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Guo J, Liu L, Feng Q, Okonkwo CU, Zhang X, Chen J, Yang S, Yang C. Heavy metal pollution near an abandoned mercury-bearing waste recovery enterprise in southwestern China: Spatial distribution and its sources in soil and plants. Environ Res 2024; 252:118694. [PMID: 38521357 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The contribution of smelting of nonferrous metals to heavy metals in surface soil have become increasingly important over the past decade. In this study, the distribution of heavy metals around an abandoned mercury-bearing waste recovery enterprise were investigated. Soil (14) and plant (18) samples were collected in the surrounding area. The total concentration of heavy metals and methyl mercury content were measured by ICP-MS and HPLC-ICP-MS. The results show that the average contents of Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg and As in all soil samples are higher than the second-level values of Soil environmental quality-Risk control standard for soil contamination of development land (GB 36600-2018). Hg in the leaves ranged from 0.003 to 0.174 mg kg-1. Besides, the Pearson correlation analysis results indicate that Hg has a different environmental behavior compared to the other heavy metal under certain environmental or geographical conditions. But the mantel test statistical analysis results show that the Cr (P < 0.01), Cu, Pb, and Fe (P < 0.05) in the soil may have similar pollution sources with carbonate-bound mercury and iron-manganese oxide-bound mercury. The Hg concentrations show no correlation among plant leaves and soil, but significantly influenced by the distance and wind direction. These findings suggest that Hg in plant leaves may be derived from the deposition of atmospheric mercury from secondary mercury plant. The results will supplement those for relevant policy making for mercury-bearing waste recovery enterprises to improve urban environmental quality and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbo Guo
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Liyuan Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.
| | - Qinzhong Feng
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Camillus Uchenna Okonkwo
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Xiujin Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Chongqing University of Science and Technology, 401331, Chongqing, China
| | - Shitong Yang
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Yang
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.
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2
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Liu JB, Zhou YJ, Du FZ, Man YB, Wong MH, Cheng Z. Human health risk assessment based on a total diet study of daily mercury intake in Chengdu, China. Environ Geochem Health 2024; 46:138. [PMID: 38483661 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01910-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
To assess the total daily mercury intake and main exposure sources of residents, six food groups, including marine fish, freshwater fish, poultry, livestock, vegetables, and cereals, were collected from five districts of Chengdu, China. The median concentrations of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) were 12.8 and 6.94 μg kg-1 ww, respectively. Cereals (32.2%), vegetables (30.5%), and livestock (16.2%) contributed to a much larger extent to the total consumption for the participants in Chengdu. All food categories that contributed the most of THg (2.16 μg day-1) and MeHg 1.44 (μg day-1) to the daily intake in Chengdu were cereals and marine fish, respectively. The total Hazard Ratios values below 1 in this study indicate that there is no health risk associated with Hg ingestion from the consumption of these foods for the residents in Chengdu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Bo Liu
- College of Environment, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya Jun Zhou
- College of Environment, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Zhou Du
- College of Environment, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Bon Man
- Consortium on Health, Environment, Education, and Research (CHEER), and Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Hung Wong
- Consortium on Health, Environment, Education, and Research (CHEER), and Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhang Cheng
- College of Environment, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China.
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Harrow-Lyle TJ, Lam WY, Emilson EJS, Mackereth RW, Mitchell CPJ, Melles SJ. Watershed characteristics and chemical properties govern methyl mercury concentrations within headwater streams of boreal forests in Ontario, Canada. J Environ Manage 2023; 345:118526. [PMID: 37418824 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Methyl mercury (MeHg) concentrations in boreal headwater streams are influenced by complex natural processes and disturbances such as forestry management. Understanding drivers of MeHg within boreal streams in Ontario, Canada, is of particular interest as there are legacy MeHg concerns. However, models accounting for the complexity of underlying processes have not yet been developed. We assessed how catchment characteristics and stream water chemistry influence MeHg concentrations within 19 watersheds of the Dryden - Wabigoon Forest in Ontario, Canada, using a structural equation modelling (SEM) approach. Despite the study area encompassing a large variation of boreal forest watersheds in the Canadian Shield, our SEM had substantial explanatory power across the region (χ251 = 45.37, p-value = 0.70, R2 = 0.75). Nitrate concentrations (p-value <0.001), water temperature (p-value = 0.002), and the latent watershed characteristic (p-value <0.001) had a positive influence on MeHg concentrations once variable interactions were accounted. Due to the inherent strengths of applying an SEM approach, we describe two plausible pathways driving MeHg concentrations: 1) indirect effect of forest-derived nutrients increases in-situ MeHg production in Dryden - Wabigoon Forest streams, and 2) direct supply of MeHg from inundated soils following consistent precipitation and inundation events (i.e., fill, sit, and spill).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J Harrow-Lyle
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 43 Gerrard St, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 2K, Canada.
| | - Wai Ying Lam
- University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, M1C 1A4, Canada.
| | - Erik J S Emilson
- Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, 1219 Queen Street E., Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, P6A 2E5, Canada.
| | - Robert W Mackereth
- Ministry Natural Resources and Forestry, 421 James St., Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7E 2V6, Canada.
| | - Carl P J Mitchell
- University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, M1C 1A4, Canada.
| | - Stephanie J Melles
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 43 Gerrard St, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 2K, Canada.
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Yoo JW, Bae HJ, Jeon MJ, Jeong TY, Lee YM. Metabolomic analysis of combined exposure to microplastics and methylmercury in the brackish water flea Diaphanosoma celebensis. Environ Geochem Health 2023; 45:6807-6822. [PMID: 36445536 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-022-01435-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Owing to their widespread distribution and high bioaccumulation, microplastics (MPs) and mercury (Hg) are considered major threats to the ocean. MP interacts with Hg because of its high adsorption properties. However, their toxicological interactions with marine organisms, especially combined effects at the molecular level, are poorly understood. This study investigated the single and combined effects of MP and Hg on the metabolic profile of the brackish water flea Diaphanosoma celebensis. A total of 238 metabolites were significantly affected by MP, Hg, or MP + Hg. Metabolite perturbation patterns showed that toxicity of Hg and MP + Hg was similar and that of MP was not significant. Among the 223 metabolites affected by Hg, profiles of 32 unannotated metabolites were significantly different from those of MP + Hg, and combined effects of MP + Hg decreased the effect of Hg on 25 of these metabolites. Only 11 annotated metabolites were significantly affected by Hg or MP + Hg and were related to carbohydrate, lipid, vitamin, and ecdysteroid metabolism. Ten metabolites were decreased by Hg and MP + Hg and were not significantly different between the exposure groups. Enrichment analysis showed that galactose, starch, and sucrose metabolism were the most affected pathways. These findings suggest that MP has negligible toxic effect, and Hg can induce energy depletion, membrane damage, and disruption of growth, development, and reproduction. Although the impact of MP was negligible, the combined effects of MP + Hg could be metabolite specific. This study provides better understanding of the combined effects of MP and Hg on marine organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Je-Won Yoo
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Convergence Engineering, Sangmyung University, Seoul, 03016, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon-Jeong Bae
- Department of Environmental Science, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, 81 Oedae-Ro, Mohyeon-Eup, Cheoin-Gu, Yongin-Si, 17035, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jeong Jeon
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Convergence Engineering, Sangmyung University, Seoul, 03016, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Yong Jeong
- Department of Environmental Science, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, 81 Oedae-Ro, Mohyeon-Eup, Cheoin-Gu, Yongin-Si, 17035, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young-Mi Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Convergence Engineering, Sangmyung University, Seoul, 03016, Republic of Korea.
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Al-Sulaiti MM, Al-Ghouti MA, Ramadan GA, Soubra L. Health risk assessment of methyl mercury from fish consumption in a sample of adult Qatari residents. Environ Monit Assess 2023; 195:617. [PMID: 37103641 PMCID: PMC10140118 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11194-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Fish constitutes an essential source of high-quality protein and is, at the same time, the source of exposure to many hazardous contaminants, namely mercury and methyl mercury (MeHg). This study aims at assessing the risk that MeHg poses to the health of adult Qatari residents through fish consumption. Data on fish consumption were collected using a self-administered online survey composed of three sections that collected information about the fish-eating patterns of the participants. The fish species that were reported to be consumed by ≥ 3% of the respondents were sampled and analyzed for their total mercury (T-Hg) content levels. MeHg concentrations were derived from T-Hg content levels using a scenario-based approach. Disaggregated fish consumption and contamination data were combined using the deterministic approach to estimate MeHg intakes. The average, 75th, and 95th percentiles of the MeHg intake estimates were determined and compared to the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) set by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) (1.3 μg·kg-1·w-1). All fish samples contained T-Hg at levels ˂ 0.3-0.5 µg/g with a mean value of 0.077 µg/g. The study population had an average fish consumption of 736.0 g/week. The average estimated weekly intakes of MeHg exceeded TWI for some fish consumers including females of childbearing age and those following a high-protein diet. Our study highlights the need to establish regulatory guidelines and dietary advice based on risk/benefit ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maetha M. Al-Sulaiti
- Environmental Science Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Doha, State of Qatar
| | - Mohammad A. Al-Ghouti
- Environmental Science Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Doha, State of Qatar
| | - Gouda A. Ramadan
- Central Food Laboratories, Public Health Department, P.O. Box 42, Doha, Qatar
- Agricultural Research Center, Central Laboratory of Residue Analysis of Pesticides and Heavy Metals in Food, Ministry of Agriculture, Giza, 12311 Egypt
| | - Lama Soubra
- Environmental Science Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Doha, State of Qatar
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Pavithra KG, SundarRajan P, Kumar PS, Rangasamy G. Mercury sources, contaminations, mercury cycle, detection and treatment techniques: A review. Chemosphere 2023; 312:137314. [PMID: 36410499 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is considered a toxic pollutant harmful to our human health and the environment. Mercury is highly persistent, volatile and bioaccumulated and enters into the food chain, destroying our ecosystem. The levels of mercury in the water bodies as well as in the atmosphere are affected by anthropogenic and natural activities. In this review, the mercury species as well as the mercury contamination towards water, soil and air are discussed in detail. In addition to that, the sources of mercury and the mercury cycle in the aquatic system are also discussed. The determination of mercury with various methods such as with modified electrodes and nanomaterials was elaborated in brief. The treatment in the removal of mercury such as adsorption, electrooxidation and photocatalysis were explained with recent ideologies and among them, adsorption was considered one of the efficient techniques in terms of cost and mercury removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Grace Pavithra
- Department of Environmental and Water Resource Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, Chennai, 602 105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - P SundarRajan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Saveetha Engineering College, Chennai, 602 105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - P Senthil Kumar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, 603 110, Tamil Nadu, India; Centre of Excellence in Water Research (CEWAR) Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, 603 110, Tamil Nadu, India; School of Engineering, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon.
