1
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Evers DC, Ackerman JT, Åkerblom S, Bally D, Basu N, Bishop K, Bodin N, Braaten HFV, Burton MEH, Bustamante P, Chen C, Chételat J, Christian L, Dietz R, Drevnick P, Eagles-Smith C, Fernandez LE, Hammerschlag N, Harmelin-Vivien M, Harte A, Krümmel EM, Brito JL, Medina G, Barrios Rodriguez CA, Stenhouse I, Sunderland E, Takeuchi A, Tear T, Vega C, Wilson S, Wu P. Global mercury concentrations in biota: their use as a basis for a global biomonitoring framework. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 33:325-396. [PMID: 38683471 PMCID: PMC11213816 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-024-02747-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
An important provision of the Minamata Convention on Mercury is to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the adopted measures and its implementation. Here, we describe for the first time currently available biotic mercury (Hg) data on a global scale to improve the understanding of global efforts to reduce the impact of Hg pollution on people and the environment. Data from the peer-reviewed literature were compiled in the Global Biotic Mercury Synthesis (GBMS) database (>550,000 data points). These data provide a foundation for establishing a biomonitoring framework needed to track Hg concentrations in biota globally. We describe Hg exposure in the taxa identified by the Minamata Convention: fish, sea turtles, birds, and marine mammals. Based on the GBMS database, Hg concentrations are presented at relevant geographic scales for continents and oceanic basins. We identify some effective regional templates for monitoring methylmercury (MeHg) availability in the environment, but overall illustrate that there is a general lack of regional biomonitoring initiatives around the world, especially in Africa, Australia, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and South Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Temporal trend data for Hg in biota are generally limited. Ecologically sensitive sites (where biota have above average MeHg tissue concentrations) have been identified throughout the world. Efforts to model and quantify ecosystem sensitivity locally, regionally, and globally could help establish effective and efficient biomonitoring programs. We present a framework for a global Hg biomonitoring network that includes a three-step continental and oceanic approach to integrate existing biomonitoring efforts and prioritize filling regional data gaps linked with key Hg sources. We describe a standardized approach that builds on an evidence-based evaluation to assess the Minamata Convention's progress to reduce the impact of global Hg pollution on people and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA.
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA, 95620, USA
| | | | - Dominique Bally
- African Center for Environmental Health, BP 826 Cidex 03, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Nil Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kevin Bishop
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Upsalla, Sweden
| | - Nathalie Bodin
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development Seychelles Fishing Authority, Victoria, Seychelles
| | | | - Mark E H Burton
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Celia Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - John Chételat
- Environment and Cliamte Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Linroy Christian
- Department of Analytical Services, Dunbars, Friars Hill, St John, Antigua and Barbuda
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Paul Drevnick
- Teck American Incorporated, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Collin Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Luis E Fernandez
- Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability and Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 29106, USA
- Centro de Innovación Científica Amazonica (CINCIA), Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, Peru
| | - Neil Hammerschlag
- Shark Research Foundation Inc, 29 Wideview Lane, Boutiliers Point, NS, B3Z 0M9, Canada
| | - Mireille Harmelin-Vivien
- Aix-Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS/INSU/IRD, Institut Méditerranéen d'Océanologie (MIO), UM 110, Campus de Luminy, case 901, 13288, Marseille, cedex 09, France
| | - Agustin Harte
- Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Chem. des Anémones 15, 1219, Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eva M Krümmel
- Inuit Circumpolar Council-Canada, Ottawa, Canada and ScienTissiME Inc, Barry's Bay, ON, Canada
| | - José Lailson Brito
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Sao Francisco Xavier, 524, Sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Medina
- Director of Basel Convention Coordinating Centre, Stockholm Convention Regional Centre for Latin America and the Caribbean, Hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Iain Stenhouse
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Elsie Sunderland
- Harvard University, Pierce Hall 127, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Akinori Takeuchi
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, Health and Environmental Risk Division, 16-2 Onogawa Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - Tim Tear
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA
| | - Claudia Vega
- Centro de Innovaccion Cientifica Amazonica (CINCIA), Jiron Ucayali 750, Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, 17001, Peru
| | - Simon Wilson
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) Secretariat, N-9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Pianpian Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
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2
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Chen L, Cheng G, Zhou Z, Liang Y, Ci Z, Yin Y, Liu G, Cai Y, Li Y. Methylmercury cycling in the Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea: Reasons for the low system efficiency of methylmercury production. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 258:121792. [PMID: 38772318 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121792] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Coastal seas contribute the majority of human methylmercury (MeHg) exposure via marine fisheries. The terrestrial area surrounding the Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea (BS and YS) is one of the mercury (Hg) emission "hot spots" in the world, resulting in high concentrations of Hg in BS and YS seawater in comparison to other marine systems. However, comparable or even lower Hg levels were detected in seafood from the BS and YS than other coastal regions around the word, suggesting a low system bioaccumulation of Hg. Reasoning a low system efficiency of MeHg production (represented by MeHg/THg (total Hg) in seawater) may be present in these two systems, seven cruises were conducted in the BS and YS to test this hypothesis. MeHg/THg ratios in BS and YS seawater were found to be lower than that in most coastal systems, indicating that the system efficiency of MeHg production is relatively lower in the BS and YS. The low system efficiency of MeHg production reduces the risk of Hg in the BS and YS with high Hg discharge intensity. By measuring in situ production and degradation of MeHg using double stable isotope addition method, and MeHg discharge flux from various sources and its exchange at various interfaces, the budgets of MeHg in the BS and YS were estimated. The results indicate that in situ methylation and demethylation are the major source and sink of MeHg in the BS and YS. By comparing the potential controlling processes and environmental parameters for MeHg/THg in the BS and YS with the other coastal seas, estuaries and bays, lower transport efficiency of inorganic Hg from water column to the sediment, slower methylation of Hg, and rapid demethylation of MeHg were identified to be major reasons for the low system efficiency of MeHg production in the BS and YS. This study highlights the necessity of monitoring the system efficiency of MeHg production, associated processes, and controlling parameters to evaluate the efficiency of reducing Hg emissions in China as well as the other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lufeng Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, PR China
| | - Guoyi Cheng
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, PR China
| | - Zhengwen Zhou
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, PR China
| | - Yong Liang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, PR China
| | - Zhijia Ci
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 519082, PR China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- Laboratory of Environmental Nanotechnology and Health Effect and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, PR China
| | - Guangliang Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Yong Cai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Yanbin Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, PR China.
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3
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Rosati G, Solidoro C, Laurent C, Alcázar LA, Umgiesser G, Canu D. Mercury cycling in contaminated coastal environments: modeling the benthic-pelagic coupling and microbial resistance in the Venice Lagoon. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 261:121965. [PMID: 38964216 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities have been releasing mercury for centuries, and despite global efforts to control emissions, concentrations in environmental media remain high. Coastal sediments can be a long-term repository for mercury, but also a secondary source, and competing processes in marine ecosystems can lead to the conversion of mercury into the toxic and bioaccumulative species methylmercury, which threatens ecosystem and human health. We investigate the fate and transport of three mercury species in a coastal lagoon affected by historical pollution using a novel high-resolution finite element model that integrates mercury biogeochemistry, sediment dynamics and hydrodynamics. The model resolves mercury dynamics in the seawater and the seabed taking into account partitioning, transport driven by water and sediment, and photochemical and microbial transformations. We simulated three years (early 2000s, 2019, and 2020) to assess the spatio-temporal distribution of mercury species concentrations and performed a sensitivity analysis to account for uncertainties. The modeled mercury species concentrations show high temporal and spatial variability, with water concentrations in some areas of the lagoon exceeding those of the open Mediterranean Sea by two orders of magnitude, consistent with available observations from the early 2000s. The results support conclusions about the importance of different processes in shaping the environmental gradients of mercury species. Due to the past accumulation of mercury in the lagoon sediments, inorganic mercury in the water is closely related to the resuspension of contaminated sediments, which is significantly reduced by the presence of benthic vegetation. The gradients of methylmercury depend on the combination of several factors, of which sediment resuspension and mercury methylation are the most relevant. The results add insights into mercury dynamics at coastal sites characterized by a combination of past pollution (i.e. sediment enrichment) and erosive processes, and suggest possible nature-based mitigation strategies such as the preservation of the integrity of benthic vegetation and morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginevra Rosati
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, Trieste, 34010, Italy.
| | - Cosimo Solidoro
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, Trieste, 34010, Italy; International Centre for Theoretical Physic, ICTP, Trieste, 34010, Italy
| | - Célia Laurent
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, Trieste, 34010, Italy
| | | | | | - Donata Canu
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, Trieste, 34010, Italy
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4
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Tam LM, Rand MD. Review: myogenic and muscle toxicity targets of environmental methylmercury exposure. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:1645-1658. [PMID: 38546836 PMCID: PMC11105986 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03724-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
A number of environmental toxicants are noted for their activity that leads to declined motor function. However, the role of muscle as a proximal toxicity target organ for environmental agents has received considerably less attention than the toxicity targets in the nervous system. Nonetheless, the effects of conventional neurotoxicants on processes of myogenesis and muscle maintenance are beginning to resolve a concerted role of muscle as a susceptible toxicity target. A large body of evidence from epidemiological, animal, and in vitro studies has established that methylmercury (MeHg) is a potent developmental toxicant, with the nervous system being a preferred target. Despite its well-recognized status as a neurotoxicant, there is accumulating evidence that MeHg also targets muscle and neuromuscular development as well as contributes to the etiology of motor defects with prenatal MeHg exposure. Here, we summarize evidence for targets of MeHg in the morphogenesis and maintenance of skeletal muscle that reveal effects on MeHg distribution, myogenesis, myotube formation, myotendinous junction formation, neuromuscular junction formation, and satellite cell-mediated muscle repair. We briefly recapitulate the molecular and cellular mechanisms of skeletal muscle development and highlight the pragmatic role of alternative model organisms, Drosophila and zebrafish, in delineating the molecular underpinnings of muscle development and MeHg-mediated myotoxicity. Finally, we discuss how toxicity targets in muscle development may inform the developmental origins of health and disease theory to explain the etiology of environmentally induced adult motor deficits and accelerated decline in muscle fitness with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lok Ming Tam
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
| | - Matthew D Rand
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
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5
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Wadle A, Neal-Walthall N, Ndu U, Hsu-Kim H. Distribution and Homogenization of Multiple Mercury Species Inputs to Freshwater Wetland Mesocosms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:1709-1720. [PMID: 38181227 PMCID: PMC10810159 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg)-impaired aquatic ecosystems often receive multiple inputs of different Hg species with varying potentials for transformation and bioaccumulation. Over time, these distinct input pools of Hg homogenize in their relative distributions and bioaccumulation potentials as a result of biogeochemical processes and other aging processes within the ecosystem. This study sought to evaluate the relative time scale for homogenization of multiple Hg inputs to wetlands, information that is relevant for ecosystem management strategies that consider Hg source apportionment. We performed experiments in simulated freshwater wetland mesocosms that were dosed with four isotopically labeled mercury forms: two dissolved forms (Hg2+ and Hg-humic acid) and two particulate forms (nano-HgS and Hg adsorbed to FeS). Over the course of one year, we monitored the four Hg isotope endmembers for their relative distribution between surface water, sediment, and fish in the mesocosms, partitioning between soluble and particulate forms, and conversion to methylated mercury (MeHg). We also evaluated the reactivity and mobility of Hg through sequential selective extractions of sediment and the uptake flux of aqueous Hg in a diffusive gradient in thin-film (DGT) passive samplers. We observed that the four isotope spikes were relatively similar in surface water concentration (ca. 3000 ng/L) immediately after spike addition. At 1-3 months after dosing, Hg concentrations were 1-50 ng/L and were greater for the initially dissolved isotope endmembers than the initially particulate endmembers. In contrast, the Hg isotope endmembers in surface sediments were similar in relative concentration within 2 months after spike addition. However, the uptake fluxes of Hg in DGT samplers, deployed in both the water column and surface sediment, were generally greater for initially dissolved Hg endmembers and lower for initially particulate endmembers. At one year postdosing, the DGT-uptake fluxes were converging toward similar values between the Hg isotope endmembers. However, the relative distribution of isotope endmembers was still significantly different in both the water column and sediment (p < 0.01 according to one-way ANOVA analysis). In contrast, selective sequential extractions resulted in a homogeneous distribution, with >90% of each endmember extracted in the KOH fraction, suggesting that Hg species were associated with sediment organic matter. For MeHg concentrations in surface sediment and fish, the relative contributions from each endmember were significantly different at all sampling time points. Altogether, these results provide insights into the time scales of distribution for different Hg species that enter a wetland ecosystem. While these inputs attain homogeneity in concentration in primary storage compartments (i.e., sediments) within weeks after addition, these input pools remain differentiated for more than one year in terms of reactivity for passive samplers, MeHg concentration, and bioaccumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Wadle
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, P.O. Box 90287, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Natalia Neal-Walthall
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, P.O. Box 90287, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Udonna Ndu
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, P.O. Box 90287, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
- Harte
Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas A&M Corpus
Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas 78412, United States
| | - Heileen Hsu-Kim
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, P.O. Box 90287, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
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6
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Kim YG, Kwon SY, Washburn SJ, Brooks SC, Yoon JW, Besnard L. Reconsidering mercury sources and exposure pathways to bivalves: Insights from mercury stable isotopes. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 248:120843. [PMID: 37976947 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Identifying mercury (Hg) sources and exposure pathways to bivalves, particularly in relation to sediment, is important for expanding the utility of bivalves as a monitoring organism for sediment quality. Here we use Hg isotope ratios to decipher Hg sources accumulated into bivalves by conducting field studies and in situ experiments. In the first part of this study, we characterized Hg isotope ratios in individual geochemical fractions of riverine sediment, contaminated by liquid Hg in South Korea (Hyeongsan River; HS). Asian clams (Corbicula fluminea) were then deployed at the contaminated sites to evaluate the isotopic turnover. Over the two-month period, the isotope ratios of the clams shifted toward the labile/exchangeable Hg pools (F1, F2 fractions) of the sediment. Conversely, in the control site where sediment Hg is low, we observed similar Hg isotope ratios between Asian clams and the samples of precipitation and dissolved phase of water column. In East Fork Poplar Creek, (Oak Ridge) U.S., Asian clams also displayed similar Hg isotope ratios with the dissolved phase of water column, which have undergone substantial in-stream processing or input from Hg-contaminated groundwater from the hyporheic zones and riparian tributary during high hydrologic flow seasons. Our study demonstrates that the dissolved Hg phases within the water column, whether originating via sediment diffusion or derived externally, act as the primary source and exposure pathways to bivalves. The results of our study also shed new light to the prior Hg isotope measurement in bivalves collected from estuarine, lake, and coastal systems, which showed significant isotopic deviation from bulk sediment. The fact that bivalves are sensitive to in situ and external dissolved Hg phases provides additional insight into the existing biomonitoring program, which uses bivalves as a bioindicator for sediment quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Gwang Kim
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae Yun Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea; Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-Ro, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea.
