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Cunha FAG, Forsberg BR, Vogt RC, Domingos FXV, Marshall BG, Brito BC, de Sousa OP, Kasper D, Santos ALP, Ândrade M. Mercury biomagnification in the food chain of a piscivorous turtle species (Testudines: Chelidae: Chelus fimbriata) in the Central Amazon, Brazil. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 33:425-439. [PMID: 38700807 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-024-02756-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Due to their natural history and ecological attributes, turtles are excellent organisms for studies of heavy metal contamination. Turtles have a large geographical distribution, occupy different aquatic habitats, and occupy various trophic levels. The present study investigated mercury bioaccumulation in the carnivorous chelonian Chelus fimbriata (Matamata turtle) and Hg biomagnification in relation to its aquatic food chain in the middle Rio Negro, AM-Brazil. Tissue samples of muscle, carapace and claws were collected from 26 C. fimbriata individuals, as well as collections of autotrophic energy sources found in the turtle's aquatic habitat area. The samples were collected in February-March/2014 and analyzed for THg concentrations and carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopes. The highest THg levels were found in claws (3780 ng.g-1), carapace (3622 ng.g-1) and muscle (403 ng.g-1), which were found to be significantly different [F(2.73) = 49.02 p < 0.01]. However, THg concentrations in muscle tissue were below the consumption threshold indicated by the WHO and Brazilian Health Ministry. The average δ13C and δ15N values in Matamata samples were -31.7‰ and 11.9‰, respectively. The principal energy source sustaining the food chain of C. fimbriata was found to be terrestrial shrubs, with smaller contributions from emergent aquatic herbaceous plants and algae, while δ15N values showed its trophic position to be two levels above the autotrophic energy sources. There was a positive correlation between THg and turtle size, while a significant relationship was found between THg and δ15N, showing strong biomagnification in the food chain of C. fimbriata: y = 0.21x + 0.46; r2 = 0.45; p < 0.001, for which the slope presented a value of 0.21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio Andrew G Cunha
- Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática e Pesca da Amazônia, Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Campus Universitário do Guamá, Rua Augusto Corrêa, 01, 66.075-110, Belém, Pará, Brazil.
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Manaus, AM, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Ecossistemas Amazônicos (LEA), Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Campus III, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil.
| | - Bruce R Forsberg
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Manaus, AM, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecossistemas Amazônicos (LEA), Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Campus III, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Richard C Vogt
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Fabíola X V Domingos
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Manaus, AM, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia Aquática na Amazônia, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Bruce G Marshall
- Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering, University of British Columbia, 517-6350 Stores Road, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Brendson C Brito
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Campus Itaituba, Estrada do Jacarezinho, s/n, 68.180-000, Itaituba, PA, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, Santarém, PA, Brazil
| | - Otávio P de Sousa
- Laboratório de Ecossistemas Amazônicos (LEA), Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Campus III, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Daniele Kasper
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Ana Laura P Santos
- Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática e Pesca da Amazônia, Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Campus Universitário do Guamá, Rua Augusto Corrêa, 01, 66.075-110, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Ândrade
- Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática e Pesca da Amazônia, Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Campus Universitário do Guamá, Rua Augusto Corrêa, 01, 66.075-110, Belém, Pará, Brazil
- Centro de Ciências Humanas, Naturais, Saúde e Tecnologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA), Estrada Pinheiro-Pacas, Pinheiro, MA, Brazil
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Silva JGD, Chagas CA, Souza TGDS, Araújo MCD, Araújo LCAD, Santos AMM, Sá RADQCD, Alves RBDO, Rodrigues RHA, Silva HPD, Malafaia G, Bezerra RDS, Oliveira MBMD. Using structural equation modeling to assess the genotoxic and mutagenic effects of heavy metal contamination in the freshwater ecosystems: A study involving Oreochromis niloticus in an urban river. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169529. [PMID: 38160826 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169529] [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: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Chemical pollutants represent a leading problem for aquatic ecosystems, as they can induce genetic, biochemical, and physiological changes in the species of these ecosystems, thus compromising their adaptability and survival. The Capibaribe River runs through the state of Pernambuco, located in Northeastern Brazil, and passes through areas of agricultural cultivation, densely populated cities, and industrial centers, primarily textiles. Despite its importance, few ecotoxicological studies have been conducted on its environment, and knowledge about pollution patterns and their effects on its biota is still being determined. The objective of this study was to evaluate the water quality and the damage supposed to be caused by pollutants on the DNA specimens of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) obtained from seven strategic points of Capibaribe. Tilapia specimens and water were collected during the rainy and dry seasons from 2015 to 2017. The following characteristics were analyzed: physicochemical (six), metal concentration (seven), local pluviosity, micronuclei, and comet assay. The physicochemical and heavy metal analyses were exploratory, whereas the ecotoxicological analyses were hypothetical. To verify this hypothesis, we compared the groups of fish collected to the results of the micronuclei test and comet assay. We created a Structural Equation Model (SEM) to determine how each metal's micronuclei variables, damage index, pluviosity, and concentration were related. Our results demonstrated that the highest values for markers of genetic damage were detected at points with the highest heavy metal concentrations, especially iron, zinc, manganese, chromium, and cadmium. The SEM demonstrated that metals could explain the findings of the genotoxicity markers. Moreover, other pollutants, such as pesticides, should be considered, mainly where the river passes through rural areas. The results presented here demonstrate that the Capibaribe River has different degrees of contamination and confirm our hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordany Gomes da Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Cristiano Aparecido Chagas
- Laboratório de Ciências Morfológicas e Moleculares, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE - CAV), Vitória de Santo Antão, Pernambuco, Brazil.
