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Ruiz E, Lacoue-Labarthe T, Churlaud C, Brault-Favrou M, Pascal PY. Mercury Accumulation and Transfer in Hydrothermal Coastal Environment: The Case of the Geothermal Plant of Bouillante. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00244-024-01082-w. [PMID: 39190134 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-024-01082-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Geothermal vents can constitute local significant sources of mercury (Hg) in the environment. The geothermal power plant of Bouillante (Guadeloupe, Lesser Antilles) artificially enhances the release of hydrothermal water in shallow areas of the bay. To assess the impact of this release on the Hg transfer in the environment, Hg concentrations were assessed in sediments, sulphur-oxidising bacteria and six animal species (urchin, sponges and fish) with various diets and trophic levels from the Bouillante Bay and a distant Control Site. Concentrations of Hg in all samples from Bouillante were greater than those from the Control Site (2-627 times higher). A comparison with the Hg concentrations reported in the literature for similar sample types reveals that they are abnormally high in most Bouillante samples suggesting a local Hg contamination imputable to the release of Hg hydrothermal water. Rocky pebbles of the shallow discharge channel are covered by a mat of sulphur-oxidising bacteria presenting high concentration of Hg (13 µg g-1). Through analysis of species with various diet, two pathways of Hg integration into Bouillante's food webs were emphasised. First, greater Hg concentrations in filter feeders (sponges ×3 and bivalves ×10) not consuming bacterial mats and liver/muscle ratios in fishes suggest that discharge waters enhance the exposure of marine organisms to dissolved inorganic Hg (i.e., waterborne pathway). Second, greater Hg concentrations in opportunistic animals such as the fish Acanthurus bahianus (×49) and the sea urchin Diadema antillarum (×50) known to ingest sulphur-bacterial mats from the discharge channel suggest that these chemosynthetic bacteria play a role in the integration (i.e., dietary pathway) and transfer of Hg in local biota, which enlightens the consideration of vent fields as natural sources of Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliot Ruiz
- UMR 7266 Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
- UMR 9190 MARBEC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, 34250, Palavas-les-Flots, France
| | - Thomas Lacoue-Labarthe
- UMR 7266 Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France.
| | - Carine Churlaud
- UMR 7266 Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Maud Brault-Favrou
- UMR 7266 Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Pierre-Yves Pascal
- UMR 7205 Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Université des Antilles, BP 592, 97159, Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe, France
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2
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Reis J, Spencer PS. An introduction to environmental neurotoxicology: Lessons from a clinical perspective. J Neurol Sci 2024; 463:123108. [PMID: 38991324 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2024.123108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
In 1992, the Committee on Neurotoxicology and Models for Assessing Risk of the National Academy of Sciences in Washington DC focused with a scientific perspective on the identification of substances with neurotoxic potential, studies of exposed populations, risk assessment, and biologic markers of disease. This Committee recommended: "all physicians should be trained to take a thorough occupational-exposure history and to be aware of other possible sources of toxic exposure". Although convened after several outbreaks of neurotoxic syndromes, clinical neurological considerations were lacking. After defining keys words, namely Environment, Neurotoxicology and Neurotoxicants, we present some demonstrative cases; e.g., the Epidemic Neuropathy in Cuba, Minamata disease, ALS/PDC on Guam, and the ALS hot spot in the French Alps. Always with a clinical and practical approach, we will then review the milieux that contain and convey potential neurotoxicants, the different exposure routes and the clinical presentations. Drawing lessons from clinical cases, we offer some thoughts concerning the future of Environmental Neurotoxicology (ENT). Pointing notably to the diffuse chemical contamination of ecosystems and living beings, including Homo sapiens, we question the real impact of agents with neurotoxic potential on the human brain, considering the effects, for example, of air pollution, endocrine disruptors and nanoparticles. Concern is expressed over the lack of knowledge of the non-monotonic kinetics of many of these chemicals, the major concern being related to mixtures and low-dose exposures, as well as the delayed appearance in clinical expression of prevalent neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Reis
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; Association RISE, 67205 Oberhausbergen, France.
| | - P S Spencer
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, and Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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3
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Fang TH, Chang FW. Temporal variation of mercury and methyl mercury in water and accumulation by phytoplankton in the eutrophic estuary, northern Taiwan. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116624. [PMID: 38959573 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116624] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Three surveys were carried out to study the phytoplankton role in influencing the Hg distribution in a poorly eutrophic estuary by measuring the total Hg (THg) and methylHg (MeHg) concentrations in waters and four-size fractions of phytoplankton. The THg and MeHg concentrations in waters and phytoplankton varied markedly temporal during the three surveys. The total concentrations of THg and MeHg in the four-size fractions of phytoplankton ranged between 0.62 and 28.15 mg/kg and 0.022-4.411 mg/kg, respectively. The dominance of THg and MeHg phytoplankton concentrations differed from different size fractions and varied with the various surveys. The huge uptake of Hg by abundant phytoplankton decreased both Hg concentrations in waters and phytoplankton, which was attributed to the biomass dilution effect during the July survey. The Hg partition between water and phytoplankton provided substantial evidence to illustrate the huge uptake of Hg by the abundant phytoplankton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien Hsi Fang
- Department of Marine Environmental Informatics, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan; Institute of Marine Biology, National Dong Hwa University, Pingtung, Taiwan.
| | - Fu Wei Chang
- Department of Marine Environmental Informatics, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 202, Taiwan
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Laird LS, Craig EC, Clucas G, Taylor VF, Chen CY. Mercury bioaccumulation in three colonial seabird species in the Gulf of Maine. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174438. [PMID: 38960193 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The methylated form of mercury, MeHg, is a neurotoxin that bioaccumulates and biomagnifies through aquatic food webs, reaching high concentrations in top trophic species. Many seabird species are wide-ranging and feed on forage fish, so they can be used as sentinel species to assess the level of mercury in pelagic or coastal food webs because they integrate the signal from large areas and from lower trophic levels. The Gulf of Maine provides habitat for many seabirds, including endangered roseate terns (Sterna dougalii), common terns (Sterna hirundo), and the southernmost breeding population of black guillemots (Cepphus grylle). Hg levels were assessed in down of newly hatched chicks of three seabird species to determine pre-hatching Hg exposure. Stable isotopes (δ15N, δ13C) in down and chick contour feathers grown after hatching were used as indicators of adult female diet in the period before laying the egg (down) and pre-fledging chick diet (contour feathers). Black guillemot down THg concentrations were 10.07 ± 2.88 μg/g (mean ± 1SD), 5.5× higher than common tern down (1.82 ± 0.436 μg /g), and 7.4× higher than roseate tern down (1.37 ± 0.518 μg/g). Black guillemots also had higher down feather δ15N values (15.1 ± 0.52 ‰) compared to common (13.0 ± 0.72 ‰) or roseate terns (12.8 ± 0.25 ‰), and in black guillemot down feathers, higher Hg concentrations were correlated with δ15N, an indicator of trophic level. Repeated testing of the same tissue types across multiple years is needed to monitor THg exposure for seabirds in the Gulf of Maine; additionally, monitoring species composition and Hg presence in prey species of the black guillemot population would help to determine the source of high THg concentrations in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenny S Laird
- Dartmouth College, Department of Biological Sciences, LSC 6044, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.
| | - Elizabeth C Craig
- Shoals Marine Laboratory (Joint Program of University of New Hampshire and Cornell University), 8 College Rd., Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Gemma Clucas
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Viven F Taylor
- Dartmouth College, Department of Earth Sciences, 6105 Fairchild, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Celia Y Chen
- Dartmouth College, Department of Biological Sciences, LSC 6044, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
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De Pao Mendonca K, Rocher C, Dufour A, Schenkelaars Q, Heimbürger-Boavida LE, le Bivic A, Borchiellini C, Issartel J, Renard E. Methylmercury exposure of the sponge O. lobularis induces strong tissue and cell defects. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 358:141839. [PMID: 38636911 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Mediterranean marine biota suffers from various anthropogenic threats. Among them, pollutants such as mercury (Hg) represent important environmental issues that are exacerbated by bioaccumulation and bioamplification along food webs via its organic form, monomethylmercury (MMHg). To date, very little is known regarding the impact of mercury on Porifera and the few available studies have been exclusively focused on Demospongiae. This work studies the effect of MMHgCl at different biological levels of Oscarella lobularis (Porifera, Homoscleromorpha). Bioaccumulation assays show that MMHgCl significantly accumulated in sponge tissues after a 96-h exposure to 0.1 μg L-1. Toxicity assays (LC5096h) show a sensibility that depends on life-stage (adult vs bud). Additionally, we show that the exposure to 1 μg L-1 MMHgCl negatively impacts the epithelial integrity and the regeneration process in buds, as shown by the loss of cell-cell contacts and the alteration of osculum morphogenesis. For the first time in a sponge, a whole set of genes classically involved in metal detoxification and in antioxidant response were identified. Significant changes in catalase, superoxide dismutase and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 expressions in exposed juveniles were measured. Such an integrative approach from the physiological to the molecular scales on a non-model organism expands our knowledge concerning sensitivity and toxicity mechanisms induced by MMHg in Porifera, raising new questions regarding the possible defences used by marine sponges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kassandra De Pao Mendonca
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IBDM, UMR7288, Marseille, France
| | - Caroline Rocher
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Marseille, France
| | - Aurélie Dufour
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS/INSU, Université de Toulon, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), Marseille, France
| | | | - Lars-Eric Heimbürger-Boavida
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS/INSU, Université de Toulon, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), Marseille, France
| | - André le Bivic
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IBDM, UMR7288, Marseille, France
| | | | - Julien Issartel
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, FR 3098 ECCOREV, F-13545, Aix-en-Provence, France.
| | - Emmanuelle Renard
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IBDM, UMR7288, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, FR 3098 ECCOREV, F-13545, Aix-en-Provence, France.
