1
|
Bolea-Fernandez E, Rua-Ibarz A, Anjos JA, Vanhaecke F. Development and initial evaluation of a combustion-based sample introduction system for direct isotopic analysis of mercury in solid samples via multi-collector ICP-mass spectrometry. Talanta 2024; 276:126210. [PMID: 38728804 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
High-precision isotopic analysis of mercury (Hg) using multi-collector ICP-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) is a powerful method for obtaining insight into the sources, pathways and sinks of this toxic metal. Modification of a commercially available mercury analyzer (Teledyne Leeman Labs, Hydra IIc - originally designed for quantification of Hg through sample combustion, collection of the Hg vapor on a gold amalgamator, subsequent controlled release of Hg and detection using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry CVAAS) enabled the system to be used for the direct high-precision Hg isotopic analysis of solid samples using MC-ICP-MS - i.e., without previous sample digestion and subsequent dilution. The changes made to the mercury analyzer did not compromise its (simultaneous) use for Hg quantification via CVAAS. The Hg vapor was mixed with a Tl-containing aerosol produced via pneumatic nebulization, creating wet plasma conditions, and enabling the use of Tl as an internal standard for correction of instrumental mass discrimination. Accurate and precise (0.10 ‰ 2SD, δ202Hg, n = 5) results were obtained for an in-house standard solution of Hg (20 ng Hg sample intake). Initial validation relied on the successful analysis of two solid certified reference materials of biological origin (BCR CRM 464 Tuna fish and NRC-CNRC TORT-3 Lobster hepatopancreas). It was shown that instrumental mass discrimination can be adequately corrected for by relying on the use of an aqueous Hg standard solution (NIST SRM 3133), without the need of matrix-matching. The novel setup developed thus allows for direct high-precision isotopic analysis of Hg in solid samples, thus enhancing the sample throughput. It is also suited for samples for which low amounts are available only and/or that are characterized by low Hg concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Bolea-Fernandez
- Ghent University, Department of Chemistry, Atomic & Mass Spectrometry - A&MS Research Group, Campus Sterre, Krijgslaan 281-S12, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ana Rua-Ibarz
- Ghent University, Department of Chemistry, Atomic & Mass Spectrometry - A&MS Research Group, Campus Sterre, Krijgslaan 281-S12, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jorge Alves Anjos
- Ghent University, Department of Chemistry, Atomic & Mass Spectrometry - A&MS Research Group, Campus Sterre, Krijgslaan 281-S12, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frank Vanhaecke
- Ghent University, Department of Chemistry, Atomic & Mass Spectrometry - A&MS Research Group, Campus Sterre, Krijgslaan 281-S12, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wiech M, Bienfait AM, Silva M, Barre J, Sele V, Bank MS, Bérail S, Tessier E, Amouroux D, Azad AM. Organ-specific mercury stable isotopes, speciation and particle measurements reveal methylmercury detoxification processes in Atlantic Bluefin Tuna. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 473:134699. [PMID: 38795488 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134699] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Identifying metabolism and detoxification mechanisms of Hg in biota has important implications for biomonitoring, ecotoxicology, and food safety. Compared to marine mammals and waterbirds, detoxification of MeHg in fish is understudied. Here, we investigated Hg detoxification in Atlantic bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus using organ-specific Hg and Se speciation data, stable Hg isotope signatures, and Hg and Se particle measurements in multiple tissues. Our results provide evidence for in vivo demethylation and biomineralization of HgSe particles, particularly in spleen and kidney. We observed a maximum range of 1.83‰ for δ202Hg between spleen and lean muscle, whereas Δ199Hg values were similar across all tissues. Mean percent methylmercury ranged from 8% in spleen to 90% in lean muscle. The particulate masses of Hg and Se were higher in spleen and kidney (Hg: 61% and 59%, Se: 12% and 6%, respectively) compared to muscle (Hg: 2%, Se: 0.05%). Our data supports the hypothesis of an organ-specific, two-step detoxification of methylmercury in wild marine fish, consisting of demethylation and biomineralization, like reported for waterbirds. While mass dependent fractionation signatures were highly organ specific, stable mass independent fractionation signatures across all tissues make them potential candidates for source apportionment studies of Hg using ABFT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marta Silva
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | - Michael S Bank
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway; University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | | | - Emmanuel Tessier
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et la Matériaux, Pau, France
| | - David Amouroux
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et la Matériaux, Pau, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pinzone M, Amouroux D, Tessier E, Acquarone M, Siebert U, Das K. Dynamics of mercury stable isotope compounds in Arctic seals: new insights from a controlled feeding trial on hooded seals Cystophora cristata. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024:124450. [PMID: 38944182 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Accurate interpretation of mercury (Hg) isotopic data requires the consideration of several biotic factors such as age, diet, geographical range, and tissue metabolic turnover. A priori knowledge of prey-predator isotopic incorporation rates and Hg biomagnification is essential. This study aims to assess Hg stable isotopes incorporation in an Arctic species of Phocidae, the hooded seal Cystophora cristata, kept in human care for 24 months (2012 - 2014) and fed on a constant diet of Norwegian Spring Spawning herring Clupea harengus. We measured THg, MMHg and iHg levels, as well as Hg stable isotope composition with both mass dependent (MDF) and mass independent (MIF) fractionation (e.g. δ202Hg and Δ199,200,201,204Hg) in hooded seal kidney, liver, hair and muscle, in addition to herring muscle. We then calculated Hg MDF and MIF isotopic fractionation between hooded seals and their prey. We found a significant shift in δ202Hg between hooded seal hair (+0.80‰) and kidney (-0.78‰), and herring muscle. In hooded seals tissues δ202Hg correlated positively with MMHg percentage. These findings suggest that tissue-specific Hg speciation is the major driver of changes in Hg isotopic fractionation rates in this Arctic predator. Δ199Hg, Δ200Hg, Δ201Hg and Δ204Hg values did not vary between herring and hooded seal tissues, confirming their utility as tracers of Hg marine and atmospheric sources in top predators. To our knowledge, this represents the first attempt to assess complex Hg isotope dynamics in the internal system of Arctic Phocidae, controlling the effects of age, diet, and distribution. Our results confirm the validity of Hg stable isotopes as tracers of environmental Hg sources even in top predators, but emphasize the importance of animal age and tissue selection for inter-study and inter-species comparisons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Pinzone
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
| | - David Amouroux
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, Pau, France
| | - Emmanuel Tessier
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, Pau, France
| | - Mario Acquarone
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme, The Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Büsum, Germany
| | - Krishna Das
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jung S, Besnard L, Li ML, R Reinfelder J, Kim E, Kwon SY, Kim JH. Interspecific Variations in the Internal Mercury Isotope Dynamics of Antarctic Penguins: Implications for Biomonitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:6349-6358. [PMID: 38531013 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) biomonitoring requires a precise understanding of the internal processes contributing to disparities between the Hg sources in the environment and the Hg measured in the biota. In this study, we investigated the use of Hg stable isotopes to trace Hg accumulation in Adélie and emperor penguin chicks from four breeding colonies in Antarctica. Interspecific variation of Δ199Hg in penguin chicks reflects the distinct foraging habitats and Hg exposures in adults. Chicks at breeding sites where adult penguins predominantly consumed mesopelagic prey showed relatively lower Δ199Hg values than chicks that were primarily fed epipelagic krill. Substantial δ202Hg variations in chick tissues were observed in both species (Adélie: -0.11 to 1.13‰, emperor: -0.27 to 1.15‰), whereas only emperor penguins exhibited the lowest δ202Hg in the liver and the highest in the feathers. Our results indicate that tissue-specific δ202Hg variations and their positive correlations with % MeHg resulted from MeHg demethylation in the liver and kidneys of emperor penguin chicks, whereas Adélie penguin chicks showed different internal responses depending on their exposure to dietary MeHg. This study highlights the importance of considering intra- and interspecific variations in adult foraging ecology and MeHg demethylation when selecting penguin chicks for Hg biomonitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saebom Jung
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, South Korea
| | - Lucien Besnard
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, South Korea
| | - Mi-Ling Li
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - John R Reinfelder
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, United States
| | - Eunhee Kim
- Citizens' Institute for Environmental Studies (CIES), Seoul 03039, South Korea
| | - Sae Yun Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, South Korea
- Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Incheon 21983, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Hoon Kim
- Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI), 26 Songdomirae-ro, Incheon 21990, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li S, Li Z, Wu M, Zhou Y, Tang W, Zhong H. Mercury transformations in algae, plants, and animals: The occurrence, mechanisms, and gaps. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 911:168690. [PMID: 38000748 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant showing potent toxicity to living organisms. The transformations of Hg are critical to global Hg cycling and Hg exposure risks, considering Hg mobilities and toxicities vary depending on Hg speciation. Though currently well understood in ambient environments, Hg transformations are inadequately explored in non-microbial organisms. The primary drivers of in vivo Hg transformations are far from clear, and the impacts of these processes on global Hg cycling and Hg associated health risks are not well understood. This hinders a comprehensive understanding of global Hg cycling and the effective mitigation of Hg exposure risks. Here, we focused on Hg transformations in non-microbial organisms, particularly algae, plants, and animals. The process of Hg oxidation/reduction and methylation/demethylation in organisms were reviewed since these processes are the key transformations between the dominant Hg species, i.e., elemental Hg (Hg0), divalent inorganic Hg (IHgII), and methylmercury (MeHg). By summarizing the current knowledge of Hg transformations in organisms, we proposed the potential yet overlooked drivers of these processes, along with potential challenges that hinder a full understanding of in vivo Hg transformations. Knowledge summarized in this review would help achieve a comprehensive understanding of the fate and toxicity of Hg in organisms, providing a basis for predicting Hg cycles and mitigating human exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shouying Li