| | | | - Marlyete Chagas de Araújo
- Laboratório de Enzimologia, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - André Maurício Melo Santos
- Laboratório de Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE - CAV), Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Rosner Henrique Alves Rodrigues
- Instituto para Redução de Riscos e Desastres de Pernambuco -IRRD, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Núcleo de Geoprocessamento e Sensoriamento Remoto - GEOSERE, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Hernande Pereira da Silva
- Instituto para Redução de Riscos e Desastres - IRRD/UFRPE, Núcleo de Geoprocessamento e Sensoriamento Remoto - GEOSERE/UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí Campus, Rodovia Geraldo Silva Nascimento, 2.5 km, Zona Rural, Urutaí, GO, Brazil.
| | - Ranilson de Souza Bezerra
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Bioquímica, Laboratório de Enzimologia, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Maria Betânia Melo de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil.
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da Fonseca CF, da Silva IJS, da Silva Rodrigues M, de Souza Silva BH, Soares PC, de Moura GJB, de Oliveira JB. Evaluation of metal exposure through the composition of essential and toxic micro-minerals in freshwater turtles (Phrynops geoffroanus) from a Brazilian river. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:54871-54884. [PMID: 36881237 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26127-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate metal exposure through the concentration of essential and toxic micro-minerals in biological samples of Phrynops geoffroanus from an anthropized river. The work was carried out in four areas with different flow characteristics and uses of the river, where individuals of both sexes were captured during the dry and rainy seasons. The elements Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn were quantified in samples of serum (168), muscle (62), liver (61), and kidney (61) by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The concentration of the elements varied according to the sample type, being higher in the liver and the kidney. In the serum, many elements were below the limit of quantification, but it was possible to determine Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn. The liver showed high levels of Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn, and muscle for Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn, with most of the elements accumulated in the kidney (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, and Ni) relative to other tissues. There was no significant difference between the sexes in the accumulation of elements. Between seasons, Cu was higher in serum and Mn in muscle and liver in the dry period, while in the kidney, almost all the elements were higher in the rainy period. The concentrations of the elements in the samples indicated a high degree of environmental contamination, representing risk in the use of the river and consumption of food from local fisheries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Farias da Fonseca
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal Tropical (PPGCAT), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Parasitologia (LAPAR), Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil.
- Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis (IBAMA), Casa Forte, Av. 17 de Agosto 1057, Recife, Pernambuco, 52060-590, Brazil.
| | - Iago José Santos da Silva
- Departamento de Engenharia Civil e Ambiental, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, Cidade Universitária, Recife, Pernambuco, 1235, 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Midiã da Silva Rodrigues
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal Tropical (PPGCAT), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Bruna Higino de Souza Silva
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Pierre Castro Soares
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Geraldo Jorge Barbosa de Moura
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal Tropical (PPGCAT), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia (PPGE), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Bianque de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal Tropical (PPGCAT), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
- Laboratório de Parasitologia (LAPAR), Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia (PPGE), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/N, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
- Programa de Educação Tutorial Bacharelado em Ciências Biológicas (PET Biologia), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
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Rodríguez-Levy IE, Van Damme PA, Carvajal-Vallejos FM, Bervoets L. Trace element accumulation in different edible fish species from the bolivian amazon and the risk for human consumption. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11649. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Gentil E, de Medeiros LA, Vogt RC, Barnett AA. Biology of the Big-headed Amazon River Turtle, Peltocephalus dumerilianus (Schweigger, 1812) (Testudines, Pleurodira): the basal extant Podocnemididae species. HERPETOZOA 2021. [DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e67807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We review the extent and nature of scientific knowledge of the Big-headed Amazon River Turtle, Peltocephalus dumerilianus, covering distribution, morphology, taxonomy, diet, behaviour, reproduction, and ecology. We discuss the phylogenetic position of the species and its evolutionary relationships with the other podocnemidids, comparing morphological, karyological and molecular information. Also, we describe the importance of this species and its relationship with traditional Amazonian communities, including capture techniques, uses, beliefs and taboos. Finally, we comment on the conservation status of the species and the urgent need for additional studies. Besides discussing and reinterpreting published data, we provide new information from recent genetic studies, field activities and captive observations.