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6
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Jędruch A, Bełdowski J, Bełdowska M. Mercury dynamics at the base of the pelagic food web of the Gulf of Gdańsk, southern Baltic Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116363. [PMID: 38621354 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116363] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Planktonic organisms, which have direct contact with water, serve as the entry point for mercury (Hg), into the marine food web, impacting its levels in higher organisms, including fish, mammals, and humans who consume seafood. This study provides insights into the distribution and behavior of Hg within the Baltic Sea, specifically the Gulf of Gdańsk, focusing on pelagic primary producers and consumers. Phytoplankton Hg levels were primarily influenced by its concentrations in water, while Hg concentrations in zooplankton resulted from dietary exposure through suspended particulate matter and phytoplankton consumption. Hg uptake by planktonic organisms, particularly phytoplankton, was highly efficient, with Hg concentrations four orders of magnitude higher than those in the surrounding water. However, unlike biomagnification of Hg between SPM and zooplankton, biomagnification between zooplankton and phytoplankton was not apparent, likely due to the low trophic position and small size of primary consumers, high Hg elimination rates, and limited absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Jędruch
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Department of Marine Chemistry and Biochemistry, Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81-712 Sopot, Poland; University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Department of Chemical Oceanography and Marine Geology, Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland.
| | - Jacek Bełdowski
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Department of Marine Chemistry and Biochemistry, Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81-712 Sopot, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bełdowska
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Department of Chemical Oceanography and Marine Geology, Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
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7
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Angon PB, Islam MS, KC S, Das A, Anjum N, Poudel A, Suchi SA. Sources, effects and present perspectives of heavy metals contamination: Soil, plants and human food chain. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28357. [PMID: 38590838 PMCID: PMC10999863 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Heavy metal (HM) poisoning of agricultural soils poses a serious risk to plant life, human health, and global food supply. When HM levels in agricultural soils get to dangerous levels, it harms crop health and yield. Chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) are the main heavy metals. The environment contains these metals in varying degrees, such as in soil, food, water, and even the air. These substances damage plants and alter soil characteristics, which lowers crop yield. Crop types, growing circumstances, elemental toxicity, developmental stage, soil physical and chemical properties, and the presence and bioavailability of heavy metals (HMs) in the soil solution are some of the factors affecting the amount of HM toxicity in crops. By interfering with the normal structure and function of cellular components, HMs can impede various metabolic and developmental processes. Humans are exposed to numerous serious diseases by consuming these affected plant products. Exposure to certain metals can harm the kidneys, brain, intestines, lungs, liver, and other organs of the human body. This review assesses (1) contamination of heavy metals in soils through different sources, like anthropogenic and natural; (2) the effect on microorganisms and the chemical and physical properties of soil; (3) the effect on plants as well as crop production; and (4) entering the food chain and associated hazards to human health. Lastly, we identified certain research gaps and suggested further study. If people want to feel safe in their surroundings, there needs to be stringent regulation of the release of heavy metals into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prodipto Bishnu Angon
- Faculty of Agriculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Shafiul Islam
- Faculty of Agriculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Shreejana KC
- Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Tribhuwan University, Nepal
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Plant Science, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Arpan Das
- Faculty of Agriculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Nafisa Anjum
- Faculty of Agriculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Amrit Poudel
- Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Tribhuwan University, Nepal
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Plant Science, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Shaharia Akter Suchi
- Faculty of Agriculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
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Jung S, Besnard L, Li ML, R Reinfelder J, Kim E, Kwon SY, Kim JH. Interspecific Variations in the Internal Mercury Isotope Dynamics of Antarctic Penguins: Implications for Biomonitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:6349-6358. [PMID: 38531013 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) biomonitoring requires a precise understanding of the internal processes contributing to disparities between the Hg sources in the environment and the Hg measured in the biota. In this study, we investigated the use of Hg stable isotopes to trace Hg accumulation in Adélie and emperor penguin chicks from four breeding colonies in Antarctica. Interspecific variation of Δ199Hg in penguin chicks reflects the distinct foraging habitats and Hg exposures in adults. Chicks at breeding sites where adult penguins predominantly consumed mesopelagic prey showed relatively lower Δ199Hg values than chicks that were primarily fed epipelagic krill. Substantial δ202Hg variations in chick tissues were observed in both species (Adélie: -0.11 to 1.13‰, emperor: -0.27 to 1.15‰), whereas only emperor penguins exhibited the lowest δ202Hg in the liver and the highest in the feathers. Our results indicate that tissue-specific δ202Hg variations and their positive correlations with % MeHg resulted from MeHg demethylation in the liver and kidneys of emperor penguin chicks, whereas Adélie penguin chicks showed different internal responses depending on their exposure to dietary MeHg. This study highlights the importance of considering intra- and interspecific variations in adult foraging ecology and MeHg demethylation when selecting penguin chicks for Hg biomonitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saebom Jung
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, South Korea
| | - Lucien Besnard
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, South Korea
| | - Mi-Ling Li
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - John R Reinfelder
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, United States
| | - Eunhee Kim
- Citizens' Institute for Environmental Studies (CIES), Seoul 03039, South Korea
| | - Sae Yun Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang 37673, South Korea
- Institute for Convergence Research and Education in Advanced Technology, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Incheon 21983, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Hoon Kim
- Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI), 26 Songdomirae-ro, Incheon 21990, South Korea
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Chamorro F, Cassani L, Garcia-Oliveira P, Barral-Martinez M, Jorge AOS, Pereira AG, Otero P, Fraga-Corral M, P. P. Oliveira MB, Prieto MA. Health benefits of bluefin tuna consumption: ( Thunnus thynnus) as a case study. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1340121. [PMID: 38628271 PMCID: PMC11018964 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1340121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Consumers are increasingly interested in food products with high nutritional value and health benefits. For instance, fish consumption is linked with diverse positive health benefits and the prevention of certain widespread disorders, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, or cardiovascular diseases. These benefits have been attributed to its excellent nutritional value (large amounts of high-quality fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals) and bioactive compounds, while being relatively low-caloric. Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus tynnus) is one of the most consumed species worldwide, motivated by its good nutritional and organoleptic characteristics. Recently, some organizations have proposed limitations on its consumption due to the presence of contaminants, mainly heavy metals such as mercury. However, several studies have reported that most specimens hold lower levels of contaminants than the established limits and that their richness in selenium effectively limits the contaminants' bioaccessibility in the human body. Considering this situation, this study aims to provide baseline data about the nutritional composition and the latest evidence regarding the beneficial effects of Atlantic bluefin tuna consumption. A review of the risk-benefit ratio was also conducted to evaluate the safety of its consumption, considering the current suggested limitations to this species' consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Chamorro
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Instituto de Agroecoloxía e Alimentación (IAA)-CITEXVI, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - L. Cassani
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Instituto de Agroecoloxía e Alimentación (IAA)-CITEXVI, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - P. Garcia-Oliveira
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Instituto de Agroecoloxía e Alimentación (IAA)-CITEXVI, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - M. Barral-Martinez
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Instituto de Agroecoloxía e Alimentación (IAA)-CITEXVI, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - A. O. S. Jorge
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Instituto de Agroecoloxía e Alimentación (IAA)-CITEXVI, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
- REQUIMTE/Serviço de Bromatologia, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - A. G. Pereira
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Instituto de Agroecoloxía e Alimentación (IAA)-CITEXVI, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Paz Otero
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Instituto de Agroecoloxía e Alimentación (IAA)-CITEXVI, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - M. Fraga-Corral
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Instituto de Agroecoloxía e Alimentación (IAA)-CITEXVI, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | | | - M. A. Prieto
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Instituto de Agroecoloxía e Alimentación (IAA)-CITEXVI, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
- LAQV@REQUIMTE, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Pintado-Herrera MG, López-López JA, Lara-Martín PA, Medina A, Cadenas I, Giansiracusa S, Corada-Fernández C, Varela JL. Assessment of metal and organic pollutants in combination with stable isotope analysis in tunas from the Gulf of Cadiz (east Atlantic). MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 196:106432. [PMID: 38457908 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106432] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Bioaccumulation patterns of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Fe and Cu) and organic (priority and emerging) pollutants, in combination with stable isotope analysis (SIA), were assessed in muscle and liver of three tuna species from the Gulf of Cadiz (Atlantic bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus; Atlantic bonito, Sarda sarda, and skipjack tuna, Katsuwonus pelamis). SIA and contaminant (heavy metal and organic) profiles separately discriminated between species. There was no significant overlap between the trophic niches estimated from isotopic data, suggesting that there are diet differences which may determine differential bioaccumulation patterns. The levels of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants in muscle of all the individuals analyzed were below the allowable limits established by the current legislation. Concentrations of most contaminants were higher in liver than in muscle, underlining the powerful detoxifying capacity of the liver in tunas. In addition to diet, other factors such as size and age (exposure time to environmental chemicals) explain differences in pollutant accumulation patterns in tissues between species, each with varying degrees of involvement depending on the pollutant class. Our results show that combining contaminant profile data with trophic features based on SIA may help understand pollutant bioaccumulation patterns in upper levels of marine food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina G Pintado-Herrera
- Departamento de Química Física, Instituto de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEIMAR), Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, 11510, Puerto Real, Spain
| | - José A López-López
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, 11510, Puerto Real, Spain
| | - Pablo A Lara-Martín
- Departamento de Química Física, Instituto de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEIMAR), Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, 11510, Puerto Real, Spain
| | - Antonio Medina
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, 11510, Puerto Real, Spain.
| | - Irene Cadenas
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, 11510, Puerto Real, Spain
| | - Sara Giansiracusa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari Venezia, Italy
| | - Carmen Corada-Fernández
- Departamento de Química Física, Instituto de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEIMAR), Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, 11510, Puerto Real, Spain
| | - José L Varela
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, 11510, Puerto Real, Spain
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11
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von Hellfeld R, Hastings A. An approach to assessing subsea pipeline-associated mercury release into the North Sea and its potential environmental and human health impact. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:230943. [PMID: 38481980 PMCID: PMC10935551 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Mercury is a naturally occurring heavy metal that has also been associated with anthropogenic sources such as cement production or hydrocarbon extraction. Mercury is a contaminant of concern as it can have a significant negative impact on organismal health when ingested. In aquatic environments, it bioaccumulates up the foodweb, where it then has the potential to impact human health. With the offshore hydrocarbon platforms in the North Sea nearing decommissioning, they must be assessed as a potential source for the environmental release of mercury. International treaties govern the handling of materials placed in the ocean. Studies have assessed the ecologic and economic benefits of (partial) in situ abandonment of the infrastructure as artificial reefs. This can be applied to pipelines after substantial cleaning to remove mercury accumulation from the inner surface. This work outlines the application of an approach to modelling marine mercury bioaccumulation for decommissioning scenarios in the North Sea. Here, in situ decommissioning of cleaned pipelines was unlikely to have a negative impact on the North Sea food web or human health. However, significant knowledge gaps have been determined, which must be addressed before all negative impacts on ecosystems and organismal health can be excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca von Hellfeld
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, 23 St Machar Drive, AberdeenAB24 3UL, UK
- National Decommissioning Centre, Main Street, NewburghAB41 6AA, UK
| | - Astley Hastings
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, 23 St Machar Drive, AberdeenAB24 3UL, UK
- National Decommissioning Centre, Main Street, NewburghAB41 6AA, UK
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12
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Chandía C, Salamanca M, Hernández A, Urrutia R. Mercury distribution in the coastal zone of Central Chile, Southeast Pacific: A comprehensive assessment of seawater, sediment, and biota. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:116005. [PMID: 38219292 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.116005] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
This study examines the mercury content in the marine matrices water column, surface sediment and benthic invertebrates of Coronel and Coliumo bays, central Chile, under winter and summer conditions. Coronel Bay has been subject to intense industrialization in the last three decades, while Coliumo Bay remains as a fisherman's cove and a popular summer tourism destination. Our results reveal significantly higher mercury concentrations in the three environmental matrices analyzed for Coronel Bay, while Coliumo Bay exhibits levels within the range considered natural. Moreover, the mercury levels in Coronel Bay exceed the optimal criteria for aquatic life, indicating a deterioration in environmental quality of this locality. Industrial development is identified as main factor explaining the differences observed between these two coastal water bodies. This study presents the most updated record of mercury levels in the Southeast Pacific and represents the first comprehensive evaluation of marine environmental matrices in two bays with divergent activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Chandía
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad de Concepción, Chile; Laboratorio de Oceanografía Química (LOQ), Universidad de Concepción, Chile; Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales y Centro-EULA, Universidad de Concepción, Chile.