| | - Gayathri Rangasamy
- School of Engineering, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon; University Centre for Research and Development & Department of Civil Engineering, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab, 140413, India
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7
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Hilgendag IR, Swanson HK, Lewis CW, Ehrman AD, Power M. Mercury biomagnification in benthic, pelagic, and benthopelagic food webs in an Arctic marine ecosystem. Sci Total Environ 2022; 841:156424. [PMID: 35662606 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a ubiquitous toxic metal that biomagnifies in food webs, and can reach high concentrations in top predators. Evaluating Hg biomagnification in Arctic marine food webs is critical for understanding Hg dynamics and estimating exposure to understudied fish and wildlife consumed by humans. The majority of studies conducted on Hg biomagnification in the Arctic have focused on pelagic food webs. Benthic and benthopelagic food webs in Arctic marine ecosystems also support many species of subsistence and commercial importance, and data are lacking for these systems. In this study, we investigated food web structure and Hg biomagnification for the benthic, pelagic, and benthopelagic marine food webs of inner Frobisher Bay in Nunavut. Stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N), as well as total (THg) and methyl (MeHg) mercury concentrations were measured in fish, invertebrates, and zooplankton. Biomagnification in each food web was quantified with Trophic Magnification Slopes (TMS) and Trophic Magnification Factors (TMF). The highest TMS and TMF values were exhibited by the benthopelagic food web (TMS = 0.201; TMF = 1.59), followed by the pelagic food web (TMS = 0.183; TMF = 1.52), and lastly the benthic food web (TMS = 0.079; TMF = 1.20), with δ15N explaining 88%, 79%, and 9% of variation in Hg concentrations, respectively. TMS and TMF values were generally low compared to other Arctic marine food webs. Results from food web structure analyses indicated that the benthic food web had the greatest trophic diversity, trophic redundancy, and largest isotopic niche area of all food webs studied. Greater food web complexity may thus result in reduced MeHg biomagnification, but further study is required. Acquiring Hg and food web structure data is critical for predicting the effects of climate-induced environmental change on Hg dynamics, especially in the context of Arctic marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel R Hilgendag
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Heidi K Swanson
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | | | - Ashley D Ehrman
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater Institute, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N6, Canada
| | - Michael Power
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
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8
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Bailon MX, Chaudhary DK, Jeon C, Ok YS, Hong Y. Impact of sulfur-impregnated biochar amendment on microbial communities and mercury methylation in contaminated sediment. J Hazard Mater 2022; 438:129464. [PMID: 35999716 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
S-impregnation of biochar through elemental S streaming is known to increase its sorption performance against Hg and methyl mercury (MeHg). However, the effects of %S-loading on biochar's mechanism and sorption capacities for MeHg, and its consequent impact when used as an amendment material for Hg-contaminated sediments, are poorly understood, and thus, were investigated in this work. Our results showed that a minimum sulfur loading of 1% was the most effective in reducing MeHg levels in sediments. At higher %S-loading (3-20%), the reduction in surface area, pore blockage due to unreacted sulfur particles, and presence of poorly bound sulfur species resulted in lowered effectiveness for MeHg control. Increasing S-functionalization during impregnation shifted the sorption process of MeHg from Hg-O to Hg-S in S-impregnated biochar (BCS). Our 60-day slurry experiment showed a significant reduction in pore water THg (40-70%) and MeHg (30-55%), as well as sediment MeHg (50-60%) in biochar-amended sediments. The reduction in the bioavailable Hg resulted in lowered Hg methylation, as supported by the suppression of both the Fe- and SO42--reduction activities in the amended sediments. The microbial community structure in BCS-amended sediments showed a shift towards sulfur-consuming, iron-reducing, thiosulfate-oxidizing, and sulfate-reducing bacterial populations. At the genus level, the overall relative abundance of principal Hg methylators was also lower in the BCS treatment than in the unamended sediments. This study highlights the application of BCS as a promising strategy for remediation of Hg-contaminated sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Xavier Bailon
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City 30019, South Korea; Department of Science and Technology - Philippines, Philippine Science High School - Central Luzon Campus, Lily Hill, Clark Freeport Zone, Mabalacat City, Pampanga 2010, Philippines
| | - Dhiraj Kumar Chaudhary
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City 30019, South Korea
| | - Cheolho Jeon
- Research Center for Materials Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management Program & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yongseok Hong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City 30019, South Korea.
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Suzuki Y, Kondo M, Akiyama H, Ogra Y. Presence of nano-sized mercury-containing particles in seafoods, and an estimate of dietary exposure. Environ Pollut 2022; 307:119555. [PMID: 35654251 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The toxicity of nano-sized particles of mercury (NP-Hg), which are thought to be generated during the detoxification of methyl mercury (MeHg), may differ from that of MeHg, elemental Hg (Hg0), and inorganic Hg (I-Hg). From a human health perspective, it is important to evaluate the presence of NP-Hg in seafoods. We investigated the in vivo formation of NP-Hg in fish and shellfish, which are the main sources of Hg exposure in humans. NP-Hg was measured in 90 fish samples with single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) after enzyme degradation with pancreatin and lipase. In addition to NP-Hg, total Hg (T-Hg), MeHg, and selenium (Se) concentrations were evaluated. Transient Hg signals were detected as nanoparticles from almost all samples by using spICP-MS. Higher particle number concentrations (CPN) were observed in the tuna-swordfish group than in the shellfish group (17.7 × 107 vs. 1.2 × 106 particles/g, respectively). Although the CPN and maximum particle mass increased significantly with increasing T-Hg concentration, the increase in CPN was greater than those in maximum particle mass. Assuming that the NP-Hg detected was HgSe (tiemannite) and spherical based on previous reports, the maximum particle diameter was estimated to be 89 nm. The mean dietary exposures to NP-Hg, T-Hg, and MeHg were estimated to be 0.067, 5.75, and 5.32 μg/person per day, respectively. Generation of NP-Hg was inferred to be widespread in marine animals, with a preferential increase in the number of particles rather than an increase in particle size. The mean dietary exposure to NP-Hg in Japanese people was estimated to be 1.2 ng/kg body weight (BW) per day. Compared to PTWI of 4 μg/kg BW per week (0.57 μg/kg BW per day) derived by JECFA (2011), the health risk from redissolved I-Hg from NP-Hg is small.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinari Suzuki
- Division of Foods, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, 210-9501, Japan.
| | - Midori Kondo
- Division of Foods, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, 210-9501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Akiyama
- Division of Foods, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, 210-9501, Japan; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 142-8501, Japan
| | - Yasumitsu Ogra
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 260-8675, Japan
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Nádudvari Á, Cabała J, Marynowski L, Jabłońska M, Dziurowicz M, Malczewski D, Kozielska B, Siupka P, Piotrowska-Seget Z, Simoneit BRT, Szczyrba M. High concentrations of HgS, MeHg and toxic gas emissions in thermally affected waste dumps from hard coal mining in Poland. J Hazard Mater 2022; 431:128542. [PMID: 35248960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to provide numerous environmental research approaches to understand the formation of mineral and organic mercury compounds in self-heating coal waste dumps of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB). The results are combined with environmental and health risk assessments. The mineralogy comprised accessory minerals in the fine fraction of thermally affected waste, i.e., Hg sulfides, most likely cinnabar or metacinnabar. Moreover, other metals, e.g., Pb, Zn and Cu, were found as sulfide forms. Apart from Hg, the ICP-ES/MS data confirmed the high content of Mn, Zn, Pb, Hg, Cr and Ba in these wastes. The high concentration of available Hg resulted in elevated MeHg concentrations in the dumps. There were no correlations or trends between MeHg concentrations and elemental Hg, TS, TOC, and pH. Furthermore, we did not detect microbial genes responsible for Hg methylation. The organic compounds identified in waste and emitted gases, such as organic acids, or free methyl radicals, common in such burn environments, could be responsible for the formation of MeHg. The concentration levels of gases, e.g., benzene, formaldehyde, NH3, emitted by the vents, reached or surpassed acceptable levels numerous times. The potential ecological and human health risks of these dumps were moderate to very high due to the significant influence of the high Hg concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ádám Nádudvari
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, 60 Będzińska Street, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland.
| | - Jerzy Cabała
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, 60 Będzińska Street, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Leszek Marynowski
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, 60 Będzińska Street, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Mariola Jabłońska
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, 60 Będzińska Street, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Maria Dziurowicz
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, 60 Będzińska Street, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Dariusz Malczewski
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, 60 Będzińska Street, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Barbara Kozielska
- Silesian University of Technology, Faculty of Power and Environmental Engineering, Department of Air Protection, 22B Konarskiego St., 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Piotr Siupka
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Jagiellonska 28, 40-032 Katowice, Poland
| | - Zofia Piotrowska-Seget
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Jagiellonska 28, 40-032 Katowice, Poland
| | - Bernd R T Simoneit
- Oregon State University, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Mirosław Szczyrba
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Natural Sciences, 60 Będzińska Street, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
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Ahmad NI, Mahiyuddin WRW, Azmi WNFW, Azlee RSR, Shaharudin R, Sulaiman LH. Exposure Assessment of methyl mercury from consumption of fish and seafood in Peninsular Malaysia. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2022; 29:24816-24832. [PMID: 34826068 PMCID: PMC8986747 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17483-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The concentration of meHg in freshwater fish and seafood was investigated, as well as the consumption patterns of fish and seafood by different demographic groups (age, ethnicity, gender). A potential alarm for human health hazards was also assessed, and the results were compared to the provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWIs) and the hazard quotient parameter (HQ). The results showed that meHg levels of 67 species ranged from 0.013 to 0.252 mg/kg of wet weight (WW) with significant differences between different fish and seafood groups (χ2KW = 49.09; p < 0.001). Median concentrations of meHg in fish and seafood groups in descending orders are as follows: demersal fish (0.1006 mg/kg WW) > pelagic fish (0.0686 mg/kg WW) > freshwater fish 0.045 mg/kg WW) > cephalopods (0.0405 mg/kg WW) crustaceans (0.0356 mg/kg WW). The results revealed that older population (> 40 years old) consumed significantly (p = 0.000) more fish compared to younger generations and the elderly consumed the highest amounts of fish (104.0 ± 113.0 g/day). The adolescents (10-17 years old) consumed more than double of amount for both cephalopod and crustacean compared to the older populations (p < 0.05). Malay ethnic (96.1 ± 99.6 g/day) consumed significantly (p = 0.000) higher amounts of fish and seafood compared to other ethnicities, similar to male subjects (95.2 ± 102 g/day; p = 0.026) when compared to the female (86 ± 96.3 g/day). The estimated weekly intake (EWI) values showed results below 1.6 µg/kg BW/week, the tolerable levels recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) for all different demographic factors except for higher consumers at 75th percentile and above. Consumption of marine fish contributed to a higher value of PTWI to all different demographic groups (the estimated weekly intake (EWI) range: 0.2988-0.6893 µg/kg BW/week) but for the adolescents, where from the consumption of crustaceans (0.3488 µg/kg BW/week or 21.8% of PTWI) and cephalopods (0.504 µg/kg BW/week or 31.5% of PTWI). The results from this study also revealed the HQ value for overall consumption of fish and seafood by the adolescents and elderly exceeded one. This was contributed from the consumption of demersal fish and cephalopods, thus indicating the nonacceptable level of noncarcinogenic adverse health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Izzah Ahmad
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, No. 1, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52 Seksyen U13, Setia Alam, 40170, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Wan Rozita Wan Mahiyuddin
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, No. 1, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52 Seksyen U13, Setia Alam, 40170, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wan Nurul Farah Wan Azmi
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, No. 1, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52 Seksyen U13, Setia Alam, 40170, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ruzanaz Syafira Ruzman Azlee
- Cancer Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Hematology Unit, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Jalan Pahang, 50588, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rafiza Shaharudin
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, No. 1, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52 Seksyen U13, Setia Alam, 40170, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lokman Hakim Sulaiman
- Centre for Environment and Population Health, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation, International Medical University, No. 126, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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12
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Cardona GI, Escobar MC, Acosta-González A, Marín P, Marqués S. Highly mercury-resistant strains from different Colombian Amazon ecosystems affected by artisanal gold mining activities. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:2775-2793. [PMID: 35344092 PMCID: PMC8990959 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-11860-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Two sites of the Colombian Amazon region with different levels of human intervention and mercury pollution were selected for the collection of samples of river and lake water, sediments, and associated forest soils. The Tarapacá region, affected mainly by barrage mining, showed low mercury concentrations, whilst in the Taraira region, affected by underground mining, there were several points with high mercury pollution levels. A collection of 72 bacterial and 10 yeast strains with different levels of mercury resistance was isolated and characterized. Most of the highly resistant bacterial strains (MIC > 40 mg L−1 HgCl2) were isolated from soil and sediment samples and belonged to either Pseudomonas (60%) or Bacillus (20%). Most of highly resistant bacterial strains were positive for the presence of the merA gene, suggesting an active mercury resistance mechanism. This was confirmed in the two most resistant strains, Pseudomonas sp. TP30 and Burkholderia contaminans TR100 (MIC = 64 and 71 mg L−1 HgCl2, respectively), which in the presence of increasing mercury concentrations expressed the merA gene at increasing levels, concomitant with a significant mercury reduction activity. Analysis of the MerA sequences present in the different isolates suggested a high gene conservation within the taxonomic groups but also several horizontal gene transfer events between taxonomically distant genera. We also observed a positive correspondence between the presence of the merA gene and the number of antibiotics to which the strains were resistant to. The most resistant strains are good candidates for future applications in the bioremediation of mercury-contaminated sites in the Amazon. Key points • Amazon sediments affected by underground gold mining have higher Hg levels. • Highly Hg-resistant isolates belonged to Pseudomonas and Bacillus genera. • TR100 and TP30 strains showed remediation potential to be used in the Amazon region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gladys Inés Cardona
- Instituto Amazónico de Investigaciones Científicas SINCHI, 110321, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - María Camila Escobar
- Instituto Amazónico de Investigaciones Científicas SINCHI, 110321, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Patricia Marín
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Department of Environmental Protection, Granada, Spain
| | - Silvia Marqués
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Department of Environmental Protection, Granada, Spain
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Bailon MX, Park M, Solis KL, Na Y, Chaudhary DK, Kim S, Hong Y. Reduction in mercury bioavailability to Asian clams (Corbicula fluminea) and changes in bacterial communities in sediments with activated carbon amendment. Chemosphere 2022; 291:132700. [PMID: 34710454 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Activated carbon (AC) amendment is considered as one of the alternatives for managing and remediating mercury (Hg) contaminated sediments because of its high sorptive capacity and potential to immobilize the contaminant. For this study, the underlying mechanisms that control the reduction of Hg bioavailability in AC-amended estuarine sediments were investigated in box microcosm set-ups with 28-day Asian clam bioassay experiments. The application of diffusive gradients in thin film technique (DGT) revealed that the total mercury and methylmercury levels in sediment pore water decreased by 60%-75% in 1%-3% AC-amended sediments. This decrease subsequently led to a linear reduction in the Hg body burden in Asian clams, even at 1% sorbent mixing. These observations implied that AC amendment reduced the net flux of Hg into the pore water and overlying water, resulting in reduced Hg bioaccumulation in benthic organisms. The addition of AC to sediment also led to reduced dissolved organic carbon and several biogeochemical indicators (HS-, Mn, and Fe) in the pore water. Furthermore, the 16 S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing analysis revealed noticeable alterations in the microbial communities after AC amendment. The predominant phylum was Firmicutes in control sediment, Bacteroidetes in 1% AC-amended sediment, and Proteobacteria in both 2% and 3% AC-amended sediment samples. The genera-level analysis showed that the relative abundance of the Hg-methylators decreased as the level of AC amendment increased. These observations suggested that AC amendment decreased Hg bioavailability not only by physicochemical sorption but also by changing geochemical species and shifting the microbial community composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Xavier Bailon
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, South Korea; Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Science High School - Central Luzon Campus, Lily Hill, Clark Freeport Zone, Mabalacat City, Pampanga, 2010, Philippines
| | - Minoh Park
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, South Korea
| | - Kurt Louis Solis
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, South Korea
| | - Yeong Na
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, South Korea
| | - Dhiraj Kumar Chaudhary
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, South Korea
| | - Sungpyo Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, South Korea
| | - Yongseok Hong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea University Sejong Campus, 2511 Sejong-ro, Sejong City, 30019, South Korea.