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Dos Santos RL, de Sousa Correia JM, Dos Santos EM. Freshwater aquatic reptiles (Testudines and Crocodylia) as biomonitor models in assessing environmental contamination by inorganic elements and the main analytical techniques used: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:498. [PMID: 34287720 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09212-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite the general lack of studies that use reptiles as bioindicators, the value of freshwater turtles and crocodilians in ecotoxicology has been proven, due to their importance as sentinel species. The aim of this study was to compile information on the use of freshwater turtles and crocodilians as environmental biomonitors of inorganic element contamination. We searched for articles in databases using specific keywords. A total of 104 studies published between the years 1970 and 2020 were collected. We noted a general increase in the number of studies involving turtles and crocodilians during the study time period. The Order Testudines were the subjects of 46% of the analysed publications, and the Order Crocodylia accounted for 54%. Within these studies, we counted 39 species (turtles n = 29 and crocodilians n = 10). Forty chemical elements were evaluated in the analysed articles, of which the majority represented non-essential elements (Hg, Cd, Pb). Although internal organs constituted the main biological matrix chosen for each group (37%), we observed an increase in the use of non-destructive matrices in both groups (scale, blood, tail muscle, carapace). The majority of analysed studies used HNO3 for the sample decomposition, with the majority of analyses being performed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (53%). Mainly blank controls (19%), analyte recovery (18%) and replicates (18%) were used as methods of validating analytical procedures. Furthermore, the studies used certified reference materials, which measure the accuracy of the methods used. We conclude that the increase in the use of aquatic reptiles in environmental monitoring research is mainly due to their ability to reveal integrated changes in ecosystems, aiding in environmental public policy decision-making and effective management plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayssa Lima Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Conservação, Av. Gregório Ferraz Nogueira, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Serra Talhada, PE, Brazil.
| | | | - Ednilza Maranhão Dos Santos
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Manoel de Medeiros, Recife, PE, Brazil
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Frossard A, Coppo GC, Lourenço AT, Heringer OA, Chippari-Gomes AR. Metal bioaccumulation and its genotoxic effects on eggs and hatchlings of giant Amazon river turtle (Podocnemis expansa). ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2021; 30:643-657. [PMID: 33754232 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-021-02384-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess whether possible metal contamination in the sediment of the nests of giant Amazon river turtle, Podocnemis expansa, could contaminate eggs and hatchlings, triggering genotoxic damage. Therefore, sediments of P. expansa nests from two sites in the Brazilian Amazon were evaluated, with the first being collected at Araguaia River and the second at Crixás-Açu River. Newly hatched offspring, eggs, and sediments were collected from the beaches of these two rivers and the quantification of metals (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) was carried out by atomic absorption spectroscopy. All targeted metals were found in both sediment and P. expansa biological samples collected on the beaches presenting higher concentrations in the sediment of Crixás-Açu River. Metals found in the eggshells before nesting and in the egg contents were maternally transferred. Moreover, augmented concentration of metals led by metal transfer from the nests sediments were detected in the eggshells after nesting (ENH) and in the newly hatched offspring (H). Probably this metal relocation to the newly hatchlings augmented the frequency of micronuclei in their blood, presenting 15.25‰ in hatchling found in Crixás-Açu River beaches and 10‰ in newly hatched animals from Araguaia River beaches. These results indicate the occurrence of maternal transfer of metals (essential or not) to the eggs in testudines as well as a transference from the sediments to the nesting eggs, triggering genotoxic effects on the hatchlings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Frossard
- Laboratory of Applied Ichthyology, Vila Velha University, Av. Comissário José Dantas de Melo, 21, Boa Vista, 29102-770, Vila Velha, ES, Brazil.
| | - Gabriel Carvalho Coppo
- Laboratory of Applied Ichthyology, Vila Velha University, Av. Comissário José Dantas de Melo, 21, Boa Vista, 29102-770, Vila Velha, ES, Brazil
| | - Amanda Toledo Lourenço
- Laboratory of Health and Wildlife, Vila Velha University, Av. Comissário José Dantas de Melo, 21, Boa Vista, 29102-770, Vila Velha, ES, Brazil
| | - Otávio Arruda Heringer
- Department of Research and Development -Tommasi Ambiental, Av. Arara Azul, 187, Novo Horizonte, Serra, ES, Brazil
| | - Adriana Regina Chippari-Gomes
- Laboratory of Applied Ichthyology, Vila Velha University, Av. Comissário José Dantas de Melo, 21, Boa Vista, 29102-770, Vila Velha, ES, Brazil
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Dos Santos RL, de Sousa Correia JM, Paim APS, da Silva Selva de Oliveira LL, Diniz GTN, Dos Santos EM. Metallic elements in aquatic herpetofauna (Crocodylia; Testudines) from a lentic Atlantic rainforest environment in northeastern Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:314. [PMID: 33914196 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09076-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, Fe, Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Al concentrations in Caiman latirostris and Testudines blood from the Tapacurá reservoir, Pernambuco, Brazil, were investigated. Blood was acid digested with HNO3, and metals were determined by ICP-OES and FAAS. Lead showed concentrations below the established limit of detection. Eighty animals were evaluated, forty from each group. The levels of all elements were statistically significant when compared between the two studied taxa (p < 0.05). In caimans, significant differences between young and adults were observed for chromium (p = 0.0539) and aluminum (p = 0.0515). Testudines showed no statistically significant differences for the variable age structure. Gender did not influence metal concentrations detected in the present study for either group. Differences between species of testudines were significant for Fe between Mesoclemmys tuberculata vs Phrynops geoffroanus (p = 0.0932) and Kinosternon scorpioides vs Phrynops geoffroanus (p = 0.063). The inter-elementary correlations showed statistically significant differences between the elements Cr vs Al (R2 = 0.52), Cr vs Cd (0.43), Cd vs Cu (R2 = 0.41), Ni vs Cu (R2 = 0.31), Ni vs Cr (R2 = 0.30), Al vs Cd (R2 = 0.27), and Cd vs Fe (R2 = 0.26). It is concluded that blood is an excellent predictor of metals in crocodilians and testudines in the Tapacurá reservoir, with statistically significant differences when correlated to concentrations such as size and species studied. In addition, it evidenced data that prove the exposure of these animals to metals, with strong inter-elementary correlations and opening doors for future studies that seek to understand possible biological effects caused in the studied taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayssa Lima Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-gradução em Biodiversidade e Conservação, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Gregório Ferraz Nogueira, Serra Talhada, PE, Brasil.