| | - Marco Salamanca
- Laboratorio de Oceanografía Química (LOQ), Universidad de Concepción, Chile; Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanografía, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Aldo Hernández
- Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales HOLON SpA, Chile
| | - Roberto Urrutia
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad de Concepción, Chile; Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales y Centro-EULA, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
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13
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Senila M, Levei EA, Frentiu T, Mihali C, Angyus SB. Assessment of mercury bioavailability in garden soils around a former nonferrous metal mining area using DGT, accumulation in vegetables, and implications for health risk. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1554. [PMID: 38036722 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12144-2] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic, non-essential element for living organisms, frequently present in high concentrations in soils from industrial areas. The total, dissolved, and labile Hg concentrations in garden soils and their accumulation in edible vegetables (onion, garlic, lettuce, and parsley) grown on contaminated soils in localities situated a former mining area were evaluated. The labile Hg fraction was estimated by diffusive gradient in thin films (DGT). The soil-to-vegetable transfer factors, as well as the health risk by exposure to Hg, were calculated based on the labile Hg concentration in soil. The total Hg concentration in soil varied widely (0.11-3.77 mg kg-1), Hg in soil solution ranged between 2.14 and 20.2 μg L-1 and labile Hg between 1.13 and 18.6 μg L-1. About 36-96% (84% on average) of the Hg concentration in soil solution was found in labile form. Multivariate analysis revealed significant correlations between the labile Hg concentration in soil and Hg accumulated in vegetables. The hazard indices showed that, although the study area is affected by legacy pollution, exposure to soil and consumption of locally grown vegetables do not pose health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marin Senila
- INCDO INOE 2000, Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation, Donath 67, 400293, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Erika Andrea Levei
- INCDO INOE 2000, Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation, Donath 67, 400293, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Tiberiu Frentiu
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University, Arany Janos 11, 400028, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Mihali
- Faculty of Sciences, Technical University of Cluj Napoca, Baia Mare, Victoriei 76, 430122, Baia-Mare, Romania
| | - Simion Bogdan Angyus
- INCDO INOE 2000, Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation, Donath 67, 400293, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University, Arany Janos 11, 400028, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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14
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Shao B, Li Z, Wu Z, Yang N, Cui X, Lin H, Liu Y, He W, Zhao Y, Wang X, Tong Y. Impacts of autochthonous dissolved organic matter on the accumulation of methylmercury by phytoplankton and zooplankton in a eutrophic coastal ecosystem. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122457. [PMID: 37633436 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122457] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
The bioaccumulation of methylmercury (MeHg) within the pelagic food webs is a crucial determinant of the MeHg concentration in the organisms at higher trophic levels. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is recognized for its influence on mercury (Hg) cycling in the aquatic environment because of its role in providing metabolic substrate for heterotrophic organism and serving as a strong ligand for MeHg. However, the impact of DOM on MeHg bioaccumulation in pelagic food chains remain controversial. Here, we explored MeHg bioaccumulation within a pelagic food web in China, in the eutrophic Bohai Sea and adjacent seas, covering a range of DOM concentrations and compositions. Our findings show that elevated concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and phytoplankton biomass may contribute to a reduction in MeHg uptake by phytoplankton. Moreover, we observe that a higher level of autochthonous DOM in the water may result in more significant MeHg biomagnification in zooplankton. This can be explained by alterations in the structure of pelagic food webs and/or an increase in the direct consumption of DOM and particulate organic matter (POM) containing MeHg. Our study offers direct field monitoring evidence of dual roles played by DOM in regulating MeHg transfers from water to phytoplankton and zooplankton in coastal pelagic food webs. A thorough understanding of the intricate interactions is essential for a more comprehensive evaluation of ecological risks associated with MeHg exposure in coastal ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Shao
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Zhike Li
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Zhengyu Wu
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Ning Yang
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Xiaoyu Cui
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Huiming Lin
- College of Urban & Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yiwen Liu
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Wei He
- School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yingxin Zhao
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Xuejun Wang
- College of Urban & Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yindong Tong
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China; School of Ecology and Environment, Tibet University, Lhasa, 850000, China.
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15
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Tesán-Onrubia JA, Heimbürger-Boavida LE, Dufour A, Harmelin-Vivien M, García-Arévalo I, Knoery J, Thomas B, Carlotti F, Tedetti M, Bănaru D. Bioconcentration, bioaccumulation and biomagnification of mercury in plankton of the Mediterranean Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115439. [PMID: 37639915 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115439] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Plankton plays a prominent role in the bioaccumulation of mercury (Hg). The MERITE-HIPPOCAMPE campaign was carried out in spring 2019 along a north-south transect including coastal and offshore areas of the Mediterranean Sea. Sampling of sea water and plankton by pumping and nets was carried out in the chlorophyll maximum layer. Two size-fractions of phytoplankton (0.7-2.7 and 2.7-20 μm) and five of zooplankton (between 60 and >2000 μm) were separated, and their total mercury (THg) and monomethylmercury (MMHg) contents were measured. Bioconcentration of THg was significantly higher in the smallest phytoplankton size-fraction dominated by Synechococcus spp. The bioaccumulation and biomagnification of MMHg in zooplankton was influenced by size, food sources, biochemical composition and trophic level. MMHg was biomagnified in the plankton food web, while THg decreased toward higher trophic levels. Higher MMHg concentrations were measured in oligotrophic areas. Plankton communities in the Southern Mediterranean Sea had lower MMHg concentrations than those in the Northern Mediterranean Sea. These results highlighted the influence of environmental conditions and trophodynamics on the transfer of Hg in Mediterranean plankton food webs, with implications for higher trophic level consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aurélie Dufour
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM110, Marseille, France
| | | | | | - Joël Knoery
- Ifremer, CCEM Contamination Chimique des Ecosystèmes Marins, F-44311 Nantes, France
| | - Bastien Thomas
- Ifremer, CCEM Contamination Chimique des Ecosystèmes Marins, F-44311 Nantes, France
| | - François Carlotti
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM110, Marseille, France
| | - Marc Tedetti
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM110, Marseille, France
| | - Daniela Bănaru
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM110, Marseille, France.
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16
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Asiedu DA, Søndergaard J, Jónasdóttir S, Juul-Pedersen T, Koski M. Concentration of mercury and other metals in an Arctic planktonic food web under a climate warming scenario. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115436. [PMID: 37660452 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115436] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Arctic marine ecosystems act as a global sink of mercury (Hg) and other metals, and high concentrations of these have been measured in higher trophic-level organisms. Nevertheless, the concentrations of metals at the basis of the marine food web in the Arctic is less known despite the likelihood of biomagnification from dietary sources. We investigated the concentrations of mercury (Hg) and other metals in different size fractions of plankton in West Greenland. All size fractions contained detectable levels of Hg (ranging from 4.8 to 241.3 ng g dw-1) at all stations, although with high geographic variability, likely reflecting the sources of mercury (e.g., meltwater). In many cases, the concentrations in the larger-size fractions were lower than in the smaller-size fractions, suggesting depuration through the metabolic activity of mesozooplankton. Concentrations of Cd, Pb, V, Ni, and Cr were higher than previously reported elsewhere in the Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delove Abraham Asiedu
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Jens Søndergaard
- Department of Ecoscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Sigrun Jónasdóttir
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Thomas Juul-Pedersen
- Greenland Climate Research Center, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Nuuk 3900, Greenland
| | - Marja Koski
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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17
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Dharshini KS, Yokesh T, Mariappan M, Ameen F, Amirul Islam M, Veerappan A. Photosynthesis of silver nanoparticles embedded paper for sensing mercury presence in environmental water. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 329:138610. [PMID: 37028721 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138610] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals released by anthropogenic activities are extremely toxic to animals and plants due to their bioaccumulative and persistent environmental presence. In the current study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized utilizing eco-friendly processes, and their potential in colorimetric Hg2+ ion sensing in environmental samples was examined. An aqueous extract of Hemidesmus indicus root (Sarsaparilla Root, ISR) rapidly converts silver ions into AgNPs within 5 min of exposure to sunlight. Transmission electron microscopy confirms that ISR-AgNPs are spherical, ranging from 15 to 35 nm. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed phytomolecules stabilized the NPs with hydroxyl and carbonyl substituents. The ISR-AgNPs detect Hg2+ ions by a colour change that can be seen with the naked eye within 1 min. The probe is interference-free and detects the presence of Hg2+ ions in sewage water. A method for fabricating ISR-AgNPs onto paper was disclosed, and this portable ISR-AgNPs embedded paper device was found to be good at sensing mercury present in the water. The findings show that environmentally friendly synthesized AgNPs can contribute to developing onsite colorimetric sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karnan Singaravelu Dharshini
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, 613 401, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - T Yokesh
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, 613 401, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mariappan Mariappan
- Department of Chemistry, SRM IST, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Fuad Ameen
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - M Amirul Islam
- Laboratory for Quantum Semiconductors and Photon-based BioNanotechnology, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Anbazhagan Veerappan
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, 613 401, Tamil Nadu, India.
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18
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Denaro G, Curcio L, Borri A, D'Orsi L, De Gaetano A. A dynamic integrated model for mercury bioaccumulation in marine organisms. ECOL INFORM 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2023.102056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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19
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Rodríguez-Viso P, Domene A, Sánchez A, Vélez D, Monedero V, Devesa V, Zúñiga M. Challenges and strategies for preventing intestinal damage associated to mercury dietary exposure. Toxicology 2023; 494:153580. [PMID: 37328091 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Food represents the major risk factor for exposure to mercury in most human populations. Therefore, passage through the gastrointestinal tract plays a fundamental role in its entry into the organism. Despite the intense research carried out on the toxicity of Hg, the effects at the intestinal level have received increased attention only recently. In this review we first provide a critical appraisal of the recent advances on the toxic effects of Hg at the intestinal epithelium. Next, dietary strategies aimed to diminish Hg bioavailability or modulate the epithelial and microbiota responses will be revised. Food components and additives, including probiotics, will be considered. Finally, limitations of current approaches to tackle this problem and future lines of research will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adrián Domene
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Paterna, Spain
| | - Alicia Sánchez
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Paterna, Spain
| | - Dinoraz Vélez
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Paterna, Spain
| | - Vicente Monedero
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Paterna, Spain
| | - Vicenta Devesa
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Paterna, Spain
| | - Manuel Zúñiga
- Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Paterna, Spain.