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14
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Mancini L, Miniero R, Beccaloni E, di Domenico K, Lacchetti I, Puccinelli C, Cicero MR, Scaini F, Carere M. Mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in sediment and biota: A case study in a lagoon in Central Italy. Mar Pollut Bull 2022; 175:113308. [PMID: 35051847 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A quantification of total mercury (Hgtot) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in sediment and mussels was carried out in the east basin of the Orbetello lagoon in order to assess their bioaccumulation potential. The sediment was sampled in four macroareas, mussels were transplanted in the same sites and collected after seven weeks. The results show that Hgtot concentrations in sediments exceeded (0.21-16.9 mg/kg dry weight (dw)) the environmental quality standard of the Italian legislation (0.3 mg/kg dw). The Hgtot concentration in mussels (0.050-0.324 mg/kg wet weight (ww)) does not exceed the limit values (0.5 mg/kg ww) of the European food legislation. The biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) derived for MeHg (80-306.7) and a biomagnification factor (BMF) greater than 1 for Hgtot demonstrate that in the lagoon, these compounds can be transferred in the upper levels of the trophic chain and pose a risk to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Mancini
- Italian Institute of Health, Department: Environment and Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Miniero
- Italian Institute of Health, Department: Environment and Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Beccaloni
- Italian Institute of Health, Department: Environment and Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Kevin di Domenico
- Italian Institute of Health, Department: Environment and Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ines Lacchetti
- Italian Institute of Health, Department: Environment and Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Puccinelli
- Italian Institute of Health, Department: Environment and Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Cicero
- Italian Institute of Health, Department: Environment and Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Scaini
- Italian Institute of Health, Department: Environment and Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Carere
- Italian Institute of Health, Department: Environment and Health, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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15
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Pellicanò F, D'Orsi L, De Gaetano A, Panunzi S. A population approach for the estimation of methylmercury ToxicoKinetics in red mullets. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 428:115679. [PMID: 34400196 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
It is known that, as the vast majority of the anthropogenically emitted mercury can be found in aquatic ecosystems, where several methylating bacteria are present, fish consumption represents the most critical intake source of the most toxic form of mercury, the methylmercury (MeHg). The aim of this work is to predict MeHg levels in the fish muscles which, being the edible portion, are part of the human diet. A physiologically based toxicokinetics model was developed to evaluate the kinetics of MeHg in red mullets. Fishes were described by means of a multi-compartment model including stomach, gut, blood, muscles and an additional compartment virtually encompassing all the remaining organs. Absorption, distribution and excretion were modelled considering different MeHg routes of administration and excretion: intake by ingestion of contaminated food, intake and elimination through inhalation-exhalation and excretion through feces. The model has been firstly validated on Terapon jarbua fish (using the weighted least squares method for parameter estimation) to be subsequently readapted to predict methylmercury concentrations in the muscle of red mullets (using an approximate Bayesian computation approach). This simple multicompartmental model could be considered part, a link in the chain, of a wider more complex project aiming at tracking the fate of MeHg from polluted seawater to the human end consumer. The present study could be useful to surveillance organizations in order to carry out a more comprehensive and informed risk assessment analysis and to take appropriate preventive measures by evaluating possible new MeHg concentration thresholds to minimize public health hazards.
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16
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Fowler J, Tsui MTK, Chavez J, Khan S, Ahmed H, Smith L, Jia Z. Methyl mercury triggers endothelial leukocyte adhesion and increases expression of cell adhesion molecules and chemokines. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:2522-2532. [PMID: 34308659 DOI: 10.1177/15353702211033812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and health care costs in the USA, and around the world. Among the various risk factors of cardiovascular disease, environmental and dietary exposures to methyl mercury, a highly toxic metal traditionally labeled as a neurotoxin, have been epidemiologically linked to human cardiovascular disease development. However, its role in development and promotion of atherosclerosis, an initial step in more immediately life-threatening cardiovascular diseases, remains unclear. This study was conducted to examine the role that methyl mercury plays in the adhesion of monocytes to human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1), and the underlying mechanisms. Methyl mercury treatment significantly induced the adhesion of monocyte to HMEC-1 endothelial cells, a critical step in atherosclerosis, while also upregulating the expression of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6, interleukin-8. Further, methyl mercury treatment also upregulated the chemotactic cytokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1. These molecules are imperative for the firm adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells. Additionally, our results further demonstrated that methyl mercury stimulated a significant increase in NF-κB activation. These findings suggest that NF-κB signaling pathway activation by methyl mercury is an important factor in the binding of monocytes to endothelial cells. Finally, by using flow cytometric analysis, methyl mercury treatment caused a significant increase in necrotic cell death only at higher concentrations without initiating apoptosis. This study provides new insights into the molecular actions of methyl mercury that can lead to endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and subsequent atherosclerotic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Fowler
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27410, USA
| | - Martin Tsz-Ki Tsui
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27410, USA.,School of Life Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 00000, China
| | - Jessica Chavez
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27410, USA
| | - Safeera Khan
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27410, USA
| | - Hassan Ahmed
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27410, USA
| | - Lena Smith
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27410, USA
| | - Zhenquan Jia
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27410, USA
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17
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Du B, Li P, Feng X, Yin R, Zhou J, Maurice L. Monthly variations in mercury exposure of school children and adults in an industrial area of southwestern China. Environ Res 2021; 196:110362. [PMID: 33169691 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that rice consumption can be the major pathway for human methylmercury (MeHg) exposure in inland China. However, few studies have considered the susceptible population of school children's exposure through rice ingestion. In this study, monthly variations in total Hg (THg)/MeHg concentrations in rice, fish, hair, and urine samples were studied to evaluate the Hg (both THg and MeHg) exposure in Guiyang, a typical industrial area with high anthropogenic emission of Hg. A total of 17 primary school (school A) students, 29 middle school (school B) students, and 46 guardians participated in this study for one year. Hair THg, hair MeHg, and urine THg concentrations ranged from 355-413 ng g-1, 213-236 ng g-1, and 469-518 ng g-1 Creatinine (ng·g-1 Cr), respectively, and no significant differences were observed between different genders and age groups. Hair and urine Hg concentrations showed slightly higher values in the cold season (October to February) than the hot season (March to September), but without significant difference. High monthly variability of individual hair and urine Hg concentrations suggested that long-term study could effectively decrease the uncertainty. The school students showed significantly higher urine THg concentrations than adults due to children's unique physiological structure and behaviors. Probable daily intake (PDI) of MeHg via rice and fish ingestion averaged at 0.0091, 0.0090, and 0.0079 μg kg-1 d-1 for school A students, school B students, and their guardians, respectively, which means that 86%, 84%, and 87% of the PDI were originated from rice ingestion, respectively. Therefore, more attention should be paid to children as a susceptible population. The results indicated low risk of Hg exposure via rice and fish consumption for urban residents in a Chinese industrial city.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buyun Du
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Runsheng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Ore Deposit Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Laurence Maurice
- Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Laboratoire Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, IRD-CNRS-Université Toulouse, 14 Avenue Edouard Belin, Toulouse, 31400, France
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18
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Orani AM, Vassileva E, Azemard S, Thomas OP. Comparative study on Hg bioaccumulation and biotransformation in Mediterranean and Atlantic sponge species. Chemosphere 2020; 260:127515. [PMID: 32682130 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In this work we present an assessment of mercury (Hg) and methyl mercury (MeHg) bioaccumulation in different species of marine sponges collected off the Northwestern Mediterranean and Northeastern Atlantic coasts. Overall the results showed significant accumulation of Hg in sponges, with the Mediterranean sponge Chondrilla nucula exhibiting the highest total Hg content (up to 0.5 mg kg-1) and bio-concentration factor (BCF) up to 23. A significant inter-species variability of Hg bioaccumulation was observed among species collected at the same site. The sponges, collected in marine environment contaminated with Hg show consistently higher Hg accumulation, meaning that the bioaccumulation is proportional to the Hg availability in the surrounding environment. Different extraction protocols were tested for MeHg analysis and, generally, a low MeHg ratio in Hg species (4% and 17% average for Mediterranean and Irish sponges respectively) was detected suggesting a possible demethylation process and therefore a promising role of sponges for Hg bioremediation Additionally, the Hg isotopic composition in these organisms was determined and it showed that MDF (mass dependent fractionation) is the main process in sponges, with the absence of significant MIF. This result suggests a dominant role of associated microbial population in the methylation and/or demethylation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Orani
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Environment Laboratories, 4 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | - Emilia Vassileva
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Environment Laboratories, 4 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of Monaco.