| | | | - Ana Paula Silveira Paim
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Universidade Federal Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | | | - George Tadeu Nunes Diniz
- Centro de Pesquisa Aggeu Magalhães/FIOCRUZ, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - Ednilza Maranhão Dos Santos
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Manoel de Medeiros, Recife, PE, Brasil
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Alcala-Orozco M, Caballero-Gallardo K, Olivero-Verbel J. Biomonitoring of Mercury, Cadmium and Selenium in Fish and the Population of Puerto Nariño, at the Southern Corner of the Colombian Amazon. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2020; 79:354-370. [PMID: 33025049 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-020-00761-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals threaten communities near biodiversity hotspots, as their protein sources come from the environment. This study assessed Hg, Cd, and Se concentrations in fish, as well as the magnitude of exposure and hematological conditions of adult citizens from Puerto Nariño (Colombian Amazon). Among fish samples, greater Hg concentrations were found in higher trophic level species, including Rhaphiodon vulpinus (880 ± 130 ng/g) and Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum (920 ± 87 ng/g). These species presented the highest hazard quotients and lowest Se:Hg molar ratios among those studied, showing their consumption represents a health risk to consumers. Moreover, some samples of Mylossoma duriventre and Prochilodus magdalenae had Cd levels greater than the regulated limit (100 ng/g). The average total Hg (T-Hg) concentrations in human hair and blood were 5.31 µg/g and 13.7 µg/L, respectively. All hair samples exceeded the 1.0 μg/g threshold set by the USEPA, whereas 93% of the volunteers had T-Hg blood levels greater than 5 μg/L, suggesting elevated exposure. The mean Cd level was 3.1 µg/L, with 21% of samples surpassing 5 µg/L, value at which mitigating actions should be taken. Eighty-four percent of participants presented Se deficiencies (<100 μg/L). There was a significant association between fish consumption and T-Hg in hair (ρ = 0.323; p = 0.032) and blood (ρ = 0.381; p = 0.011). In this last matrix, Se correlated with Cd content, whereas lymphocytes were inversely linked to Hg concentrations. The results of this study show that there is extensive exposure to Hg in fish, the consumption of which may promote detrimental impacts on hematology parameters within the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alcala-Orozco
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Zaragocilla Campus, 130015, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Karina Caballero-Gallardo
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Zaragocilla Campus, 130015, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Jesus Olivero-Verbel
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Zaragocilla Campus, 130015, Cartagena, Colombia.
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Vargas-Ramírez M, Caballero S, Morales-Betancourt MA, Lasso CA, Amaya L, Martínez JG, das Neves Silva Viana M, Vogt RC, Farias IP, Hrbek T, Campbell PD, Fritz U. Genomic analyses reveal two species of the matamata (Testudines: Chelidae: Chelus spp.) and clarify their phylogeography. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2020; 148:106823. [PMID: 32278863 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2020.106823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The matamata is one of the most charismatic turtles on earth, widely distributed in northern South America. Debates have occurred over whether or not there should be two subspecies or species recognized due to its geographic variation in morphology. Even though the matamata is universally known, its natural history, conservation status and biogeography are largely unexplored. In this study we examined the phylogeographic differentiation of the matamata based on three mitochondrial DNA fragments (2168 bp of the control region, cytochrome oxidase subunit I, and the cytochrome b gene), one nuclear genomic DNA fragment (1068 bp of the R35 intron) and 1661 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). Our molecular and morphological analyses revealed the existence of two distinct, genetically deeply divergent evolutionary lineages of matamatas that separated in the late Miocene (approximately 12.7 million years ago), corresponding well to the time when the Orinoco Basin was established. As a result of our analyses, we describe the genetically and morphologically highly distinct matamata from the Orinoco and Río Negro Basins and the Essequibo drainage as a species new to science (Chelus orinocensis sp. nov.). Chelus fimbriata sensu stricto is distributed in the Amazon Basin and the Mahury drainage. Additionally, the analyses revealed that each species displays phylogeographic differentiation. For C. orinocensis, there is moderate mitochondrial differentiation between the Orinoco and the Río Negro. For C. fimbriata, there is more pronounced differentiation matching different river systems. One mitochondrial clade was identified from the Amazon, Ucayali, and Mahury Rivers, and another one from the Madeira and Jaci Paraná Rivers. The C. orinocensis in the Essequibo and Branco Rivers have haplotypes that constitute a third clade clustering with C. fimbriata. Phylogenetic analyses of the R35 intron and SNP data link the matamatas from the Essequibo and Branco with the new species, suggesting past gene flow and old mitochondrial introgression. Chelus orinocensis is collected for the pet trade in Colombia and Venezuela. However, neither the extent of the harvest nor its impact are known. Hence, it is crucial to gather more information and to assess its exploitation throughout its distribution range to obtain a better understanding of its conservation status and to design appropriate conservation and management procedures. RESUMEN: La matamata es una de las tortugas más carismáticas del mundo, ampliamente distribuida en el norte de Sudamérica. Debido a su variación