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20
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Ye Y, Chen Y, Wu H, Fu Y, Sun Y, Wang X, Li P, Wu Z, Wang J, Yang Z, Zhou E. Investigations into ferroptosis in methylmercury-induced acute kidney injury in mice. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2023; 38:1372-1383. [PMID: 36880449 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a highly poisonous form of mercury and a risk factor for kidney impairment in humans that currently has no effective means of therapy. Ferroptosis is a non-apoptotic metabolic cell death linked to numerous diseases. It is currently unknown whether ferroptosis takes part in MeHg-induced kidney damage. Here, we established a model of acute kidney injury (AKI) in mice by gavage with different doses of MeHg (0, 40, 80, 160 μmol/kg). Serological analysis revealed elevated levels of UA, UREA, and CREA; H&E staining showed variable degrees of renal tubule injury; qRT-PCR detection displayed increased expression of KIM-1 and NGAL in the groups with MeHg treatment, indicated that MeHg successfully induced AKI. Furthermore, MDA levels enhanced in renal tissues of mice with MeHg exposure whereas GSH levels decreased; ACSL4 and PTGS2 nucleic acid levels elevated while SLC7A11 levels reduced; transmission electron microscopy illustrated that the density of the mitochondrial membrane thickened and the ridge reduced considerably; protein levels for 4HNE and TfR1 improved since GPX4 levels declined, all these results implying the involvement of ferroptosis as a result of MeHg exposure. Additionally, the observed elevation in the protein levels of NLRP3, p-p65, p-p38, p-ERK1/2, and KEAP1 in tandem with downregulated Nrf2 expression levels indicate the involvement of the NF-κB/NLRP3/MAPK/Nrf2 pathways. All the above findings suggested that ferroptosis and the NF-κB/NLRP3/MAPK/Nrf2 pathways are implicated in MeHg-induced AKI, thereby providing a theoretical foundation and reference for future investigations into the prevention and treatment of MeHg-induced kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingrong Ye
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yichun Chen
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanpeng Wu
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiwu Fu
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Youpeng Sun
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xia Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Peixuan Li
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhikai Wu
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengtao Yang
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ershun Zhou
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
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21
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Singh AD, Khanna K, Kour J, Dhiman S, Bhardwaj T, Devi K, Sharma N, Kumar P, Kapoor N, Sharma P, Arora P, Sharma A, Bhardwaj R. Critical review on biogeochemical dynamics of mercury (Hg) and its abatement strategies. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 319:137917. [PMID: 36706814 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is among the naturally occurring heavy metal with elemental, organic, and inorganic distributions in the environment. Being considered a global pollutant, high pools of Hg-emissions ranging from >6000 to 8000 Mg Hg/year get accumulated by the natural and anthropogenic activities in the atmosphere. These toxicants have high persistence, toxicity, and widespread contamination in the soil, water, and air resources. Hg accumulation inside the plant parts amplifies the traces of toxic elements in the linking food chains, leads to Hg exposure to humans, and acts as a potential genotoxic, neurotoxic and carcinogenic entity. However, excessive Hg levels are equally toxic to the plant system and severely disrupt the physiological and metabolic processes in plants. Thus, a plausible link between Hg-concentration and its biogeochemical behavior is highly imperative to analyze the plant-soil interactions. Therefore, it is requisite to bring these toxic contaminants in between the acceptable limits to safeguard the environment. Plants efficiently incorporate or absorb the bioavailable Hg from the soil thus a constructive understanding of Hg uptake, translocation/sequestration involving specific heavy metal transporters, and detoxification mechanisms are drawn. Whereas recent investigations in biological remediation of Hg provide insights into the potential associations between the plants and microbes. Furthermore, intense research on Hg-induced antioxidants, protein networks, metabolic mechanisms, and signaling pathways is required to understand these bioremediations techniques. This review sheds light on the mercury (Hg) sources, pollution, biogeochemical cycles, its uptake, translocation, and detoxification methods with respect to its molecular approaches in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Dev Singh
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India.
| | - Kanika Khanna
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Jaspreet Kour
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Shalini Dhiman
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Tamanna Bhardwaj
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Kamini Devi
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Neerja Sharma
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Pardeep Kumar
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Nitika Kapoor
- P.G. Department of Botany, Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar, Punjab, India
| | - Priyanka Sharma
- School of Bioengineering Sciences and Research, MIT-ADT University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Priya Arora
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Anket Sharma
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Renu Bhardwaj
- Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India.
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22
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Liu BY, Chen IW, Chen PW, Chen TY, Hwang DF. Risk assessment of methylmercury and species identification in shark meats ingested by Taiwan children. Food Control 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.109461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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23
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Alowaifeer AM, Clingenpeel S, Kan J, Bigelow PE, Yoshinaga M, Bothner B, McDermott TR. Arsenic and Mercury Distribution in an Aquatic Food Chain: Importance of Femtoplankton and Picoplankton Filtration Fractions. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:225-241. [PMID: 36349954 PMCID: PMC10753857 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5516] [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: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) were examined in the Yellowstone Lake food chain, focusing on two lake locations separated by approximately 20 km and differing in lake floor hydrothermal vent activity. Sampling spanned from femtoplankton to the main fish species, Yellowstone cutthroat trout and the apex predator lake trout. Mercury bioaccumulated in muscle and liver of both trout species, biomagnifying with age, whereas As decreased in older fish, which indicates differential exposure routes for these metal(loid)s. Mercury and As concentrations were higher in all food chain filter fractions (0.1-, 0.8-, and 3.0-μm filters) at the vent-associated Inflated Plain site, illustrating the impact of localized hydrothermal inputs. Femtoplankton and picoplankton size biomass (0.1- and 0.8-μm filters) accounted for 30%-70% of total Hg or As at both locations. By contrast, only approximately 4% of As and <1% of Hg were found in the 0.1-μm filtrate, indicating that comparatively little As or Hg actually exists as an ionic form or intercalated with humic compounds, a frequent assumption in freshwaters and marine waters. Ribosomal RNA (18S) gene sequencing of DNA derived from the 0.1-, 0.8-, and 3.0-μm filters showed significant eukaryote biomass in these fractions, providing a novel view of the femtoplankton and picoplankton size biomass, which assists in explaining why these fractions may contain such significant Hg and As. These results infer that femtoplankton and picoplankton metal(loid) loads represent aquatic food chain entry points that need to be accounted for and that are important for better understanding Hg and As biochemistry in aquatic systems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:225-241. © 2022 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah M. Alowaifeer
- Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Scott Clingenpeel
- Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
- Washington River Protection Solutions, Richland, Washington, USA
| | - Jinjun Kan
- Microbiology Department, Stroud Water Research Center, Avondale, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Patricia E. Bigelow
- US National Park Service, Center for Resources, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
| | - Masafumi Yoshinaga
- Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Brian Bothner
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Timothy R. McDermott
- Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
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Jędruch A, Falkowska L, Saniewska D, Grajewska A, Bełdowska M, Meissner W, Kalisińska E, Duzinkiewicz K, Pacyna JM. Mercury in the Polish part of the Baltic Sea: A response to decreased atmospheric deposition and changing environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114426. [PMID: 36473245 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Our review of the literature showed that since the beginning of the socio-economic transformation in Poland in the 1990s, the downward trend in Hg emissions and its deposition in the southern Baltic Sea was followed by a simultaneous decrease in Hg levels in water and marine plants and animals. Hg concentrations in the biota lowered to values that pose no or low risk to wildlife and seafood consumers. However, in the first decade of the current century, a divergence between these two trends became apparent and Hg concentrations in fish, herring and cod, began to rise. Therefore, increasing emission-independent anthropogenic pressures, which affect Hg uptake and trophodynamics, remobilization of land-based and marine legacy Hg deposits, as well as the structure of the food web, can undermine the chances of reducing both the Hg pool in the marine environment and human Hg exposure from fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Jędruch
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Institute of Oceanography, Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland; Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81-712 Sopot, Poland.
| | - Lucyna Falkowska
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Institute of Oceanography, Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Dominika Saniewska
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Institute of Oceanography, Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Grajewska
- Institute of Meteorology and Water Management - National Research Institute, Jerzego Waszyngtona 42, 81-342 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bełdowska
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Institute of Oceanography, Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Włodzimierz Meissner
- University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Biology, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Kalisińska
- Pomeranian Medical University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Medicine, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Kazimierz Duzinkiewicz
- Gdańsk University of Technology, Faculty of Electrical and Control Engineering, Gabriela Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Józef M Pacyna
- AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Energy and Fuels, Adama Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
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Hoseini SM, Namroodi S, Sayadshirazi A, Zaccaroni A. Trace Elements and Contaminants Concentrations in Tissues of Caspian Seals ( Pusa caspica) along the Iranian Coast. TOXICS 2022; 11:39. [PMID: 36668765 PMCID: PMC9865950 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The Caspian seal (Pusa caspica) is an endangered species that only lives in the Caspian Sea. Little information is available on its exposure to contaminants, and no data exists for Southern sub-populations. From 2011 to 2016, tissues samples were collected from 20 Caspian seals to (i) Define the concentration of trace elements in five different matrices and the concentration of 30 pesticides in their blubber; (ii) Determine whether differences in contaminant concentrations are age- or sex-related; (iii) Evaluate if detected concentrations can represent a risk to the species. Age- and sex-related variations were detected for Zn and Hg in the blubber and Fe in the kidney by age only. Exceptionally high Hg concentrations and low levels of hepatic Zn were detected, raising some concern about the reproductive health of seals. Similarly, the DDTs levels detected were in the range of adverse reproductive effects in marine mammals. Based on these results, potentially adverse effects on the immune and endocrine systems of the Caspian seal cannot be ruled out. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that pollutant monitoring becomes an integral component of conservation strategies for the Caspian seal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Malihe Hoseini
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Gorgan 4913815739, Iran
| | - Somayeh Namroodi
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Gorgan 4913815739, Iran
| | | | - Annalisa Zaccaroni
- Department Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 47042 Cesenatico, Italy
- MarLab, 06250 Mougins, France
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Graca B, Jędruch A, Bełdowska M, Bełdowski J, Kotwicki L, Siedlewicz G, Korejwo E, Popińska W, Łukawska-Matuszewska K. Effects of beach wrack on the fate of mercury at the land-sea interface - A preliminary study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 315:120394. [PMID: 36228857 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120394] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Since the 1970s, the amount of aquatic plants and algae debris, called beach wrack (BW), has increased along the shores of industrialised regions. The strong ability of primary producers to accumulate pollutants can potentially result in their deposition on the beach along with the BW. Despite that, the fate and impact of such pollutants on sandy beach ecosystems have not been investigated so far. This study examines the fate of neurotoxic mercury and its labile and stable fractions in BW on sandy beaches of the Puck Bay (Baltic Sea). In addition to BW, beach sediments and wrack-associated macrofauna were also analysed. Rough estimations showed that Puck Bay beaches (58.8 km) may be a temporary storage of 0.2-0.5 kg of mercury, deposited on them along with the BW annually. A large proportion of Hg (89 ± 16%) in a BW was labile and potentially bioavailable. The contribution of Hg fractions in the BW was conditioned by the degree of its decomposition (molar C:N:P ratio). With the progressive degradation of BW, a decrease in the contribution of Hg adsorbed on its surface with a simultaneous increase in the proportion of adsorbed (intracellular), mercury was observed. BW accumulation decreased oxygen content and redox potential and increased methylmercury content in underlying sediments, indicating methylation. Hg concentrations in the studied fauna were up to 4 times higher than in the BW. The highest values occurred in a predatory sand bear spider and the lowest in a herbivorous sand hopper. Regardless of trophic position, most of Hg (92-95%) occurred as an absorbed fraction, which indicates about a 30% increase in relation to its share of BW. These findings suggest the significant role of BW as a mercury carrier in a land-sea interface and increased exposure of beach communities to the adverse effects of mercury in coastal ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bożena Graca
- University of Gdansk, Institute of Oceanography, Department of Marine Chemistry and Environmental Protection, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, Gdynia, 81-378, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Jędruch
- Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences, Powstańców Warszawy 55, Sopot, 81-712, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bełdowska
- University of Gdansk, Institute of Oceanography, Department of Marine Chemistry and Environmental Protection, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, Gdynia, 81-378, Poland
| | - Jacek Bełdowski
- Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences, Powstańców Warszawy 55, Sopot, 81-712, Poland
| | - Lech Kotwicki
- Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences, Powstańców Warszawy 55, Sopot, 81-712, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Siedlewicz
- Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences, Powstańców Warszawy 55, Sopot, 81-712, Poland
| | - Ewa Korejwo
- Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences, Powstańców Warszawy 55, Sopot, 81-712, Poland
| | - Wioletta Popińska
- Institute of Horticulture - National Research Institute, Laboratory of Quality Testing of Horticultural Products, Pomologiczna 18 Street, Skierniewice, 96-100, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Łukawska-Matuszewska
- University of Gdansk, Institute of Oceanography, Department of Marine Chemistry and Environmental Protection, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, Gdynia, 81-378, Poland
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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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McIntyre JA, O'Driscoll NJ, Spooner I, Robertson GJ, Smol JP, Mallory ML. Scavenging gulls are biovectors of mercury from industrial wastes in Nova Scotia, Canada. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 304:135279. [PMID: 35691403 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135279] [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: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Seabirds are important biovectors of contaminants, like mercury, moving them from marine to terrestrial environments around breeding colonies. This transfer of materials can have marked impacts on receiving environments and biota. Less is known about biotransport of contaminants by generalist seabirds that exploit anthropogenic wastes compared to other seabird species. In this study, we measured total mercury (THg) in O-horizon soils at four herring gull (Larus smithsoniansus) breeding colonies in southern Nova Scotia, Canada. At colonies with dry substrate, THg was significantly higher in soils collected from gull colonies compared to nearby reference soils with no nesting gulls. Further, THg was distinct in soils among study colonies and was likely influenced by biotransport from other nesting seabird species, most notably Leach's storm-petrels (Hydrobates leucorhous). Our research suggests gulls that scavenge on anthropogenic wastes at local industrial sites are biovectors moving THg acquired at these sites to their colonies and may increase the spatial footprint of contaminants from these industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie A McIntyre
- Biology, Acadia University, 33 Westwood Avenue, Wolfville, NS, B4P 2R6, Canada.