| | - Sabine Azemard
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Environment Laboratories, 4 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | - Olivier P Thomas
- Marine Biodiscovery, School of Chemistry and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, (NUI Galway), University Road, H91 TK33, Galway, Ireland
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19
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Granitzer S, Ellinger I, Khan R, Gelles K, Widhalm R, Hengstschläger M, Zeisler H, Desoye G, Tupova L, Ceckova M, Salzer H, Gundacker C. In vitro function and in situ localization of Multidrug Resistance-associated Protein (MRP)1 (ABCC1) suggest a protective role against methyl mercury-induced oxidative stress in the human placenta. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:3799-3817. [PMID: 32915249 PMCID: PMC7603445 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02900-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Methyl mercury (MeHg) is an organic highly toxic compound that is transported efficiently via the human placenta. Our previous data suggest that MeHg is taken up into placental cells by amino acid transporters while mercury export from placental cells mainly involves ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters. We hypothesized that the ABC transporter multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP)1 (ABCC1) plays an essential role in mercury export from the human placenta. Transwell transport studies with MRP1-overexpressing Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK)II cells confirmed the function of MRP1 in polarized mercury efflux. Consistent with this, siRNA-mediated MRP1 gene knockdown in the human placental cell line HTR-8/SVneo resulted in intracellular mercury accumulation, which was associated with reduced cell viability, accompanied by increased cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and oxidative stress as determined via the glutathione (GSH) status. In addition, the many sources claiming different localization of MRP1 in the placenta required a re-evaluation of its localization in placental tissue sections by immunofluorescence microscopy using an MRP1-specific antibody that was validated in-house. Taken together, our results show that (1) MRP1 preferentially mediates apical-to-basolateral mercury transport in epithelial cells, (2) MRP1 regulates the GSH status of placental cells, (3) MRP1 function has a decisive influence on the viability of placental cells exposed to low MeHg concentrations, and (4) the in situ localization of MRP1 corresponds to mercury transport from maternal circulation to the placenta and fetus. We conclude that MRP1 protects placental cells from MeHg-induced oxidative stress by exporting the toxic metal and by maintaining the placental cells' GSH status in equilibrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Granitzer
- Karl-Landsteiner Private University for Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabella Ellinger
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rumsha Khan
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Gelles
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Raimund Widhalm
- Karl-Landsteiner Private University for Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Harald Zeisler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gernot Desoye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Lenka Tupova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Ceckova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Hans Salzer
- Clinic for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Tulln, Tulln, Austria
| | - Claudia Gundacker
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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20
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Åkerblom S, Nilsson MB, Skyllberg U, Björn E, Jonsson S, Ranneby B, Bishop K. Formation and mobilization of methylmercury across natural and experimental sulfur deposition gradients. Environ Pollut 2020; 263:114398. [PMID: 32229372 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the influence of sulfate (SO42-) deposition and concentrations on the net formation and solubility of methylmercury (MeHg) in peat soils. We used data from a natural sulfate deposition gradient running 300 km across southern Sweden to test the hypothesis posed by results from an experimental field study in northern Sweden: that increased loading of SO42- both increases net MeHg formation and redistributes methylmercury (MeHg) from the peat soil to its porewater. Sulfur concentrations in peat soils correlated positively with MeHg concentrations in peat porewater, along the deposition gradient similar to the response to added SO42- in the experimental field study. The combined results from the experimental field study and deposition gradient accentuate the multiple, distinct and interacting roles of SO42- deposition in the formation and redistribution of MeHg in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Staffan Åkerblom
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lennart Hjelms väg 9, SE-756 51, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Mats B Nilsson
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ulf Skyllberg
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Erik Björn
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sofi Jonsson
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden; Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, SE-11418 Stockholm University Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bo Ranneby
- Department of Forest Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Kevin Bishop
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lennart Hjelms väg 9, SE-756 51, Uppsala, Sweden
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21
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Levin M, Jasperse L, Desforges JP, O'Hara T, Rea L, Castellini JM, Maniscalco JM, Fadely B, Keogh M. Methyl mercury (MeHg) in vitro exposure alters mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine expression in Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) pups. Sci Total Environ 2020; 725:138308. [PMID: 32302832 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus, SSLs) are managed as two distinct population segments within U.S. waters: the endangered western distinct population segment and the recently delisted eastern distinct population segment. Recent studies reported concentrations of mercury in several tissues collected from young SSLs in the Aleutian Islands that were at or above concentrations found to negatively impact health in other fish-eating mammals. However, there are limited studies which have investigated the range of mercury concentrations that may negatively influence the SSL immune system. This study assessed relationships between methyl mercury (MeHg+) concentrations and two immune functions, lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine expression. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and cryopreserved from pups on three rookeries within the western distinct population segment: Chiswell Island, Ulak, and Agattu Islands. Lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine expression were assessed in vitro using thawed PBMCs with exposure to MeHg+ (unexposed control, 0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 μg/ml). Lymphocyte proliferation was measured without and with stimulation with a T cell mitogen (ConA) and B cell mitogen (LPS) and the concentration of cytokines was measured in the cell culture supernatant (with and without ConA or LPS). Spontaneous lymphocyte proliferation was significantly increased at 0.01 and 0.1 μg/ml. T lymphocyte proliferation was significantly increased at 0.001 μg/ml and 0.1 μg/ml, while B lymphocyte proliferation was decreased at 0.1 μg/ml. Cytokine concentrations for INFγ, IL-10, IL-6, and TNFα were reduced at 0.1 μg/ml upon either T or B cell mitogen stimulation, with the exception for IL-10, where 0.1 μg/ml reduced IL-10 concentration compared to unstimulated cells. These data suggest immune functions were affected by MeHg+ exposure requiring in vivo follow up investigations. The observed modulation of immune functions is of concern as any toxicant-induced modulation may adversely affect the health of individuals, particularly younger animals undergoing periods of critical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milton Levin
- University of Connecticut, Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, 61 N. Eagleville Road U-3089, Storrs, CT 06269, United States of America.
| | - Lindsay Jasperse
- University of Connecticut, Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, 61 N. Eagleville Road U-3089, Storrs, CT 06269, United States of America
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Todd O'Hara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775-5910, United States of America; Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, United States of America
| | - Lorrie Rea
- Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775-5910, United States of America
| | - J Margaret Castellini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775-5910, United States of America
| | - John M Maniscalco
- Alaska SeaLife Center, P.O. Box 1329, Seward, AK 99664, United States of America
| | - Brian Fadely
- Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115, United States of America
| | - Mandy Keogh
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Marine Mammal Program. 1300 College Rd., Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States of America
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22
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Shoham-Frider E, Gertner Y, Guy-Haim T, Herut B, Kress N, Shefer E, Silverman J. Legacy groundwater pollution as a source of mercury enrichment in marine food web, Haifa Bay, Israel. Sci Total Environ 2020; 714:136711. [PMID: 31981872 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Haifa Bay (HB), located along the northern Mediterranean shore of Israel was polluted with Hg from a chlor-alkali plant (ECI) and from the Qishon River industries, for decades. From the mid-1980s industrial Hg loads into HB decreased dramatically until their complete cessation in 2000. Consequently, concentrations in marine biota and sediments decreased almost to reference levels. However, during 2006-2014, an unexpected increase of total Hg (THg) concentrations was observed in three commercial fish species collected at northern HB (N.HB). To determine the cause of this increase, THg and methyl Hg (MeHg) were measured in seawater, coastal groundwater, suspended particulate matter, plankton, macroalgae, benthic fauna, and in marine and beach sediments. THg in groundwater and sediments from the vicinity of ECI were extremely high (up to 251 μg L-1 and 2200 ng g-1, respectively). MeHg concentrations in groundwater were low and constituted <0.1% of THg, except in the surf zone opposite the ECI, where MeHg constituted 0.2% of the THg. THg and MeHg concentrations were consistently higher in benthic biota and plankton from N.HB and northwards, compared to corresponding samples from southern HB (S.HB) and the reference site (RS). MeHg in bivalves and sponges from N.HB and SZ was higher than from S.HB and RS, despite having similar THg concentrations, which suggests a stronger source of MeHg in N.HB. Our findings suggest that the discharge into N.HB of Hg polluted groundwater under the ECI increased during the period 2006-2014. The Hg was assimilated by plankton or adsorbed onto inorganic particles, which were further ingested by benthic and pelagic consumers, as well as transported northward with the alongshore current. These findings demonstrate for the first time the potential of relic pollution in groundwater to increase heavy metal burdens in local marine food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Shoham-Frider
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, The National Institute of Oceanography, Haifa 31080, Israel.
| | - Y Gertner
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, The National Institute of Oceanography, Haifa 31080, Israel
| | - T Guy-Haim
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, The National Institute of Oceanography, Haifa 31080, Israel
| | - B Herut
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, The National Institute of Oceanography, Haifa 31080, Israel
| | - N Kress
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, The National Institute of Oceanography, Haifa 31080, Israel
| | - E Shefer
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, The National Institute of Oceanography, Haifa 31080, Israel
| | - J Silverman
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, The National Institute of Oceanography, Haifa 31080, Israel
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23
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Yu X, Khan S, Khan A, Tang Y, Nunes LM, Yan J, Ye X, Li G. Methyl mercury concentrations in seafood collected from Zhoushan Islands, Zhejiang, China, and their potential health risk for the fishing community: Capsule: Methyl mercury in seafood causes potential health risk. Environ Int 2020; 137:105420. [PMID: 32070806 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Seafood is an important exposure route for mercury, especially methyl mercury (MeHg). Therefore, we quantified MeHg concentrations in 69 species of seafood including fish, crustaceans and mollusks collected from Zhoushan Islands, China. MeHg concentrations ranged from <0.0020-0.2098 µg/g and did not exceed the threshold limit of 1 µg/g in all sampled species, However, MeHg concentrations significantly differed among fish species (0.0085-0.2098 mg kg-1), crustaceans (<0.002-0.0221 mg kg-1) and mollusks (<0.002-0.1389 mg kg-1). The trophic magnification factor (TMF) was determined on the basis of the trophic level (TL). The TL values for fish, crustaceans and mollusks were above 3 when the TMF values were >1. The daily dietary intake and hazard quotient for MeHg were calculated to estimate exposure and health risk through seafood consumption by local inhabitants. The calculated HQ was lower than 1, thus indicating that the exposure was below the risk threshold of related chronic diseases. However, higher MeHg concentrations in fish species such as Scoliodon sorrakowah and Auxis thazard are concerning and may pose health risk through continuous consumption by local inhabitants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Yu
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Fuli Institute of Food Science, Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro-Food Processing, Zhejiang R & D Center for Food Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Health Risk Factors for Seafood of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan Municipal Center For Disease Control and Prevention, Zhoushan 316021, China
| | - Sardar Khan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315800, China; Department of Environmental Science, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan.
| | - Anwarzeb Khan
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan; Department of Environmental and Conservation Sciences, University of Swat, Swat 19130, Pakistan
| | - Yuting Tang
- School of Geographical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, The University of Nottingham, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Luis M Nunes
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315800, China; Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability Center, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Jianbo Yan
- Key Laboratory of Health Risk Factors for Seafood of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan Municipal Center For Disease Control and Prevention, Zhoushan 316021, China
| | - Xingqian Ye
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Fuli Institute of Food Science, Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro-Food Processing, Zhejiang R & D Center for Food Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Gang Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315800, China.
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24
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O'Donoghue JL, Watson GE, Brewer R, Zareba G, Eto K, Takahashi H, Marumoto M, Love T, Harrington D, Myers GJ. Neuropathology associated with exposure to different concentrations and species of mercury: A review of autopsy cases and the literature. Neurotoxicology 2020; 78:88-98. [PMID: 32092311 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human exposure to mercury (Hg) is widespread and both organic and inorganic Hg are routinely found in the human brain. Millions of people are exposed to methyl Hg (MeHg) due to the consumption of fish and to inorganic Hg from dental amalgams, small scale gold mining operations, use of Hg containing products, or their occupations. Neuropathology information associated with exposures to different species of Hg is primarily based on case reports of single individuals or collections of case studies involving a single species of Hg at toxic exposure levels such as occurred in Japan and Iraq. METHODS/RESULTS This study brings together information on the neuropathological findings and deposition of Hg in the central nervous system of people exposed to different species of Hg at varying concentrations. The low dose exposures were lifetime exposures while the high dose exposures were generally acute or short term by different exposure routes with survival lasting various lengths of time. Total and inorganic Hg deposits were identified in formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissues from both low and high exposure Hg cases. Low concentration exposures were studied in adult brains from Rochester, New York (n = 4) and the Republic of Seychelles (n = 17). Rochester specimens had mean total Hg concentrations of 16-18 ppb in the calcarine, rolandic, and cerebellar cortices. Inorganic Hg averaged between 5-6 ppb or 30-37% for the cerebral and cerebellar cortices of the Rochester subjects. Total Hg was approximately 10-fold higher in specimens from Seychelles, where consumption of ocean fish is high and consequently results in exposure to MeHg. The predominant Hg species was MeHg in both the Rochester and Seychelles brain specimens. Histologically, cerebral and cerebellar cortices from Rochester and Seychelles specimens were indistinguishable. High concentration exposures were studied in brains from four adults who were autopsied at variable time periods after exposure to organic Hg (methyl or dimethyl) or inorganic Hg (inhaled vapor or intravenous injection of metallic Hg). In contrast to the Seychellois adults, these individuals had acute or subacute exposures to lethal or significantly higher concentrations. The pattern of Hg deposition differed between subjects with high organic Hg exposure and high inorganic Hg exposure. In the organic Hg cases, glia (astrocytes and microglia) and endothelial cells accumulated more Hg than neurons and there were minimal Hg deposits in cerebellar granule and Purkinje cells, anterior horn motor neurons, and neocortical pyramidal neurons. In the inorganic Hg cases, Hg was seen predominantly in neurons, vascular walls, brainstem, and cerebellar and cerebral deep gray nuclei. The presence of inorganic Hg in neural and neural supporting cells in the four high exposure Hg cases was not closely correlated with cellular pathology; particularly in the inorganic Hg cases. CONCLUSIONS Different Hg species are associated with differing neuropathological patterns. No neuropathological abnormalities were present in the brains of either Rochester or Seychelles residents despite substantial differences in dietary MeHg exposure. Increasing concentrations of inorganic Hg were present in the brain of relatively low exposure subjects with increasing age.