morfológica geográfica, se debate sobre el reconocimiento de dos subespecies o especies. A pesar de que la matamata es universalmente conocida, su historia natural, estado de conservación y biogeografía han sido muy poco estudiados. En este estudio examinamos la diferenciación filogeográfica de las matamatas en base a tres fragmentos de ADN mitocondrial (2168 pb de la región de control, la subunidad I del citocromo oxidasa y el gen del citocromo b), un fragmento de ADN genómico nuclear (1068 pb del intrón R35) y 1661 polimorfismos de nucleótido único (SNPs). Nuestros análisis moleculares y morfológicos revelaron la existencia de dos linajes evolutivos distintos de matamatas, genéticamente divergentes que se separaron en el Mioceno tardio (hace aproximadamente 12.7 millones de años), correspondiendo al tiempo en que se estableció la cuenca del Orinoco. Como resultado de nuestros análisis, describimos las genéticamente y morfológicamente distintas matamatas de las cuencas del Orinoco, Río Negro y Essequibo como una especie nueva para la ciencia (Chelus orinocensis sp. nov.). Chelus fimbriata sensu stricto se distribuye en la cuenca del Amazonas y en el drenaje del Mahury. Adicionalmente, los análisis revelaron que cada especie muestra diferenciación filogeográfica. Para C. orinocensis, hay una moderada diferenciación mitocondrial entre el Orinoco y el Río Negro. Para C. fimbriata, hay una diferenciación más pronunciada, concordando con los diferentes sistemas fluviales. Se identificó un clado de los ríos Amazonas, Ucayali y Mahury y otro de los ríos Madeira y Jaci Paraná. Las C. orinocensis de los ríos Essequibo y Branco tienen haplotipos que constituyen un tercer clado que se agrupa con C. fimbriata. Los análisis filogenéticos del intrón R35 y los datos de SNP asocian las matamatas de Essequibo y Branco con la nueva especie, sugiriendo flujo de genes pasado e introgresión mitocondrial antigua. Chelus orinocensis se colecta para el comercio de mascotas en Colombia y Venezuela. Sin embargo, ni se conoce el alcance de las colectas ni su impacto. Por lo tanto, es crucial recopilar más información y evaluar su explotación en todo su rango de distribución, comprender mejor su estado de conservación y para diseñar acciones apropiadas de conservación y manejo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Vargas-Ramírez
- Estación de Biología Tropical Roberto Franco (EBTRF), Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Villavicencio, Colombia; Biodiversidad y Conservación Genética, Instituto de Genética, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia; Museum of Zoology, Senckenberg Dresden, A. B. Meyer Building, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Susana Caballero
- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular de Vertebrados Acuáticos-LEMVA, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mónica A Morales-Betancourt
- Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt, Programa Ciencias de la Biodiversidad, Línea de Recursos Hidrobiológicos, Pesqueros Continentales y Fauna Silvestre, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carlos A Lasso
- Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt, Programa Ciencias de la Biodiversidad, Línea de Recursos Hidrobiológicos, Pesqueros Continentales y Fauna Silvestre, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Laura Amaya
- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular de Vertebrados Acuáticos-LEMVA, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - José Gregorio Martínez
- Grupo de Investigación Biociencias, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Institución Universitaria Colegio Mayor de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Laboratório de Evolução e Genética Animal, Departamento de Genetica, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Maria das Neves Silva Viana
- Laboratório de Evolução e Genética Animal, Departamento de Genetica, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Richard C Vogt
- Coordenação de Biodiversidade, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Izeni Pires Farias
- Laboratório de Evolução e Genética Animal, Departamento de Genetica, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Tomas Hrbek
- Laboratório de Evolução e Genética Animal, Departamento de Genetica, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Patrick D Campbell
- Department of Life Sciences, Darwin Centre 1, Natural History Museum, London, UK
| | - Uwe Fritz
- Museum of Zoology, Senckenberg Dresden, A. B. Meyer Building, Dresden, Germany
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Di Marzio A, Lambertucci SA, Fernandez AJG, Martínez-López E. From Mexico to the Beagle Channel: A review of metal and metalloid pollution studies on wildlife species in Latin America. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 176:108462. [PMID: 31228806 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Emissions of metals and metalloids (Hg; Cd; Cr; Cu; Pb; Ni; Zn; Fe; Mn; As; Se) generated by natural (e.g., geothermal activity) or anthropic causes (eg., industry or mining) represent a worldwide contamination problem, especially in developing countries. Exposure to high concentrations of these elements is harmful to living beings, including humans. Information on this type of contamination is scarce and fragmented, limiting research which could benefit from these data. To know the state of the research, we reviewed the studies of environmental pollution by metals and metalloids carried out on animal species in Latin America. The use of animals as biomonitors of contamination by metals and metalloids is a continuously expanding practice that allows for early detection of problems. With this work, we were able to identify the most studied areas in Latin America (Amazon, Gulf of California, coastal area between Rio de Janeiro and Florianopolis and River Plate Estuary). Moreover, we provide information on the most studied metals (Hg, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) and wild species, which evidence the use of endangered species. The data reviewed should help researchers to direct their efforts towards sparsely researched areas and facilitate bibliographic consultation of scientific information on exposure to metals and metalloids in Latin America.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Di Marzio