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhuoran Li
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mengjie Wu
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wenli Tang
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Huan Zhong
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing 210023, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rechimont ME, Ruelas-Inzunza J, Amezcua F, Paéz-Osuna F, Castillo-Géniz JL. Hg and Se in Muscle and Liver of Blue Shark (Prionace glauca) from the Entrance of the Gulf of California: An Insight to the Potential Risk to Human Health. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2024; 86:165-177. [PMID: 38383775 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-024-01054-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The blue shark (Prionace glauca) is the most commonly caught species of Elasmobranchii at the entrance to the Gulf of California. Although fins are the primary target commodity, the entire organism is consumed. This study examined the concentration of Hg and Se in muscle and liver to understand the antagonistic process that occurs between these two elements within the organism. Twenty-two individuals were captured at the Gulf of California inlet between September 2019 and March 2021. Hg was measured by cold vapor atomic absorption, and Se by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in a graphite furnace. All individuals studied showed higher concentrations (µg g-1 wet weight) of Hg (0.69) and Se (2.49) in liver than in muscle (Hg 0.63 and Se 0.08). Although the mean Hg values were below the maximum allowable limits (Hg 1.0 µg g-1 wet weight), the molar ratio (< 1.0) and the negative health benefit value of selenium (HBVSe) in muscle show that additional caution should be taken when consuming this species. We recommend a more thorough study of the antagonistic interaction between Hg and Se to accurately assess the health risk for consumers of blue shark.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M E Rechimont
- Posgrado en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - J Ruelas-Inzunza
- Instituto Tecnológico de Mazatlán, 82070, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico.
| | - F Amezcua
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 82040, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - F Paéz-Osuna
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 82040, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
- El Colegio de Sinaloa, 80000, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - J L Castillo-Géniz
- Centro Regional de Investigación Pesquera de Ensenada, Instituto Nacional de Pesca y Acuacultura, 22760, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Le Croizier G, Lorrain A, Hoyos-Padilla M, Ketchum JT, Amezcua-Martínez F, Le Loc'h F, Munaron JM, Schaal G, Point D. Do marine protected areas influence mercury exposure? Insights from a shark community in the tropical Northeast Pacific. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122352. [PMID: 37562525 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Biomass depletion caused by overfishing is likely to alter the structure of food webs and impact mercury transfer to marine predators. Although marine protected areas (MPAs) are spared from fishing pressure, their influence on biota mercury levels is poorly understood. Here, we used carbon and nitrogen stable isotope compositions as well as mercury concentrations in fin clips to characterize foraging habitat and mercury exposure of a shark community composed of migratory and resident species of the Revillagigedo archipelago, an offshore MPA in the Northeast Pacific off Mexico. We found that the probability of finding migratory sharks in the isotopic niche of Revillagigedo-resident sharks was low, likely reflecting the use of habitats outside the archipelago by highly mobile species. Community-wide variations in mercury were primarily explained by shark length, revealing that bioaccumulation was the main driver of Hg concentrations. We failed to detect a clear effect of foraging habitat on shark mercury exposure, which may be related to migratory species using both exploited and protected areas when moving outside the Revillagigedo MPA. More similar studies on the potential mitigation of Hg contamination by MPAs are needed in the future if fishing pressure increases to satisfy the growing global human population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaël Le Croizier
- Instituto de Ciencias Del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Joel Montes Camarena S/N, Mazatlán, Sin, 82040, Mexico.
| | - Anne Lorrain
- Univ Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, LEMAR, F-29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Mauricio Hoyos-Padilla
- Pelagios-Kakunjá A.C, Sinaloa 1540, Col. Las Garzas, C.P. 23070, La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico; Fins Attached: Marine Research and Conservation, 19675 Still Glen Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80908, USA
| | - James T Ketchum
- Pelagios-Kakunjá A.C, Sinaloa 1540, Col. Las Garzas, C.P. 23070, La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico; MigraMar, Bodega Bay, CA, USA; Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Noroeste (CIBNOR), La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
| | - Felipe Amezcua-Martínez
- Instituto de Ciencias Del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Joel Montes Camarena S/N, Mazatlán, Sin, 82040, Mexico
| | | | | | - Gauthier Schaal
- Univ Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, LEMAR, F-29280, Plouzané, France
| | - David Point
- UMR Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi Pyrénées (OMP), 14 Avenue Edouard Belin, 31400, Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tovar LR, Neves MC, Manhães BMR, Montanini G, Azevedo ADF, Lailson-Brito J, Bisi TL. Understanding trophic transference role in mercury biomagnification and bioaccumulation in the Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis). CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 338:139496. [PMID: 37451642 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139496] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a metal of toxicological importance that occurs naturally. However, its concentration can be affected by anthropogenic activities and has the potential to bioaccumulate and biomagnify in food webs. Thus, knowing how its concentration varies along the trophic levels allows us to understand its potential risks to the biota. The present study aimed to investigate mercury transfer through the Stenella frontalis food web in Ilha Grande Bay (IGB), Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. Samples of muscle and liver of S. frontalis were obtained from carcasses (n = 8) found stranded in the IGB, and its potential prey species were collected in fishing landings in the same Bay (n = 145). Total mercury (THg) concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, and the δ15N was determined by an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. To investigate how trophic transfer affects mercury contamination in biota, six linear models were applied between THg logarithmic concentrations and δ15N or trophic position (TP). The trophic magnification factor (TMF) was calculated from each model to estimate the trophic transfer. Mean THg concentration in S. frontalis was higher in the liver than in muscle, but no correlation was found with age and δ15N values. Instead, the hepatic and muscular THg concentrations positively correlated with the trophic position. In the summer, THg concentration, TP, and δ15N values in prey species varied significantly, as well as in the winter, except for THg concentration. All trophic transfer models were significant in both seasons, and the TMF >1. The present study showed that trophic transfer is an essential factor in mercury biomagnification in both seasons but is not the unique driver. Both δ15N and TP could explain mercury trophic transfer, but TP better integrates metabolic diversity and seasonality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Rodrigues Tovar
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, 20550-013, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Cappello Neves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, 20550-013, Brazil
| | - Bárbara M R Manhães
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, 20550-013, Brazil
| | - Gleici Montanini
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, 20550-013, Brazil
| | - Alexandre de Freitas Azevedo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, 20550-013, Brazil
| | - José Lailson-Brito
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, 20550-013, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Lemos Bisi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, 20550-013, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
El Hanafi K, Gomez-Gomez B, Pedrero Z, Bustamante P, Cherel Y, Amouroux D, Madrid Y. Simple and rapid formic acid sample treatment for the isolation of HgSe nanoparticles from animal tissues. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1250:340952. [PMID: 36898809 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.340952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
The present work explores for the first time the potential of formic acid on the extraction of tiemannite (HgSe) nanoparticles from seabird tissues, in particular giant petrels. Mercury (Hg) is considered one of the top ten chemicals of major public health concern. However, the fate and metabolic pathways of Hg in living organisms remain unknown. Methylmercury (MeHg), largely produced by microbial activity in the aquatic ecosystems is biomagnified in the trophic web. HgSe is considered the end-product of MeHg demethylation in biota and an increasing number of studies focuses on the characterization of this solid compound to understand its biomineralization. In this study, a conventional enzymatic treatment is compared with a simpler and environmentally friendly extraction by using formic acid (5 mL of = 50 % formic acid) as exclusive reagent. The analyses by spICP-MS of the resulting extracts from a variety of seabird biological tissues (liver, kidneys, brain, muscle) reveal comparable results by both extraction approaches in terms of nanoparticles stability and extraction efficiency. Therefore, the results included in this work demonstrate the good performance of employing organic acid as simple, cost effective and green procedure to extract HgSe nanoparticles from animal tissues. Moreover, an alternative consisting of a classical enzymatic procedure but with ultrasonic assistance reducing the extraction time from 12 h to 2 min is also described for the first time. The sample processing methodologies developed, combined with spICP-MS, have emerged as powerful tools for the rapid screening and quantification of HgSe nanoparticles in animal tissues. Finally, this combination allowed us to identify the possible occurrence of Cd particles and As particles associated with HgSe NPs in seabirds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K El Hanafi
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, Pau, France
| | - B Gomez-Gomez
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Z Pedrero
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, Pau, France.