| | - Nelson J O'Driscoll
- Earth & Environmental Science, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Ian Spooner
- Earth & Environmental Science, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL, A1N 4T3, Canada
| | - John P Smol
- Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Biology, Acadia University, 33 Westwood Avenue, Wolfville, NS, B4P 2R6, Canada
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Hahn JL, Van Alstyne KL, Gaydos JK, Wallis LK, West JE, Hollenhorst SJ, Ylitalo GM, Poppenga RH, Bolton JL, McBride DE, Sofield RM. Chemical contaminant levels in edible seaweeds of the Salish Sea and implications for their consumption. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269269. [PMID: 36149869 PMCID: PMC9506624 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite growing interest in edible seaweeds, there is limited information on seaweed chemical contaminant levels in the Salish Sea. Without this knowledge, health-based consumption advisories can not be determined for consumers that include Tribes and First Nations, Asian and Pacific Islander community members, and recreational harvesters. We measured contaminant concentrations in edible seaweeds (Fucus distichus, F. spiralis, and Nereocystis luetkeana) from 43 locations in the Salish Sea. Metals were analyzed in all samples, and 94 persistent organic pollutants (POPs) (i.e. 40 PCBs, 15 PBDEs, 17 PCDD/Fs, and 22 organochlorine pesticides) and 51 PAHs were analyzed in Fucus spp. We compared concentrations of contaminants to human health-based screening levels calculated from the USEPA and to international limits. We then worked with six focal contaminants that either exceeded screening levels or international limits (Cd, total Hg, Pb, benzo[a]pyrene [BaP], and PCBs) or are of regional interest (total As). USEPA cancer-based screening levels were exceeded in 30 samples for the PCBs and two samples for BaP. Cadmium concentrations did not exceed the USEPA noncancer-based screening level but did exceed international limits at all sites. Lead exceeded international limits at three sites. Because there are no screening levels for total Hg and total As, and to be conservative, we made comparisons to methyl Hg and inorganic As screening levels. All samples were below the methyl Hg and above the inorganic As screening levels. Without knowledge of the As speciation, we cannot assess the health risk associated with the As. While seaweed was the focus, we did not consider contaminant exposure from consuming other foods. Other chemicals, such as contaminants of emerging concern (e.g., PFAS, pharmaceuticals and personal care products), should also be considered. Additionally, although we focused on toxicological aspects, there are cultural and health benefits of seaweed use that may affect consumer choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Hahn
- Department of Environmental Studies, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington, United States of America
| | - Kathryn L. Van Alstyne
- Shannon Point Marine Center, Western Washington University, Anacortes, Washington, United States of America
| | - Joseph K. Gaydos
- The SeaDoc Society, Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center - Orcas Island Office, University of California Davis, Eastsound, Washington, United States of America
| | - Lindsay K. Wallis
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington, United States of America
| | - James E. West
- Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, Washington, United States of America
| | - Steven J. Hollenhorst
- Department of Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington, United States of America
| | - Gina M. Ylitalo
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Robert H. Poppenga
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, Davis Branch, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Jennie L. Bolton
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - David E. McBride
- Washington Department of Health Office of Environmental Health Assessments Olympia, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ruth M. Sofield
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Kho F, Koppel DJ, von Hellfeld R, Hastings A, Gissi F, Cresswell T, Higgins S. Current understanding of the ecological risk of mercury from subsea oil and gas infrastructure to marine ecosystems. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 438:129348. [PMID: 35797785 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Many oil and gas fields are nearing production cessation and will require decommissioning, with the preferred method being complete infrastructure removal in most jurisdictions. However, decommissioning in situ, leaving some disused components in place, is an option that may be agreed to by the regulators and reservoir titleholders in some circumstances. To understand this option's viability, the environmental impacts and risks of any residual contaminants assessed. Mercury, a contaminant of concern, is naturally present in hydrocarbon reservoirs, may contaminate offshore processing and transmission infrastructure, and can biomagnify in marine ecosystems. Mercury's impact is dependent on its speciation, concentration, and the exposure duration. However, research characterising and quantifying the amount of mercury in offshore infrastructure and the efficacy of decontamination is limited. This review describes the formation of mercury-contaminated products within oil and gas infrastructure, expected exposure pathways after environmental release, possible impacts, and key research gaps regarding the ecological risk of in situ decommissioned contaminated infrastructure. Suggestions are made to overcome these gaps, improving the in situ mercury quantification in infrastructure, understanding environmental controls on, and forecasting of, mercury methylation and bioaccumulation, and the cumulative impacts of multiple stressors within decommissioned infrastructures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenny Kho
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia; Curtin Corrosion Centre, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Darren J Koppel
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia; Australian Institute of Marine Science, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Rebecca von Hellfeld
- National Decommissioning Centre, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
| | - Astley Hastings
- National Decommissioning Centre, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Francesca Gissi
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Tom Cresswell
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Stuart Higgins
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Ruiz-Hernández IM, Nouri MZ, Kozuch M, Denslow ND, Díaz-Gamboa RE, Rodríguez-Canul R, Collí-Dulá RC. Trace element and lipidomic analysis of bottlenose dolphin blubber from the Yucatan coast: Lipid composition relationships. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 299:134353. [PMID: 35314180 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134353] [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: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are found in coastal and estuarine ecosystems where they are in continuous contact with multiple abiotic and biotic stressors in the environment. Due to their role as predators, they can bioaccumulate contaminants and are considered sentinel organisms for monitoring the health of coastal marine ecosystems. The northern zonal coast of the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico has a high incidence of anthropogenic activities. The principal objectives of this study were two-fold: 1) to determine the presence of trace metals and their correlation with lipids in bottlenose dolphin blubber, and 2) to use a lipidomics approach to characterize their biological responses. Levels of trace elements (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Pb) were analyzed using ICP-MS and lipids were measured using a targeted lipidomics approach with LC-MS/MS. Spearman correlation analysis was used to identify associations between lipids and trace elements. The influences of gender, stranding codes, presence of stomach content, growth stages and body length were also analyzed. Blubber lipid composition was dominated by triacylglycerols (TAG). Our results demonstrated the presence of heavy-metal elements such as Cd and As, which were correlated with different lipid species, mainly the ceramides and glycerophospholipids, respectively. Organisms with Cd showed lower concentrations of ceramides (CER, HCER and DCER), TAG and cholesteryl esters (CE). Trace elements Cr, Co, As and Cd increased proportionately with body length. This study provides a novel insight of lipidomic characterization and correlations with trace elements in the bottlenose dolphin which might contribute to having a better understanding of the physiological functions and the risks that anthropogenic activities can bring to sentinel organisms from coastal regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ixchel M Ruiz-Hernández
- Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Mérida. Antigua Carretera a Progreso km 6. Cordemex, Mérida, Yucatán, 97310, Mexico.
| | - Mohammad-Zaman Nouri
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology. University of Florida. PO Box 110885. 2187 Mowry Road. Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
| | - Marianne Kozuch
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology. University of Florida. PO Box 110885. 2187 Mowry Road. Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
| | - Nancy D Denslow
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology. University of Florida. PO Box 110885. 2187 Mowry Road. Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
| | - Raúl E Díaz-Gamboa
- Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Departamento de Biología Marina, Mérida, Yucatán, 97000, Mexico.
| | - Rossanna Rodríguez-Canul
- Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Mérida. Antigua Carretera a Progreso km 6. Cordemex, Mérida, Yucatán, 97310, Mexico.
| | - Reyna C Collí-Dulá
- Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Mérida. Antigua Carretera a Progreso km 6. Cordemex, Mérida, Yucatán, 97310, Mexico; CONACYT, CONACYT, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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Qu P, Pang M, Wang P, Ma X, Zhang Z, Wang Z, Gong Y. Bioaccumulation of mercury along continuous fauna trophic levels in the Yellow River Estuary and adjacent sea indicated by nitrogen stable isotopes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 432:128631. [PMID: 35306412 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), and its organic forms, are some of the most hazardous elements, with strong toxicity, persistence, and biological accumulation in marine organisms. Hg accumulation in continuous trophic levels (TL) in marine food chains remains unclear. In this study, individual invertebrate and fish samples collected from the Yellow River Estuary adjacent sea were grouped into continuous TL ranges, and the bioaccumulations of total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) were analyzed. The trophic magnification factor in invertebrates and fish was 1.40 and 1.72 for THg, and 2.56 and 2.17 for MeHg, indicating that both THg and MeHg were significantly biomagnified with increasing TL in both invertebrates and fish through trophic transfer. To evaluate the health risk of seafood consumption, the target hazard quotient (THQ) was calculated. Increasing THQ values indicated that the health risks of invertebrate and fish consumption in humans, especially children, were both elevated with increasing TL. THQ values > 1 indicated that consumption of invertebrates at a TL above 4.0 and fish above 4.5 may pose a relatively higher risk for children. Therefore, the consumption of both individual invertebrates and fish at high trophic positions may present greater health risk, especially in young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Qu
- Observation and Research Station of Bohai Eco-Corridor & Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China, No. 6, Xianxialing Road, Qingdao, China; Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 168, Wenhaizhong Road, Jimo District, Qingdao City, Shandong, China
| | - Min Pang
- Observation and Research Station of Bohai Eco-Corridor & Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China, No. 6, Xianxialing Road, Qingdao, China; Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 168, Wenhaizhong Road, Jimo District, Qingdao City, Shandong, China.