| | - Spencer J Washburn
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States
| | - Scott C Brooks
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States
| | - Ji Won Yoon
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Lucien Besnard
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
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7
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Simionov IA, Călmuc M, Iticescu C, Călmuc V, Georgescu PL, Faggio C, Petrea ŞM. Human health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements and microplastics accumulation in products from the Danube River Basin fish market. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 104:104307. [PMID: 37914033 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to quantify the concentration levels of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) such as aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, zinc, and mercury, as well as microplastics occurrence in various tissues of fish and seafood species, commercialized in the Lower Danube River Basin. A health risk assessment analysis was performed based on the PTEs concentration levels in the muscle tissue. Estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and target cancer risk (TR) of PTEs were calculated. It was observed that the species within the seafood category registered the highest levels of PTEs. For instance, in the muscle tissue of bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis (from the Black Sea), the highest value was observed in the case of Zn (37.693 mg/kg), and the presence of polystyrene polymer was identified. The values associated with EDI, THQ, HI, and TR of PTE exposure were significantly lower than 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ira-Adeline Simionov
- Rexdan Research Infrastructure, "Dunarea de Jos" University Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania; Department of Food Science, Food Engineering, Biotechnologies and Aquaculture, "Dunarea de Jos" University Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania
| | - Mădălina Călmuc
- Rexdan Research Infrastructure, "Dunarea de Jos" University Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania
| | - Cătălina Iticescu
- Rexdan Research Infrastructure, "Dunarea de Jos" University Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania; Department of Chemistry, Physics and Environment, "Dunarea de Jos" University Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania.
| | - Valentina Călmuc
- Rexdan Research Infrastructure, "Dunarea de Jos" University Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania
| | - Puiu-Lucian Georgescu
- Rexdan Research Infrastructure, "Dunarea de Jos" University Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania; Department of Chemistry, Physics and Environment, "Dunarea de Jos" University Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania
| | - Caterina Faggio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Ştefan-Mihai Petrea
- Rexdan Research Infrastructure, "Dunarea de Jos" University Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania; Department of Food Science, Food Engineering, Biotechnologies and Aquaculture, "Dunarea de Jos" University Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania
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8
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Liu M, Mason RP, Vlahos P, Whitney MM, Zhang Q, Warren JK, Wang X, Baumann Z. Riverine Discharge Fuels the Production of Methylmercury in a Large Temperate Estuary. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:13056-13066. [PMID: 37603456 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c00473] [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: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Estuaries are an important food source for the world's growing population, yet human health is at risk from elevated exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) via the consumption of estuarine fish. Moreover, the sources and cycling of MeHg in temperate estuarine ecosystems are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the seasonal and tidal patterns of mercury (Hg) forms in Long Island Sound (LIS), in a location where North Atlantic Ocean waters mix with the Connecticut River. We found that seasonal variations in Hg and MeHg in LIS followed the extent of riverine Hg delivery, while tides further exacerbated the remobilization of earlier deposited riverine Hg. The net production of MeHg near the river plume was significant compared to that in other locations and enhanced during high tide, possibly resulting from the enhanced microbial activity and organic carbon remineralization in the river plume. Statistical models, driven by our novel data, further support the hypothesis that the river-delivered organic matter and inorganic Hg drive net MeHg production in the estuarine water column. Our study sheds light on the significance of water column biogeochemical processes in temperate tidal estuaries in regulating MeHg levels and inspires new questions in our quest to understand MeHg sources and dynamics in coastal oceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maodian Liu
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Science, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Robert P Mason
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Penny Vlahos
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Michael M Whitney
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Qianru Zhang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Science, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Joseph K Warren
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Xuejun Wang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Science, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zofia Baumann
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
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9
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Perrot V, Ma T, Vandeputte D, Smolikova V, Bratkic A, Leermakers M, Baeyens W, Gao Y. Origin and partitioning of mercury in the polluted Scheldt Estuary and adjacent coastal zone. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:163019. [PMID: 36996990 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Estuaries and coastal zones are areas with complex biogeochemical and hydrological cycles and are generally facing intense pollution due to anthropogenic activities. An emblematic example is the Scheldt Estuary which ends up in the North Sea and has been historically heavily contaminated by multiple pollutants, including mercury (Hg). We report here Hg species and their levels in surface waters of the Scheldt Estuary and the Belgian Part of North Sea (BPNS) from different sampling campaigns in February-April 2020 and 2021. Along the estuary, Hg concentration on suspended particles ([HgSPM]) progressively decreased with increasing salinity and was strongly correlated with organic matter content (%Corg) and origin (identified with δ13Corg). While [HgSPM] drives total Hg concentration in the estuary (total dissolved Hg, HgTD is only 7 ± 6 %), annual and daily variations of total Hg levels were mostly attributed to changes in SPM loads depending on river discharge and tidal regime. In the BPNS, a significant fraction of total Hg occurs as HgTD (40 ± 21 %) and the majority of this HgTD was reducible (i.e. labile Hg), meaning potentially available for microorganisms. Compared to the '90s, a significant decrease of [HgSPM] was observed in the estuary, but this was not the case for [HgTD], which can be due to (1) still significant discrete discharges from Antwerp industrial area, and (2) higher Hg partitioning towards the dissolved phase in the water column relative to the '90s. Our results highlight the important contribution of the Scheldt estuary for the Hg budget in North Sea coastal waters, as well as the need for seasonal monitoring of all Hg species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Perrot
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Analytical and Environmental Geochemistry (AMGC), Pleinlaan 2, Ixelles 1050, Belgium
| | - Tianhui Ma
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Analytical and Environmental Geochemistry (AMGC), Pleinlaan 2, Ixelles 1050, Belgium
| | - Delphine Vandeputte
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Analytical and Environmental Geochemistry (AMGC), Pleinlaan 2, Ixelles 1050, Belgium
| | - Vendula Smolikova
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Analytical and Environmental Geochemistry (AMGC), Pleinlaan 2, Ixelles 1050, Belgium
| | - Arne Bratkic
- Universitat de Lleida, Chemistry Department, Environmental Physical Chemistry group, Av. Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Martine Leermakers
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Analytical and Environmental Geochemistry (AMGC), Pleinlaan 2, Ixelles 1050, Belgium
| | - Willy Baeyens
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Analytical and Environmental Geochemistry (AMGC), Pleinlaan 2, Ixelles 1050, Belgium
| | - Yue Gao
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Analytical and Environmental Geochemistry (AMGC), Pleinlaan 2, Ixelles 1050, Belgium.
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10
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Bradford MA, Mallory ML, O'Driscoll NJ. Mercury bioaccumulation and speciation in coastal invertebrates: Implications for trophic magnification in a marine food web. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114647. [PMID: 36736254 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Studies on mercury bioaccumulation and biomagnification in coastal invertebrates in eastern Canada are limited, but these data are necessary to determine risk of mercury exposure effects in upper trophic level organisms. We quantified methylmercury (MeHg), total mercury (THg), and stable isotopes of δ13C and δ15N in 14 species of invertebrates in the Minas Basin. The overall mean concentration of MeHg (12.78 ± 11.23 ng/g dw) was approximately 10 times below the Canadian guideline for the protection of wildlife consumers like fish and birds of 157.20 ng/g dry weight (dw). Invertebrates at higher trophic positions (δ15N) had greater THg and particularly MeHg. The Trophic Magnification Factors (TMF) for MeHg and THg (1.59 and 1.21 respectively) were similar to others reported in studies of food webs containing higher trophic level organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly A Bradford
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada.