| | - P Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS- La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 Rue Descartes, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Y Cherel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - D Amouroux
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, Pau, France
| | - Y Madrid
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Toro-Valdivieso C, Jugdaohsingh R, Powell JJ, Hoffman JI, Forcada J, Moore C, Blacklaws B. Heavy metal contamination in pristine environments: lessons from the Juan Fernandez fur seal ( Arctocephalus philippii philippii). ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:221237. [PMID: 36998770 PMCID: PMC10049756 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.221237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals, including mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd), occur naturally or anthropogenically and are considered toxic to the environment and human health. However, studies on heavy metal contamination focus on locations close to industrialized settlements, while isolated environments with little human activity are often ignored due to perceived low risk. This study reports heavy metal exposure in Juan Fernandez fur seals (JFFS), a marine mammal endemic to an isolated and relatively pristine archipelago off the coast of Chile. We found exceptionally high concentrations of Cd and Hg in JFFS faeces. Indeed, they are among the highest reported for any mammalian species. Following analysis of their prey, we concluded that diet is the most likely source of Cd contamination in JFFS. Furthermore, Cd appears to be absorbed and incorporated into JFFS bones. However, it was not associated with mineral changes observed in other species, suggesting Cd tolerance/adaptations in JFFS bones. The high levels of silicon found in JFFS bones may counteract the effects of Cd. These findings are relevant to biomedical research, food security and the treatment of heavy metal contamination. It also contributes to understanding the ecological role of JFFS and highlights the need for surveillance of apparently pristine environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ravin Jugdaohsingh
- Biominerals Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Jonathan J. Powell
- Biominerals Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Joseph I. Hoffman
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld 33501, Germany
| | - Jaume Forcada
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Charles Moore
- Algalita Marine Research Foundation, 148N Marina Dr, Long Beach, CA 90803, USA
| | - Barbara Blacklaws
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sun Y, Zeng Y, Rajput IR, Sanganyado E, Zheng R, Xie H, Li C, Tian Z, Huang Y, Yang L, Lin J, Li P, Liang B, Liu W. Interspecies differences in mammalian susceptibility to legacy POPs and trace metals using skin fibroblast cells. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 315:120358. [PMID: 36228850 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120358] [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: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The susceptibility to trace metals and legacy POPs is different between terrestrial and marine mammals. In this study, we established the first cell line from Indo-Pacific finless porpoises and compared the cellular responses of skin fibroblast cells from Pygmy killer whales, Pantropic spotted dolphins, Indo-Pacific finless porpoises, mice, and humans following exposure to copper, methylmercury, cadmium, PCB126, PCB153, and BDE47 to better understand the interspecies sensitivities of mammals to chemical pollutants. We conducted a risk assessment by comparing no-observed effect concentrations (NOEC), lowest-observed effect concentrations (LOEC), and half maximal effective concentrations (EC50) from cell viability assays and previously reported pollutant body burdens in mammals. Based on the in vitro data, Indo-Pacific finless porpoises were more sensitive to copper and methylmercury than other mammals. PCB153 exposure reduced cell viability in all mammals except humans, while PCB126 was more potent, with 13.33 μg/mL exposure reducing cell viability in all mammals. In contrast, BDE47 exposure reduced cell viability only in terrestrial mammals in addition to pantropic spotted dolphin. Based on the in vitro data and the natural context of metal concentrations, both methylmercury and cadmium posed a higher risk to cetaceans than human, while copper posed a lower risk to cetaceans. All three legacy POPs (PCB126, PCB153, and BDE47) posed minor risk to cetaceans for short-term exposure. This study demonstrated that a species-specific in vitro model may provide more accurate information on the potential risk of pollutants to mammals. However, due to the bioamplification of POPs and their potential impact on the endocrine system and immune system of cetaceans, risk assessment with long-term exposure with more in vitro models should be further studied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Ying Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Imran Rashid Rajput
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China; Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, Department of Biotechnology, Lasbela University of Agriculture Water and Marine Science, 89250, Uthal, Balochistan, Pakistan
| | - Edmond Sanganyado
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China; Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 4PB, UK
| | - Ruiqiang Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China; China Blue Sustainability Institute, Haikou, Hainan, 570208, China
| | - Huiying Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Chengzhang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Ziyao Tian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Liangliang Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Jianqing Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Ping Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Bo Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China.
| | - Wenhua Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhang L, Yin Y, Li Y, Cai Y. Mercury isotope fractionation during methylmercury transport and transformation: A review focusing on analytical method, fractionation characteristics, and its application. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 841:156558. [PMID: 35710002 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156558] [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: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg), a potent neurotoxin, can be formed, migrated and transformed in environmental compartments, accompanying with unique mass-dependent and mass-independent fractionation of mercury (Hg). These Hg isotope fractionation signals have great potential to probe the transformation and transport of MeHg in aquatic environments. However, the majority of studies to date have focused on total Hg isotopic composition, with less attention to the isotopic fractionation of MeHg due to technical difficulties in analysis, which severely hinders the understanding of MeHg isotopic fractionation and its applications. This review a) evaluates the reported analytical methods for Hg isotopic composition of MeHg, including online and offline measurement techniques; b) summarizes the extent and characteristics of Hg isotopic fractionation during MeHg transport and transformation, focusing on methylation, demethylation, trophic transfer and internal metabolism; and c) briefly discusses several applications of MeHg isotopic fractionation signatures in estimating the extent of photodemethylation, tracing the source of Hg species, and diagnosing reaction mechanisms. Additionally, the existing problems and future directions in MeHg isotope fractionation are highlighted to improve the analytical protocol for Hg isotope fractionation and deepen our understanding of Hg isotope fractionation in the biogeochemical cycling of MeHg.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lian Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Yanbin Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Yong Cai
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Suzuki Y, Kondo M, Akiyama H, Ogra Y. Presence of nano-sized mercury-containing particles in seafoods, and an estimate of dietary exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 307:119555. [PMID: 35654251 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The toxicity of nano-sized particles of mercury (NP-Hg), which are thought to be generated during the detoxification of methyl mercury (MeHg), may differ from that of MeHg, elemental Hg (Hg0), and inorganic Hg (I-Hg). From a human health perspective, it is important to evaluate the presence of NP-Hg in seafoods. We investigated the in vivo formation of NP-Hg in fish and shellfish, which are the main sources of Hg exposure in humans. NP-Hg was measured in 90 fish samples with single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) after enzyme degradation with pancreatin and lipase. In addition to NP-Hg, total Hg (T-Hg), MeHg, and selenium (Se) concentrations were evaluated. Transient Hg signals were detected as nanoparticles from almost all samples by using spICP-MS. Higher particle number concentrations (CPN) were observed in the tuna-swordfish group than in the shellfish group (17.7 × 107 vs. 1.2 × 106 particles/g, respectively). Although the CPN and maximum particle mass increased significantly with increasing T-Hg concentration, the increase in CPN was greater than those in maximum particle mass. Assuming that the NP-Hg detected was HgSe (tiemannite) and spherical based on previous reports, the maximum particle diameter was estimated to be 89 nm. The mean dietary exposures to NP-Hg, T-Hg, and MeHg were estimated to be 0.067, 5.75, and 5.32 μg/person per day, respectively. Generation of NP-Hg was inferred to be widespread in marine animals, with a preferential increase in the number of particles rather than an increase in particle size. The mean dietary exposure to NP-Hg in Japanese people was estimated to be 1.2 ng/kg body weight (BW) per day. Compared to PTWI of 4 μg/kg BW per week (0.57 μg/kg BW per day) derived by JECFA (2011), the health risk from redissolved I-Hg from NP-Hg is small.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinari Suzuki
- Division of Foods, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, 210-9501, Japan.