| | - Penggong Wang
- China Certification & Inspection Group Shandong Testing Co., LTD., Jiaozhou District, Qingdao City, Shandong, China
| | - Xuli Ma
- China Certification & Inspection Group Shandong Co., LTD., Shinan District, Qingdao City, Shandong, China
| | - Zhaohui Zhang
- Observation and Research Station of Bohai Eco-Corridor & Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China, No. 6, Xianxialing Road, Qingdao, China; Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 168, Wenhaizhong Road, Jimo District, Qingdao City, Shandong, China
| | - Zongling Wang
- Observation and Research Station of Bohai Eco-Corridor & Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China, No. 6, Xianxialing Road, Qingdao, China; Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), No. 168, Wenhaizhong Road, Jimo District, Qingdao City, Shandong, China
| | - Yuchen Gong
- The Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao City, Shandong, China
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Chandia C, Salamanca M, Hernández A, Urrutia R. Sediment mercury concentration changes as a response to increased industrial activity in Coronel Bay, Chile. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 178:113630. [PMID: 35405485 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Among the main sources of atmospheric mercury emissions are thermoelectric plants that use coal to generate electricity. This heavy metal is transported by air from its origin to neighboring coastal areas, where it is deposited in the sediment record. This research evaluated the content and temporal distribution of Hg in the coastal sediments of Central Chile, Coronel Bay, industrialized zone with two operative thermoelectric plants, and Coliumo Bay, reference zone free of industry. To this end, sediment cores from the centers of the two bays were obtained. Laboratory results show that the greatest Hg contents were found in the surface strata of the Coronel Bay core, with concentrations up to an order of magnitude greater than those obtained in the same strata in Coliumo Bay. This increase in Hg concentration coincides with the beginning of industrial activity in Coronel, with greater concentrations observed from 2012 on, the year in which the industrial operation of two coal-fired thermoelectric plants on the bay began. Based on 210Pb activity and the relationships between Hg content and organic matter, it was established that the main pathway of Hg to sediment is atmospheric deposition, while Coliumo presented inputs that reflect local non anthropogenic sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Chandia
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad de Concepción, Chile; Laboratorio de Oceanografía Química (LOQ), Universidad de Concepción, Chile.
| | - Marco Salamanca
- Laboratorio de Oceanografía Química (LOQ), Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Aldo Hernández
- Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales, Holon SpA., Concepción, Chile
| | - Roberto Urrutia
- Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales y Centro-EULA, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
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Cossa D, Knoery J, Bănaru D, Harmelin-Vivien M, Sonke JE, Hedgecock IM, Bravo AG, Rosati G, Canu D, Horvat M, Sprovieri F, Pirrone N, Heimbürger-Boavida LE. Mediterranean Mercury Assessment 2022: An Updated Budget, Health Consequences, and Research Perspectives. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:3840-3862. [PMID: 35244390 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) and especially its methylated species (MeHg) are toxic chemicals that contaminate humans via the consumption of seafood. The most recent UNEP Global Mercury Assessment stressed that Mediterranean populations have higher Hg levels than people elsewhere in Europe. The present Critical Review updates current knowledge on the sources, biogeochemical cycling, and mass balance of Hg in the Mediterranean and identifies perspectives for future research especially in the context of global change. Concentrations of Hg in the Western Mediterranean average 0.86 ± 0.27 pmol L-1 in the upper water layer and 1.02 ± 0.12 pmol L-1 in intermediate and deep waters. In the Eastern Mediterranean, Hg measurements are in the same range but are too few to determine any consistent oceanographical pattern. The Mediterranean waters have a high methylation capacity, with MeHg representing up to 86% of the total Hg, and constitute a source of MeHg for the adjacent North Atlantic Ocean. The highest MeHg concentrations are associated with low oxygen water masses, suggesting a microbiological control on Hg methylation, consistent with the identification of hgcA-like genes in Mediterranean waters. MeHg concentrations are twice as high in the waters of the Western Basin compared to the ultra-oligotrophic Eastern Basin waters. This difference appears to be transferred through the food webs and the Hg content in predators to be ultimately controlled by MeHg concentrations of the waters of their foraging zones. Many Mediterranean top-predatory fish still exceed European Union regulatory Hg thresholds. This emphasizes the necessity of monitoring the exposure of Mediterranean populations, to formulate adequate mitigation strategies and recommendations, without advising against seafood consumption. This review also points out other insufficiencies of knowledge of Hg cycling in the Mediterranean Sea, including temporal variations in air-sea exchange, hydrothermal and cold seep inputs, point sources, submarine groundwater discharge, and exchanges between margins and the open sea. Future assessment of global change impacts under the Minamata Convention Hg policy requires long-term observations and dedicated high-resolution Earth System Models for the Mediterranean region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Cossa
- Université Grenoble Alpes, ISTerre, CS 40700, 38058 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Joël Knoery
- Ifremer, Centre Atlantique de Nantes, BP 44311, 44980 Nantes, France
| | - Daniela Bănaru
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS/INSU, Université de Toulon, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO) UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Mireille Harmelin-Vivien
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS/INSU, Université de Toulon, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO) UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Jeroen E Sonke
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, CNRS/Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées (OMP)/Université de Toulouse, 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Ian M Hedgecock
- Istituto sull'inquinamento atmosferico, CNR-IIA, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | | | - Ginevra Rosati
- Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisca Sperimentale (OGS), 34010 Trieste, Italy
| | - Donata Canu
- Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisca Sperimentale (OGS), 34010 Trieste, Italy
| | | | | | - Nicola Pirrone
- Istituto sull'inquinamento atmosferico, CNR-IIA, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Lars-Eric Heimbürger-Boavida
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS/INSU, Université de Toulon, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO) UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France
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Hauser-Davis RA, Monteiro F, Willmer IQ, Lemos LS, Bordon IC, Saint'Pierre TD, Lutfi DS, Vianna M. Subcellular metal partitioning as a novel tool in ecotoxicological elasmobranch assessments: The case of lesser numbfish (Narcine brasiliensis) affected by the Mariana dam disaster in Southeastern Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 177:113569. [PMID: 35334308 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113569] [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: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study comprises a novel report on subcellular metal partitioning and metallothionein (MT) metal detoxification efforts in lesser numbfish (Narcine brasiliensis) electric ray specimens, as well as the first assessment on MT contents in any ray electric organ. Individuals sampled from an area in Southeastern Brazil affected by the Mariana dam rupture disaster were assessed concerning subcellular metal partitioning and MT metal-detoxification in the liver, gonads, electric organ and muscle of both adults and embryos. Yolk was also assessed when available. Relative total and heat-stable (bioavailable) metal and metalloid comparisons between adults and embryos in different developmental stages demonstrates maternal transfer of both total and bioavailable metals and significant MT associations demonstrate the detoxification of As, Ag, Mn, Ni, Cd, Co, Cu, Se and V through this biochemical pathway. Our findings expand the lacking ecotoxicological assessments for this near-threatened species and indicates significant ecological concerns, warranting further biomonitoring efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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.
| | - Fernanda Monteiro
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Isabel Quental Willmer
- 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; Laboratório de Biologia e Tecnologia Pesqueira, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leila Soledade Lemos
- Institute of Environment, College of Arts, Sciences & Education, Florida International University, North Miami 33181, United States
| | - Isabella C Bordon
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Lineu Prestes, 1524, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marcelo Vianna
- 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; IMAM - AquaRio, Rio de Janeiro Aquarium Research Center, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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36
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Santos JP, Mehmeti L, Slaveykova VI. Simple Acid Digestion Procedure for the Determination of Total Mercury in Plankton by Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy. Methods Protoc 2022; 5:mps5020029. [PMID: 35448694 PMCID: PMC9029141 DOI: 10.3390/mps5020029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Plankton, at the bottom of the food web, play a central role in the entry of mercury into the aquatic biota. To investigate their role in mercury uptake, reliable analytical procedures for Hg analysis are highly sought. Wet digestion procedures for determining total mercury in different biological matrices have been established since years, however only few studies focused on planktonic samples. In the present work, a simple and cost-effective wet digestion method was developed for the determination of total mercury in samples of small plankton material using a cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (CVAFS). The optimization of the digestion method was achieved by using glass vessels with Teflon caps, low amount of acids (3 mL w/w 65% HNO3 or 3 mL 50% v/v HNO3), a constant temperature of 85 °C, the presence and absence of pre-ultrasound treatment, and a continuous digestion period (12 h). Certified reference materials IAEA-450 (unicellular alga Scenedesmus obliquus) and BRC-414 (plankton matrix) were used to optimize and validate the digestion method. The recovery efficiency of the proposed method for IAEA-450 and BCR-414 (3.1 mg and 21.5 mg) ranged between 94.1 ± 7.6% and 97.2 ± 4.6%. The method displayed a good recovery efficiency and precision for plankton matrices of low size. Thus, allowing better digestion of planktonic samples for mercury analysis using CVAFS techniques.