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Affiliation(s)
- John L O'Donoghue
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Box EHSC, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, United States.
| | - Gene E Watson
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Box EHSC, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, United States; Eastman Institute for Oral Health and Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Box 683, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14642, United States
| | - Rubell Brewer
- Victoria Hospital and the Ministry of Health, Seychelles
| | - Grazyna Zareba
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Box EHSC, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, United States
| | - Komyo Eto
- Formerly Director General, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Ministry of the Environment, 4058-18, Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto Prefecture, 867-0008, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Takahashi
- Department of Pathology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8585, Japan
| | - Masumi Marumoto
- Toxicologic Pathology Section, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Ministry of the Environment, 4058-18, Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto Prefecture, 867-0008, Japan
| | - Tanzy Love
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Box 630, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14642, United States
| | - Donald Harrington
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Box 630, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14642, United States
| | - Gary J Myers
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Box EHSC, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, United States; Department of Neurology, Child Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Box 631, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Box 631, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14642, United States
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25
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Wang P, Chen SW, Chen ZH, Huo WL, Huang R, Huang WX, Peng JW, Yang XF. Benefit-risk assessment of commonly consumed fish species from South China Sea based on methyl mercury and DHA. Environ Geochem Health 2019; 41:2055-2066. [PMID: 30806845 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-019-00254-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Even though a growing number of reports indicated favorable health effects with fish consumption, kinds of hazardous substances in fish were detected in fish and to be exceeded advisory limitation. Benefit-risk assessment of commonly consumed fish is urgently needed. We conducted fish consumption survey and fish sampling in the coast of South China Sea to assess benefit-risk effect of commonly consumed fish species. For local residents, weekly methyl mercury (MeHg) exposures from commonly consumed fish species ranged from 0.12 to 2.11 μg/kg bw. Apart from Muraenesox cinereus and Acanthopagrus latus, the rest of 92% (23/25) fish species were at low risk of MeHg exposure. Daily docosahexaenoic acid intakes via consuming specific fish were between 42.18 and 1687.04 mg/day. A total of 72% (18/25) fish species could provide 200 mg/day of DNA for local residents. Benefit-risk assessment assuming intelligence quotient (IQ) score model showed net IQ point gains between 1.53 and 5.65 points with consuming various fish species, indicative of large distinction of health benefit from various fish species. This study suggests commonly consumed fish species from China South Sea could bring much more positive effect than negative effect. Species-specific fish should be considered when providing recommendations of fish consumption. Muraenesox cinereus and Acanthopagrus latus should be minded with risk of MeHg exposure in taking large amounts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wang
- Department of Health Risk Assessment Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 160 Qunxian Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 511430, China
| | - Shao-Wei Chen
- Department of Health Risk Assessment Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 160 Qunxian Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 511430, China
| | - Zi-Hui Chen
- Department of Health Risk Assessment Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 160 Qunxian Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 511430, China
| | - Wei-Lun Huo
- Department of Health Risk Assessment Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 160 Qunxian Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 511430, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Health Risk Assessment Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 160 Qunxian Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 511430, China
| | - Wei-Xiong Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 160 Qunxian Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 511430, China
| | - Jie-Wen Peng
- Department of Health Risk Assessment Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 160 Qunxian Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 511430, China.
| | - Xing-Fen Yang
- Food Safety and Health Research Center, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research), No. 1023, South Shatai Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 160 Qunxian Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 511430, China.
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26
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O'Connor D, Hou D, Ok YS, Mulder J, Duan L, Wu Q, Wang S, Tack FMG, Rinklebe J. Mercury speciation, transformation, and transportation in soils, atmospheric flux, and implications for risk management: A critical review. Environ Int 2019; 126:747-761. [PMID: 30878870 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a potentially harmful trace element in the environment and one of the World Health Organization's foremost chemicals of concern. The threat posed by Hg contaminated soils to humans is pervasive, with an estimated 86 Gg of anthropogenic Hg pollution accumulated in surface soils worldwide. This review critically examines both recent advances and remaining knowledge gaps with respect to cycling of mercury in the soil environment, to aid the assessment and management of risks caused by Hg contamination. Included in this review are factors affecting Hg release from soil to the atmosphere, including how rainfall events drive gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) flux from soils of low Hg content, and how ambient conditions such as atmospheric O3 concentration play a significant role. Mercury contaminated soils constitute complex systems where many interdependent factors, including the amount and composition of soil organic matter and clays, oxidized minerals (e.g. Fe oxides), reduced elements (e.g. S2-), as well as soil pH and redox conditions affect Hg forms and transformation. Speciation influences the extent and rate of Hg subsurface transportation, which has often been assumed insignificant. Nano-sized Hg particles as well as soluble Hg complexes play important roles in soil Hg mobility, availability, and methylation. Finally, implications for human health and suggested research directions are put forward, where there is significant potential to improve remedial actions by accounting for Hg speciation and transportation factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- David O'Connor
- School of Environment, and State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Site Remediation Technologies, China
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, and State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Site Remediation Technologies, China.
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, OJeong Eco-Resilience Institute & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jan Mulder
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, 1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Lei Duan
- School of Environment, and State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qingru Wu
- School of Environment, and State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shuxiao Wang
- School of Environment, and State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Filip M G Tack
- Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, Wuppertal 42285, Germany; Department of Environment, Energy and Geoinformatics, Sejong University, 98 Gunja-Dong, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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27
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Olsen M, Fjeld E, Lydersen E. The influence of a submerged meadow on uptake and trophic transfer of legacy mercury from contaminated sediment in the food web in a brackish Norwegian fjord. Sci Total Environ 2019; 654:209-217. [PMID: 30445322 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
There are contradicting results on the importance of legacy mercury (Hg) contaminated sediments to Hg fish tissue concentrations. Still, sediment remediation actions often aim at minimizing ecosystem exposure and human risk caused by the consumption of fish and seafood. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible influence of a permanently submerged meadow on the availability and transfer of Hg from sediment to biota, three decades after the Hg discharges was halted and the previous biota survey was carried out, in the severely contaminated brackish fjord Gunneklevfjorden in southern Norway. We examined total Hg (Tot-Hg) and methyl-Hg (MeHg) concentrations and stable isotopes of nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) in zooplankton, benthic invertebrates, and fish to map the food web and to investigate the trophic transfer of Hg. Sediment and water data were available from a previous study. Overlap in δ13C in benthos and fish reveals that benthos is a preferred prey to fish, though despite elevated Tot-Hg concentrations in benthos, fish predator (perch, pike and eel) Hg concentrations are comparable to concentrations reported in nearby lakes without contaminated sediments (mean 1.6 ± 1.3 mg Tot-Hg kg-1 dw). We propose that habitat reliance is an important factor controlling the uptake of Hg from sediments, as both benthos and fish prefer to forage within the meadow where sediment concentrations of Tot-Hg are lower than outside the macrophyte meadow, though %MeHg is higher than outside. Further, we propose that sediment remediation actions performed outside the meadow may have limited effect on the Hg concentrations in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Olsen
- University College of Southeast Norway, Gullbringvegen 36, N-3800 Bø, Norway; The Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadalléen 21, N-0349 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Eirik Fjeld
- Fjeld og Vann AS, Terrasseveien 31A, 1363 Høvik, Norway
| | - Espen Lydersen
- University College of Southeast Norway, Gullbringvegen 36, N-3800 Bø, Norway
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28
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Budnik LT, Casteleyn L. Mercury pollution in modern times and its socio-medical consequences. Sci Total Environ 2019; 654:720-734. [PMID: 30448663 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Mercury plays a critical role in serious health problems due to environmental or occupational exposures. Aquatic ecosystems are an essential component of the global biogeochemical cycle of mercury, as inorganic mercury can be converted to toxic methyl mercury in these environments and reemissions of elemental mercury rival anthropogenic mercury releases on a global scale. The history of the Minamata disease, a typical example of industrial pollution, has shown how corporate secrecy and ignorance on part of the health authorities may influence the devastating spread of environmental contamination and the progress of disease. While the Minamata Convention, in place since 2017, is aiming to lower mercury exposure and to prevent adverse effects, there are still knowledge gaps in the areas of global environmental mercury exposure. Areas of uncertainty in the global biogeochemical cycle of mercury include oxidation processes in the atmosphere, land-atmosphere and ocean-atmosphere cycling, and methylation processes in the ocean. Pollution related to climate change (especially in boreal and arctic regions), bioaccumulation and biomagnification of methyl mercury in the food chain, especially in fish and marine mammals, needs to be addressed in more detail. Information is lacking on numerous hidden contaminant exposures i.e. from globally applied traditional medicine, mercury containing skin creams and soaps, dental amalgam, ethyl mercury containing vaccines and latex paint additives, as well as on mercury releases from power plants, e-waste/fluorescent lamps, wildfire emissions, and global artisanal small-scale gold mining activities. Mercury occurs in various forms with different levels of toxicity. While much is already known and documented on the health effects of mercury, present knowledge and translation into preventive actions is still incomplete. Risks for long term health effects trough prolonged low dose exposure and trough cumulative exposures of various mercury forms should be further addressed. Preventive actions should include adequate human biomonitoring programs. Research data should be translated swiftly into management tools for local policy makers and health professionals, also paying attention at the major differences in mercury contamination across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lygia Therese Budnik
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine, Translational Toxicology and Immunology Unit, Hamburg, Germany.
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Ewald JD, Kirk JL, Li M, Sunderland EM. Organ-specific differences in mercury speciation and accumulation across ringed seal (Phoca hispida) life stages. Science of The Total Environment 2019; 650:2013-2020. [PMID: 30290344 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a central nervous system toxicant and exposures can adversely affect the health of marine mammals. Mercuric selenide (HgSe) in marine mammal tissues is hypothesized to result from a protective detoxification mechanism, but toxicokinetic processes contributing to its formation are poorly understood. Here, new data is reported on speciated Hg concentrations in multiple organs of n = 56 ringed seals (Phoca hispida) from Labrador, Canada, and compare concentrations to previously published data from Greenland seals. A higher proportion of Hg is found to accumulate in the kidney of young-of-the-year (YOY) ringed seals compared to adults. A toxicokinetic model for Hg species is developed and evaluated to better understand factors affecting variability in Hg concentrations among organs and across life stages. Prior work postulated that HgSe formation only occurs in the liver of mature seals, but model results suggest HgSe formation occurs across all life stages. Higher proportions of HgSe in mature seal livers compared to YOY seals likely results from the slow accumulation and elimination of HgSe (total body half-life = 500 days) compared to other Hg species. HgSe formation in the liver reduces modeled blood concentrations of MeHg by only 6%. Thus, HgSe formation may not substantially reduce MeHg transport across the blood-brain barrier of ringed seals, leaving them susceptible to the neurotoxic effects of MeHg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica D Ewald
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States; Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Macdonald Campus, McGill University Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - Jane L Kirk
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Miling Li
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Elsie M Sunderland
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
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Kelly CA, Rudd JWM. Transport of mercury on the finest particles results in high sediment concentrations in the absence of significant ongoing sources. Sci Total Environ 2018; 637-638:1471-1479. [PMID: 29801240 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.04.234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The mercury contaminated upper Penobscot Estuary in Maine provided a unique opportunity to rigorously examine the effect of sediment type and particle size on mercury concentrations in sediments, and to explain why sediments at different locations in the estuary had different mercury concentrations. This is because the Penobscot Estuary contains a large, well-mixed pool of mobile sediments of many different types (muds, sand, gravel, wood chips), which are the source of material for the permanently deposited surface sediments. Despite this mixing, average surface sediment mercury concentrations were very different in different locations, ranging from 238 ng/gdw to 1032 ng/gdw in the 11 subareas studied. Average total mercury concentrations were highly related to the type of sediment (wood chips > muds > sands) regardless of location in the estuary. The characteristics in both mobile and surface sediments that were positively related to total mercury concentrations were % organic matter (measured as loss on ignition) and %fines (measured usually as <62.5 μ). Also, in a subset of samples it was shown that mercury was positively associated only with the very finest (<44 μ) particles. Thus, side embayments of the estuary such as the Orland River and Mendall Marsh, which experience lower velocity currents and so accumulate more fine particles, tended to be much higher in mercury concentrations. This knowledge will be important in managing remediation of this system, as fine particles can be the most difficult to trap or to retain if dredging is employed. Methyl mercury was well correlated with total mercury and so its distribution would also be affected by transport characteristics. This was the case even in the mobile sediments, which were more oxic and not expected to provide a good habitat for methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol A Kelly
- R&K Research Inc., 675 Mount Belcher Heights, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2J3, Canada.