| | - Midori Kondo
- Division of Foods, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, 210-9501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Akiyama
- Division of Foods, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, 210-9501, Japan; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 142-8501, Japan
| | - Yasumitsu Ogra
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 260-8675, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Li ML, Gillies EJ, Briner R, Hoover CA, Sora KJ, Loseto LL, Walters WJ, Cheung WWL, Giang A. Investigating the dynamics of methylmercury bioaccumulation in the Beaufort Sea shelf food web: a modeling perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:1010-1025. [PMID: 35748915 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00108j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
High levels of methylmercury (MeHg) have been reported in Arctic marine biota, posing health risks to wildlife and human beings. Although MeHg concentrations of some Arctic species have been monitored for decades, the key environmental and ecological factors driving temporal trends of MeHg are largely unclear. We develop an ecosystem-based MeHg bioaccumulation model for the Beaufort Sea shelf (BSS) using the Ecotracer module of Ecopath with Ecosim, and apply the model to explore how MeHg toxicokinetics and food web trophodynamics affect bioaccumulation in the BSS food web. We show that a food web model with complex trophodynamics and relatively simple MeHg model parametrization can capture the observed biomagnification pattern of the BSS. While both benthic and pelagic production are important for transferring MeHg to fish and marine mammals, simulations suggest that benthic organisms are primarily responsible for driving the high trophic magnification factor in the BSS. We illustrate ways of combining empirical observations and modelling experiments to generate hypotheses about factors affecting food web bioaccumulation, including the MeHg elimination rate, trophodynamics, and species migration behavior. The results indicate that population dynamics rather than MeHg elimination may determine population-wide concentrations for fish and lower trophic level organisms, and cause large differences in concentrations between species at similar trophic levels. This research presents a new tool and lays the groundwork for future research to assess the pathways of global environmental changes in MeHg bioaccumulation in Arctic ecosystems in the past and the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Ling Li
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
- Institute for Resources, Environment & Sustainability, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Emma J Gillies
- Institute for Resources, Environment & Sustainability, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Renea Briner
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
| | - Carie A Hoover
- Marine Affairs Program, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Kristen J Sora
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lisa L Loseto
- Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department Environment and Geography, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - William J Walters
- Ken and Mary Alice Lindquist Department of Nuclear Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - William W L Cheung
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Amanda Giang
- Institute for Resources, Environment & Sustainability, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lancaster ST, Peniche G, Alzahrani A, Blanz M, Newton J, Taggart MA, Corns WT, Krupp EM, Feldmann J. Mercury speciation in Scottish raptors reveals high proportions of inorganic mercury in Scottish golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos): Potential occurrence of mercury selenide nanoparticles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 829:154557. [PMID: 35302012 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154557] [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: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of the uptake and fate of mercury (Hg) compounds in biota is important in understanding the global cycling of Hg and its transfer pathways through food chains. In this study, we analysed total mercury (T-Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in 117 livers of Scottish birds of prey that were found across Scotland and submitted for post-mortem examination through the Raptor Health Scotland project between 2009 and 2019. Statistical comparisons focussed on six species (barn owl, Tyto alba; Eurasian common buzzard, Buteo buteo; golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos; hen harrier, Circus cyaneus; Eurasian sparrowhawk, Accipiter nisus; and tawny owl, Strix aluco) and showed that golden eagles had a statistically lower fraction of MeHg compared to other raptor species. Further investigation using stable carbon and stable nitrogen isotope ratio measurements carried out for the golden eagles (n = 15) indicated that the increased presence of inorganic mercury (iHg) correlated with a marine influence on the primarily terrestrial diet. Additional bioimaging (n = 1) with laser ablation - inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry indicated the co-location of Hg and selenium (Se) within the liver tissue and transmission electron microscopy showed evidence of nanoparticles within the range of 10-20 nm. Further analysis using single particle - inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (n = 4) confirmed the presence of Hg nanoparticles. Together, the evidence suggests the presence of mercury selenide (HgSe) nanoparticles in the liver of some golden eagles that, to our knowledge, has never been directly observed in terrestrial birds of prey. This study points to two alternative hypotheses: these golden eagles may be efficient at breaking down MeHg and form HgSe nanoparticles as a detoxification mechanism (as previously observed in cetaceans), or some golden eagles with elevated iHg may have accumulated these nanoparticles by foraging on stranded cetaceans or seabirds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaun T Lancaster
- Trace Element Speciation Laboratory Aberdeen (TESLA), Department of Chemistry, Meston Walk, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK; PS Analytical, Crayfields Industrial Estate, Main Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 3HP, UK; Department of General, Analytical and Physical Chemistry, Chair of General and Analytical Chemistry, Montanuniversität Leoben, Franz Josef-Strasse 18, 8700 Leoben, Austria.
| | - Gabriela Peniche
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Ali Alzahrani
- Trace Element Speciation Laboratory Aberdeen (TESLA), Department of Chemistry, Meston Walk, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
| | - Magdalena Blanz
- Trace Element Speciation Laboratory Aberdeen (TESLA), Department of Chemistry, Meston Walk, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK; Archaeology Institute, University of the Highlands and Islands, Orkney College UHI, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1LX, Scotland, UK
| | - Jason Newton
- National Environmental Isotope Facility, Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC), East Kilbride, G75 0QF, UK
| | - Mark A Taggart
- The Environmental Research Institute (ERI), University of Highlands and Islands, Castle St, Thurso KW14 7JD, UK
| | - Warren T Corns
- PS Analytical, Crayfields Industrial Estate, Main Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 3HP, UK
| | - Eva M Krupp
- Trace Element Speciation Laboratory Aberdeen (TESLA), Department of Chemistry, Meston Walk, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
| | - Jörg Feldmann
- Trace Element Speciation Laboratory Aberdeen (TESLA), Department of Chemistry, Meston Walk, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK; TESLA - Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Universitaetsplatz 1, 8010 Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Li ML, Kwon SY, Poulin BA, Tsui MTK, Motta LC, Cho M. Internal Dynamics and Metabolism of Mercury in Biota: A Review of Insights from Mercury Stable Isotopes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:9182-9195. [PMID: 35723432 PMCID: PMC9261262 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c08631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring mercury (Hg) levels in biota is considered an important objective for the effectiveness evaluation of the Minamata Convention. While many studies have characterized Hg levels in organisms at multiple spatiotemporal scales, concentration analyses alone often cannot provide sufficient information on the Hg exposure sources and internal processes occurring within biota. Here, we review the decadal scientific progress of using Hg isotopes to understand internal processes that modify the speciation, transport, and fate of Hg within biota. Mercury stable isotopes have emerged as a powerful tool for assessing Hg sources and biogeochemical processes in natural environments. A better understanding of the tissue location and internal mechanisms leading to Hg isotope change is key to assessing its use for biomonitoring. We synthesize the current understanding and uncertainties of internal processes leading to Hg isotope fractionation in a variety of biota, in a sequence of better to less studied organisms (i.e., birds, marine mammals, humans, fish, plankton, and invertebrates). This review discusses the opportunities and challenges of using certain forms of biota for Hg source monitoring and the need to further elucidate the physiological mechanisms that control the accumulation, distribution, and toxicity of Hg in biota by coupling new techniques with Hg stable isotopes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Ling Li
- School
of Marine Science and Policy, University
of Delaware, 201 Robinson Hall, Newark, Delaware 19716, United
States
| | - Sae Yun Kwon
- Division
of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro,
Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, South Korea
- Institute
for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-Ro, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon 21983, South Korea
| | - Brett A. Poulin
- Department
of Environmental Toxicology, University
of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Martin Tsz-Ki Tsui
- School
of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Laura C. Motta
- Department
of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, 359 Natural Sciences Complex, Buffalo, New York 14260-3000, United States
| | - Moonkyoung Cho
- Division
of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro,
Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Manceau A. Comment on "New insights into the biomineralization of mercury selenide nanoparticles through stable isotope analysis in giant petrel tissues". JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 431:128583. [PMID: 35278961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128583] [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: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Some birds and cetaceans can demethylate the toxic methylmercury cysteinate (MeHgCys) complex into inert mercury sulfide (HgSe) through the formation of an intermediate tetrahedral selenolate complex with selenocysteine (Sec) residues (Hg(Sec)4). The nucleation of the HgSe biominerals involves the substitution of the Se ligand for the Sec residues, which is considered to occur in the form of multinuclear Hgx(Se,Sec)y clusters mediated by proteins. Queipo-Abad et al. (2022) isolated HgSe nanoparticles from the biological tissues of giant petrels and measured the mass-dependent fractionation of the 202Hg isotope (δ202Hg). They concluded that the δ202Hg values of the HgSe nanoparticles from each tissue of individual petrels are specific to the HgSe species alone and that the Hg(Sec)4 → HgSe reaction occurs without fractionation of the 202Hg isotope. We show (1) that the HgSe nanoparticles are likely mixtures of MeHgCys, Hg(Sec)4, and HgSe, and therefore that the δ202Hg values are not species-specific, and (2) that the 202Hg isotope is actually fractionated during the Hg(Sec)4 → HgSe reaction, and therefore that this isotope can be used to trace the Hg metabolic pathways between tissues in a single individual and in different animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alain Manceau
- Université Grenoble Alpes, ISTerre, CNRS, 38000 Grenoble, France.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Queipo-Abad S, Pedrero Z, Marchán-Moreno C, El Hanafi K, Bérail S, Corns WT, Cherel Y, Bustamante P, Amouroux D. Reply to the comment on "New insights into the biomineralization of mercury selenide nanoparticles through stable isotope analysis in giant petrel tissues" by A. Manceau, J. Hazard. Mater. 425 (2021) 127922. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127922. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 431:128582. [PMID: 35359111 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128582] [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: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In the comments reported by A. Manceau [1], relating to our recent paper on mercury (Hg) species-specific isotopic characterization in giant petrel tissues [2] two critical questions were raised. Firstly, according to A. Manceau, our method of extraction and isolation of nanoparticles was not able to efficiently isolate mercury selenide nanoparticles (HgSe NPs) and therefore the δ202Hg values measured are not species-specific, but rather δ202Hg of mixtures of complexes such as MeHgCys, Hg(Sec)4, and HgSe. Secondly, he suggests that our main findings showing that no isotopic fractionation is induced during the HgSe NPs biomineralization step from the precursor-demethylated species is erroneous because it contradicts the conclusion of two recent articles by A. Manceau and co-workers [3,4]. In this reply we defend our scientific findings and respectively respond to the questions and comments raised by A. Manceau.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Queipo-Abad
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les matériaux, Pau, France
| | - Zoyne Pedrero
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les matériaux, Pau, France.