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Biology Department, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Nelson J O'Driscoll
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada
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11
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Du Y, Zhao H, Peng X, Zhou X, Yang X, Li Y, Yan M, Cui Y, Sun G. A novel phenanthroline[9,10-d] imidazole-based fluorescent sensor for Hg2+ with “turn-on” fluorescence response. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2023.114604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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12
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Bradford MA, Mallory ML, O'Driscoll NJ. The Complex Interactions Between Sediment Geochemistry, Methylmercury Production, and Bioaccumulation in Intertidal Estuarine Ecosystems: A Focused Review. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 110:26. [PMID: 36571620 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-022-03653-w] [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: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Due to their natural geochemistry, intertidal estuarine ecosystems are vulnerable to bioaccumulation of methylmercury (MeHg), a neurotoxin that readily bioaccumulates in organisms. Determining MeHg concentrations in intertidal invertebrates at the base of the food web is crucial in determining MeHg exposure in higher trophic level organisms like fish and birds. The processes that govern the production of MeHg in coastal ecosystems are influenced by many geochemical factors including sulfur species, organic matter, and salinity. The interactions of these factors with mercury are complex, and a wide variety of results have been reported in the literature. This paper reviews conceptual models to better clarify the various geochemical and physical factors that impact MeHg production and bioavailability in intertidal ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Biology Department, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
| | - Nelson J O'Driscoll
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
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13
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Picone M, Distefano GG, Benhene GA, Corami F, Basso M, Panzarin L, Carabelli C, Volpi Ghirardini A. Seabirds as Biomonitors of Mercury Bioavailability in the Venice Lagoon. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 110:2. [PMID: 36484834 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-022-03650-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Seabirds accumulate mercury (Hg) due to their long-life span together with their high trophic position. A Hg monitoring in Venice's Lagoon using three seabird species occupying different trophic habitat (Thalasseus sandvicensis, Ichthyaetus melanocephalus, and Chroicocephalus ridibundus) confirmed that fledgelings might effectively be used as sentinels of Hg bioavailability. The significant differences in Hg residues in feathers observed among the species highlighted a possible differential exposure due to different diets, with C. ridibundus accumulating more Hg than the other species. Average residues in feathers were not above the threshold associated with adverse effects on birds (5 mg kg- 1). Nevertheless, a large part of the C. ridibundus individuals (58%) exceeded the adverse effect level, underlining the need for strengthening Hg monitoring. Seabirds indeed may provide relevant insight on Hg transfer in food webs and a better picture of the hazards to men when bird species forage on species exploited for human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Picone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Giuseppe Distefano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | - Godbless Adu Benhene
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | - Fabiana Corami
- Istituto di Scienze Polari, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | | | - Lucio Panzarin
- Associazione Naturalistica Sandonatese, c/o Centro Didattico Naturalistico il Pendolino, via Romanziol 130, 30020, Noventa di Piave, Venezia, Italy
| | - Caterina Carabelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy
| | - Annamaria Volpi Ghirardini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari, Campus Scientifico via Torino 155, I-30170, Mestre, Venezia, Italy
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14
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Taylor S, Terkildsen M, McQuilty R, Lee D, Wing-Simpson A, Gray R. Non-essential heavy metals and protective effects of selenium against mercury toxicity in endangered Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) pups with hookworm disease. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 169:107521. [PMID: 36148712 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The endangered Australian sea lion, Neophoca cinerea, faces ongoing population decline. Identification of key threats to N. cinerea population recovery, including disease and pollutants, is an objective of the species' recovery plan. Previous studies have identified Uncinaria sanguinis, an intestinal nematode, as a significant cause of disease and mortality in N. cinerea pups. Given the impact of heavy metals on the immune response, investigation of these pollutants is critical. To this end, the concentrations of arsenic (As), total mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb) and selenium (Se) were determined in blood collected from N. cinerea pups sampled during the 2017/18, 2019 and 2020/21 breeding seasons at Seal Bay Conservation Park, South Australia. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in Hg, As, Cr, and Se concentrations and molar ratio of Se:Hg were seen between breeding seasons. Pup age, maternal parity and inter-individual foraging behaviour were considered factors driving these differences. The concentrations of Hg (357, 198 and 241 µg/L) and As (225, 834 and 608 µg/L) were high in 2017/18, 2019 and 2020/21 respectively with Hg concentrations in the blood of N. cinerea pups above toxicological thresholds reported for marine mammals. The concentration of Se (1332, 647, 763 µg/L) and molar ratio of Se:Hg (9.47, 7.98 and 6.82) were low compared to other pinniped pups, indicating potential vulnerability of pups to the toxic effects of Hg. Significant (p < 0.05) negative associations for Pb and Cd with several red blood cell parameters suggest they could be exacerbating the anaemia caused by hookworm disease. Temporal (age-related) changes in element concentrations were also seen, such that pup age needs to be considered when interpreting bioaccumulation patterns. Further investigation of the role of elevated heavy metal concentrations on N. cinerea pup health, disease and development is recommended, particularly with respect to immunological impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Taylor
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | | | - Robert McQuilty
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Sydney 2050, Australia
| | - David Lee
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Sydney 2050, Australia
| | - Aileen Wing-Simpson
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Sydney 2050, Australia
| | - Rachael Gray
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia.
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15
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Hilgendag IR, Swanson HK, Lewis CW, Ehrman AD, Power M. Mercury biomagnification in benthic, pelagic, and benthopelagic food webs in an Arctic marine ecosystem. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 841:156424. [PMID: 35662606 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a ubiquitous toxic metal that biomagnifies in food webs, and can reach high concentrations in top predators. Evaluating Hg biomagnification in Arctic marine food webs is critical for understanding Hg dynamics and estimating exposure to understudied fish and wildlife consumed by humans. The majority of studies conducted on Hg biomagnification in the Arctic have focused on pelagic food webs. Benthic and benthopelagic food webs in Arctic marine ecosystems also support many species of subsistence and commercial importance, and data are lacking for these systems. In this study, we investigated food web structure and Hg biomagnification for the benthic, pelagic, and benthopelagic marine food webs of inner Frobisher Bay in Nunavut. Stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N), as well as total (THg) and methyl (MeHg) mercury concentrations were measured in fish, invertebrates, and zooplankton. Biomagnification in each food web was quantified with Trophic Magnification Slopes (TMS) and Trophic Magnification Factors (TMF). The highest TMS and TMF values were exhibited by the benthopelagic food web (TMS = 0.201; TMF = 1.59), followed by the pelagic food web (TMS = 0.183; TMF = 1.52), and lastly the benthic food web (TMS = 0.079; TMF = 1.20), with δ15N explaining 88%, 79%, and 9% of variation in Hg concentrations, respectively. TMS and TMF values were generally low compared to other Arctic marine food webs. Results from food web structure analyses indicated that the benthic food web had the greatest trophic diversity, trophic redundancy, and largest isotopic niche area of all food webs studied. Greater food web complexity may thus result in reduced MeHg biomagnification, but further study is required. Acquiring Hg and food web structure data is critical for predicting the effects of climate-induced environmental change on Hg dynamics, especially in the context of Arctic marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel R Hilgendag
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Heidi K Swanson
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | | | - Ashley D Ehrman
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater Institute, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N6, Canada
| | - Michael Power
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
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16
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de Almeida Rodrigues P, Ferrari RG, da Anunciação de Pinho JV, do Rosário DKA, de Almeida CC, Saint'Pierre TD, Hauser-Davis RA, Dos Santos LN, Conte-Junior CA. Baseline titanium levels of three highly consumed invertebrates from an eutrophic estuary in southeastern Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 183:114038. [PMID: 36029587 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Titanium (Ti) is considered a contaminant of emerging interest, as it displays toxic potential and has been increasingly employed in everyday products, pharmaceuticals, and food additives, mainly in nanoparticle form. However, several knowledge gaps are still noted, especially concerning its dynamics in the water. In this context, this study aimed to quantify total Ti concentrations in highly consumed swimming crabs, squid, and shrimp from an important estuary located in southeastern Brazil. Ti concentrations were higher than those reported in most studies carried out worldwide. Animal length and weight, as well as, depth, transparency, dissolved oxygen, and salinity, significantly influence Ti concentrations in the animals. Human health risks were also noted after calculating a simulated exposure to titanium dioxide, especially considering the uncertainties regarding the effects of this element and the absence of regulatory limits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma de Almeida Rodrigues
- Graduate Program in Veterinary Hygiene (PPGHV), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Fluminense, Federal University (UFF), Vital Brazil Filho, Niterói, RJ 24220-000, Brazil; Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-598, Brazil; Laboratory of Advanced Analysis in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (LAABBM), Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-909, Brazil.
| | - Rafaela Gomes Ferrari
- Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-598, Brazil; Laboratory of Advanced Analysis in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (LAABBM), Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-909, Brazil; Agrarian Sciences Center, Department of Zootechnics, Federal University of Paraiba, Areia, PB 58051-900, Brazil
| | - Júlia Vianna da Anunciação de Pinho
- Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-598, Brazil; Laboratory of Advanced Analysis in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (LAABBM), Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-909, Brazil; National Institute of Health Quality Control, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Sanitary Surveillance (PPGVS), National Institute of Health Quality Control (INCQS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Denes Kaic Alves do Rosário
- Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-598, Brazil; Laboratory of Advanced Analysis in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (LAABBM), Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Cristine Couto de Almeida
- Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-598, Brazil; Laboratory of Advanced Analysis in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (LAABBM), Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-909, Brazil; National Institute of Health Quality Control, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Sanitary Surveillance (PPGVS), National Institute of Health Quality Control (INCQS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-900, Brazil
| | | | - Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-360, Brazil.
| | - Luciano Neves Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Applied Ichthyology, Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22290-240, Brazil
| | - Carlos Adam Conte-Junior
- Graduate Program in Veterinary Hygiene (PPGHV), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Fluminense, Federal University (UFF), Vital Brazil Filho, Niterói, RJ 24220-000, Brazil; Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-598, Brazil; Laboratory of Advanced Analysis in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (LAABBM), Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-909, Brazil; National Institute of Health Quality Control, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Sanitary Surveillance (PPGVS), National Institute of Health Quality Control (INCQS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Food Science (PPGCAL), Institute of Chemistry (IQ), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-909, Brazil; Graduate Program in Chemistry (PGQu), Institute of Chemistry (IQ), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-909, Brazil
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17
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Vainio RK, Jormalainen V, Dietz R, Laaksonen T, Schulz R, Sonne C, Søndergaard J, Zubrod JP, Eulaers I. Trophic Dynamics of Mercury in the Baltic Archipelago Sea Food Web: The Impact of Ecological and Ecophysiological Traits. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:11440-11448. [PMID: 35921287 PMCID: PMC9387095 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c03846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We investigated trophic dynamics of Hg in the polluted Baltic Archipelago Sea using established trophic magnification (TMFs) and biomagnification factors (BMFs) on a comprehensive set of bird, fish, and invertebrate species. As different ecological and ecophysiological species traits may affect trophic dynamics, we explored the effect of food chain (benthic, pelagic, benthopelagic) and thermoregulatory strategy on trophic total Hg (THg) dynamics, using different approaches to accommodate benthopelagic species and normalize for trophic position (TP). We observed TMFs and most BMFs greater than 1, indicating overall THg biomagnification. We found significantly higher pelagic TMFs (3.58-4.02) compared to benthic ones (2.11-2.34) when the homeotherm bird species were excluded from models, but not when included. This difference between the benthic and pelagic TMFs remained regardless of how the TP of benthopelagic species was modeled, or whether TMFs were normalized for TP or not. TP-corrected BMFs showed a larger range (0.44-508) compared to BMFs representing predator-prey concentration ratios (0.05-82.2). Overall, the present study shows the importance of including and evaluating the effect of ecological and ecophysiological traits when investigating trophic contaminant dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riikka K. Vainio
- Department
of Biology, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | | | - Rune Dietz
- Department
of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Postbox 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Toni Laaksonen
- Department
of Biology, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Ralf Schulz
- iES
Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, DE-76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department
of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Postbox 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jens Søndergaard
- Department
of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Postbox 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jochen P. Zubrod
- iES
Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, DE-76829 Landau, Germany
- Zubrod
Environmental Data Science, Friesenstrasse 20, DE-76829, Landau, Germany
| | - Igor Eulaers
- Department
of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Postbox 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
- Norwegian
Polar Institute, FRAM Centre, Postboks 6606 Stakkevollan, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
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18
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Jonsson S, Liem-Nguyen V, Andersson A, Skyllberg U, Nilsson MB, Lundberg E, Björn E. Geochemical and Dietary Drivers of Mercury Bioaccumulation in Estuarine Benthic Invertebrates. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:10141-10148. [PMID: 35770966 PMCID: PMC9301910 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c03265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Sediments represent the main reservoir of mercury (Hg) in aquatic environments and may act as a source of Hg to aquatic food webs. Yet, accumulation routes of Hg from the sediment to benthic organisms are poorly constrained. We studied the bioaccumulation of inorganic and methylmercury (HgII and MeHg, respectively) from different geochemical pools of Hg into four groups of benthic invertebrates (amphipods, polychaetes, chironomids, and bivalves). The study was conducted using mesocosm experiments entailing the use of multiple isotopically enriched Hg tracers and simulation of estuarine systems with brackish water and sediment. We applied different loading regimes of nutrients and terrestrial organic matter and showed that the vertical localization and the chemical speciation of HgII and MeHg in the sediment, in combination with the diet composition of the invertebrates, consistently controlled the bioaccumulation of HgII and MeHg into the benthic organisms. Our results suggest a direct link between the concentration of MeHg in the pelagic planktonic food web and the concentration of MeHg in benthic amphipods and, to some extent, in bivalves. In contrast, the quantity of MeHg in benthic chironomids and polychaetes seems to be driven by MeHg accumulation via the benthic food web. Accounting for these geochemical and dietary drivers of Hg bioaccumulation in benthic invertebrates will be important to understand and predict Hg transfer between the benthic and the pelagic food web, under current and future environmental scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofi Jonsson
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department
of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
- Umeå
Marine Sciences Centre, Umeå University, SE-910 20 Hörnefors, Sweden
| | - Van Liem-Nguyen
- Department
of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Agneta Andersson
- Umeå
Marine Sciences Centre, Umeå University, SE-910 20 Hörnefors, Sweden
- Department
of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå
University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ulf Skyllberg
- Department
of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish
University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mats B. Nilsson
- Department
of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish
University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Erik Lundberg
- Umeå
Marine Sciences Centre, Umeå University, SE-910 20 Hörnefors, Sweden
| | - Erik Björn
- Department
of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
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Knott KK, Coleman E, Cianci-Gaskill JA, O'Hearn R, Niswonger D, Brockman JD, Argerich A, North R, Wenzel J. Mercury, selenium, and fatty acids in the axial muscle of largemouth bass: evaluating the influence of seasonal and sexual changes in fish condition and reproductive status. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 31:761-781. [PMID: 35438434 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-022-02544-4] [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] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Largemouth bass (LMB, 265-475 mm) were collected to document whether changes in fish condition and reproductive status influenced the concentration of total mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) in axial muscle by season and sex. The fatty acid (FA) composition of fish was also examined to describe seasonal and sexual differences and identify whether arachidonic acid (ARA) could be used as a biomarker of Hg toxicity. There was a trend for females to have lower (p < 0.062) Se concentrations than males. The concentration of Se for females during spring (mean ± SD, 686 ± 51 ng/g dw) was 15% lower than males (806 ± 67 ng/g dw). Lower Se concentrations in females than males continued through summer and fall. Concentration of Hg for females during spring (152 ± 39 ng/g ww) was also 59% lower than males (373 ± 303 ng/g ww), but the difference was not significant (p > 0.2). The percent of lipids was greatest in fall and winter (3%) and comprised primarily of omega-3 fatty acids (35 g/100 g lipid). Fish condition as measured by percent lipids and relative weight was negatively (p < 0.02) related to Hg concentration for females and males. Lipid content for both sexes was also positively (p < 0.05) related to the Se:Hg ratio. Relative weight was positively related to the Se:Hg ratio for females during all seasons (p = 0.014), but only during spring and summer for males (p < 0.007). A low Se:Hg value was associated with an elevation in ARA for both sexes and a reduced hepatosomatic index in males. Data suggested that females transferred muscle stores of Se and Hg to developing oocytes during spring. This study generates hypotheses regarding the physiological drivers of seasonal and sexual variability in Hg, Se, and FA in LMB that may be applicable to other species and have implications for fisheries health and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina K Knott
- Missouri Department of Conservation, Ecological Health Unit, Science Branch, Columbia, MO, USA.