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - S A Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de La Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (CONICET-Universidad Nacional Del Comahue), Bariloche, Argentina
| | - A J Garcia Fernandez
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain; Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - E Martínez-López
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain; Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
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12
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Beau F, Bustamante P, Michaud B, Brischoux F. Environmental causes and reproductive correlates of mercury contamination in European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 172:338-344. [PMID: 30825684 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Assessing Hg contamination in aquatic ecosystems is difficult because wetlands are part of large and complex networks, and potential sources of Hg contamination are highly diverse. To investigate environmental determinants of Hg contamination, we studied one of the largest continental French wetlands structured as a dense network of artificial ponds. Such context allows to investigate the influence of pond characteristics on Hg contamination in an area relatively disconnected from direct sources of pollution. We relied on a bioindicator organism, the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) to assess Hg contamination in a relatively large number of sites (N > 255 turtles from 15 ponds sampled in 2016 and 2017). Non-invasive sampling in the claws of turtles show that Hg concentrations were not related to their sex or size, but we found an effect of age (1.62 ± 0.20 in juveniles and 2.21 ± 0.06 µg g-1 dw in adults), suggesting that turtles do bioaccumulate Hg through their life. Turtle Hg was different between ponds, and we found that pond age and pond usage (draining events linked to pond maintenance) were the main environmental determinants of Hg concentrations in turtles. Finally, and more importantly, our dataset allowed us to highlight potential negative effect of Hg concentrations on the proportion of reproductive females, suggesting an influence of Hg on reproductive mechanisms in this species. This result indicates that Hg contamination, even in absence of direct and strong sources of pollution, may have a critical impact on reproduction and thus the persistence of a long-lived vertebrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Beau
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CEBC UMR 7372 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France; Réserve Naturelle Nationale de Chérine, Maison de la Nature et de la Réserve, 36290 Saint-Michel-en-Brenne, France.
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Bruno Michaud
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CEBC UMR 7372 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France
| | - François Brischoux
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CEBC UMR 7372 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France
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Quintela FM, Lima GP, Silveira ML, Costa PG, Bianchini A, Loebmann D, Martins SE. High arsenic and low lead concentrations in fish and reptiles from Taim wetlands, a Ramsar site in southern Brazil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 660:1004-1014. [PMID: 30743898 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The pollution caused by heavy metals and metalloids represent an emerging threat to wetlands worldwide. Herein we examined the concentrations of arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) in fish and aquatic/semi-aquatic reptiles from Taim wetlands, a Ramsar site located at the southernmost Brazilian coastal plain. A total of 82 individuals from six fish and three reptile species from varied trophic levels were analysed through furnace graphite atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Mean As concentrations (μg·g-1 dry weight) were markedly high, ranging from 13.06 ± 3.18 to 19.4 ± 4.04 in fish and 3.51 ± 2.36 to 19.00 ± 10.45 in reptiles. Mean Pb concentrations were low, ranging from 0.00067 ± 0.00060 to 0.0040 ± 0.00045 in fishes and 0.00103 ± 0.0011 to 0.0271 ± 0.0353 in reptiles. The highest As mean level was detected in the herbivore-insectivore fish Astyanax aff. fasciatus, a species of low trophic level among the analysed taxa. The highest Pb mean level was found in the broad-snouted caiman Caiman latirostris, the highest trophic level species analysed. The present study warns for the contamination of As especially in edible fish, which constitute a threat to the communities that use this resource in systems connected to Taim wetlands. As concentrations in reptiles were also higher than those reported in previous studies concerning the groups herein addressed. It is possible that the high As burdens found in the analysed species could be attributed to the use of fertilizers and pesticides in extensive irrigated rice areas located in Taim wetlands surroundings, but natural sources cannot be dismissed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando M Quintela
- Laboratório de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Gilmar Pinto Lima
- Laboratório de Toxicologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Melise L Silveira
- Laboratório de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia de Ambientes Aquáticos Continentais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Gomes Costa
- Laboratório de Toxicologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Adalto Bianchini
- Laboratório de Toxicologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Daniel Loebmann
- Laboratório de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Samantha E Martins
- Laboratório de Toxicologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.