| | - Claudia Marchán-Moreno
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les matériaux, Pau, France
| | - Khouloud El Hanafi
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les matériaux, Pau, France
| | - Sylvain Bérail
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les matériaux, Pau, France
| | - Warren T Corns
- PS Analytical, Arthur House, Crayfields Industrial Estate, Main Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 3HP, UK
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 Rue Descartes, 75005 Paris, France
| | - David Amouroux
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les matériaux, Pau, France
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Queipo-Abad S, Pedrero Z, Marchán-Moreno C, El Hanafi K, Bérail S, Corns WT, Cherel Y, Bustamante P, Amouroux D. New insights into the biomineralization of mercury selenide nanoparticles through stable isotope analysis in giant petrel tissues. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 425:127922. [PMID: 34894503 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127922] [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: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Tiemannite (HgSe) is considered the end-product of methylmercury (MeHg) demethylation in vertebrates. The biomineralization of HgSe nanoparticles (NPs) is understood to be an efficient MeHg detoxification mechanism; however, the process has not yet been fully elucidated. In order to contribute to the understanding of complex Hg metabolism and HgSe NPs formation, the Hg isotopic signatures of 40 samples of 11 giant petrels were measured. This seabird species is one of the largest avian scavengers in the Southern Ocean, highly exposed to MeHg through their diet, reaching Hg concentrations in the liver up to more than 900 µg g-1. This work constitutes the first species-specific isotopic measurement (δ202Hg, Δ199Hg) of HgSe NPs in seabirds and the largest characterization of this compound in biota. Similar δ202Hg values specifically associated to HgSe (δ202HgHgSe) and tissues (δ202Hgbulk) dominated by inorganic Hg species were found, suggesting that no isotopic fractionation is induced during the biomineralization step from the precursor (demethylated) species. In contrast, the largest variations between δ202Hgbulk and δ202HgHgSe were observed in muscle and brain tissues. This could be attributed to the higher fraction of Hg present as MeHg in these tissues. Hg-biomolecules screening highlights the importance of the isotopic characterization of these (unknown) complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Queipo-Abad
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les matériaux, Pau, France
| | - Zoyne Pedrero
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les matériaux, Pau, France.
| | - Claudia Marchán-Moreno
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les matériaux, Pau, France
| | - Khouloud El Hanafi
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les matériaux, Pau, France
| | - Sylvain Bérail
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les matériaux, Pau, France
| | - Warren T Corns
- PS Analytical, Arthur House, Crayfields Industrial Estate, Main Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 3HP, UK
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 Rue Descartes, 75005 Paris, France
| | - David Amouroux
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les matériaux, Pau, France
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Le Croizier G, Sonke JE, Lorrain A, Renedo M, Hoyos-Padilla M, Santana-Morales O, Meyer L, Huveneers C, Butcher P, Amezcua-Martinez F, Point D. Foraging plasticity diversifies mercury exposure sources and bioaccumulation patterns in the world's largest predatory fish. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 425:127956. [PMID: 34986563 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Large marine predators exhibit high concentrations of mercury (Hg) as neurotoxic methylmercury, and the potential impacts of global change on Hg contamination in these species remain highly debated. Current contaminant model predictions do not account for intraspecific variability in Hg exposure and may fail to reflect the diversity of future Hg levels among conspecific populations or individuals, especially for top predators displaying a wide range of ecological traits. Here, we used Hg isotopic compositions to show that Hg exposure sources varied significantly between and within three populations of white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) with contrasting ecology: the north-eastern Pacific, eastern Australasian, and south-western Australasian populations. Through Δ200Hg signatures in shark tissues, we found that atmospheric Hg deposition pathways to the marine environment differed between coastal and offshore habitats. Discrepancies in δ202Hg and Δ199Hg signatures among white sharks provided evidence for intraspecific exposure to distinct sources of marine methylmercury, attributed to population and ontogenetic shifts in foraging habitat and prey composition. We finally observed a strong divergence in Hg accumulation rates between populations, leading to three times higher Hg concentrations in large Australasian sharks compared to north-eastern Pacific sharks, and likely due to different trophic strategies adopted by adult sharks across populations. This study illustrates the variety of Hg exposure sources and bioaccumulation patterns that can be found within a single species and suggests that intraspecific variability needs to be considered when assessing future trajectories of Hg levels in marine predators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaël Le Croizier
- UMR Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi Pyrénées (OMP), 14 avenue Edouard Belin, 31400 Toulouse, France; Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Joel Montes Camarena S/N, Mazatlán, Sin 82040, Mexico.
| | - Jeroen E Sonke
- UMR Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi Pyrénées (OMP), 14 avenue Edouard Belin, 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Anne Lorrain
- Univ Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, LEMAR, F-29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Marina Renedo
- UMR Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi Pyrénées (OMP), 14 avenue Edouard Belin, 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Mauricio Hoyos-Padilla
- Pelagios-Kakunjá A.C, Sinaloa 1540, Col. Las Garzas, C.P. 23070 La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico; Fins Attached: Marine Research and Conservation, 19675 Still Glen Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80908, USA
| | | | - Lauren Meyer
- Southern Shark Ecology Group, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia; Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA
| | - Charlie Huveneers
- Southern Shark Ecology Group, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Paul Butcher
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, National Marine Science Centre, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia
| | - Felipe Amezcua-Martinez
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Joel Montes Camarena S/N, Mazatlán, Sin 82040, Mexico
| | - David Point
- UMR Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi Pyrénées (OMP), 14 avenue Edouard Belin, 31400 Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ji X, Yang L, Wu F, Yao L, Yu B, Liu X, Yin Y, Hu L, Qu G, Fu J, Yang R, Wang X, Shi J, Jiang G. Identification of mercury-containing nanoparticles in the liver and muscle of cetaceans. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127759. [PMID: 34801316 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Natural mercury-containing nanoparticles (Hg-NPs) have been found in the environment, but the information for Hg-NPs in organisms was still limited. Clarifying the unique roles of Hg-NPs in organisms is crucial to fully understand the health risks of Hg. Herein, liver and muscle tissues of cetaceans were collected to identify the presence and characteristics of Hg-NPs. We found that methylmercury (MeHg) was the dominant species of Hg in muscles, while inorganic Hg (IHg) accounted for 84.4-99.0% (average 94.0%) of Hg in livers. By using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), size exclusion chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SEC-ICPMS) and single particle ICPMS (sp-ICPMS), large amounts (9-161 μg/g) of Hg-NPs in livers and small amounts (0.1-0.4 μg/g) in muscles were observed, indicating that Hg-NPs was an important form of Hg in livers. Both small sized (5-40 nm) and large sized (>100 nm) Hg-NPs were identified, which were mainly complexed with selenium (Se) and sulfur (S) as well as a few cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and silver (Ag). This study provided direct evidence of Hg-NPs in marine mammals as well as their chemical form and size distribution, which are helpful for further understanding the biogeochemical cycle and health risk of Hg.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fuxing Wu
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China.
| | - Linlin Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Ben Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Xiaolei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Ligang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Guangbo Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Jianjie Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Ruiqiang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Xianyan Wang
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jianbo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China; Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China.
