatiotemporal dynamics of total mercury accumulation in sediments of tropical estuaries. Sediment samples were collected from interior and exterior areas of the estuary during the dry and rainy seasons, representing the spatiotemporal gradients of the estuary. The grain size, organic matter content (OM), and total mercury concentration (THg) of the sediment samples were determined. In addition, salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH of the water column associated with each sediment sample were assessed. The variations in environmental conditions, OM and THg in sediment were in accordance with a gradient which goes from conditions influenced by fresh water in the inner estuary to conditions influenced by sea water in the outer part of the estuary. The OM and THg in sediments presented similar variation patterns; they were higher in the rainy season than in the dry season and in the interior area of the estuary than in the exterior area. Despite the complex dynamic observed in the distribution and accumulation processes of mercury in sediments, these processes could be modeled from OM and salinity parameters. Due to the correlations found, in the process of accumulation of mercury in sediments the OM could represents the pathway of transport and accumulation of THg, and salinity could represent the influence of the hydroclimatic variations and environmental gradients of the estuary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Molina
- Grupo de investigación en Ecología y Contaminación Acuática, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Palmira, Palmira, Colombia
| | - Guillermo Duque
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Palmira, Facultad de Ingeniería y Administración, Palmira, Colombia.
| | - Pilar Cogua
- Universidad de Santiago de Cali, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Cali, Colombia
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Trevizani TH, Domit C, Santos MCDO, Figueira RCL. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in estuaries in the southwest Atlantic Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:26703-26717. [PMID: 36370314 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23974-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] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The southwestern Atlantic Ocean is home to highly productive regions, composed of a mosaic of both protected and anthropogenically impacted areas, including the estuaries of Paranaguá, Cananéia, and Santos. In this study, concentrations of metals were measured in sediments and in marine organisms, collected from these three Brazilian estuaries. The higher concentrations of metals in the sediments from the Santos estuary are due to having the greatest intensity of anthropogenic activities. There is bioaccumulation of As, Cu, Ni, and Pb in benthic invertebrates, As in fish, and Se and Zn in all studied trophic groups. Comparing the biota among estuaries, levels were highest for Cr, Cu, Pb, Se, and Zn in Paranaguá, As in Cananéia, and Ni in Santos; results justified due to anthropogenic activities, natural sources, and geochemical and hydrodynamics characteristics of each region that affect the bioavailability of metals. The results showed that these regions of the Atlantic present higher levels of metals in the biota than several coastal regions worldwide, and signal that food security may be compromised. Highlighting the need for better impact assessment, monitoring, and managing is deemed necessary as these regions are globally recognized as hotspots of biodiversity and are considered priority areas for conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camila Domit
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação - Centro de Estudos Do Mar, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Pontal Do Paraná, Paraná, Brazil
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Sola MCR, de Jesus RM, Nascimento MM, da Rocha GO, de Andrade JB. Occurrence of mercury in polychaete species (Annelida) and their associated sediments from an important Southern Atlantic Ocean Bay. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:157965. [PMID: 35952874 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157965] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, the Hg levels in freshly collected polychaete species and their associated sediments were evaluated from Todos os Santos Bay, Northeastern Brazil. Additionally, it was also measured the Hg distribution along the annelids' body parts (anterior region, abdomen, and posterior region). Total Hg concentration was as follows: 13.6-144 μg kg-1 (Scolelepis chilensis, deposit feeder), 8.2-122 μg kg-1 (Laeonereis acuta, deposit feeder), 95-612 μg kg-1 (Armandia agilis, deposit feeder); 96.6-206 μg kg-1 (Lumbrineris sp., carnivorous), 75.3-112 μg kg-1 (Goniada echinulate, carnivorous), and 115-198 μg kg-1 (Branchiomma sp., suspension feeder). In turn, Hg levels in sediments ranged from 2.77 ± 0.24 to 6.38 ± 0.15 μg kg-1. Hg concentrations found in polychaete soft tissues were higher than those found in the sediments. Specific habits, feeding behavior, trophic level, and stressful environmental conditions are the main factors affecting the Hg levels in the species studied. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF), contamination factor (CF), and ecological risk assessment (Er) were calculated. The BAF values were higher than 1 for all studied species, indicating Hg bioaccumulation in the annelids, but the low levels of CF e Er showed those Hg levels present low to no significant ecological risk for the biota and benthonic organisms living in the sediments. Finally, no statistically significant difference was observed for Hg concentration levels along the polychaete body parts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Claudia R Sola
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Energia e Ambiente - INCT, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil; Centro Interdisciplinar de Energia e Ambiente - CIEnAm, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Robson M de Jesus
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Energia e Ambiente - INCT, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil; Centro Interdisciplinar de Energia e Ambiente - CIEnAm, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Madson M Nascimento
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Energia e Ambiente - INCT, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil; Centro Interdisciplinar de Energia e Ambiente - CIEnAm, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Gisele O da Rocha
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Energia e Ambiente - INCT, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil; Centro Interdisciplinar de Energia e Ambiente - CIEnAm, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil; Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Jailson B de Andrade
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Energia e Ambiente - INCT, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil; Centro Interdisciplinar de Energia e Ambiente - CIEnAm, Universidade Federal da Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, BA, Brazil; Centro Universitário SENAI-CIMATEC, Av. Orlando Gomes, 1845 - Piatã, 41650-010 Salvador, BA, Brazil.
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Soares ED, Cantor M, Bracarense APFRL, Groch KR, Domit C. Health conditions of Guiana dolphins facing cumulative anthropogenic impacts. Mamm Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-022-00299-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AbstractCoastal areas are associated with anthropogenic activities and stressors that can expose the marine fauna to negative cumulative impacts. Apex predators, such as dolphins, can flag the quality of their environment through health parameters such as cutaneous and body conditions. We examined the potential relationship between environmental conditions and health parameters of Guiana dolphins around a port and a conservation unit within the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex, southern Brazil. During boat surveys between July 2018 and April 2019 covering both areas, we measured environmental parameters, photographed dolphins to infer their health condition and the frequency of use of the estuary. In total, 204 individual Guiana dolphins were photo-identified, 52 of which were seen in both years. In general, dolphins showed poor body condition (76% classified as emaciated or thin in 2018, and 79% in 2019), diverse cutaneous conditions (four types of lesions suggestive of an infectious aetiology, two conditions suggestive of traumatic events of anthropogenic origin, and two anomalous pigmentation) and a high prevalence of such cutaneous conditions (85% in 2018, 70% in 2019). Most individuals maintained their body and cutaneous conditions between the two years. There were no clear differences between the port and the conservation areas in terms of environmental conditions, frequency of use and health conditions of individual dolphins, suggesting that dolphins inhabiting this estuarine complex are exposed to potential cumulative impacts, such as pollutants, noise and habitat degradation. This study provides baseline information on some health parameters of Guiana dolphins in southern Brazil and highlights the need for systematic, long-term health assessment of Guiana dolphin populations to guide conservation actions to safeguard this vulnerable species.
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