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de Souza ACM, de Almeida MG, Pestana IA, de Souza CMM. Arsenic Exposure and Effects in Humans: A Mini-Review in Brazil. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 76:357-365. [PMID: 30569210 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-018-00586-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) is widely studied in several countries due to its toxicity to biota in the environment. Arsenic sources may be natural or anthropogenic, and the mobility of the element is ruled by physicochemical conditions that also define the dominant As species in the environment. Arsenic levels are evaluated in various abiotic and biotic environmental samples. The highest As levels are observed in sediment, from where it may be mobilized into the aquifers. This article reviews studies about As in the world but with emphasis on studies performed in Brazil, a country where continental water bodies are a common geographic feature. We reviewed 64 studies published between 1985 and 2016. The results indicate that in recent years more studies have been conducted to determine As levels in foods and human samples as a tool to evaluate the exposure of populations and identify potential sources. In Brazil, the main problems associated with contamination with As are the use of wood preservatives and herbicides as well as the impact caused by mining. Also, the precarious character of sewage treatment systems contributes to the contamination of water bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annaliza Carvalho Meneguelli de Souza
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia-Avenida Alberto Lamego, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, 2000, Horto, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28015-620, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo Gomes de Almeida
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia-Avenida Alberto Lamego, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, 2000, Horto, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28015-620, Brazil
| | - Inácio Abreu Pestana
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia-Avenida Alberto Lamego, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, 2000, Horto, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28015-620, Brazil
| | - Cristina Maria Magalhães de Souza
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia-Avenida Alberto Lamego, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, 2000, Horto, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28015-620, Brazil
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15
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Adel M, Cortés-Gómez AA, Dadar M, Riyahi H, Girondot M. A comparative study of inorganic elements in the blood of male and female Caspian pond turtles (Mauremys caspica) from the southern basin of the Caspian Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:24965-24979. [PMID: 28918536 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0067-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Due to their bioaccumulation and biomagnification pathways, inorganic elements can accumulate in high-level aquatic organisms in the food web. Then, this species can be used to monitor the quality of the environment. Blood concentration of nine inorganic elements, including possible toxic metals (An, Cu, Mn, Se, As, Ni, Cd, Pb, and Hg), in 20 males and 20 females from eight different locations with high industry and agriculture activities in Iran were evaluated in this work. Additionally, size, sex, condition index, and locations were also included and analyzed. Among the essential elements, Zn and Se presented very high concentrations (56.14 ± 2.66 and 8.44 ± 0.77 μg/g ww, respectively) in all locations. Regarding possible toxic elements, Pb and Cd presented concerning concentrations as well (0.52 and 0.58 μg/g ww); this is especially true for Pb, an element found in very high concentrations in tissues of turtles from the same area in a previous study. The sex and the size of the individuals also had significant differences in concentration of Pb, Cd, As, and Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Adel
- Department of Aquatic Animal Health and Diseases, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute, Agriculture Research Education and Extension Organization, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Adriana A Cortés-Gómez
- Laboratoire Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, UMR 8079, Université Paris Sud, CNRS et AgroParisTech, 91405, Orsay cedex, France
| | - Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Karaj, Iran
| | - Hossein Riyahi
- DVM Graduated, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Marc Girondot
- Laboratoire Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, UMR 8079, Université Paris Sud, CNRS et AgroParisTech, 91405, Orsay cedex, France
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Haskins DL, Hamilton MT, Jones AL, Finger JW, Bringolf RB, Tuberville TD. Accumulation of coal combustion residues and their immunological effects in the yellow-bellied slider (Trachemys scripta scripta). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 224:810-819. [PMID: 28284546 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.01.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities such as industrial processes often produce copious amounts of contaminants that have the potential to negatively impact growth, survival, and reproduction of exposed wildlife. Coal combustion residues (CCRs) represent a major source of pollutants globally, resulting in the release of potentially harmful trace elements such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and selenium (Se) into the environment. In the United States, CCRs are typically stored in aquatic settling basins that may become attractive nuisances to wildlife. Trace element contaminants, such as CCRs, may pose a threat to biota yet little is known about their sublethal effects on reptiles. To assess the effects of CCR exposure in turtles, we sampled 81 yellow-bellied sliders (Trachemys scripta scripta) in 2014-2015 from CCR-contaminated and uncontaminated reference wetlands located on the Savannah River Site (Aiken, SC, USA). Specific aims were to (1) compare the accumulation of trace elements in T. s. scripta claw and blood samples between reference and CCR-contaminated site types, (2) evaluate potential immunological effects of CCRs via bacterial killing assays and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) assays, and (3) quantify differences in hemogregarine parasite loads between site types. Claw As, Cd, copper (Cu), and Se (all p ≤ 0.001) and blood As, Cu, Se, and strontium (Sr; p ≤ 0.015) were significantly elevated in turtles from CCR-contaminated wetlands compared to turtles from reference wetlands. Turtles from reference wetlands exhibited lower bacterial killing (p = 0.015) abilities than individuals from contaminated sites but neither PHA responses (p = 0.566) nor parasite loads (p = 0.980) differed by site type. Despite relatively high CCR body burdens, sliders did not exhibit apparent impairment of immunological response or parasite load. In addition, the high correlation between claw and blood concentrations within individuals suggests that nonlethal tissue sampling may be useful for monitoring CCR exposure in turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Haskins