| | - John W M Rudd
- R&K Research Inc., 675 Mount Belcher Heights, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2J3, Canada
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31
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Jacob S, Thangarajan S. Fisetin impedes developmental methylmercury neurotoxicity via downregulating apoptotic signalling pathway and upregulating Rho GTPase signalling pathway in hippocampus of F 1 generation rats. Int J Dev Neurosci 2018; 69:88-96. [PMID: 30009881 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Methyl mercury is a teratogenic and neurodevelopmental toxicant in the environment. MeHg affects several biological pathways critical for brain development. The present study validated the effect of Fisetin on developmental MeHg exposure induced alterations in mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and Rho GTPase mRNA expressions in hippocampus of F1 generation rats. Pregnant Wistar rats were grouped as Group I : administered with vehicle control, Group II: MeHg (1.5 mg/kg b.w), Group III: MeHg + Fisetin (10 mg/kg b.w), Group IV: MeHg + Fisetin (30 mg/kg b.w), Group V: MeHg + Fisetin (50 mg/kg b.w), Group VI: MeHg + Fisetin (70 mg/kg b.w), Group VII: Fisetin (30 mg/kg b.w) alone. Fisetin reduced mercury accumulation in offspring brain. In hippocampus, Fisetin preserved mitochondrial total thiol status, glutathione antioxidant system, mitochondrial metabolic integrity and respiratory chain activity. Fisetin ameliorated apoptotic signals by preventing Cytochrome c release, down regulating ERK 1/2 and Caspase 3 gene expression. Fisetin also upregulated mRNA expressions of RhoA/Rac1/Cdc42 in hippocampus. Predominant effect of Fisetin was to reduce mercury accumulation in offspring brain there by diminishing the toxic effect of MeHg. Hence we showed that, gestational intake of Fisetin (30 mg/kg b.w.) impedes developmental MeHg neurotoxicity by regulating mitochondrial apoptotic and Rho GTPase signalling molecules and by reducing the mercury accumulation in hippocampus of F1 generation rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherin Jacob
- Dr.ALMPG IBMS, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, 600113, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sumathi Thangarajan
- Dr.ALMPG IBMS, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, 600113, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen S Hoy
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Wei Feng
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - X Chris Le
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada.
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Li Q, Yang Z, Zhang P, Zhao Y, Yu X, Xue P, Shao Y, Li Q, Jia X, Zhang Q, Cheng L, He M, Zhou Z, Zhang Y. Mercury impact on hematopoietic stem cells is regulated by IFNγ-dependent bone marrow-resident macrophages in mice. Toxicol Lett 2018; 295:54-63. [PMID: 29859861 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
, but not MeHg, affects HSC through regulating IFNγ-dependent BM-resident macrophages in mice. These findings reveal a previously unknown toxicity of Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, MOE, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhengli Yang
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, MOE, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Huzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhejiang 313000, China
| | - Yifan Zhao
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, MOE, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xinchun Yu
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, MOE, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Peng Xue
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, MOE, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yiming Shao
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, MOE, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qiang Li
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, MOE, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Putuo District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200333, China
| | - Xiaodong Jia
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Longzhen Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Miao He
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhijun Zhou
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, MOE, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yubin Zhang
- School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, MOE, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Mondal P, de Alcântara Mendes R, Jonathan MP, Biswas JK, Murugan K, Sarkar SK. Seasonal assessment of trace element contamination in intertidal sediments of the meso-macrotidal Hooghly (Ganges) River Estuary with a note on mercury speciation. Mar Pollut Bull 2018; 127:117-130. [PMID: 29475643 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.11.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The spatial and seasonal distribution of trace elements (TEs) (n=16) in surficial sediment were examined along the Hooghly River Estuary (~175km), India. A synchronous elevation of majority of TEs concentration (mgkg-1) was encountered during monsoon with the following descending order: Al (67070); Fe (31300); Cd (5.73); Cr (71.17); Cu (29.09); Mn (658.74); Ni (35.89). An overall low and homogeneous concentration of total Hg (THg=17.85±4.98ngg-1) was recorded in which methyl mercury (MeHg) shared minor fraction (8-31%) of the THg. Sediment pollution indices, viz. geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor (EF) for Cd (Igeo=1.92-3.67; EF=13.83-31.17) and Ba (Igeo=0.79-5.03; EF=5.79-108.94) suggested high contamination from anthropogenic sources. From factor analysis it was inferred that TEs primarily originated from lithogenic sources. This study would provide the latest benchmark of TE pollution along with the first record of MeHg in this fluvial system which recommends reliable monitoring to safeguard geochemical health of this stressed environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Mondal
- Department of Marine Science, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Calcutta 700019, India
| | | | - M P Jonathan
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio la Laguna Ticoman, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Jayanta Kumar Biswas
- Department of Ecological Studies, International Centre for Ecological Engineering, University of Kalyani, Nadia 741235, India
| | | | - Santosh Kumar Sarkar
- Department of Marine Science, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Calcutta 700019, India.
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Olsen M, Schaanning MT, Braaten HFV, Eek E, Moy FE, Lydersen E. The influence of permanently submerged macrophytes on sediment mercury distribution, mobility and methylation potential in a brackish Norwegian fjord. Sci Total Environ 2018; 610-611:1364-1374. [PMID: 28851156 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Macrophytes are shown to affect the microbial activity in different aqueous environments, with an altering of the sediment cycling of mercury (Hg) as a potential effect. Here, we investigated how a meadow with permanently submerged macrophytes in a contaminated brackish fjord in southern Norway influenced the conditions for sulfate reducing microbial activity, the methyl-Hg (MeHg) production and the availability of MeHg. Historically discharged Hg from a chlor-alkali plant (60-80tons, 1947-1987) was evident through high Hg concentrations (491mgTot-Hgkg-1, 268μgMeHgkg-1) in intermediate sediment depths (10-20cm) outside of the meadow, with reduced concentrations within the meadow. Natural recovery of the fjord was revealed by lower sediment surface concentrations (1.9-15.5mgTot-Hgkg-1, 1.3-3.2μgMeHgkg-1). Within the meadow, vertical gradients of sediment hydrogen sulfide (H2S) Eh and pH suggested microbial sulfate reduction in 2-5cm depths, coinciding with peak values of relative MeHg levels (0.5% MeHg). We assume that MeHg production rates was stimulated by the supply and availability of organic carbon, microbial activity and a sulfide oxidizing agent (e.g. O2) within the rhizosphere. Following this, % MeHg in sediment (0-5cm) within the meadow was approximately 10× higher compared to outside the meadow. Further, enhanced availability of MeHg within the meadow was demonstrated by significantly higher fluxes (p<0.01) from sediment to overlying water (0.1-0.6ngm-2d-1) compared to sediment without macrophytes (0.02-0.2ngm-2d-1). Considering the productivity and species richness typical for such habitats, submerged macrophyte meadows located within legacy Hg contaminated sediment sites may constitute important entry points for MeHg into food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Olsen
- University College of Southeast Norway, Gullbringvegen 36, N-3800 Bø, Norway; The Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadalléen 21, N-0349 Oslo, Norway.
| | | | | | - Espen Eek
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, NGI, PB 3930, Ullevål Stadion, 0806 Oslo, Norway
| | - Frithjof E Moy
- Institute of Marine Research, Nye Flødevigveien 20, 4817 His, Norway
| | - Espen Lydersen
- University College of Southeast Norway, Gullbringvegen 36, N-3800 Bø, Norway
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36
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Bashiri Dezfouli A, Salar-Amoli J, Ali-Esfahani T, Hosseini H, Ghanati K. Evaluating Total Mercury and Methyl Mercury Contents in Canned Tuna Fish of the Persian Gulf. Iran J Pharm Res 2018; 17:585-592. [PMID: 29881416 PMCID: PMC5985176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Due to hygienic risks of mercury residues in food and marine originated supplements, measuring total mercury and methyl mercury contents of canned tuna as a highly consumable marine food product is essential. In this study, 40 canned Tuna fish (from Persian Gulf) were collected in 2015 and then flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS) and thermo gas chromatography mass spectrophotometry were used to measure total mercury and methyl mercury, respectively. The results indicated that the average contents of total mercury and methyl mercury of the canned tunas, with 34.2 and 29.5 ppb decrements compared with 2009's measurement, were 177.4 and 143.7 ppb respectively. The highest concentration of the total mercury was 315.2 while it was 267.9 ppb for methyl mercury. This study showed that the content of the mercury in canned tunas of the Persian Gulf was less than the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Bashiri Dezfouli
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Jamileh Salar-Amoli
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
- Toxicology and Animal Poisoning Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Tahereh Ali-Esfahani
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
- Toxicology and Animal Poisoning Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hedayat Hosseini
- National Nutrition Food Technology Research Institute (NNFTRI), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Kiandokht Ghanati
- National Nutrition Food Technology Research Institute (NNFTRI), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Food Safety Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Liu Y, Buchanan S, Anderson HA, Xiao Z, Persky V, Turyk ME. Association of methylmercury intake from seafood consumption and blood mercury level among the Asian and Non-Asian populations in the United States. Environ Res 2018; 160:212-222. [PMID: 29020643 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MeHg is a well-established neurotoxicant for fetal brain growth and development and has been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in aging populations. In the U.S., Asian populations are of particular concern because of their seafood consumption behaviors. OBJECTIVES Our objective was to calculate the average daily MeHg intake (ADMI) from seafood and to assess the relationship between ADMI with blood methylmercury (BMeHg) concentrations, specifically among women of reproductive age (WORA) and adults ≥ 50 years of age. METHODS We estimated ADMI from seafood using the 30-day fish consumption data from the NHANES 2011-2014 datasets. Using multivariable linear regression, we estimated the proportional change in mean BMeHg associated with a doubling of the ADMI. Further, correlations between ADMI and BMeHg were compared between Asians and other racial/ethnic groups. RESULTS Our analysis found both Asian WORA and Asian adults age ≥ 50 years old had significantly higher BMeHg levels and ADMI than their Non-Asian counterparts. Correlations between ADMI from seafood and blood Hg levels were stronger among Asian WORA than among Non-Asian WORA. Key fish species that influenced the dietary MeHg intake for Asians were mackerel, tuna, and "other known/unknown fish species". CONCLUSION We confirmed that Asian populations have higher MeHg intake than the Non-Asian population in the U.S. and seafood intake is a key predictor of blood Hg concentration, especially among Asian women of reproductive age. Future studies should incorporate information on other known and unknown fish species that are frequently consumed by Asian populations and different parts and fish organs eaten to better understand determinants of MeHg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Liu
- University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, 1603 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Susan Buchanan
- University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, 2121 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Henry A Anderson
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Population Health Sciences, 614 Walnut Street, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Zhiwen Xiao
- University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, 2121 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Victoria Persky
- University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, 1603 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mary E Turyk
- University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, 1603 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL, USA
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Rebelo FM, Cunha LRD, Andrade PD, Costa Junior WAD, Bastos WR, Caldas ED. Mercury in breast milk from women in the Federal District, Brazil and dietary risk assessment for breastfed infants. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2017; 44:99-103. [PMID: 28965609 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2017.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Mercury is a toxic metal, ubiquitous in nature; it is excreted in breast milk from exposed mothers and may affect infant neuro-development. In this study, 224 breast milk samples provided by eight human milk banks in the Federal District of Brazil were analyzed for total mercury (THg), of which 183 were also analyzed for methyl mercury (MeHg), the most relevant form of this metal for the breastfed infants. Samples were acid digested in a microwave oven and THg determined by atomic fluorescence spectrometry (LOQ of 0.76μg/L). Samples were lyophilized, ethylated and MeHg determined in a MERX automated system (LOQ of 0.10μg/L). Inorganic mercury (IHg) levels were estimated from the THg and MeHg determined in the samples. Most of the samples were collected 1-2 months postpartum, with 38% during the first month. Over 80% of the samples had THg values above the LOQ, reaching a maximum of 8.40μg/L, with a mean of 2.56μg/L. On average, MeHg accounted for 11.8% of THg, with a maximum of 97.4%. Weekly intakes were estimated individually, considering the baby's age and body weight at the time of milk collection. Mean weekly intake for MeHg was 0.16±0.22μg/kg bw, which represented 10% of the PTWI; in only one case, the intake exceeded 100% of the PTWI (1.90μg/kg bw, 119% of PTWI). Mean intake for IHg was 2.1±1.5μg/kg bw, corresponding to 53% PTWI. These results indicate no health concern for the breastfed babies, a conclusion that can be extended to the consumers of breast milk donated to the milk banks, primarily immature and low weight babies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda M Rebelo
- Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil; Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Leandro R da Cunha
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Patrícia D Andrade
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Walkimar A da Costa Junior
- Laboratory of Environmental Biogeochemistry Wolfgang Christian Pfeiffer, Federal University of Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Wanderley R Bastos
- Laboratory of Environmental Biogeochemistry Wolfgang Christian Pfeiffer, Federal University of Rondônia, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Eloisa D Caldas
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil.