| | - Emma Coleman
- Missouri Department of Conservation, Ecological Health Unit, Science Branch, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jacob A Cianci-Gaskill
- School of Natural Resources, Anheuser‑Bush Natural Resources Building, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Rebecca O'Hearn
- Missouri Department of Conservation, Ecological Health Unit, Science Branch, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Darby Niswonger
- Missouri Department of Conservation, Central Region, Regional Resource Management Branch, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - John D Brockman
- University of Missouri Research Reactor Center, 1513 Research Park Drive, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Alba Argerich
- School of Natural Resources, Anheuser‑Bush Natural Resources Building, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Rebecca North
- School of Natural Resources, Anheuser‑Bush Natural Resources Building, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jeff Wenzel
- Division of Community and Public Health, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Environmental Epidemiology, Jefferson City, MO, USA
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20
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He X, Wallace WG, Reinfelder JR. Grass Shrimp ( Palaemonetes pugio) as a Trophic Link for Methylmercury Accumulation in Urban Salt Marshes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:8071-8081. [PMID: 35584355 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01184] [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: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) represent a potential link in the transfer of methylmercury (MeHg) from salt marsh sediments to transient young-of-the-year (YOY) fish. Across six salt marshes subject to varying degrees of Hg contamination, MeHg concentration in grass shrimp was significantly correlated with MeHg in sediment (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.81). Bioenergetic models show that grass shrimp alone account for 12-90% of MeHg observed in YOY striped bass and 6-22% of MeHg in YOY summer flounder. Direct accumulation of MeHg from grass shrimp to YOY fish increased with MeHg levels in grass shrimp and sediment. However, in the most contaminated salt marshes with the highest levels of MeHg in grass shrimp and sediment, indirect accumulation of MeHg from grass shrimp by YOY summer flounder, whose diet is dominated by benthic forage fish (mummichog), is predicted to plateau because higher concentrations of MeHg in grass shrimp are offset by a lower proportion of grass shrimp in the mummichog diet. Our results demonstrate that grass shrimp are an important trophic link in the bioaccumulation of MeHg in salt marsh food webs and that MeHg accumulation in YOY fish varies with both the concentration of MeHg in salt marsh sediments and benthic food web structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshuai He
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, United States
| | - William G Wallace
- Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, Staten Island, New York 10314, United States
| | - John R Reinfelder
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, United States
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21
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de Almeida Rodrigues P, Ferrari RG, Kato LS, Hauser-Davis RA, Conte-Junior CA. A Systematic Review on Metal Dynamics and Marine Toxicity Risk Assessment Using Crustaceans as Bioindicators. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:881-903. [PMID: 33788164 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02685-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Metals, many of which are potentially toxic, are present in the aquatic environment originated from both natural and anthropogenic sources. In these ecosystems, these elements are mostly deposited in the sediment, followed by water dissolution, potentially contaminating resident biota. Among several aquatic animals, crustaceans are considered excellent bioindicators, as they live in close contact with contaminated sediment. The accumulation of metal, whether they are classified as essential, when in excessive quantities or nonessential, not only cause damage to the health of these animals, but also to the man who consumes seafood. Among the main toxic elements to animal and human health are aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel and silver. In this context, this systematic review aimed to investigate the dynamics of these metals in water, the main bioaccumulative tissues in crustaceans, the effects of these contaminants on animal and human health, and the regulatory limits for these metals worldwide. A total of 91 articles were selected for this review, and an additional 68 articles not found in the three assessed databases were considered essential and included, totaling 159 articles published between 2010 and 2020. Our results indicate that both chemical speciation and abiotic factors such as pH, oxygen and salinity in aquatic environments affect element bioavailability, dynamics, and toxicity. Among crustaceans, crabs are considered the main bioindicator biological system, with the hepatopancreas appearing as the main bioaccumulator organ. Studies indicate that exposure to these elements may result in nervous, respiratory, and reproductive system effects in both animals and humans. Finally, many studies indicate that the concentrations of these elements in crustaceans intended for human consumption exceed limits established by international organizations, both with regard to seafood metal contents and well as daily, weekly, or monthly intake limits set for humans, indicating consumer health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma de Almeida Rodrigues
- Molecular and Analytical Laboratory Center, Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, 24230-340, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Gomes Ferrari
- Chemistry Institute, Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-909, Brazil.
- Agrarian Sciences Center, Department of Zootechnics, Federal University of Paraiba, Paraiba, Brazil.
| | - Lilian Seiko Kato
- Chemistry Institute, Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Carlos Adam Conte-Junior
- Molecular and Analytical Laboratory Center, Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, 24230-340, Brazil
- Chemistry Institute, Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-909, Brazil
- National Institute of Health Quality Control, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
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22
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Neal-Walthall N, Ndu U, Rivera NA, Elias DA, Hsu-Kim H. Utility of Diffusive Gradient in Thin-Film Passive Samplers for Predicting Mercury Methylation Potential and Bioaccumulation in Freshwater Wetlands. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:1743-1752. [PMID: 35044747 PMCID: PMC9630924 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c06796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a risk in aquatic ecosystems when the metal is converted to methylmercury (MeHg) and subsequently bioaccumulates in aquatic food webs. This risk can be difficult to manage because of the complexity of biogeochemical processes for mercury and the need for accessible techniques to navigate this complexity. Here, we explored the use of diffusive gradient in thin-film (DGT) passive samplers as a tool to simultaneously quantify the methylation potential of inorganic Hg (IHg) and the bioaccumulation potential of MeHg in freshwater wetlands. Outdoor freshwater wetland mesocosms were amended with four isotopically labeled and geochemically relevant IHg forms that represent a range of methylation potentials (202Hg2+, 201Hg-humic acid, 199Hg-sorbed to FeS, and 200HgS nanoparticles). Six weeks after the spikes, we deployed DGT samplers in the mesocosm water and sediments, evaluated DGT-uptake rates of total Hg, MeHg, and IHg (calculated by difference) for the Hg isotope spikes, and examined correlations with total Hg, MeHg, and IHg concentrations in sediment, water, and micro and macrofauna in the ecosystem. In the sediments, we observed greater relative MeHg concentrations from the initially dissolved IHg isotope spikes and lower MeHg levels from the initially particulate IHg spikes. These trends were consistent with uptake flux of IHg into DGTs deployed in surface sediments. Moreover, we observed correlations between total Hg-DGT uptake flux and MeHg levels in periphyton biofilms, submergent plant stems, snails, and mosquitofish in the ecosystem. These correlations were better for DGTs deployed in the water column compared to DGTs in the sediments, suggesting the importance of vertical distribution of bioavailable MeHg in relation to food sources for macrofauna. Overall, these results demonstrate that DGT passive samplers are a relatively simple and efficient tool for predicting IHg methylation and MeHg bioaccumulation potentials without the need to explicitly delineate IHg and MeHg speciation and partitioning in complex ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Neal-Walthall
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Box 90287, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Udonna Ndu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Box 90287, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
- Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, 78412, United States
| | - Nelson A. Rivera
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Box 90287, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Dwayne A. Elias
- Elias Consulting, LLC, Knoxville, Tennessee 37934, United States
| | - Heileen Hsu-Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Box 90287, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
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23
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Rodrigues PDA, Ferrari RG, do Rosário DKA, Hauser-Davis RA, Lopes AP, Neves Dos Santos AFG, Conte-Junior CA. Interactions between mercury and environmental factors: A chemometric assessment in seafood from an eutrophic estuary in southeastern Brazil. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 236:105844. [PMID: 33991843 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2021.105844] [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: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Guanabara Bay (GB) is an estuary in Brazil, constantly the target of pollutants, such as mercury (Hg). Thus, our study aimed to evaluate (i) total mercury (THg) content in shrimp and squid species from GB; (ii) associate THg content to contamination in swimming crabs; (iii) explore potential differences between species, and size; (iv) correlate abiotic water data to the determined THg contents; (v) verify if Hg concentrations are below acceptable limits. Swimming crabs showed greater Hg contamination compared to other species. For shrimp only biometric variables are related to Hg, while for squid, only abiotic. Only squids did not show a correlation between Hg and animal size. Finally, the detected Hg values are below the tolerable limits established by legislations. Our results indicate that the dynamics of Hg contamination differs between groups and that further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms that affect bioaccumulation in different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma de Almeida Rodrigues
- Molecular and Analytical Laboratory Center, Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, 24230-340, Brazil.
| | - Rafaela Gomes Ferrari
- Chemistry Institute, Food Science Program, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-909, Brazil; Agrarian Sciences Center, Department of Zootechnics, Federal University of Paraiba, Paraíba, Brazil.
| | - Denes Kaic Alves do Rosário
- Chemistry Institute, Food Science Program, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-909, Brazil.
| | - Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Amanda Pontes Lopes
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Applied Ichthyology, Department of Ecology and Marine Resources, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22.290-240, Brazil
| | - Alejandra Filippo Gonzalez Neves Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Applied Ecology, Department of Zootechny and Sustainable Socioenvironmental Development, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Rua Vital Brasil Filho, 64, 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos Adam Conte-Junior
- Molecular and Analytical Laboratory Center, Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, 24230-340, Brazil; Chemistry Institute, Food Science Program, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-909, Brazil; National Institute of Health Quality Control, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
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24
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Mercury contamination of seabird and sea duck eggs from high Arctic Greenland. Polar Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-021-02864-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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25
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Buckman KL, Mason RP, Seelen E, Taylor VF, Balcom PH, Chipman J, Chen CY. Patterns in forage fish mercury concentrations across Northeast US estuaries. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 194:110629. [PMID: 33358725 PMCID: PMC7946743 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Biogeochemical conditions and landscape can have strong influences on mercury bioaccumulation in fish, but these effects across regional scales and between sites with and without point sources of contamination are not well understood. Normal means clustering, a type of unsupervised machine learning, was used to analyze relationships between forage fish (Fundulus heteroclitus and Menidia menidia) mercury (Hg) concentrations and sediment and water column Hg and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations, ancillary variables, and land classifications within the sub-watershed. The analysis utilized data from 38 sites in 8 estuarine systems in the Northeast US, collected over five years. A large range of mercury concentrations and land use proportions were observed across sites. The cluster correlations indicated that for Fundulus, benthic and pelagic Hg and MeHg concentrations were most related to tissue concentrations, while Menidia Hg was most related to water column MeHg, reflecting differing feeding modes between the species. For both species, dissolved MeHg was most related to tissue concentrations, with sediment Hg concentrations influential at contaminated sites. The models considering only uncontaminated sites showed reduced influence of bulk sediment MeHg for both species, but Fundulus retained sediment drivers at some sites, with dissolved MeHg still highly correlated for both. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC), chlorophyll, land use, and other ancillary variables were of lesser importance in driving bioaccumulation, though DOC was strongly related within some clusters, likely in relation to dissolved Hg. Land use, though not of primary importance, showed relationships opposite to those observed in freshwater, with development positively correlated and forests and agriculture negatively correlated with tissue concentrations across clusters and species. Clusters were composed of sites from geographically distinct systems, indicating the greater importance of small scale drivers of MeHg formation and uptake into the food web over system or region-wide influences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate L Buckman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA.
| | - Robert P Mason
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT, 06340, USA
| | - Emily Seelen
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT, 06340, USA
| | - Vivien F Taylor
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Prentiss H Balcom
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT, 06340, USA
| | - Jonathan Chipman
- Department of Geography, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Celia Y Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
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26
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Seelen EA, Chen CY, Balcom PH, Buckman KL, Taylor VF, Mason RP. Historic contamination alters mercury sources and cycling in temperate estuaries relative to uncontaminated sites. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 190:116684. [PMID: 33310435 PMCID: PMC7855490 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global and persistent pollutant which can be methylated to more toxic forms (methylmercury; MeHg) in natural systems. Both forms pose a health risk to humans and wildlife, and exposure often begins in aquatic environments. Therefore, quantifying aquatic concentrations and identifying source pathways is important for understanding biotic exposure. In this study, data from estuaries in the Northeast United States were combined to evaluate how point source contamination impacts the concentration and source dynamics of water column total and MeHg with an emphasis on sediment versus non-sediment sources. Partial least squares regression models were implemented to identify a set of variables most related to water column MeHg and total Hg (HgT) across the estuaries. The main findings suggest that contaminated sites have strong internal recycling of HgT that dominates over external inputs, and this leads to elevated concentrations of HgT and MeHg in the local water columns. However, HgT sources in uncontaminated estuarine systems have a strong connection to the local watershed with dissolved HgT linked to dissolved organic carbon, and particulate HgT linked to watershed land use and estuarine mixing. There was little correlative evidence that water column MeHg concentrations were linked to sediment in such systems, but unlike HgT, the concentrations were also not clearly linked to the watershed. Instead, in situ methylation of dissolved water column HgT appeared to dominate the MeHg source pathway. The results suggest that Hg point-source contaminated sites should be considered independently from non-contaminated sites in terms of management, and that land use plays an important indirect role in coastal MeHg dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Seelen
- University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Sciences, 1084 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT, 06340 USA.
| | - Celia Y Chen
- Dartmouth College, Department of Biological Sciences, Hanover, NH 03755 USA.
| | - Prentiss H Balcom
- University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Sciences, 1084 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT, 06340 USA; Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA.
| | - Kate L Buckman
- Dartmouth College, Department of Biological Sciences, Hanover, NH 03755 USA.
| | - Vivien F Taylor
- Dartmouth College, Department of Earth Science, Hanover, NH 03755 USA.
| | - Robert P Mason
- University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Sciences, 1084 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT, 06340 USA.
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27
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Siau YF, Le DQ, Suratman S, Jaaman SA, Tanaka K, Kotaro S. Seasonal variation of total mercury transfer through a tropical mangrove food web, Setiu Wetlands. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 162:111878. [PMID: 33341077 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111878] [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: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal variations in total mercury concentrations [Hg] and trophic transfer through the food web were assessed using stable isotopic tracers for the Setiu Wetlands, Terengganu. The [Hg] measured in surface sediments and biota varied inversely between wet and dry seasons. Increased rainfall and water disturbance during the wet season are suggested as the main factors releasing Hg from surface sediments and enhancing the bioavailability of Hg to biota. The elevated Hg levels associated with the leaf stage suggested that litterfall and atmospheric deposition may be the main Hg inputs into mangrove food webs. The positive relationships between log [Hg] and δ15N provided evidence for Hg biomagnification, however low trophic magnification slopes in both seasons indicated that the ecological risk of Hg in the wetland would be negligible. The [Hg] in fish and commercial crabs were below the permitted limits for human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Fui Siau
- Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Dung Quang Le
- Environmental Engineering and Management Research Group, Ton Duc Thang University, 19 Nguyen Huu Tho, Tan Phong, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Faculty of Environment and Labour Safety, Ton Duc Thang University, 19 Nguyen Huu Tho, Tan Phong, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
| | - Suhaimi Suratman
- Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Saifullah Arifin Jaaman
- Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Kentaro Tanaka
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba 277-8564, Japan
| | - Shirai Kotaro
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba 277-8564, Japan
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28
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Chen CY, Buckman KL, Shaw A, Curtis A, Taylor M, Montesdeoca M, Driscoll C. The influence of nutrient loading on methylmercury availability in Long Island estuaries. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115510. [PMID: 33221612 PMCID: PMC8410480 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Estuaries provide critical habitat for food webs supporting fish and shellfish consumed by humans, but estuarine ecosystem health has been threatened by increases in nitrogen loading as well as inputs of the neurotoxin, mercury (Hg), which biomagnifies in food webs and poses risk to humans and wildlife. In this study, the effects of nutrient loading on the fate of Hg in shallow coastal estuaries were examined to evaluate if their interaction enhances or reduces Hg bioavailability in sediments, the water column, and concentrations in lower trophic level fish (Fundulus heteroclitus and Menidia menidia). Multiple sites were sampled within two human impacted coastal lagoons, Great South Bay (GSB) and Jamaica Bay (JB), on the southern coast of Long Island, NY, United States of America (U.S.A.). Carbon (C), nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), Hg, and methylmercury (MeHg) were measured in surface sediments and the water column, and total Hg (THg) was measured in two species of forage fish. Minimal differences were found in dissolved and particulate Hg, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and salinity between the two bays. Across lagoons, concentrations of chlorophyll-a were correlated with total suspended solids (TSS), and water column THg and MeHg was largely associated with the particulate fraction. Methylmercury concentrations in particulates decreased with increasing TSS and chlorophyll-a, evidence of biomass dilution of MeHg with increasing productivity at the base of the food chain. Water column Hg was associated with THg concentrations in Atlantic silversides, while mummichog THg concentrations were related to sediment concentrations, reflecting their different feeding strategies. Finally, higher nutrient loading (lower C:N in sediments) while related to lower particulate concentrations coincided with higher bioaccumulation factors (BAF) for Hg in both fish species. Thus, in shallow coastal lagoons, increased nutrient loading resulted in decreased Hg concentrations at the base of the food web but resulted in greater bioaccumulation of Hg to fish relative to its availability in algal food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Y Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, 78 College Street, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA.
| | - Kate L Buckman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, 78 College Street, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Amy Shaw
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University, 151 Link Hall, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
| | - Amanda Curtis
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, 78 College Street, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Mariah Taylor
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University, 151 Link Hall, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
| | - Mario Montesdeoca
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University, 151 Link Hall, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
| | - Charles Driscoll
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University, 151 Link Hall, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
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29
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Baran A, Urbaniak M, Szara M, Tarnawski M. Concentration of dioxin and screening level ecotoxicity of pore water from bottom sediments in relation to organic carbon contents. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2021; 30:57-66. [PMID: 33280055 PMCID: PMC7826296 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-020-02318-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The information about concentrations of dioxin in pore water, ecotoxicity and DOC and TOC content can be key factor for the prediction of the fate of dioxins in the aquatic environment as well as an ecological risk assessment. The aims of the study were to assess the concentration of PCDDs/PCDFs and ecotoxicity of pore water and to compare above results in relation to the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and total organic carbon (TOC) content. The concentration of dioxins was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunoassay test, while the ecotoxicity of pore water was determined using a crustacean Daphnia magna and bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri. The studies were conducted on two different dammed reservoirs Rożnów (catchment basin of an agricultural character) and Rybnik (catchment basin of an industrial character) located in southern Poland. The concentration of dioxins in pore water was between 8.56 to 90.92 ng EQ/L, with a significantly higher concentration in the pore water from the Rożnów Reservoir than the Rybnik Reservoir. The DOC content in pore water was from 30.29 to 63.02 mg/L (Rożnów Reservoir) and from 35.46 to 60.53 mg/L (Rybnik Reservoir). Higher toxic responses were recorded for A. fischeri than for D. magna. Moreover a significantly higher toxicity for both tested organisms was indicated in pore water from the Rożnów Reservoir. Besides of TOC and DOC, the fine fractions of the sediments were particularly important in the concentration of dioxin in pore water. The other pore water parameters, such as pH and EC can influence the toxicity of water for organisms. The result indicate complex relationships between the PCDD/F, ecotoxicity and DOC, TOC concentration in pore water and confirms that these parameters are important in terms of water environmental contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Baran
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Urbaniak
- European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Tylna 3, 90-364, Lodz, Poland
| | - Magdalena Szara
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marek Tarnawski
- Department of Hydraulic Engineering and Geotechnics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059, Krakow, Poland
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30
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Sanders JP, McBurney A, Gilmour CC, Schwartz GE, Washburn S, Kane Driscoll SB, Brown SS, Ghosh U. Development of a Novel Equilibrium Passive Sampling Device for Methylmercury in Sediment and Soil Porewaters. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2020; 39:323-334. [PMID: 31692059 PMCID: PMC9188764 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We explored the concept of equilibrium passive sampling for methylmercury (MeHg) using the strategy developed for hydrophobic organic chemicals. Passive sampling should allow prediction of the concentration of the chemically labile fraction of MeHg in sediment porewaters based on equilibrium partitioning into the sampler, without modeling diffusion rates through the sampler material. Our goals were to identify sampler materials with the potential to mimic MeHg partitioning into animals and sediments and provide reversible sorption in a time frame appropriate for in situ samplers. Candidate materials tested included a range of polymers embedded with suitable sorbents for MeHg. The most promising were activated carbon (AC) embedded in agarose, thiol-self-assembled monolayers on mesoporous supports embedded in agarose, and cysteine-functionalized polyethylene terephthalate, which yielded log sampler-water partition coefficients of 2.8 to 5 for MeHgOH and MeHg complexed with dissolved organic matter (Suwannee River humic acid). Sampler equilibration time in sediments was approximately 1 to 2 wk. Investigation of the MeHg accumulation mechanism by AC embedded in agarose suggested that sampling was kinetically influenced by MeHg interactions with AC particles and not limited by diffusion through the gel for this material. Also, AC exhibited relatively rapid desorption of Hg and MeHg, indicating that this sorbent is capable of reversible, equilibrium measurements. In sediment:water microcosms, porewater concentrations made with isotherm-calibrated passive samplers agreed within a factor of 2 (unamended sediment) or 4 (AC-amended sediment) with directly measured concentrations. The present study demonstrates a potential new approach to passive sampling of MeHg. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:323-334. © 2019 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Sanders
- Department of Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alyssa McBurney
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Grace E Schwartz
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, Maryland, USA
| | - Spencer Washburn
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Upal Ghosh
- Department of Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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31