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA; D.B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Matthew T Hamilton
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA; D.B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Amanda L Jones
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
| | - John W Finger
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA; Dept. of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Robert B Bringolf
- D.B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Tracey D Tuberville
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA; D.B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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17
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Eggins S, Schneider L, Krikowa F, Vogt RC, Da Silveira R, Maher W. Mercury concentrations in different tissues of turtle and caiman species from the Rio Purus, Amazonas, Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2015; 34:2771-2781. [PMID: 26387493 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Total mercury (Hg) concentrations of muscle, liver, blood, and epidermal keratin were measured in typically consumed, economically and culturally important species of turtle (Podocnemis unifilis and Podocnemis expansa) and caiman (Melanosuchus niger and Caiman crocodilus) from the Rio Purus in the Amazon basin, Brazil. Methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations were also measured in muscle tissue, representing the first analysis of MeHg concentrations in Amazonian reptile species. In muscle tissues Hg was mostly MeHg (79-96%) for all species. No correlations existed between animal size and total Hg or MeHg concentrations for any species other than M. niger, possibly as a result of growth dilution or the evolution of efficient Hg elimination mechanisms. Significant linear correlations were found between total Hg concentrations in all pairs of nonlethally sampled tissues (keratin and blood) and internal tissues (muscle and liver) for M. niger and between keratin and internal tissues for P. expansa, indicating that nonlethally sampled tissues can be analyzed to achieve more widespread and representative monitoring of Hg bioaccumulation in Amazonian reptiles. Although mean Hg concentrations in muscle for all species were below the World Health Organization guideline for safe consumption (500 µg kg(-1)), mean concentrations in caiman liver were above the safe limit for pregnant women and children (200 µg kg(-1)). No significant differences were found between total Hg and MeHg concentrations in tissues from wild-caught and farm-raised P. expansa, suggesting that farming may not reduce Hg exposure to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Eggins
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Larissa Schneider
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Frank Krikowa
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Richard C Vogt
- Coordenacao de Biodiversidade, Instituto Nacional de Pesquistas da Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Ronis Da Silveira
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - William Maher
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Allender MC, Dreslik MJ, Patel B, Luber EL, Byrd J, Phillips CA, Scott JW. Select metal and metalloid surveillance of free-ranging Eastern box turtles from Illinois and Tennessee (Terrapene carolina carolina). ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2015; 24:1269-1278. [PMID: 26024619 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-015-1498-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) is a primarily terrestrial chelonian distributed across the eastern US. It has been proposed as a biomonitor due to its longevity, small home range, and reliance on the environment to meet its metabolic needs. Plasma samples from 273 free-ranging box turtles from populations in Tennessee and Illinois in 2011 and 2012 were evaluated for presence of heavy metals and to characterize hematologic variables. Lead (Pb), arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), selenium (Se), and copper (Cu) were detected, while cadmium (Cd) and silver (Ag) were not. There were no differences in any metal detected among age class or sex. However, Cr and Pb were higher in turtles from Tennessee, while As, Zn, Se, and Cu were higher in turtles from Illinois. Seasonal differences in metal concentrations were observed for Cr, Zn, and As. Health of turtles was assessed using hematologic variables. Packed cell volume was positively correlated with Cu, Se, and Pb in Tennessee. Total solids, a measure of plasma proteins, in Tennessee turtles were positively correlated with Cu and Zn. White blood cell count, a measure of inflammation, in Tennessee turtles was negatively correlated with Cu and As, and positively correlated with Pb. Metals are a threat to human health and the health of an ecosystem, and the Eastern Box Turtle can serve as a monitor of these contaminants. Differences established in this study can serve as baseline for future studies of these or related populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Allender
- Department of Comparative Bioscience, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, 61802, USA,
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Frossard A, Ferreira PD, Carneiro MTWD, Heringer OA, Endringer DC, Gomes LC. Effect of dietary cadmium on fitness, growth, genotoxicity and accumulation in the Yellow-spotted River Turtle, Podocnemis unifilis. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2013; 140-141:239-241. [PMID: 23827776 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2013.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Revised: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 06/05/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to expose the Yellow-spotted River Turtle, Podocnemis unifilis, to dietary cadmium (Cd) contamination. The P. unifilis were fed with a Cd contaminated diet (590 µgg(-1)) or a control diet for 30 and 60 days. After the Cd feeding period, the locomotor performance and specific growth rate were assessed. Blood samples were drawn for micronuclei analysis and tissues were collected to analyze the Cd concentration. Dietary Cd influenced the fitness of turtles at 30 days (righting time 752s), but not after 60 days (righting time 43.67s). Micronuclei in erythrocytes (12 ± 5‰) were significantly greater in contaminated turtle at 60 days. Cd accumulation is found in gut, intestine, kidney, fat, liver and blood of animals from contaminated diet group and the Cd concentration of almost all the tissues had increased following the 30-60-day feeding period. Cd does not impair animal the fitness after sixty days of dietary treatment, but it does can cause an accumulation on P. unifilis.
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