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Sanz-Sáez I, Pereira-García C, Bravo AG, Trujillo L, Pla i Ferriol M, Capilla M, Sánchez P, Rodríguez Martín-Doimeadios RC, Acinas SG, Sánchez O. Prevalence of Heterotrophic Methylmercury Detoxifying Bacteria across Oceanic Regions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:3452-3461. [PMID: 35245029 PMCID: PMC8928480 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c05635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Microbial reduction of inorganic divalent mercury (Hg2+) and methylmercury (MeHg) demethylation is performed by the mer operon, specifically by merA and merB genes, respectively, but little is known about the mercury tolerance capacity of marine microorganisms and its prevalence in the ocean. Here, combining culture-dependent analyses with metagenomic and metatranscriptomic data, we show that marine bacteria that encode mer genes are widespread and active in the global ocean. We explored the distribution of these genes in 290 marine heterotrophic bacteria (Alteromonas and Marinobacter spp.) isolated from different oceanographic regions and depths, and assessed their tolerance to diverse concentrations of Hg2+ and MeHg. In particular, the Alteromonas sp. ISS312 strain presented the highest tolerance capacity and a degradation efficiency for MeHg of 98.2% in 24 h. Fragment recruitment analyses of Alteromonas sp. genomes (ISS312 strain and its associated reconstructed metagenome assembled genome MAG-0289) against microbial bathypelagic metagenomes confirm their prevalence in the deep ocean. Moreover, we retrieved 54 merA and 6 merB genes variants related to the Alteromonas sp. ISS312 strain from global metagenomes and metatranscriptomes from Tara Oceans. Our findings highlight the biological reductive MeHg degradation as a relevant pathway of the ocean Hg biogeochemical cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Sanz-Sáez
- Departament
de Biologia Marina i Oceanografia, Institut
de Ciències del Mar, ICM-CSIC, 08003 Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Carla Pereira-García
- Departament
de Biologia Marina i Oceanografia, Institut
de Ciències del Mar, ICM-CSIC, 08003 Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Andrea G. Bravo
- Departament
de Biologia Marina i Oceanografia, Institut
de Ciències del Mar, ICM-CSIC, 08003 Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Laura Trujillo
- Departament
de Biologia Marina i Oceanografia, Institut
de Ciències del Mar, ICM-CSIC, 08003 Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Martí Pla i Ferriol
- Departament
de Genètica i Microbiologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Miguel Capilla
- Research
Group in Environmental Engineering (GI2AM), Department of Chemical
Engineering, University of Valencia, Av. De la Universitat S/N, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Pablo Sánchez
- Departament
de Biologia Marina i Oceanografia, Institut
de Ciències del Mar, ICM-CSIC, 08003 Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Rosa Carmen Rodríguez Martín-Doimeadios
- Environmental
Sciences Institute (ICAM), Department of Analytical Chemistry and
Food Technology, University of Castilla-La
Mancha, Avda. Carlos
III s/n, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Silvia G. Acinas
- Departament
de Biologia Marina i Oceanografia, Institut
de Ciències del Mar, ICM-CSIC, 08003 Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Olga Sánchez
- Departament
de Genètica i Microbiologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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Biton-Porsmoguer S, Bănaru D, Harmelin-Vivien M, Béarez P, Bouchoucha M, Marco-Miralles F, Marquès M, Lloret J. A study of trophic structure, physiological condition and mercury biomagnification in swordfish (Xiphias gladius): Evidence of unfavourable conditions for the swordfish population in the Western Mediterranean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 176:113411. [PMID: 35217416 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Studies integrating trophic ecology, physiological condition and accumulation of heavy metals in top predators, such as swordfish, are needed to better understand the links between them and the risk to humans associated with consumption of these fish. This research focuses on the swordfish of the Catalan Sea and follows a multi method approach that considers their diet, their liver lipid content, and mercury accumulation in their bodies as well as in their prey. The aim is to highlight the links between trophic ecology, physiology (fish condition), and eco-toxicology. Results indicate that poor condition of swordfish based on size and the levels of lipid in the liver, and the high Hg levels accumulated to the trophic web (particularly from cephalopods) may indicate potential unfavourable feeding and reproduction conditions for swordfish in the NW Mediterranean and this warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastián Biton-Porsmoguer
- French Biodiversity Agency (OFB), Channel and North Sea Delegation, 4 rue du Colonel Fabien, BP 34, 76083 Le Havre, France; University of Girona, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, C/Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, E-17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Daniela Bănaru
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS/INSU, Toulon University, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO) UM 110, Campus de Luminy, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Mireille Harmelin-Vivien
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS/INSU, Toulon University, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO) UM 110, Campus de Luminy, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Béarez
- Archéozoologie, archéobotanique: sociétés, pratiques et environnements (AASPE, UMR 7209), CNRS/MNHN, Muséum national d'histoire naturelle, 55 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Marc Bouchoucha
- Ifremer, Lab Environm Ressources Provence Azur Corse, CS 20330, F-83507 La Seyne Sur Mer, France
| | - Françoise Marco-Miralles
- Ifremer, Lab Environm Ressources Provence Azur Corse, CS 20330, F-83507 La Seyne Sur Mer, France
| | - Montse Marquès
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Josep Lloret
- University of Girona, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, C/Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, E-17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain
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Córdoba-Tovar L, Marrugo-Negrete J, Barón PR, Díez S. Drivers of biomagnification of Hg, As and Se in aquatic food webs: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112226. [PMID: 34717950 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Biomagnification of trace elements is increasingly evident in aquatic ecosystems. In this review we investigate the drivers of biomagnification of mercury (Hg), arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) in aquatic food webs. Despite Hg, As and Se biomagnify in food webs, the biomagnification potential of Hg is much higher than that of As and Se. The slope of trophic increase of Hg is consistent between temperate (0.20), tropical (0.22) and Arctic (0.22) ecosystems. Se exerts a mitigating role against Hg toxicity but desired maximum and minimum concentrations are unknown. Environmental (e.g. latitude, temperature and physicochemical characteristics) and ecological factors (e.g. trophic structure composition and food zone) can substantially influence the biomagnification process these metal (oids). Besides the level of bioaccumulated concentration, biomagnification depends on the biology, ecology and physiology of the organisms that play a key role in this process. However, it may be necessary to determine strictly biological, physiological and environmental factors that could modulate the concentrations of As and Se in particular. The information presented here should provide clues for research that include under-researched variables. Finally, we suggest that biomagnification be incorporated into environmental management policies, mainly in risk assessment, monitoring and environmental protection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonomir Córdoba-Tovar
- Universidad Tecnólogica del Chocó, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Grupo de Investigación Recursos Naturales y Toxicología Ambiental, Quibdó, Chocó, A.A 292, Colombia; Universidad de Córdoba, Cra 6 # 76 - 103, Montería, 230002, Córdoba, Colombia
| | | | - Pablo Ramos Barón
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Facultad de Estudios Ambientales y Rurales, Transversal 4#42-00, Bogotá, D.C, Colombia
| | - Sergi Díez
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain.
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Fioramonti NE, Ribeiro Guevara S, Becker YA, Riccialdelli L. Mercury transfer in coastal and oceanic food webs from the Southwest Atlantic Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113365. [PMID: 35114547 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The dynamics of contaminants, such as mercury (Hg), in marine trophic webs is a critical topic in the scientific community due to the high concentrations encountered in organisms. In this study we attempted to provide information on total Hg accumulation patterns and possible pathways of trophic transfers assessed in combination with δ13C and δ15N to understand how this contaminant permeates three sub-Antarctic food webs: the Beagle Channel (BC), the Atlantic coast of Tierra del Fuego (AC-TDF) and Burdwood Bank (BB). We found a site-specific pattern of Hg transfer and biomagnification processes, while the oceanic BB showed major Hg transfer through the pelagic domain, coastal sectors (BC and AC-TDF) indicate a general biodilution process but with Hg concentrations incrementing with the benthivory grade. This represents a dissimilar Hg bioavailability for marine consumers that rely on different diet and forage in different habitats, and may become an issue of important conservation concern for these southern areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- N E Fioramonti
- Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas (CADIC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bernardo Houssay 200, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.
| | - S Ribeiro Guevara
- Laboratorio de Análisis por Activación Neutrónica, Centro Atómico Bariloche, Av E. Bustillo Km 9.500, Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Y A Becker
- Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas (CADIC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bernardo Houssay 200, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
| | - L Riccialdelli
- Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas (CADIC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bernardo Houssay 200, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
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Elezz AA, Castillo A, Hassan HM, Alsaadi HA, Vethamony P. Distribution and environmental geochemical indices of mercury in tar contaminated beaches along the coast of Qatar. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113349. [PMID: 35092929 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113349] [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: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The current study aimed to gauge total mercury (THg) concentration and the environmental geochemical indices in tarmat contaminated sediments and test their presence in targeted coastal species. Layers of hard asphalt-like tarmats and sediment samples were collected from 34 sites along the coast of Qatar. The mean concentration of THg in tarmat-sediment mixture is 89 ± 20 ng·g-1. THg concentration varies significantly between the northern and eastern coasts. Geographically, sampling area were divided into four zones according to the relative closeness with low to serious potential ecological risk index (Er), moderate pollution load index (PLI), moderate Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), and no toxic risk (TRI) trending as Northern (Zones 4, 3) > North-Eastern (Zone 1) > Western (Zone 2) coasts. Three biota classes (Gastropoda, Bivalvia, and Crustacea) were sampled on the tarmat which the hermit crab (Clibanarius signatus) from Ras Rakan island obtained the highest THg (977 ng·g-1) and BSAF (29.70).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abou Elezz
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, Doha, P.O. Box 2713, State of Qatar.
| | - Azenith Castillo
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, Doha, P.O. Box 2713, State of Qatar.
| | | | | | - Ponnumony Vethamony
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, Doha, P.O. Box 2713, State of Qatar
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Costa F, Coelho JP, Baptista J, Martinho F, Pereira E, Pardal MA. Lifelong mercury bioaccumulation in Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) and the potential risks to human consumption. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113015. [PMID: 34628345 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Atlantic horse mackerel is one of the most commercially important species in Europe. It can reach a longevity of 30 years, with potential implications in lifespan mercury contamination. This study conducted along the Portuguese coast aimed at evaluating the total Hg content and tissue distribution, to determine the annual mercury bioaccumulation patterns and the associated risk for consumption. The T-Hg accumulation patterns observed followed the order: muscle (0.34) > liver (0.28) > heart (0.19) > gills (0.11) > brain (0.041 mg kg-1). Significant differences between tissues reflect the role of the different tissues in storage and redistribution. Significant relationships observed between age and T-Hg for all tissues highlight the continuous nature of the bioaccumulation process. European food safety guidelines signalled significant risk of consumption in about 30% of the samples. Still, there was an overall low risk from the consumption of this species, which can be further minimized through consumer options to avoid health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Costa
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - João P Coelho
- Department of Biology, CESAM, ECOMARE, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana Baptista
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Filipe Martinho
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- Department of Chemistry, REQUIMTE, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Miguel A Pardal
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
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Zhang G, Zhou X, Li X, Wang L, Li X, Luo Z, Zhang Y, Yang Z, Hu R, Tang Z, Wang D, Wang Z. Gaseous Elemental Mercury Exchange Fluxes over Air-Soil Interfaces in the Degraded Grasslands of Northeastern China. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:917. [PMID: 34571793 PMCID: PMC8464985 DOI: 10.3390/biology10090917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant that may potentially have serious impacts on human health and ecologies. The gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) exchanges between terrestrial surfaces and the atmosphere play important roles in the global Hg cycle. This study investigated GEM exchange fluxes over two land cover types (including Artemisia anethifolia coverage and removal and bare soil) using a dynamic flux chamber attached to the LumexR RA915+ Hg analyzer during the growing season from May to September of 2018, in which the interactive effects of plant coverage and meteorological conditions were highlighted. The daily mean ambient levels of GEM and the total mercury concentrations of the soil (TSM) were determined to be 12.4 ± 3.6 to 16.4 ± 5.6 ng·m-3 and 32.8 to 36.2 ng·g-1, respectively, for all the measurements from May to September. The GEM exchange fluxes (ng·m-2·h-1) during the five-month period for the three treatments included the net emissions from the soil to the atmosphere (mean 5.4 to 7.1; range of -27.0 to 47.3), which varied diurnally, with releases occurring during the daytime hours and depositions occurring during the nighttime hours. Significant differences were observed in the fluxes between the vegetation coverage and removal during the growing months (p < 0.05). In addition, it was determined that the Hg fluxes were positively correlated with the solar radiation and air/soil temperature levels and negatively correlated with the air relative humidity and soil moisture under all the conditions (p < 0.05). Overall, the results obtained in this study demonstrated that the grassland soil served as both a source and a sink for atmospheric Hg, depending on the season and meteorological factors. Furthermore, the plants played an important inhibiting role in the Hg exchanges between the soil and the atmosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Zhang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
- Institute of Grassland Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Xuhang Zhou
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
| | - Xu Li
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Xiangyun Li
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
| | - Zheng Luo
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
| | - Yangjie Zhang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
| | - Zhiyun Yang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
| | - Rongfang Hu
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
| | - Zhanhui Tang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Deli Wang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
- Institute of Grassland Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Zhaojun Wang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China; (G.Z.); (X.Z.); (X.L.); (L.W.); (X.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.T.); (D.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, Changchun 130117, China
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Rapid determination of femtomolar methylmercury in seawater using automated GC-AFS method: Optimisation of the extraction step and method validation. Talanta 2021; 232:122492. [PMID: 34074449 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Among ionic mercury species methyl mercury (MMHg) is the most toxic form present in the environment, which is known to be bio-accumulative neurotoxin in the aquatic food chain and could provide the major route of exposure for humans to mercury through consumption of marine food products. The availability of reliable analytical methods for evaluating spatial and temporal contamination trends of MMHg in the ocean is an important prerequisite for marine monitoring. Sound strategies for marine monitoring call also for measurement systems capable of producing comparable analytical results with demonstrated quality. A sensitive analytical procedure for environmental monitoring of MMHg content in seawater, based on specific extraction and Gas Chromatography Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry validated according to the requirements of international guidelines and standards, ISO 17025 and Eurachem guidelines, is presented in this study. The entire measurement process was described by mathematical equations and all factors influencing the results were systematically investigated. Selectivity, working range, linearity, recovery (94 ± 4%), repeatability (3.3%-4.5%), intermediate precision (2.9%), limits of detection (0.0004 ng kg-1as Hg) were systematically assessed. The relative expanded uncertainties obtained were in the range from 16% to 25%, (k = 2). Modelling of the entire measurement process related obtained values for MMHg in seawater to the International System of units (Kg). The potential of this analytical procedure was tested and additionally validated via inter laboratory comparison exercise organised under the Geotraces programme. Obtained results were in excellent agreement with the assigned values. The proposed analytical procedure from the sample preparation to the measurement step combined with the high efficiency of the new generation of the automated MMHg analyzers is fit for purpose for routine monitoring studies on the dissolved MMHg in the costal and open ocean seawaters.