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de Almeida Rodrigues P, Ferrari RG, Hauser-Davis RA, Dos Santos LN, Conte-Junior CA. Seasonal influences on swimming crab mercury levels in an eutrophic estuary located in southeastern Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:3473-3482. [PMID: 31845240 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-07052-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Although significantly impacted, Guanabara Bay (GB), located in southeastern Brazil, is still an important fishery source for the state of Rio de Janeiro. Hg contamination, in particular, is of concern in the area and should be regularly monitored, as Hg bioaccumulation and biomagnification processes may lead public health risks to the local human population due to the consumption of contaminated food items, such as crabs. In this context, the aim of the present study was to determine total Hg (THg) concentrations in swimming crabs from three GB areas and investigate the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on Hg concentrations at the beginning and the end of the rainy season. Crabs and water samples were obtained from three areas, inside the bay, at the mouth of the bay and outside the bay. A clear rainfall effect on the investigated abiotic variables was observed, with increased rainfall and temperatures noted at the end of the study period. Significant statistical correlations were observed between THg concentrations and the assessed abiotic variables at the three study points at the beginning and end of the rainy season. The rainy season was noted as directly affecting THg concentrations at Guanabara Bay and, consequently, swimming crab THg contents. THg concentrations in swimming crabs at Urca and at the Cagarras Islands were higher at the beginning of the rainy season compared to the end, while the opposite was observed for the sampling point outside the bay. Higher Hg concentrations were detected at the outermost point of the bay in relation to the Cagarras Islands, probably due to the local upwelling event. THg values in Callinectes sp. were higher than concentrations reported for other areas in Brazil but lower than other reports worldwide. Calculated THg intakes surpassed the maximum National Research Council permissible limits of 0.049 mg/week at all sampling stations during both seasons, raising public health concerns. Further research for longer monitoring periods during different seasons are essential to ascertain which climatic period is most critical regarding Hg availability at this anthropogenically-impacted estuary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma de Almeida Rodrigues
- Molecular and Analytical Laboratory Center,Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal, Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Gomes Ferrari
- Chemistry Institute, Food Science Program, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4.365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Luciano Neves Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Applied Ichthyology, Department of Ecology and Marine Resources, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos Adam Conte-Junior
- Molecular and Analytical Laboratory Center,Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal, Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
- Chemistry Institute, Food Science Program, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Health Quality Control, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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32
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Curtis AN, Bourne K, Borsuk ME, Buckman KL, Demidenko E, Taylor VF, Chen CY. Effects of temperature, salinity, and sediment organic carbon on methylmercury bioaccumulation in an estuarine amphipod. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 687:907-916. [PMID: 31412494 PMCID: PMC6697058 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global contaminant that poses a human health risk in its organic form, methylmercury (MeHg), through consumption of fish and fishery products. Bioaccumulation of Hg in the aquatic environment is controlled by a number of factors expected to be altered by climate change. We examined the individual and combined effects of temperature, sediment organic carbon, and salinity on the bioaccumulation of MeHg in an estuarine amphipod, Leptocheirus plumulosus, when exposed to sediment from two locations in the Gulf of Maine (Kittery and Bass Harbor) that contained different levels of MeHg and organic carbon. Higher temperatures and lower organic carbon levels individually increased uptake of MeHg by L. plumulosus as measured by the biota-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF), while the effect of salinity on BSAF differed by sediment source. Multi-factor statistical modeling using all data revealed a significant interaction between temperature and organic carbon for both sediments, in which increased temperature had a negative effect on BSAF at the lowest carbon levels and a positive effect at higher levels. Our results suggest that increased temperature and carbon loading, of a magnitude expected as a result from climate change, could be associated with a net decrease in amphipod BSAF of 50 to 71%, depending on sediment characteristics. While these are only first-order projections, our results indicate that the future fate of MeHg in marine food webs is likely to depend on a number of factors beyond Hg loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda N Curtis
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United States.
| | - Kimberly Bourne
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Mark E Borsuk
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Kate L Buckman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United States
| | - Eugene Demidenko
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United States; Department of Mathematics, Dartmouth College, NH 03755, United States
| | - Vivien F Taylor
- Department of Earth Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United States
| | - Celia Y Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United States
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33
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de Almeida Rodrigues P, Ferrari RG, Dos Santos LN, Conte Junior CA. Mercury in aquatic fauna contamination: A systematic review on its dynamics and potential health risks. J Environ Sci (China) 2019; 84:205-218. [PMID: 31284912 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2019.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is an important pollutant, released into aquatic ecosystems both naturally and by anthropogenic action. This element is transferred to aquatic organisms in different ways, causing potential health risks. In addition, mercury can be accumulated by humans, especially through the consumption of contaminated food. This systematic review aims to present mercury pathways, the major routes through which this element reaches the aquatic environment and its transformations until becoming available to living animals, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification phenomena. The key biotic and abiotic factors affecting such processes, the impact of mercury on animal and human health and the issue of seafood consumption as a source of chronic mercury contamination are also addressed. A total of 101 articles were retrieved from a standardized search on three databases (PubMed, Emabse, and Web of Science), in addition to 28 other studies not found on these databases but considered fundamental to this review (totaling 129 articles). Both biotic and abiotic factors display fundamental importance in mediating mercurial dynamics, i.e., muscle tropism, and salinity, respectively. Consequently, mercurial contamination in aquatic environments affects animal health, especially the risk of extinction species and also on human health, with methylmercury the main mercury species responsible for acute and chronic symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma de Almeida Rodrigues
- Molecular and Analytical Laboratory Center, Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Gomes Ferrari
- Molecular and Analytical Laboratory Center, Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil; Chemistry Institute, Food Science Program, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciano Neves Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Applied Ichthyology, Department of Ecology and Marine Resources, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos Adam Conte Junior
- Molecular and Analytical Laboratory Center, Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil; Chemistry Institute, Food Science Program, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; National Institute of Health Quality Control, Fundaçãeo Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Broadley HJ, Cottingham KL, Baer NA, Weathers KC, Ewing HA, Chaves-Ulloa R, Chickering J, Wilson AM, Shrestha J, Chen CY. Factors affecting MeHg bioaccumulation in stream biota: the role of dissolved organic carbon and diet. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2019; 28:949-963. [PMID: 31410744 PMCID: PMC6814552 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-019-02086-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The bioaccumulation of the neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg) in freshwater ecosystems is thought to be mediated by both water chemistry (e.g., dissolved organic carbon [DOC] and dissolved mercury [Hg]) and diet (e.g., trophic position and diet composition). Hg in small streams is of particular interest given their role as a link between terrestrial and aquatic processes. Terrestrial processes determine the quantity and quality of streamwater DOC, which in turn influence the quantity and bioavailability of dissolved MeHg. To better understand the effects of water chemistry and diet on Hg bioaccumulation in stream biota, we measured DOC and dissolved Hg in stream water and mercury concentration in three benthic invertebrate taxa and three fish species across up to 12 tributary streams in a forested watershed in New Hampshire, USA. As expected, dissolved total mercury (THg) and MeHg concentrations increased linearly with DOC. However, mercury concentrations in fish and invertebrates varied non-linearly, with maximum bioaccumulation at intermediate DOC concentrations, which suggests that MeHg bioavailability may be reduced at high levels of DOC. Further, MeHg and THg concentrations in invertebrates and fish, respectively, increased with δ15N (suggesting trophic position) but were not associated with δ13C. These results show that even though MeHg in water is strongly determined by DOC concentrations, mercury bioaccumulation in stream food webs is the result of both MeHg availability in stream water and trophic position.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J Broadley
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA.
- Environmental Studies Program, Bates College, Lewiston, ME, 04240, USA.
| | | | - Nicholas A Baer
- Department of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH, 03257, USA
| | | | - Holly A Ewing
- Environmental Studies Program, Bates College, Lewiston, ME, 04240, USA
| | - Ramsa Chaves-Ulloa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
- Department of General Education, Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jessica Chickering
- Department of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH, 03257, USA
| | - Adam M Wilson
- Department of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH, 03257, USA
| | - Jenisha Shrestha
- Department of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH, 03257, USA
| | - Celia Y Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
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35
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Janssen SE, Riva-Murray K, DeWild JF, Ogorek JM, Tate MT, Van Metre PC, Krabbenhoft DP, Coles JF. Chemical and Physical Controls on Mercury Source Signatures in Stream Fish from the Northeastern United States. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:10110-10119. [PMID: 31390861 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b03394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Streams in the northeastern U.S. receive mercury (Hg) in varying proportions from atmospheric deposition and legacy point sources, making it difficult to attribute shifts in fish concentrations directly back to changes in Hg source management. Mercury stable isotope tracers were utilized to relate sources of Hg to co-located fish and bed sediments from 23 streams across a forested to urban-industrial land-use gradient within this region. Mass-dependent isotopes (δ202Hg) in prey and game fish at forested sites were depleted (medians -0.95 and -0.83 ‰, respectively) in comparison to fish from urban-industrial settings (medians -0.26 and -0.38 ‰, respectively); the forested site group also had higher prey fish Hg concentrations. The separation of Hg isotope signatures in fish was strongly related to in-stream and watershed land-use indicator variables. Fish isotopes were strongly correlated with bed sediment isotopes, but the isotopic offset between the two matrices was variable due to differing ecosystem-specific drivers controlling the extent of MeHg formation. The multivariable approach of analyzing watershed characteristics and stream chemistry reveals that the Hg isotope composition in fish is linked to current and historic Hg sources in the northeastern U.S. and can be used to trace bioaccumulated Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Janssen
- United States Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center , Middleton , Wisconsin 53562 , United States
| | - Karen Riva-Murray
- United States Geological Survey, New York Water Science Center , Troy , New York 12180 , United States
| | - John F DeWild
- United States Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center , Middleton , Wisconsin 53562 , United States
| | - Jacob M Ogorek
- United States Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center , Middleton , Wisconsin 53562 , United States
| | - Michael T Tate
- United States Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center , Middleton , Wisconsin 53562 , United States
| | - Peter C Van Metre
- United States Geological Survey, Texas Water Science Center Austin , Texas 78754 , United States
| | - David P Krabbenhoft
- United States Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center , Middleton , Wisconsin 53562 , United States
| | - James F Coles
- United States Geological Survey, New England Water Science Center Northborough , Massachusetts 01532 , United States
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36
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Lei P, Zhong H, Duan D, Pan K. A review on mercury biogeochemistry in mangrove sediments: Hotspots of methylmercury production? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 680:140-150. [PMID: 31112813 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Wetlands are highly productive and biologically diverse environments that provide numerous ecosystem services, but can also be sources of methylmercury (MeHg) production and export. Mangrove wetlands contribute up to 15% of the coastal sediment carbon storage and ~10% of the particulate terrestrial carbon exported to the ocean. Thus, mercury (Hg) methylation in mangrove sediments and subsequent MeHg output to adjacent waters could have a great impact on global Hg cycling. In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the literature on worldwide Hg concentrations in mangrove ecosystems, and the results reveal that a large range of total Hg (THg) and MeHg concentrations is detected in mangrove systems. Then, we discuss the potential roles of organic matter (OM) in controlling the Hg biogeochemistry in mangrove sediments. The intense OM decomposition by anoxic reduction (e.g., sulfate reduction) drastically affects sediment chemistries, such as redox potential, pH, and sulfur speciation, all of which may have a great impact on MeHg production. While the outwelling of carbon from mangroves has been extensively examined, little is known about their roles in exporting MeHg to adjacent waters. Our understanding of Hg biogeochemical processes in mangrove systems is constrained by the limited MeHg data and a lack of in-depth studies on the Hg methylation potential in this ecologically important environment. More efforts are needed to gain better insights into the contributions mangrove wetlands to the global Hg cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Lei
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Huan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210046, China; Environmental and Life Science Program (EnLS), Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dandan Duan
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ke Pan
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
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37
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Evaluation of Mercury Transformation and Benthic Organisms Uptake in a Creek Sediment of Pearl River Estuary, China. WATER 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/w11061308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A large fraction of mercury contaminant in the environment is from industrial production, and it potentially impairs human health once entering the food chain. Millions of people reside in the Pearl River Delta region, and water quality in the estuary directly affects their drinking water safety. Considering the highly intense anthropogenic activities and industrial productions, we attempted to measure the sediment mercury concentration in the Pearl River estuary. In this work, samples of a creek sediment within this region were collected and mercury concentrations were quantified. Total mercury, simultaneously extracted mercury, methylmercury, and bio-accumulated mercury were individually assayed. Results indicated that total mercury concentrations of investigated sites ranged from 1.073 to 4.450 µg/g dry sediment. The mercury in the sediment also transformed into more toxic methylmercury, which then adversely affected benthos biodiversity. Correlation analysis revealed that, mercury was accumulated into benthic microorganisms, mainly through the uptake of methylmercury. High concentrations of acid-volatile sulfide in the sediment indicated the presence of active sulfate-reducing bacteria, which could also catalytically transform inorganic mercury into methylmercury. Correlation analysis further showed that sulfate-reducing bacteria activity accounted for methylmercury formation.