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Juric AK, Batal M, David W, Sharp D, Schwartz H, Ing A, Fediuk K, Black A, Tikhonov C, Chan HM. A total diet study and probabilistic assessment risk assessment of dietary mercury exposure among First Nations living on-reserve in Ontario, Canada. Environ Res 2017; 158:409-420. [PMID: 28689032 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Methyl Mercury (MeHg) exposure is a global environmental health concern. Indigenous peoples around the world are susceptible to MeHg exposure from often higher fish consumption compared to general populations. The objective of this study was to estimate dietary exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) among First Nations living on-reserve in the province of Ontario, Canada. A total diet study was constructed based on a 24-h recall from the First Nations Food, Nutrition, and Environment Study (FNFNES), and measured contaminant concentrations from Health Canada for market foods, and FNFNES for traditional foods. A probabilistic assessment of annual and seasonal traditional food consumptions was conducted for 1429 adult participants. Results were compared to exposures in the general Canadian population and reference values from Health Canada for adults and women of childbearing age (ages 19-50). Results indicated traditional foods to be the primary contributor to the dietary total MeHg intake (72%). The average dietary total MeHg exposure in the First Nations population in Ontario (0.039μg/kg/d) was 1.6 times higher than the general Canadian population; however, the majority (97.8%) of the population was below the reference values. Mercury concentrations in participants' hair samples (n = 744) ranged from 0.03 to 13.54µg/g, with an average of 0.64µg/g (geometric average of 0.27µg/g). Less than 1% of the population had a hair mercury value above the 6µg/g level, and 1.3% of women of child bearing age had values greater than 2µg/g. Fish species contributing to the MeHg intake included pickerel-walleye, pike, perch and trout. Only 7.9% of the population met the recommended fish consumption rate of two, 3.5oz servings per week from the American Heart Association. Therefore, consumption of lower trophic level fish can be promoted to provide the maximum nutritional benefit with minimal risk of MeHg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Harold Schwartz
- Health Canada, Environmental Public Health Division, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), Canada
| | - Amy Ing
- Université de Montréal, Canada
| | - Karen Fediuk
- Dietitian and Nutrition Researcher, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Constantine Tikhonov
- Health Canada, Environmental Public Health Division, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), Canada
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40
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Lee YH, Kim DH, Kang HM, Wang M, Jeong CB, Lee JS. Adverse effects of methylmercury (MeHg) on life parameters, antioxidant systems, and MAPK signaling pathways in the rotifer Brachionus koreanus and the copepod Paracyclopina nana. Aquat Toxicol 2017; 190:181-189. [PMID: 28734225 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the adverse effects of MeHg on the rotifer Brachionus koreanus and the copepod Paracyclopina nana, we assessed the effects of MeHg toxicity on life parameters (e.g. growth retardation and fecundity), antioxidant systems, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways at various concentrations (1ng/L, 10ng/L, 100ng/L, 500ng/L, and 1000ng/L). MeHg exposure resulted in the growth retardation with the increased ROS levels but decreased glutathione (GSH) levels in a dose-dependent manner in both B. koreanus and P. nana. Antioxidant enzymatic activities (e.g. glutathione S-transferase [GST], glutathione reductase [GR], and glutathione peroxidase [GPx]) in B. koreanus showed more positive responses compared the control but in P. nana, those antioxidant enzymatic activities showed subtle changes due to different no observed effect concentration (NOEC) values among the two species. Expression of antioxidant genes (e.g. superoxide dismutase [SOD], GSTs, glutathione peroxidase [GPx], and catalase [CAT]) also demonstrated similar effects as shown in antioxidant enzymatic activities. In B. koreanus, the level of p-ERK was decreased in the presence of 1000ng/L MeHg, while the levels of p-ERK and p-p38 in P. nana were reduced in the presence of 10ng/L MeHg. However, p-JNK levels were not altered by MeHg in B. koreanus and P. nana, compared to the corresponding controls. In summary, life parameters (e.g. reduced fecundity and survival rate) were closely associated with effects on the antioxidant system in response to MeHg. These observations provide a better understanding on the adverse effects of MeHg on in vivo life parameters and molecular defense mechanisms in B. koreanus and P. nana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Hwan Lee
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Duck-Hyun Kim
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Hye-Min Kang
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Minghua Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Chang-Bum Jeong
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea.
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea.
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Jacob S, Thangarajan S. Effect of Gestational Intake of Fisetin (3,3',4',7-Tetrahydroxyflavone) on Developmental Methyl Mercury Neurotoxicity in F 1 Generation Rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 2017; 177:297-315. [PMID: 27815688 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-016-0886-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Methyl mercury (MeHg) is a developmental neurotoxin that causes irreversible cognitive damage in offspring of gestationally exposed mothers. Currently, no preventive drugs are established against MeHg developmental neurotoxicity. The neuroprotective effect of gestational administration of a flavanoid against in utero toxicity of MeHg is not explored much. Hence, the present study validated the effect of a bioactive flavanoid, fisetin, on MeHg developmental neurotoxicity outcomes in rat offspring at postnatal weaning age. Pregnant Wistar rats were simultaneously given MeHg (1.5 mg/kg b.w.) and two doses of fisetin (10 and 50 mg/kg b.w. in two separate groups) orally from gestational day (GD) 5 till parturition. Accordingly, after parturition, on postnatal day (PND) 24, weaning F1 generation rats were studied for motor and cognitive behavioural changes. Biochemical and histopathological changes were also studied in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus on PND 25. Administration of fisetin during pregnancy prevented behavioural impairment due to transplacental MeHg exposure in weaning rats. Fisetin decreased the levels of oxidative stress markers, increased enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels and increased the activity of membrane-bound ATPases and cholinergic function in F1 generation rats. In light microscopic studies, fisetin treatment protected the specific offspring brain regions from significant morphological aberrations. Between the two doses of fisetin studied, 10 mg/kg b.w. was found to be more satisfactory and effective than 50 mg/kg b.w. The present study shows that intake of fisetin during pregnancy in rats ameliorated in utero MeHg exposure-induced neurotoxicity outcomes in postnatal weaning F1 generation rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherin Jacob
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dr. ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 113, India
| | - Sumathi Thangarajan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dr. ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 113, India.
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Lee YH, Kang HM, Kim DH, Wang M, Jeong CB, Lee JS. Adverse effects of methylmercury (MeHg) on life parameters, antioxidant systems, and MAPK signaling pathways in the copepod Tigriopus japonicus. Aquat Toxicol 2017; 184:133-141. [PMID: 28131080 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2017.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a concerning environmental pollutant that bioaccumulates and biomagnifies in the aquatic food web. However, the effects of MeHg on marine zooplankton are poorly understood even though zooplankton are considered key mediators of the bioaccumulation and biomagnification of MeHg in high-trophic marine organisms. Here, the toxicity of MeHg in the benthic copepod Tigriopus japonicus was assessed, and its adverse effects on growth rate and reproduction were demonstrated. Antioxidant enzymatic activities were increased in the presence of MeHg, indicating that these enzymes play an important role in the defense response to MeHg, which is regulated by a complex mechanism. Subsequent activation of different patterns of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways was demonstrated, providing a mechanistic approach to understand the signaling pathways involved in the effects of MeHg. Our results provide valuable information for understanding the toxicity of MeHg and the underlying defense mechanism in response to MeHg exposure in marine zooplankton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Hwan Lee
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea
| | - Hye-Min Kang
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea
| | - Duck-Hyun Kim
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea
| | - Minghua Wang
- Center for Marine Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Chang-Bum Jeong
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea; Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, South Korea.
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea.
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Graves SD, Kidd KA, Batchelar KL, Cowie AM, O'Driscoll NJ, Martyniuk CJ. Response of oxidative stress transcripts in the brain of wild yellow perch (Perca flavescens) exposed to an environmental gradient of methylmercury. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2017; 192:50-58. [PMID: 27939725 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) exposure and adverse health effects in fishes have been documented, but the molecular mechanisms involved in toxicity have not been fully characterized. The objectives of the current study were to (1) determine whether total Hg (THg) in the muscle was predictive of MeHg concentrations in the brain of wild female yellow perch (Perca flavescens) collected from four lakes in Kejimkujik National Park, a known biological mercury (Hg) hotspot in Nova Scotia, Canada and (2) to determine whether transcripts involved in the oxidative stress response were altered in abundance in fish collected across five lakes representing a MeHg gradient. In female yellow perch, MeHg in whole brain (0.38 to 2.00μg/g wet weight) was positively associated with THg in muscle (0.18 to 2.13μg/g wet weight) (R2=0.61, p<0.01), suggesting that muscle THg may be useful for predicting MeHg concentrations in the brain. Catalase (cat) mRNA levels were significantly lower in brains of perch collected from lakes with high Hg when compared to those individuals from lakes with relatively lower Hg (p=0.02). Other transcripts (cytochrome c oxidase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-s-transferase, heat shock protein 70, protein disulfide isomerase, and superoxide dismutase) did not show differential expression in the brain over the gradient. These findings suggest that MeHg may be inversely associated with catalase mRNA abundance in the central nervous system of wild fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie D Graves
- Department of Biology and Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 4L5, Canada.
| | - Karen A Kidd
- Department of Biology and Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 4L5, Canada
| | - Katharina L Batchelar
- Department of Biology and Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 4L5, Canada
| | - Andrew M Cowie
- Department of Biology and Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 4L5, Canada
| | - Nelson J O'Driscoll
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Christopher J Martyniuk
- Department of Biology and Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 4L5, Canada; Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, UF Genetics Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Hu XF, Laird BD, Chan HM. Mercury diminishes the cardiovascular protective effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the modern diet of Inuit in Canada. Environ Res 2017; 152:470-477. [PMID: 27297029 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inuit in Canada have low reported incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) because of their traditional rich n-3 fatty acids marine diet. They are experiencing rapid nutrition transition and ischemic heart disease is now becoming a health concern. OBJECTIVES Our goal was to describe the modern Inuit diet, the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and methyl mercury (MeHg) intake and estimate their contributions to the risk of MI. We also estimated the effect of promoting the consumption of more traditional food on Inuit's MI risk. METHODS We estimated the effect of Inuit diet on MI risk with modelling. Model formulas and assumptions were extracted from various epidemiology studies and literatures. International Polar Year Inuit Health Survey (IHS) was a comprehensive health and nutrition survey conducted in 2007-8 with 2072 participants (aged 18-79) in Canada. Traditional food intake, blood biomarkers values from the IHS served as the baseline parameters of model input. RESULTS Inuit traditional diet contained both high level of EPA, DHA and MeHg and their combined net effect was estimated to reduce the relative risk of MI by 1% for men and 2% for women. Arctic char meat provided the largest amount of EPA and DHA. Ringed seal liver was the main source for MeHg. Increase intake of selected fish, like salmon, herring and Arctic char by 75g per day can reduce the relative risk of MI (RR 0.70, 0.78 and 0.90 respectively). CONCLUSIONS In the Inuit diet, the beneficial effect on MI of EPA and DHA is diminished by the adverse effect of MeHg. Promoting the increase consumption of fish species with high EPA+DHA and low MeHg may help to prevent MI among Inuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Feng Hu
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Canada; Center for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, Canada
| | - Brian D Laird
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Canada
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Canada; Center for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, Canada.