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Musliu A, Beqa L, Kastrati G. The use of dental amalgam and amalgam waste management in Kosova: An environmental policy approach. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2021; 17:1037-1044. [PMID: 33710765 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Dental amalgam from dental clinics in Kosova is an uncontrolled source of mercury. The environmental legislative framework related to its use does not fully provide measures that reduce amalgam use and the release of its waste into the environment. This paper highlights issues related to environmental policy covering mercury amalgam waste management. Existing national regulations on hazardous waste management in Kosova consider the waste from dental health care as hazardous. Currently, however, no regulations restrict the use of dental amalgam or specifically oblige the generators of amalgam to treat or dispose of waste properly, thus leading to inconsistent legislation. New regulations, revised hazardous waste management standards, and new infrastructure for waste treatment and disposal, in compliance with EU regulations, should be developed to create a holistic approach that prevents the adverse effects of amalgam waste. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:1037-1044. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afete Musliu
- University for Business and Technology (UBT), Rr. Lagjja Kalabria, Prishtina, Republic of Kosova
| | - Lule Beqa
- University for Business and Technology (UBT), Rr. Lagjja Kalabria, Prishtina, Republic of Kosova
| | - Gani Kastrati
- University for Business and Technology (UBT), Rr. Lagjja Kalabria, Prishtina, Republic of Kosova
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DHA and Its Metabolites Have a Protective Role against Methylmercury-Induced Neurotoxicity in Mouse Primary Neuron and SH-SY5Y Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063213. [PMID: 33809931 PMCID: PMC8004243 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The consumption of fish now involves a risk of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure but also provides the benefit of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Some epidemiological studies have suggested that the intake of DHA can alleviate the neurotoxicity of MeHg, but the underlying mechanism is not known. Herein, we observed that pretreatment with 0.1–1 µM DHA suppressed MeHg-induced cytotoxicity in human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells and mouse primary neuronal cells. These effects of DHA were canceled in the presence of the retinoid X receptor (RXR) antagonist UVI3003. An RXR agonist, bexarotene, suppressed the cytotoxicity of MeHg. DHA also suppressed the MeHg-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via an induction of antioxidant genes (catalase and SOD1). Pretreatment with DHA did not change the incorporation of MeHg. We showed previously that in the brain, the intake of DHA increased the level of 19,20-DHDP, which is the metabolite produced by cytochrome P450 and soluble epoxide hydrolase from DHA. In the present study, we observed that 19,20-DHDP also suppressed neurotoxicity from MeHg. These results indicate that DHA and its metabolites have a protective role in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity.
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Novo JP, Martins B, Raposo RS, Pereira FC, Oriá RB, Malva JO, Fontes-Ribeiro C. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Mediating Methylmercury Neurotoxicity and Neuroinflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063101. [PMID: 33803585 PMCID: PMC8003103 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity is a major environmental concern. In the aquatic reservoir, MeHg bioaccumulates along the food chain until it is consumed by riverine populations. There has been much interest in the neurotoxicity of MeHg due to recent environmental disasters. Studies have also addressed the implications of long-term MeHg exposure for humans. The central nervous system is particularly susceptible to the deleterious effects of MeHg, as evidenced by clinical symptoms and histopathological changes in poisoned humans. In vitro and in vivo studies have been crucial in deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying MeHg-induced neurotoxicity. A collection of cellular and molecular alterations including cytokine release, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, Ca2+ and glutamate dyshomeostasis, and cell death mechanisms are important consequences of brain cells exposure to MeHg. The purpose of this review is to organize an overview of the mercury cycle and MeHg poisoning events and to summarize data from cellular, animal, and human studies focusing on MeHg effects in neurons and glial cells. This review proposes an up-to-date compendium that will serve as a starting point for further studies and a consultation reference of published studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- João P. Novo
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), and Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.P.N.); (B.M.); (R.S.R.); (F.C.P.)
| | - Beatriz Martins
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), and Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.P.N.); (B.M.); (R.S.R.); (F.C.P.)
| | - Ramon S. Raposo
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), and Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.P.N.); (B.M.); (R.S.R.); (F.C.P.)
- Experimental Biology Core, University of Fortaleza, Health Sciences, Fortaleza 60110-001, Brazil
| | - Frederico C. Pereira
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), and Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.P.N.); (B.M.); (R.S.R.); (F.C.P.)
| | - Reinaldo B. Oriá
- Laboratory of Tissue Healing, Ontogeny and Nutrition, Department of Morphology and Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-270, Brazil;
| | - João O. Malva
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), and Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.P.N.); (B.M.); (R.S.R.); (F.C.P.)
- Correspondence: (J.O.M.); (C.F.-R.)
| | - Carlos Fontes-Ribeiro
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), and Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.P.N.); (B.M.); (R.S.R.); (F.C.P.)
- Correspondence: (J.O.M.); (C.F.-R.)
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Binkowski LJ, Fort J, Brault-Favrou M, Gallien F, Le Guillou G, Chastel O, Bustamante P. Foraging ecology drives mercury contamination in chick gulls from the English Channel. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 267:128622. [PMID: 33162157 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Although mercury (Hg) occurs naturally, human activity is currently the greatest source of release and the ocean receives Hg inputs by rivers and atmospheric deposition. Seabirds including chicks serve as valuable bioindicators of Hg contamination, reflecting local contamination around the colony. This study investigates the ecological drivers (trophic position and foraging habitat) influencing Hg concentrations in blood and feathers of chicks of three sympatric marine gull species. Chicks were sampled between 2015 and 2017 in the Seine Estuary, one of the most Hg contaminated rivers in Europe, and in the Normand-Breton Gulf (the Chausey Islands), 200 km west, as a reference site with limited contaminant inputs. The trophic status of the chicks was evaluated based on the relative abundance of stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N and δ34S). There was a tight correlation between Hg concentrations, as well as the abundance of stable isotopes, in blood and feathers. Great black-backed gull had the highest blood Hg concentrations of the species (1.80 ± 0.92 μg⋅g-1 dry weight (dw)); the Lesser black-backed gull had intermediate concentrations (0.61 ± 0.18 μg⋅g-1 dw); and the European herring gull had the lowest (0.37 ± 0.26 μg⋅g-1 dw). Individuals with the highest trophic position showed consistently the highest Hg concentrations. The positive relationship between Hg concentrations and the feeding habitat (marine vs terrestrial) indicated that the main source of Hg for gulls in the English Channel is marine prey. This exposure led to relatively high Hg concentrations in Great black-backed gull, which may produce toxic effects to individuals with potential consequences for their populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz J Binkowski
- Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Krakow, Podchorazych 2, 30-084 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Jérôme Fort
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Maud Brault-Favrou
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Fabrice Gallien
- Groupe Ornithologique Normand, 181 Rue d'Auge, 14000 Caen, France
| | | | - Olivier Chastel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 Rue Descartes, 75005 Paris, France
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Hauser-Davis RA, Lavradas RT, Monteiro F, Rocha RCC, Bastos FF, Araújo GF, Sales Júnior SF, Bordon IC, Correia FV, Saggioro EM, Saint'Pierre TD, Godoy JM. Biochemical metal accumulation effects and metalloprotein metal detoxification in environmentally exposed tropical Perna perna mussels. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 208:111589. [PMID: 33396112 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Marine bivalves have been widely applied as environmental contamination bioindicators, although studies concerning tropical species are less available compared to temperate climate species. Assessments regarding Perna perna mytilid mussels, in particular, are scarce, even though this is an extremely important species in economic terms in tropical countries, such as Brazil. To this end, Perna perna mytilids were sampled from two tropical bays in Southeastern Brazil, one anthropogenically impacted and one previously considered a reference site for metal contamination. Gill metallothionein (MT), reduced glutathione (GSH), carboxylesterase (CarbE) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were determined by UV-vis spectrophotometry, and metal and metalloid contents were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Metalloprotein metal detoxification routes in heat-stable cellular gill fractions were assessed by size exclusion high performance chromatography (SEC-HPLC) coupled to an ICP-MS. Several associations between metals and oxidative stress endpoints were observed at all four sampling sites through a Principal Component Analysis. As, Cd, Ni and Se contents, in particular, seem to directly affect CarbE activity. MT is implicated in playing a dual role in both metal detoxification and radical oxygen species scavenging. Differential SEC-HPLC-ICP-MS metal-binding profiles, and, thus, detoxification mechanisms, were observed, with probable As-, Cu- and Ni-GSH complexation and binding to low molecular weight proteins. Perna perna mussels were proven adequate tropical bioindicators, and further monitoring efforts are recommended, due to lack of data regarding biochemical metal effects in tropical species. Integrated assessments, as performed herein demonstrate, are invaluable in evaluating contaminated aquatic environments, resulting in more accurate ecological risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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, Brazil.
| | - Raquel T Lavradas
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Departamento de Química, Gávea, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil; Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio de Janeiro (IFRJ), Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Monteiro
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Departamento de Química, Gávea, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Rafael Christian C Rocha
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Departamento de Química, Gávea, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Frederico F Bastos
- Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Departamento de Bioquímica, UERJ, Av. Manoel de Abreu 444, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriel F Araújo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Pública e Meio Ambiente, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sidney F Sales Júnior
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Pública e Meio Ambiente, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Isabella C Bordon
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Lineu Prestes, 1524, 05508-000 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fábio V Correia
- UNIRIO, Departamento de Ciências Naturais, Av. Pasteur, 458, Urca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Enrico M Saggioro
- Departamento de Saneamento e Saúde Ambiental, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública (ENSP), Fiocruz, Av. Brasil, 4.365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tatiana D Saint'Pierre
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Departamento de Química, Gávea, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - José M Godoy
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Departamento de Química, Gávea, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
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50
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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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