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38
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Buckman KL, Seelen EA, Mason RP, Balcom P, Taylor VF, Ward JE, Chen CY. Sediment organic carbon and temperature effects on methylmercury concentration: A mesocosm experiment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 666:1316-1326. [PMID: 30970496 PMCID: PMC6461384 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The fate and mobility of mercury, and its bioaccumulation primarily as methylmercury (MeHg), in marine ecosystems are influenced by climate related environmental factors, including increased temperature and carbon loading. To investigate the interactions between sediment organic carbon and temperature MeHg bioaccumulation, mesocosm experiments were conducted examining relationships between sediment, water column and biota (sediment-dwelling amphipod and juvenile oyster) MeHg concentration. Experimental treatments consisted of a two by two design of high and low temperature (15 & 25 °C) and high and low sediment organic carbon (4-5% and 13% LOI, pre-experiment). Sediment organic carbon had significant individual effects on MeHg concentration in water and biota, with higher carbon associated with lower MeHg. Temperature individual effects were significant for sediment, water, and only amphipod MeHg concentration, with higher temperature treatments indicating higher MeHg concentration. There were significant temperature × carbon interactions observed for sediment, dissolved, and oyster MeHg concentration. Sediment carbon reduction had greater influence than temperature on increasing MeHg concentrations in both the water column and biota. MeHg concentrations in the bulk sediment were not correlated with MeHg in the water column or in the biota, indicating that even when sediments are the only source of MeHg, bulk sediment measurements do not provide a good proxy for bioaccumulation and that the concentration in bulk sediments is not the primary determinant of MeHg entry into the food web.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Buckman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States of America.
| | - E A Seelen
- Department of Marine Science, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT, United States of America
| | - R P Mason
- Department of Marine Science, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT, United States of America
| | - P Balcom
- Department of Marine Science, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT, United States of America; Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - V F Taylor
- Department of Earth Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States of America
| | - J E Ward
- Department of Marine Science, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT, United States of America
| | - C Y Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States of America
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39
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Taylor VF, Buckman KL, Seelen EA, Mazrui NM, Balcom PH, Mason RP, Chen CY. Organic carbon content drives methylmercury levels in the water column and in estuarine food webs across latitudes in the Northeast United States. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 246:639-649. [PMID: 30605819 PMCID: PMC6363875 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.12.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Estuaries are dynamic ecosystems which vary widely in loading of the contaminant methylmercury (MeHg), and in environmental factors which control MeHg exposure to the estuarine foodweb. Inputs of organic carbon and rates of primary production are important influences on MeHg loading and bioaccumulation, and are predicted to increase with changes in climate and land use pressures. To further understand these influences on MeHg levels in estuarine biota, we used a field study approach in sites across different temperature regions, and with varying organic carbon levels. In paired comparisons of sites with high vs. low organic carbon, fish had lower MeHg bioaccumulation factors (normalized to water concentrations) in high carbon sites, particularly subsites with large coastal wetlands and large variability in dissolved organic carbon levels in the water column. Across sites, MeHg level in the water column was strongly tied to dissolved organic carbon, and was the major driver of MeHg concentrations in fish and invertebrates. Higher primary productivity (chlorophyll-a) was associated with increased MeHg partitioning to suspended particulates, but not to the biota. These findings suggest that increased inputs of MeHg and loss of wetlands associated with climate change and anthropogenic land use pressure will increase MeHg concentrations in estuarine food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- V F Taylor
- Department of Earth Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA.
| | - K L Buckman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - E A Seelen
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT, USA
| | - N M Mazrui
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT, USA
| | - P H Balcom
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - R P Mason
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT, USA
| | - C Y Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
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40
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Kopec AD, Kidd KA, Fisher NS, Bowen M, Francis C, Payne K, Bodaly RA. Spatial and temporal trends of mercury in the aquatic food web of the lower Penobscot River, Maine, USA, affected by a chlor-alkali plant. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 649:770-791. [PMID: 30176487 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) concentrations in aquatic biota, including fish and shellfish, were measured over the period 2006-2012 in the lower Penobscot River and upper estuary (Maine, USA). The Penobscot is a system contaminated with Hg by a chlor-alkali plant that operated from 1967 to 2000, discharging 6-12 tons of mercury into the river. Mercury levels in aquatic biota were highest at sites downstream of the chlor-alkali plant and spatial trends were similar to those of sediments. Mean total Hg concentrations in fish muscle (adjusted for size or age) in the most affected areas were 521 (480, 566; 95% CI) ng/g ww in American eels, 321 (261,395) in mummichog, 121 (104, 140) in rainbow smelt, 155 (142,169) in tomcod, 55.2 (42.7,71.4) in winter flounder, and 328 (259,413) in American lobster tail and 522 (488,557) ng/g dw in blue mussel. Levels exceeded the 50 ng/g ww considered protective for piscivorous predators and were of concern for human health, with American eels and American lobster exceeding Maine's mercury action level of 200 ng/g ww. Calculations of trophic position (using nitrogen isotopes) suggested that the spatial patterns observed in total Hg concentrations were not due to changes in feeding habits of the species. Fish feeding in benthic food webs, as defined by stomach content and stable carbon isotope analyses, showed no change in Hg concentrations over time. In contrast, declining trends in Hg were found in two species dependent on pelagic food webs. The absence of declines in Hg concentrations in the benthically-based food webs, despite the fact that most Hg was discharged into the system >40 years ago, is consistent with the long recovery predicted from dated sediment cores and from similar studies elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dianne Kopec
- Penobscot River Mercury Study, 479 Beechwood Ave., Old Town, ME 04468, USA.
| | - Karen A Kidd
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W., Hamilton, Ontario L85 4K1, Canada.
| | - Nicholas S Fisher
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000, USA.
| | - Marcia Bowen
- Normandeau Associates, Inc., 550 Forest Ave., Suite 201, Portland, ME 04101, USA
| | - Corey Francis
- Normandeau Associates, Inc., 550 Forest Ave., Suite 201, Portland, ME 04101, USA
| | - Kimberley Payne
- Normandeau Associates, Inc., 550 Forest Ave., Suite 201, Portland, ME 04101, USA
| | - R A Bodaly
- Penobscot River Mercury Study, 115 Oystercatcher Place, Salt Spring Island, B.C., V8K 2W5, Canada.
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Seelen EA, Massey GM, Mason RP. Role of Sediment Resuspension on Estuarine Suspended Particulate Mercury Dynamics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:7736-7744. [PMID: 29927238 PMCID: PMC6051696 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b01920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Coastal sediments are an important site for transient and long-term mercury (Hg) storage, and they foster a geochemical environment optimal for Hg methylation. Therefore, efforts have been taken to constrain the role of sediments as a source of methylmercury (MeHg) to the estuarine water column. This study employed the Gust Microcosm Erosion Core system capable of quantifying particle removal from undisturbed cores under measurable shear stress conditions to assess particulate Hg and MeHg exchange between sediments and the water column. Samples were collected from organic-rich and organic-poor sediment types from the mid- and lower Delaware Bay. It was found that bulk sediment samples from organic-rich systems overpredict total Hg and MeHg release to the water column, whereas organic-poor sediments underpredict the exchange. In general, organic-rich sediments in shallow environments have the most impact on surface particle dynamics. There is little evidence to suggest that MeHg formed in the sediments is released to the water column via particulate exchange, and therefore, nonsedimentary sources likely control MeHg levels in this estuarine water column.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Seelen
- University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Science, Groton, CT 06340 United States
- Corresponding Author
| | - Grace M. Massey
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Department of Physical Sciences, Gloucester Point, VA 23062 United States
| | - Robert P. Mason
- University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Science, Groton, CT 06340 United States
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Ritger AL, Curtis AN, Chen CY. Bioaccumulation of mercury and other metal contaminants in invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles) from Curaçao. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 131:38-44. [PMID: 29886962 PMCID: PMC5999044 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A wide range of ecological and environmental factors influence metal bioaccumulation in fish. Studies of mercury and other metal contaminants in invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish are limited, yet consumption of the invasive predator is increasingly utilized as a management strategy. In this study, we examined the effects of body size, body condition, sex, trophic level, carbon source, diet, depth and capture location on mercury concentrations in lionfish collected from Curaçao. In addition, we examined whether or not a local petroleum refinery is the source of metal contamination in lionfish. Mercury concentrations ranged from 0.008 to 0.106 mg/kg and we found no effect of the petroleum refinery on metal bioaccumulation in lionfish. Low concentrations of metal contaminants indicate lionfish from Curaçao are safe for human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia L Ritger
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United States..