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Manceau A, Brossier R, Janssen SE, Poulin BA. Response to Comment on "Mercury Isotope Fractionation by Internal Demethylation and Biomineralization Reactions in Seabirds: Implications for Environmental Mercury Science": Principles and Limitations of Source Tracing and Process Tracing with Stable Isotope Signatures. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:2065-2068. [PMID: 35060387 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alain Manceau
- Université Grenoble Alpes, ISTerre, CNRS, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Romain Brossier
- Université Grenoble Alpes, ISTerre, CNRS, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Sarah E Janssen
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562, United States
| | - Brett A Poulin
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616, United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Manceau A, Brossier R, Janssen SE, Rosera TJ, Krabbenhoft DP, Cherel Y, Bustamante P, Poulin BA. Mercury Isotope Fractionation by Internal Demethylation and Biomineralization Reactions in Seabirds: Implications for Environmental Mercury Science. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:13942-13952. [PMID: 34596385 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c04388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
A prerequisite for environmental and toxicological applications of mercury (Hg) stable isotopes in wildlife and humans is quantifying the isotopic fractionation of biological reactions. Here, we measured stable Hg isotope values of relevant tissues of giant petrels (Macronectes spp.). Isotopic data were interpreted with published HR-XANES spectroscopic data that document a stepwise transformation of methylmercury (MeHg) to Hg-tetraselenolate (Hg(Sec)4) and mercury selenide (HgSe) (Sec = selenocysteine). By mathematical inversion of isotopic and spectroscopic data, identical δ202Hg values for MeHg (2.69 ± 0.04‰), Hg(Sec)4 (-1.37 ± 0.06‰), and HgSe (0.18 ± 0.02‰) were determined in 23 tissues of eight birds from the Kerguelen Islands and Adélie Land (Antarctica). Isotopic differences in δ202Hg between MeHg and Hg(Sec)4 (-4.1 ± 0.1‰) reflect mass-dependent fractionation from a kinetic isotope effect due to the MeHg → Hg(Sec)4 demethylation reaction. Surprisingly, Hg(Sec)4 and HgSe differed isotopically in δ202Hg (+1.6 ± 0.1‰) and mass-independent anomalies (i.e., changes in Δ199Hg of ≤0.3‰), consistent with equilibrium isotope effects of mass-dependent and nuclear volume fractionation from Hg(Sec)4 → HgSe biomineralization. The invariance of species-specific δ202Hg values across tissues and individual birds reflects the kinetic lability of Hg-ligand bonds and tissue-specific redistribution of MeHg and inorganic Hg, likely as Hg(Sec)4. These observations provide fundamental information necessary to improve the interpretation of stable Hg isotope data and provoke a revisitation of processes governing isotopic fractionation in biota and toxicological risk assessment in wildlife.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alain Manceau
- Université Grenoble Alpes, ISTerre, CNRS, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Romain Brossier
- Université Grenoble Alpes, ISTerre, CNRS, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Sarah E Janssen
- Upper Midwest Water Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562, United States
| | - Tylor J Rosera
- Upper Midwest Water Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562, United States
| | - David P Krabbenhoft
- Upper Midwest Water Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562, United States
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), CNRS, La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Brett A Poulin
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Subirana MA, Paton L, Hall J, Brownlow A, Krupp EM, Feldmann J, Schaumlöffel D. Development of Mercury Analysis by NanoSIMS for the Localization of Mercury-Selenium Particles in Whale Liver. Anal Chem 2021; 93:12733-12739. [PMID: 34499489 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c02769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) is a dynamic SIMS technique, which offers high spatial resolution allowing the mapping of chemical elements at the nanometer scale combined with high sensitivity. However, SIMS for mercury analysis is a challenging issue due to the low secondary ion yield and has never been done on NanoSIMS. The introduction of an rf plasma oxygen primary ion source on NanoSIMS enabled higher lateral resolution and higher sensitivity for electropositive elements such as most metals. In this paper, for the first time, mercury analysis by NanoSIMS was developed applying the new rf plasma O- ion source. All mercury isotopes could be detected as Hg+ secondary ions and the isotopic pattern corresponded to their natural isotopic abundances. Furthermore, Hg+ detection in HgSe nanocrystals has been investigated where polyatomic interferences from selenium clusters were identified and separated by high mass resolution (ΔM/M ≥ 3200). However, in the presence of selenium a strong matrix effect was observed, decreasing the Hg+ secondary ion yield. In addition, a detection of Se+ ions was possible, too. The newly developed method was successfully applied to nanoscale localization by chemical imaging of HgSe particles accumulated in the liver tissue of sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). This demonstrated the applicability of NanoSIMS not only for mercury detection in surface analysis but also for mercury mapping in biological samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Angels Subirana
- CNRS, Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, UMR 5254, 64000 Pau, France
| | - Lhiam Paton
- TESLA-Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - James Hall
- TESLA-Chemistry, School of Computing and Physical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, Scotland, U.K
| | - Andrew Brownlow
- Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, U.K
| | - Eva M Krupp
- TESLA-Chemistry, School of Computing and Physical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, Scotland, U.K
| | - Jörg Feldmann
- TESLA-Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Dirk Schaumlöffel
- CNRS, Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, UMR 5254, 64000 Pau, France
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Besnard L, Le Croizier G, Galván-Magaña F, Point D, Kraffe E, Ketchum J, Martinez Rincon RO, Schaal G. Foraging depth depicts resource partitioning and contamination level in a pelagic shark assemblage: Insights from mercury stable isotopes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 283:117066. [PMID: 33892372 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The decline of shark populations in the world ocean is affecting ecosystem structure and function in an unpredictable way and new ecological information is today needed to better understand the role of sharks in their habitats. In particular, the characterization of foraging patterns is crucial to understand and foresee the evolution of dynamics between sharks and their prey. Many shark species use the mesopelagic area as a major foraging ground but the degree to which different pelagic sharks rely on this habitat remains overlooked. In order to depict the vertical dimension of their trophic ecology, we used mercury stable isotopes in the muscle of three pelagic shark species (the blue shark Prionace glauca, the shortfin mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus and the smooth hammerhead shark Sphyrna zygaena) from the northeastern Pacific region. The Δ199Hg values, ranging from 1.40 to 2.13‰ in sharks, suggested a diet mostly based on mesopelagic prey in oceanic habitats. We additionally used carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) alone or in combination with Δ199Hg values, to assess resource partitioning between the three shark species. Adding Δ199Hg resulted in a decrease in trophic overlap estimates compared to those based on δ13C/δ15N alone, demonstrating that multi-isotope modeling is needed for accurate trophic description of the three species. Mainly, it reveals that they forage at different average depths and that resource partitioning is mostly expressed through the vertical dimension within pelagic shark assemblages. Concomitantly, muscle total mercury concentration (THg) differed between species and increased with feeding depth. Overall, this study highlights the key role of the mesopelagic zone for shark species foraging among important depth gradients and reports new ecological information on trophic competition using mercury isotopes. It also suggests that foraging depth may play a pivotal role in the differences between muscle THg from co-occurring high trophic level shark species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucien Besnard
- Univ Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, LEMAR, F-29280 Plouzane, France.