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Yin L, Yu K, Lin S, Song X, Yu X. Associations of blood mercury, inorganic mercury, methyl mercury and bisphenol A with dental surface restorations in the U.S. population, NHANES 2003-2004 and 2010-2012. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2016; 134P1:213-225. [PMID: 27639196 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The potential adverse health effects of mercury from amalgam and bisphenol A (BPA) from composite resin have been significant concerns. It is unclear whether dental restorative materials significantly contribute to mercury or BPA levels. The purpose of this study is to use NHANES data including 14,703 subjects (2003-2004: n=7514; 2011-2012: n=7189) to examine the association between Dental Surface Restorations (DSR) and blood total mercury (THg), inorganic mercury (IHg), methyl mercury (MeHg) and urinary BPA through the stratification of covariates and multivariate analysis. Subjects were divided into three groups based on the number of dental surface restorations (DSRs, 0, 1-8, >8). Blood THg and IHg in 2003-2004 were significantly higher in the subjects with DSR (geometric mean of 0.48, 0.69 and 1.17μg/l for THg; 0.32, 0.33 and 0.39μg/l for IHg with DSR 0, 1-8 and >8). Similarly, increases of THg, IHg and MeHg were also observed in 2013-2014 (geometric mean of 0.51, 0.69 and 0.99μg/l for THg; 0.40, 0.49 and 0.66μg/l for MeHg; 0.20, 0.22 and 0.29μg/l for IHg with DSR 0, 1-8 and >8). Linear regression model analysis revealed blood THg and IHg in 2003-2004 and THg, IHg and MeHg in 2011-2012 were quantitatively associated with the number of DSRs. A dramatic decrease in urinary BPA from 2003 to 2004-2011-2012 was observed, but no significant increase with DSRs in either period of study. In conclusion, significant increases in blood THg, IHg, and MeHg in the subjects with DSRs are confirmed in a nationally representative population, a critical step in assessing the potential risk of adverse effects from dental restorative materials, but no association between dental fillings and urinary BPA was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yin
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Kevin Yu
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Simon Lin
- The Center for Pediatric Dentistry, University of Washington, USA
| | - Xiao Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Xiaozhong Yu
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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Tao HC, Zhao KY, Ding WY, Li JB, Liang P, Wu SC, Wong MH. The level of mercury contamination in mariculture sites at the estuary of Pearl River and the potential health risk. Environ Pollut 2016; 219:829-836. [PMID: 27707601 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.07.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, the Hg contamination in mariculture sites located at the estuary of Pearl River was to investigate with an attempt to analyse associated health risks of dietary exposure to both total mercury (THg) and methyl mercury (MeHg) in cultured fish and shellfish. The highest total mercury concentration (7.037 ± 0.556 ng L-1) of seawater was observed at Zhuhai Estuary. The Hg concentrations of sediment in Guishan Island were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in Daya Bay (away from the Pearl River). Besides, the both THg and MeHg levels in sediment at mariculture sites were higher (p < 0.05) than corresponding reference sites. It was attributed to the fact that mariculture activities increased Hg loading and promoted MeHg production. The vertical distribution of Hg in sediment cores demonstrated that mercury methylation mostly occurred at the sediment-water interface. Results of health risk assessments showed that fish consumption would impose a higher risk to children but less to adults, while shellfish produced in the studied area was safe for consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- H C Tao
- Key Laboratory for Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Reutilization, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - K Y Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Reutilization, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - W Y Ding
- Key Laboratory for Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Reutilization, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - J B Li
- Key Laboratory for Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Reutilization, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - P Liang
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Linan, PR China
| | - S C Wu
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Linan, PR China
| | - M H Wong
- Key Laboratory for Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Reutilization, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, PR China; Consortium on Health, Environment, Education and Research (CHEER), The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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van Wijngaarden E, Thurston SW, Myers GJ, Harrington D, Cory-Slechta DA, Strain JJ, Watson GE, Zareba G, Love T, Henderson J, Shamlaye CF, Davidson PW. Methyl mercury exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes in the Seychelles Child Development Study Main cohort at age 22 and 24years. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2016; 59:35-42. [PMID: 27989696 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2016.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND All fish contain methyl mercury (MeHg), a known neurotoxicant at adequate dosage. There is still substantial scientific uncertainty about the consequences, if any, of mothers consuming fish with naturally-acquired levels of MeHg contamination. In 1989-1990, we recruited the Main Cohort of the Seychelles Child Development Study to assess the potential developmental effects of prenatal MeHg exposure. We report here on associations with neurodevelopmental outcomes obtained at 22 and 24years of age. METHODS Neurodevelopmental tests at 22years included the Boston Naming Test, Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), and the Profile of Mood States. At 24years, we administered the Stroop Word-Color Test, the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale, the Test of Variables of Attention, and the Finger Tapping test. We also administered a healthy behaviors survey at both ages. Primary analyses examined covariate-adjusted associations in multiple linear regression models with prenatal MeHg exposure. In secondary analyses we also examined associations with recent postnatal MeHg exposure. RESULTS We did not observe adverse associations between prenatal MeHg exposure and any of the measured endpoints. Some measures of attention, executive function, and delayed recall showed improved performance with increasing exposure. Secondary analysis did not show consistent patterns of association with postnatal exposure. CONCLUSIONS Our cohort has been examined at ten different ages over 24years of follow-up. Findings suggest that prenatal and recent postnatal MeHg exposure from ocean fish consumption is not adversely associated with neurobehavioral development at levels that are about ten times higher than typical U.S. exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin van Wijngaarden
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States.
| | - Sally W Thurston
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Gary J Myers
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Donald Harrington
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | | | - J J Strain
- Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Gene E Watson
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Grazyna Zareba
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Tanzy Love
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | | | | | - Philip W Davidson
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
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Schumacher L, Abbott LC. Effects of methyl mercury exposure on pancreatic beta cell development and function. J Appl Toxicol 2016; 37:4-12. [PMID: 27594070 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Methyl mercury is an environmental contaminant of worldwide concern. Since the discovery of methyl mercury exposure due to eating contaminated fish as the underlying cause of the Minamata disaster, the scientific community has known about the sensitivity of the developing central nervous system to mercury toxicity. Warnings are given to pregnant women and young children to limit consumption of foods containing methyl mercury to protect the embryonic, fetal and postnatally developing central nervous system. However, evidence also suggests that exposure to methyl mercury or various forms of inorganic mercury may also affect development and function of other organs. Numerous reports indicate a worldwide increase in diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes. Quite recently, methyl mercury has been shown to have adverse effects on pancreatic beta (β) cell development and function, resulting in insulin resistance and hyperglycemia and may even lead to the development of diabetes. This review discusses possible mechanisms by which methyl mercury exposure may adversely affect pancreatic β cell development and function, and the role that methyl mercury exposure may have in the reported worldwide increase in diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes. While additional information is needed regarding associations between mercury exposure and specific mechanisms of the pathogenesis of diabetes in the human population, methyl mercury's adverse effects on the body's natural sources of antioxidants suggest that one possible therapeutic strategy could involve supplementation with antioxidants. Thus, it is important that additional investigation be undertaken into the role of methyl mercury exposure and reduced pancreatic β cell function. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Schumacher
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Louise C Abbott
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, TX, 77843-4458, USA
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49
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Zeng L, Luo G, He T, Guo Y, Qian X. Effects of sulfate-reducing bacteria on methylmercury at the sediment-water interface. J Environ Sci (China) 2016; 46:214-219. [PMID: 27521953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2016.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Sediment cores (containing sediment and overlying water) from Baihua Reservoir (SW China) were cultured under different redox conditions with different microbial activities, to understand the effects of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) on mercury (Hg) methylation at sediment-water interfaces. Concentrations of dissolved methyl mercury (DMeHg) in the overlying water of the control cores with bioactivity maintained (BAC) and cores with only sulfate-reducing bacteria inhibited (SRBI) and bacteria fully inhibited (BACI) were measured at the anaerobic stage followed by the aerobic stage. For the BAC and SRBI cores, DMeHg concentrations in waters were much higher at the anaerobic stage than those at the aerobic stage, and they were negatively correlated to the dissolved oxygen concentrations (r=-0.5311 and r=-0.4977 for BAC and SRBI, respectively). The water DMeHg concentrations of the SRBI cores were 50% lower than those of the BAC cores, indicating that the SRB is of great importance in Hg methylation in sediment-water systems, but there should be other microbes such as iron-reducing bacteria and those containing specific gene cluster (hgcAB), besides SRB, causing Hg methylation in the sediment-water system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxia Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Karst Environment and Geohazard Prevention, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550003, China.
| | - Guangjun Luo
- Key Laboratory of Karst Environment and Geohazard Prevention, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550003, China
| | - Tianrong He
- Key Laboratory of Karst Environment and Geohazard Prevention, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550003, China.
| | - Yanna Guo
- Power China Guiyang Engineering Corporation Limited, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Xiaoli Qian
- The School of Resources and Environment Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550003, China
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50
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Krata A, Vassileva E, Bulska E. Reference measurements for total mercury and methyl mercury content in marine biota samples using direct or species-specific isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Talanta 2016; 160:562-569. [PMID: 27591651 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2016.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The analytical procedures for reference measurements of the total Hg and methyl mercury (MeHg) mass fractions at various concentration levels in marine biota samples, candidates for certified reference materials (oyster and clam Gafrarium tumidum), were evaluated. Two modes of application of isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method (ID ICP-MS), namely direct isotope dilution and species-specific isotope dilution analysis with the use of two different quantification mass spectrometry techniques were compared. The entire ID ICP-MS measurement procedure was described by mathematical modelling and the combined uncertainty of measurement results was estimated. All factors influencing the final results as well as isotopic equilibrium were systematically investigated. This included the procedural blank, the moisture content in the biota samples and all factors affecting the blend ratio measurements (instrumental background, spectral interferences, dead time and mass discrimination effects as well as the repeatability of measured isotopic ratios). Modelling of the entire measurement procedures and the use of appropriate certified reference materials enable to assure the traceability of obtained values to the International System of Units (SI): the mole or the kilogram. The total mass fraction of mercury in oyster and clam biota samples, after correction for moisture contents, was found to be: 21.1 (1.1) 10(-9) kg kg(-1) (U =5.1% relative, k=2) and 390.0 (9.4) 10(-9) kg kg(-1) (U=2.4% relative, k=2), respectively. For the determination of mercury being present as methyl mercury, the non-chromatographic separation on anion-exchange resin AG1-X8 of the blended samples was applied. The content of MeHg (as Hg) in oyster sample was found: 4.81 (24) 10(-9)kgkg(-1) (U=5.0%, k=2) and 4.84 (21) 10(-9)kgkg(-1) (U=4.3%, k=2) with the use of quadrupole (ICP QMS) or sector field (ICP SFMS) inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers, respectively. In the case of clam sample, the concentration of MeHg (as Hg) was found to be: 61.0 (2.3) 10(-)(9)kgkg(-1) (U=3.8%, k=2) and 61.3 (2.2) 10(-)(9)kgkg(-1) (U=3.6%, k=2), respectively. The mass fractions for total Hg and MeHg determined in this study were used as a contribution of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Environment Laboratories in the characterisation of the IAEA 461 and IAEA 470 certified reference materials. The obtained good agreement with the reference values further validated the methods developed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Krata
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Environmental Laboratories, 4 Quai Antoine 1er, MC, 98000 Monaco; Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 101, Warsaw, 02-089 Poland
| | - Emilia Vassileva
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Environmental Laboratories, 4 Quai Antoine 1er, MC, 98000 Monaco.
| | - Ewa Bulska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 101, Warsaw, 02-089 Poland
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