| | - Amanda N Curtis
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United States
| | - Celia Y Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, United States
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43
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Lescord GL, Emilson EJS, Johnston TA, Branfireun BA, Gunn JM. Optical Properties of Dissolved Organic Matter and Their Relation to Mercury Concentrations in Water and Biota Across a Remote Freshwater Drainage Basin. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:3344-3353. [PMID: 29444573 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b05348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Dissolved organic matter (DOM) includes an array of carbon-based compounds that vary in size and structure and have complex interactions with mercury (Hg) cycling in aquatic systems. While many studies have examined the relationship between dissolved organic carbon concentrations ([DOC]) and methyl Hg bioaccumulation, few studies have considered the effects of DOM composition (e.g., protein-content, aromaticity). The goal of this study was to explore the relationships between total and methyl [Hg] in water, invertebrates, and fish and optically derived measures of DOM composition from 47 lake and river sites across a boreal watershed. Results showed higher aqueous total [Hg] in systems with more aromatic DOM and higher [DOC], potentially due to enhanced transport from upstream or riparian areas. Methyl [Hg] in biota were all positively related to the amount of microbial-based DOM and, in some cases, to the proportions of labile and protein-like DOM. These results suggest that increased Hg bioaccumulation is related to the availability of labile DOM, potentially due to enhanced Hg methylation. DOM composition explained 68% and 54% more variability in [Hg] in surface waters and large-bodied fish, respectively, than [DOC] alone. These results show that optical measures of DOM characteristics are a valuable tool for understanding DOM-Hg biogeochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen L Lescord
- Laurentian University , 935 Ramsey Lake Road , Sudbury , Ontario P3E 2C6 , Canada
| | - Erik J S Emilson
- Natural Resources Canada , Great Lakes Forestry Centre , 1219 Queen Street East , Sault Sainte Marie , Ontario P6A 2E5 , Canada
| | - Tom A Johnston
- Laurentian University , 935 Ramsey Lake Road , Sudbury , Ontario P3E 2C6 , Canada
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry , Sudbury , Ontario P3E 2C6 , Canada
| | | | - John M Gunn
- Laurentian University , 935 Ramsey Lake Road , Sudbury , Ontario P3E 2C6 , Canada
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Shi X, Mason RP, Charette MA, Mazrui NM, Cai P. Mercury flux from salt marsh sediments: Insights from a comparison between 224Ra/ 228Th disequilibrium and core incubation methods. GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA 2018. [PMID: 29515259 PMCID: PMC5836733 DOI: 10.1016/j.gca.2017.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
In aquatic environments, sediments are the main location of mercury methylation. Thus, accurate quantification of methylmercury (MeHg) fluxes at the sediment-water interface is vital to understanding the biogeochemical cycling of mercury, especially the toxic MeHg species, and their bioaccumulation. Traditional approaches, such as core incubations, are difficult to maintain at in-situ conditions during assays, leading to over/underestimation of benthic fluxes. Alternatively, the 224Ra/228Th disequilibrium method for tracing the transfer of dissolved substances across the sediment-water interface, has proven to be a reliable approach for quantifying benthic fluxes. In this study, the 224Ra/228Th disequilibrium and core incubation methods were compared to examine the benthic fluxes of both 224Ra and MeHg in salt marsh sediments of Barn Island, Connecticut, USA from May to August, 2016. The two methods were comparable for 224Ra but contradictory for MeHg. The radiotracer approach indicated that sediments were always the dominant source of both total mercury (THg) and MeHg. The core incubation method for MeHg produced similar results in May and August, but an opposite pattern in June and July, which suggested sediments were a sink of MeHg, contrary to the evidence of significant MeHg gradients between overlying water and porewater at the sediment-water interface. The potential reasons for such differences are discussed. Overall, we conclude that the 224Ra/228Th disequilibrium approach is preferred for estimating the benthic flux of MeHg and that sediment is indeed an important MeHg source in this marshland, and likely in other shallow coastal waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangming Shi
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT 06340, USA
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, PR China
| | - Robert P. Mason
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT 06340, USA
- Corresponding author at: Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecossett Rd, Groton, CT 06340, USA. (R.P. Mason)
| | - Matthew A. Charette
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Nashaat M. Mazrui
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Pinghe Cai
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, PR China
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Nasr M, Arp PA. Relating Fish Hg to Variations in Sediment Hg, Climate and Atmospheric Deposition. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.4236/ajcc.2018.73024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Cransveld A, Amouroux D, Tessier E, Koutrakis E, Ozturk AA, Bettoso N, Mieiro CL, Bérail S, Barre JPG, Sturaro N, Schnitzler J, Das K. Mercury Stable Isotopes Discriminate Different Populations of European Seabass and Trace Potential Hg Sources around Europe. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:12219-12228. [PMID: 28942649 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b01307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Our study reports the first data on mercury (Hg) isotope composition in marine European fish, for seven distinct populations of the European seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax. The use of δ202Hg and Δ199Hg values in SIBER enabled us to estimate Hg isotopic niches, successfully discriminating several populations. Recursive-partitioning analyses demonstrated the relevance of Hg stable isotopes as discriminating tools. Hg isotopic values also provided insight on Hg contamination sources for biota in coastal environment. The overall narrow range of δ202Hg around Europe was suggested to be related to a global atmospheric contamination while δ202Hg at some sites was linked either to background contamination, or with local contamination sources. Δ199Hg was related to Hg levels of fish but we also suggest a relation with ecological conditions. Throughout this study, results from the Black Sea population stood out, displaying a Hg cycling similar to fresh water lakes. Our findings bring out the possibility to use Hg isotopes in order to discriminate distinct populations, to explore the Hg cycle on a large scale (Europe) and to distinguish sites contaminated by global versus local Hg source. The interest of using Hg sable isotopes to investigate the whole European Hg cycle is clearly highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Cransveld
- Laboratory for Oceanology - MARE, University of Liège , 15 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - David Amouroux
- CNRS/UNIV PAU & PAYS ADOUR, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Materiaux, UMR5254 , 64000, PAU, France
| | - Emmanuel Tessier
- CNRS/UNIV PAU & PAYS ADOUR, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Materiaux, UMR5254 , 64000, PAU, France
| | - Emmanuil Koutrakis
- Fisheries Research Institute , Hellenic Agricultural Organisation, 640 07 Nea Peramos, Kavala Greece
| | - Ayaka A Ozturk
- Faculty of Fisheries, Istanbul University , Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nicola Bettoso
- Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione dell'Ambiente del Friuli Venezia Giulia (ARPA FVG) , via A. La Marmora 13, 34139 Trieste, Italy
| | - Cláudia L Mieiro
- CESAM and Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro , Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sylvain Bérail
- CNRS/UNIV PAU & PAYS ADOUR, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Materiaux, UMR5254 , 64000, PAU, France
| | - Julien P G Barre
- CNRS/UNIV PAU & PAYS ADOUR, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Materiaux, UMR5254 , 64000, PAU, France
| | - Nicolas Sturaro
- Laboratory for Oceanology - MARE, University of Liège , 15 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Joseph Schnitzler
- Laboratory for Oceanology - MARE, University of Liège , 15 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation , 25761 Büsum, Schleswig-Holstein Germany
| | - Krishna Das
- Laboratory for Oceanology - MARE, University of Liège , 15 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium
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47
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Carroll RW, Warwick JJ. The importance of dynamic mercury water column concentrations on body burdens in a planktivorous fish: A bioenergetic and mercury mass balance perspective. Ecol Modell 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2017.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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48
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Buckman K, Taylor V, Broadley H, Hocking D, Balcom P, Mason R, Nislow K, Chen C. Methylmercury bioaccumulation in an urban estuary: Delaware River USA. ESTUARIES AND COASTS : JOURNAL OF THE ESTUARINE RESEARCH FEDERATION 2017; 40:1358-1370. [PMID: 28970741 PMCID: PMC5621658 DOI: 10.1007/s12237-017-0232-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Spatial variation in mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) bioaccumulation in urban coastal watersheds reflects complex interactions between Hg sources, land use, and environmental gradients. We examined MeHg concentrations in fauna from the Delaware River estuary, and related these measurements to environmental parameters and human impacts on the waterway. The sampling sites followed a north to south gradient of increasing salinity, decreasing urban influence, and increasing marsh cover. Although mean total Hg in surface sediments (top 4cm) peaked in the urban estuarine turbidity maximum and generally decreased downstream, surface sediment MeHg concentrations showed no spatial patterns consistent with the examined environmental gradients, indicating urban influence on Hg loading to the sediment but not subsequent methylation. Surface water particulate MeHg concentration showed a positive correlation with marsh cover whereas dissolved MeHg concentrations were slightly elevated in the estuarine turbidity maximum region. Spatial patterns of MeHg bioaccumulation in resident fauna varied across taxa. Small fish showed increased MeHg concentrations in the more urban/industrial sites upstream, with concentrations generally decreasing farther downstream. Invertebrates either showed no clear spatial patterns in MeHg concentrations (blue crabs, fiddler crabs) or increasing concentrations further downstream (grass shrimp). Best-supported linear mixed models relating tissue concentration to environmental variables reflected these complex patterns, with species specific model results dominated by random site effects with a combination of particulate MeHg and landscape variables influencing bioaccumulation in some species. The data strengthen accumulating evidence that bioaccumulation in estuaries can be decoupled from sediment MeHg concentration, and that drivers of MeHg production and fate may vary within a small region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Buckman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover NH
- Corresponding Authors: , phone: 603-646-8768, , phone: 603-646-2376
| | - Vivien Taylor
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover NH
| | - Hannah Broadley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover NH
| | - Daniel Hocking
- Department of Biology, Frostburg State University, Frostburg MD
| | - Prentiss Balcom
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton CT
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge MA
| | - Rob Mason
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton CT
| | - Keith Nislow
- Northern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Amherst MA
| | - Celia Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover NH
- Corresponding Authors: , phone: 603-646-8768, , phone: 603-646-2376
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49
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Ezeonyejiaku CD, Obiakor MO. A Market Basket Survey of Horticultural Fruits for Arsenic and Trace Metal Contamination in Southeast Nigeria and Potential Health Risk Implications. J Health Pollut 2017; 7:40-50. [PMID: 30524829 PMCID: PMC6236540 DOI: 10.5696/2156-9614-7.15.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated arsenic and trace metal contamination of the terrestrial food chain represents one of the most significant environmental risk exposures for human populations in developing countries. Metalloid and metal contamination in horticultural crop produce such as fruit is a public health concern in Nigeria. Local fruits are cheap sources of vitamins and minerals for the resident population and pose an important dietary threat of metal(loid) toxicity through consumption. OBJECTIVES Market basket investigation of five locally grown (guava, pineapple, orange, and pawpaw) and imported (apple) fruits was conducted to measure the total concentrations of arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) present in these fruits from southeastern Nigeria (Awka, Anambra). METHODS Fruits were analyzed for As and the three metals using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Moisture content of fruits was determined and used to transform metal concentrations in dry weight to wet weight and compared to Codex food grade standards and assorted (sub)tropical fruits, edible and inedible peels. RESULTS The mean ± standard deviation of elemental concentrations in dry weight ranged from 20.0±0.71-96.84±0.00 μg g-1 for As, 0.02±0.02 - 0.89±0.33 μg g-1 for Hg, 0.11±0.01 - 0.18±0.40 μg g-1 for Cu, and <0.001 - 0.03±0.05 μg g-1 for Pb. The As concentrations (wet weight) in fruits were ~32-166 orders of magnitude higher than Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) maximum As food grade levels. Guava and apple methyl Hg concentrations were ~6-~1 orders of magnitude higher than Codex maximum levels, while the content of Cu and Pb in fruits were within acceptable standard limits. CONCLUSIONS The significant concentrations of As and Hg in the examined fruits indicate a potential public health threat. Efforts are needed to initiate and sustain continued monitoring of trace elements in fruits and food sold to consumers due to variation in contaminating sources to ensure food safety. Although a great deal of information exists on Hg toxicity, research on metalloids such as As remains limited in Nigeria and no reliable guidelines exist. Further research is recommended to determine the ecotoxicity of As in Nigeria.
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50
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Curtis AN, Bugge DM, Buckman KL, Feng X, Faiia A, Chen CY. Influence of sample preparation on estuarine macrofauna stable isotope signatures in the context of contaminant bioaccumulation studies. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MARINE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY 2017; 493:1-6. [PMID: 29104312 PMCID: PMC5663309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jembe.2017.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The ratios of stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen provide important information on food sources of aquatic organisms and trophic structure of aquatic food webs. For many studies, trophic position and food source are linked to bioaccumulation and trophic transfer of contaminants from prey to predators. In these cases, it is useful to use measurements on whole organisms to make direct comparisons of contaminant bioaccumulation and food web attributes. There is a great deal of variation in methods used for stable isotope analysis, particularly in the selection of tissue type and sample preparation prior to stable isotope analysis. While there have been aquatic studies that examined methodological differences, few have focused on estuarine organisms. In this study, the effects of depuration and tissue dissection on the stable isotope enrichment of common estuarine invertebrates and fish were examined. Homogenized tissues of non-depurated whole organisms were compared to dissected muscle tissue or depurated whole organisms. A 24 h depuration did not change the mean δ15N and δ13C values for most species examined. Additionally, as expected, significant differences in carbon and nitrogen signatures were found when muscle tissues were compared to whole organisms. However, differences were small enough that food source as inferred by δ13C or trophic level as inferred from δ15N would not be inaccurately represented (differences of <1.9‰ for δ13C and <1.2‰ for δ15N). The results of this study suggest that for these common estuarine fish and macroinvertebrates, stable isotopes ratios of samples can be analyzed without depuration in the same way as samples for contaminant analysis, but differences in tissue types must be taken into account when combining data from different sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda N. Curtis
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, 78 College Street, Hanover, New Hampshire, 03755, United States of America
| | - Deenie M. Bugge
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, 78 College Street, Hanover, New Hampshire, 03755, United States of America
| | - Kate L. Buckman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, 78 College Street, Hanover, New Hampshire, 03755, United States of America
| | - Xiahong Feng
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, 6105 Fairchild Hall, Hanover, New Hampshire, 03755, United States of America
| | - Anthony Faiia
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, 6105 Fairchild Hall, Hanover, New Hampshire, 03755, United States of America
| | - Celia Y. Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, 78 College Street, Hanover, New Hampshire, 03755, United States of America
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