| | - Gaël Le Croizier
- UMR Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi Pyrénées (OMP), 14 Avenue Edouard Belin, 31400, Toulouse, France
| | - Felipe Galván-Magaña
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN S/n, 23096, La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
| | - David Point
- UMR Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi Pyrénées (OMP), 14 Avenue Edouard Belin, 31400, Toulouse, France
| | - Edouard Kraffe
- Univ Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, LEMAR, F-29280 Plouzane, France
| | - James Ketchum
- Pelagios-Kakunja, Cuauhtémoc 155, 23096, La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
| | - Raul Octavio Martinez Rincon
- CONACyT-Centro de Investigaciónes Biológicas Del Noroeste, S.C. (CIBNOR), Av. IPN 195, 23096, La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
| | - Gauthier Schaal
- Univ Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, LEMAR, F-29280 Plouzane, France
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Mamzer HM. Ritual Slaughter: The Tradition of Pilot Whale Hunting on the Faroe Islands. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:552465. [PMID: 33898540 PMCID: PMC8062700 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.552465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Faroese people consider grindadráp, the hunting of pilot whales, as a part of their cultural heritage, but from the point of view of veterinary sciences and biology, the method of killing pilot whales is a form of a ritual slaughter performed on fully conscious animals that are aware of their circumstances. Pilot whales are social, intelligent, and communicative animals that demonstrate complex social behaviors. Therefore, this traditional whaling method should be considered as a procedure in which animals are exposed to high levels of distress. In the context of contemporary civilizational development and material welfare, the practice of whaling may appear to be an inadequate and cruel relic of the past. This text explores social and cultural issues caused by pilot whale hunts and presents an understanding of the term tradition and some perspectives of how traditions change. The specificity of pilot whales as a species is presented, setting a foundation for a discussion about hunting itself. The conclusion of the text discusses different social perceptions of grindadráp by presenting arguments for and against the hunting. This analysis includes a presentation of actions undertaken bywhale hunting opponents.
Collapse
|
27
|
Renedo M, Pedrero Z, Amouroux D, Cherel Y, Bustamante P. Mercury isotopes of key tissues document mercury metabolic processes in seabirds. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:127777. [PMID: 32828051 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Seabirds accumulate significant amounts of mercury (Hg) due to their long-life span together with their medium to high trophic position in marine food webs. Hg speciation and Hg isotopic analyses of total Hg in different tissues (pectoral muscles, liver, brain, kidneys, blood and feathers) were assessed to investigate their detoxification mechanisms. Three species with contrasted ecological characteristics were studied: the Antarctic prion (zooplankton feeder), the white-chinned petrel (pelagic generalist consumer) and the southern giant petrel (scavenger on seabirds and marine mammals). The difference of mass-dependent fractionation (MDF, δ202Hg) values between liver and muscles (up to 0.94 ‰) in all three seabirds strongly suggests hepatic demethylation of the isotopically lighter methylmercury (MeHg) and subsequent redistribution of the isotopically heavier fraction of MeHg towards the muscles. Similarly, higher δ202Hg values in feathers (up to 1.88 ‰) relative to muscles and higher proportion of MeHg in feathers (94-97%) than muscles (30-70%) likely indicate potential MeHg demethylation in muscle and preferential excretion of MeHg (isotopically heavier) in the growing feathers during moult. The extents of these key detoxification processes were strongly dependent on the species-specific detoxification strategies and levels of dietary MeHg exposure. We also found higher mass-independent fractionation (MIF, Δ199Hg) values in feathers relative to internal tissues, possibly due to different integration times of Hg exposure between permanently active organs and inert tissues as feathers. Hg isotope variations reported in this study show evidence of detoxification processes in seabirds and propose a powerful approach for deep investigation of the Hg metabolic processes in seabirds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Renedo
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS- La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France; Universite de Pau et des Pays de L'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour L'Environnement et Les Matériaux, Pau, France.
| | - Zoyne Pedrero
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de L'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour L'Environnement et Les Matériaux, Pau, France.
| | - David Amouroux
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de L'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour L'Environnement et Les Matériaux, Pau, France
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372 Du CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS- La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 Rue Descartes, 75005, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
McCormack MA, Jackson BP, Dutton J. Relationship between mercury and selenium concentrations in tissues from stranded odontocetes in the northern Gulf of Mexico. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 749:141350. [PMID: 33370896 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Odontocetes are apex predators that, despite accumulating mercury (Hg) to high concentrations in their tissues, show few signs of Hg toxicity. One method of Hg detoxification in odontocetes includes the sequestering of Hg in toxicologically inert mercury selenide (HgSe) compounds. To explore the tissue-specific accumulation of Hg and Se and the potential protective role of Se against Hg toxicity, we measured the concentrations of total mercury (THg) and selenium (Se) in multiple tissues from 11 species of odontocetes that stranded along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast [Florida (FL) and Louisiana (LA)]. Tissues were collected primarily from bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus; n = 93); however, individuals from species in the following 8 genera were also sampled: Feresa (n = 1), Globicephala (n = 1), Grampus (n = 2), Kogia (n = 5), Mesoplodon (n = 1), Peponocephala (n = 4), Stenella (n = 9), and Steno (n = 1). In all species, mean THg concentrations were greatest in the liver and lowest in the blubber, lung, or skin. In contrast, in most species, mean Se concentrations were greatest in the liver, lung, or skin, and lowest in the blubber. For all species combined, Se:Hg molar ratios decreased with increasing THg concentration in the blubber, kidney, liver, lung, and skin following an exponential decay relationship. In bottlenose dolphins, THg concentrations in the kidney, liver, and lung were significantly greater in FL dolphins compared to LA dolphins. On average, in bottlenose dolphins, Se:Hg molar ratios were approximately 1:1 in the liver and >1:1 in blubber, kidney, lung, and skin, suggesting that Se likely protects against Hg toxicity. However, more research is necessary to understand the variation in Hg accumulation within and among species and to assess how Hg, in combination with other environmental stressors, influences odontocete population health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan A McCormack
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, Aquatic Station, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA.
| | - Brian P Jackson
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.
| | - Jessica Dutton
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, Aquatic Station, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Le Croizier G, Lorrain A, Sonke JE, Hoyos-Padilla EM, Galván-Magaña F, Santana-Morales O, Aquino-Baleytó M, Becerril-García EE, Muntaner-López G, Ketchum J, Block B, Carlisle A, Jorgensen SJ, Besnard L, Jung A, Schaal G, Point D. The Twilight Zone as a Major Foraging Habitat and Mercury Source for the Great White Shark. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:15872-15882. [PMID: 33238094 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c05621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The twilight zone contains the largest biomass of the world's ocean. Identifying its role in the trophic supply and contaminant exposure of marine megafauna constitutes a critical challenge in the context of global change. The white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) is a threatened species with some of the highest concentrations of neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg) among marine top predators. Large white sharks migrate seasonally from coastal habitats, where they primarily forage on pinnipeds, to oceanic offshore habitats. Tagging studies suggest that while offshore, white sharks may forage at depth on mesopelagic species, yet no biochemical evidence exists. Here, we used mercury isotopic composition to assess the dietary origin of MeHg contamination in white sharks from the Northeast Pacific Ocean. We estimated that a minimum of 72% of the MeHg accumulated by white sharks originates from the consumption of mesopelagic prey, while a maximum of 25% derives from pinnipeds. In addition to highlighting the potential of mercury isotopes to decipher the complex ecological cycle of marine predators, our study provides evidence that the twilight zone constitutes a crucial foraging habitat for these large predators, which had been suspected for over a decade. Climate change is predicted to expand the production of mesopelagic MeHg and modify the mesopelagic biomass globally. Considering the pivotal role of the twilight zone is therefore essential to better predict both MeHg exposure and trophic supply to white sharks, and effectively protect these key vulnerable predators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaël Le Croizier
- UMR Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi Pyrénées (OMP), 14 avenue Edouard Belin, 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Anne Lorrain
- Univ Brest, CNRS, Ifremer, LEMAR, 29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Jeroen E Sonke
- UMR Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi Pyrénées (OMP), 14 avenue Edouard Belin, 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - E Mauricio Hoyos-Padilla
- Pelagios-Kakunjá A.C., Sinaloa 1540, Col. Las Garzas, 23070 La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
- Fins Attached: Marine Research and Conservation, 19675 Still Glen Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908, United States
| | - Felipe Galván-Magaña
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n., 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
| | | | - Marc Aquino-Baleytó
- Pelagios-Kakunjá A.C., Sinaloa 1540, Col. Las Garzas, 23070 La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n., 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
| | - Edgar E Becerril-García
- Pelagios-Kakunjá A.C., Sinaloa 1540, Col. Las Garzas, 23070 La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n., 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
| | - Gádor Muntaner-López
- Pelagios-Kakunjá A.C., Sinaloa 1540, Col. Las Garzas, 23070 La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n., 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
| | - James Ketchum
- Pelagios-Kakunjá A.C., Sinaloa 1540, Col. Las Garzas, 23070 La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
| | - Barbara Block
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, California 93950, United States
| | - Aaron Carlisle
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, Lewes, Delaware 19958, United States
| | - Salvador J Jorgensen
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95064, United States
| | - Lucien Besnard
- Univ Brest, CNRS, Ifremer, LEMAR, 29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Armelle Jung
- Des Requins et Des Hommes (DRDH), BLP/Technopole Brest-Iroise, 15 rue Dumont d'Urville, Plouzané 29860, France
| | | | - David Point
- UMR Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi Pyrénées (OMP), 14 avenue Edouard Belin, 31400 Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Lee BJ, Kwon SY, Yin R, Li M, Jung S, Lim SH, Lee JH, Kim KW, Kim KD, Jang JW. Internal dynamics of inorganic and methylmercury in a marine fish: Insights from mercury stable isotopes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115588. [PMID: 33254601 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Mercury isotope ratios in fish tissues have been used to infer sources and biogeochemical processes of mercury in aquatic ecosystems. More experimental studies are however needed to understand the internal dynamics of mercury isotopes and to further assess the feasibility of using fish mercury isotope ratios as a monitoring tool. We exposed Olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) to food pellets spiked with varying concentrations (400, 1600 ng/g) of methylmercury (MeHg) and inorganic mercury (IHg) for 10 weeks. Total mercury (THg), MeHg concentrations, and mercury isotope ratios (δ202Hg, Δ199Hg, Δ200Hg) were measured in the muscle, liver, kidney, and intestine of fish. Fish fed mercury unamended food pellets and MeHg amended food pellets showed absence of internal δ202Hg and Δ199Hg fractionation in all tissue type. For fish fed IHg food pellets, the δ202Hg and Δ199Hg values of intestine equilibrated to those of the IHg food pellets. Kidney, muscle, and liver exhibited varying degrees of isotopic mixing toward the IHg food pellets, consistent with the degree of IHg bioaccumulation. Liver showed additional positive δ202Hg shifts (∼0.63‰) from the binary mixing line between the unamended food pellets and IHg food pellets, which we attribute to redistribution or biliary excretion of liver IHg with a lower δ202Hg to other tissues. Significant δ202Hg fractionation in the liver and incomplete isotopic equilibration in the muscle indicate that these tissues may not be suitable for source monitoring at sites heavily polluted by IHg. Instead, fish intestine appears to be a more suitable proxy for identifying IHg sources. The results from our study are essential for determining the appropriate fish tissues for monitoring environmental sources of IHg and MeHg.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bong Joo Lee
- Aquafeed Research Center, National Institute of Fisheries Science, 2600 Haean-Ro, Nam Gu, Pohang, 37517, South Korea
| | - Sae Yun Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam Gu, Pohang, 37673, South Korea; Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-Ro, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 21983, South Korea.
| | - Runsheng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Ore Deposit Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Miling Li
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, 261 S. College Avenue, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Saebom Jung
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam Gu, Pohang, 37673, South Korea
| | - Seung Hyeon Lim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam Gu, Pohang, 37673, South Korea
| | - Ju Hyeon Lee
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam Gu, Pohang, 37673, South Korea
| | - Kang Woong Kim
- Aquaculture Management Division, National Institute of Fisheries Science, 216 Gijanghaean-Ro, Gijang-Gun, Busan, 4608, South Korea
| | - Kyoung Duck Kim
- Aquaculture Management Division, National Institute of Fisheries Science, 216 Gijanghaean-Ro, Gijang-Gun, Busan, 4608, South Korea
| | - Ji Won Jang
- Aquafeed Research Center, National Institute of Fisheries Science, 2600 Haean-Ro, Nam Gu, Pohang, 37517, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Le Croizier G, Lorrain A, Sonke JE, Jaquemet S, Schaal G, Renedo M, Besnard L, Cherel Y, Point D. Mercury isotopes as tracers of ecology and metabolism in two sympatric shark species. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:114931. [PMID: 32590319 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In coastal ecosystems, top predators are exposed to a wide variety of nutrient and contaminant sources due to the diversity of trophic webs within inshore marine habitats. Mercury contamination could represent an additional threat to shark populations that are declining worldwide. Here we measured total mercury, carbon and nitrogen isotopes, as well as mercury isotopes, in two co-occurring shark species (the bull shark Carcharhinus leucas and the tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier) and their potential prey from a coastal ecosystem of the western Indian Ocean (La Réunion Island). Our primary goals were to (i) determine the main trophic Hg sources for sharks and (ii) better characterize their diet composition and foraging habitat. Hg isotope signatures (Δ199Hg and δ202Hg) of shark prey suggested that bull sharks were exposed to methylmercury (MeHg) produced in offshore epipelagic waters, while tiger sharks were exposed to offshore mesopelagic MeHg with additional microbial transformation in slope sediments. Δ199Hg values efficiently traced the ecology of the two predators, demonstrating that bull sharks targeted coastal prey in shallow waters while tiger sharks were mainly foraging on mesopelagic species in the deeper waters of the island slope. Unexpectedly, we found a positive shift in δ202Hg (>1‰) between sharks and their prey, leading to high δ202Hg values in the two shark species (e.g. 1.91 ± 0.52‰ in bull sharks). This large shift in δ202Hg indicates that sharks may display strong MeHg demethylation abilities, possibly reflecting evolutionary pathways for mitigating their MeHg contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaël Le Croizier
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi Pyrénées (OMP), UMR 5563 CNRS/IRD/Université Paul Sabatier, 14 avenue Edouard Belin, 31400, Toulouse, France.
| | - Anne Lorrain
- Univ Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, LEMAR, F-29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Jeroen E Sonke
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi Pyrénées (OMP), UMR 5563 CNRS/IRD/Université Paul Sabatier, 14 avenue Edouard Belin, 31400, Toulouse, France
| | - Sébastien Jaquemet
- Laboratoire ENTROPIE, UMR 9220 CNRS/IRD/Université de La Réunion, 15 Avenue René Cassin, BP 92003, 97744, Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Gauthier Schaal
- Univ Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, LEMAR, F-29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Marina Renedo
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi Pyrénées (OMP), UMR 5563 CNRS/IRD/Université Paul Sabatier, 14 avenue Edouard Belin, 31400, Toulouse, France
| | - Lucien Besnard
- Univ Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, LEMAR, F-29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 du CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - David Point
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi Pyrénées (OMP), UMR 5563 CNRS/IRD/Université Paul Sabatier, 14 avenue Edouard Belin, 31400, Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Li M, Juang CA, Ewald JD, Yin R, Mikkelsen B, Krabbenhoft DP, Balcom PH, Dassuncao C, Sunderland EM. Selenium and stable mercury isotopes provide new insights into mercury toxicokinetics in pilot whales. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 710:136325. [PMID: 31927288 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
High exposures of mammalian species to inorganic mercury (HgII) and methylmercury (MeHg) have been associated with adverse effects on behavior and reproduction. Different mammalian species exhibit varying responses to similar external exposure levels, reflecting potential differences in Hg toxicokinetics. Here, we use Hg stable isotopes, total Hg, MeHg and selenium (Se) concentrations measured in multiple tissues of North Atlantic pilot whales (Globicephala melas) to investigate processes affecting the distribution and accumulation of HgII and MeHg. We find that simple mixing of two distinct isotopic end-members: MeHg (1.4‰) and HgII (-1.6‰) can explain the observed variability of δ202Hg in brain tissue. A similar isotopic composition for the MeHg end-member in the brain, muscle, heart, and kidney suggests efficient exchange of MeHg in blood throughout the body. By contrast, the Hg isotopic composition of the liver of adult whales is different from younger whales and other tissues that follow the two-end member mixing model. Measured Se:Hg ratios are lowest in adult whales with the highest levels of MeHg exposure. In these individuals, Se availability is likely reduced by complexation with demethylated HgII. We speculate that this results in a higher fraction of labile HgII eliminated from the liver of adult whales compared to young whales and subsequent redistribution to other tissues, potentially affecting toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miling Li
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| | - C Alicia Juang
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
| | - Jessica D Ewald
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States; Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Macdonald Campus, McGill University Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Runsheng Yin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Bjarni Mikkelsen
- The Faroese Museum of Natural History, V. U. Hammershaimbsgøta 13, FO-100 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | | | - Prentiss H Balcom
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
| | - Clifton Dassuncao
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Elsie M Sunderland
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| |
Collapse
|