Search

During January 2013, a mining spill occurred in the Santa Maria mining region, releasing around 300,000 m3 of tailings on Los Remedios river, which was transported through the San Lorenzo river and finally to El Comedero (EC) dam. Twenty months later, we examined the concentrations of Hg and Se in the muscle, liver, gills, and guts of three fish species (Cyprinus carpio, Oreochromis aureus, Micropterus salmoides) captured in the EC dam to assess the performance of the cleaning operations. A high Se concentration in the liver of all species (carp, 1.2 ± 0.4; tilapia, 3.9 ± 2.1; bass, 3.5 ± 1.1 µg g−1 ww) was consistently observed, while this behavior was only found in the blue tilapia for Hg (0.15 ± 0.11 µg g−1 ww). Tilapia (benthic-detritivorous) exhibited the highest Se concentrations compared to the carp (omnivore) and the largemouth bass (piscivore). In contrast, the largemouth bass had the highest Hg levels in the muscle compared with the other fishes. Such differences could be related to the different metabolism and feeding habits among species. Compared to a tilapia study carried out three months after the mine spill during a mortality event, a decrease was evident in the liver for Se and Hg by 7.2 and 4.7 times, respectively. This reveals that cleaning operations were more efficient for Se and less for Hg, and that a prolonged period was required for the partial recovery of the element levels in fish from sites impacted by mining. Considering the Mexican consumption scenarios for each fish species, it could be concluded that there will be no non-cancer risk by exposure to Hg or Se. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal contamination in surface water is widespread throughout the world as a result of numerous anthropogenic activities and geo-genic mechanisms. This contamination is also affecting aquatic life, as fish have the potential to acquire heavy metals in their tissues making them vulnerable. Worldwide lakes are an important source of water for the inhabitants of the area. So, in the present study, we have focused on the Satpara Lake to check the extent of heavy metal pollution and their accumulation in fish to provide baseline data for metal pollution management. Samples were collected from three locations (inflow, center, and outflow sites) during two seasons (summer and winter). Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was applied to analyze heavy metals concentration. Among the metals, Cd, Pb, As, and Fe revealed relatively higher concentrations. The highest concentration of heavy metal found in water and fish was of Cd, i.e., 8.87 mg L−1 and 18.19 mg L−1 in summer season, respectively. Arsenic concentration was also higher than the permissible limits in both water (0.76) and fish (1.17 mg L−1). The water quality assessment showed that in the summer season, the HPI (heavy metal pollution index) value 253.01 was more than 100, indicating the bad quality of water for drinking purposes. However, the HPI value 35.72 was less than 100 in winter. Toxicity hazard calculation of fish in summer seasons gives Hi values greater than 10.0, indicating the acute effect on human health as compared to winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The failure of a tailings dam occurred in January 2013 at the Santa María de Otáez mining region (Mexico) released a spill (~ 300,000 m3) on Los Remedios River, which was transported through the San Lorenzo River, and finally to El Comedero (EC) dam. The concentrations of metal(loid)s in the muscle, liver, gills, and guts of three fish species (Cyprinus carpio, Oreochromis aureus, Micropterus salmoides) collected from EC dam were examined twenty months later to assess the performance of the cleaning operations. The bioaccumulation patterns of the metal(loid)s in the tissues were different in the three fish species. Tilapia had the highest Cd (11.23 ± 8.53 µg g−1) and Cu (871 ± 1261 µg g−1) concentrations in the liver, as well as As concentration (83.6 ± 61.7 µg g−1) in the gut, while the highest Zn concentration (745 ± 356 µg g−1) was measured in the gills of the carp. Such variability can be caused by the variant bioavailability of the metal(loid)s and by the feeding habits of each species; and also by the fact that some metals are essential and better regulated by organisms than other non-essential. Compared to a study of tilapia carried out 90 days after mine spill, a decrease was evident in the liver for As, Cd, Cu, and Zn by 129, 5, 10, and 1.7 times, respectively. This revealed that cleaning operations were more efficient for As. The target hazard quotient and the hazard index were < 1, which indicates there will be no risk of consuming muscle in moderated rations of the three fish species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coastal lagoons of the Gulf of California support important traditional fisheries and mollusc cultures (generally oysters) and receive important volumes of agricultural, industrial and urban effluents, consumption of the oysters could pose risk to human health. The concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in the oysters Saccostrea palmula and Crassostrea corteziensis, from four coastal lagoons (Altata, AL; Macapule, ML; Navachiste, NL; El Colorado, ECL) in the Southeast Gulf of California, were seasonally evaluated (summer 2019–spring 2020). The order of magnitude of potentially toxic elements concentrations in the soft tissue in both oyster species and at all sites was Zn > Fe > Cu > As > Cd > Pb. Cadmium, Cu, Pb, and Zn exceeded the maximum permissible limits in more than one sampling site. The highest concentrations (mg kg–1, wet weight) of As (4.2 ± 1.1, spring) and Cd (3.3 ± 0.7, autumn) were registered in S. palmula et al. and NL sampling sites, respectively. Crassostrea corteziensis presented higher levels of Cu (40.5 ± 6.7, spring), Pb (2.0 ± 0.4, spring), and Zn (96.9 ± 20.4, spring) in ECL and Fe (62.2 ± 25.4, autumn) in ML. The hazard quotient (HQ) values exceeded the safe level of 1 for Cd in S. palmula and C. corteziensis in NL for children (~ 16 kg weight). In addition, in children, the hazard index (HI) values in both species of oysters ranged from 0.7 to 2.1 and 0.6 to 1.9, respectively. On the other hand, the intake of the studied elements through the consumption of oysters would not induce adverse effects to human health (men and women weighing 70 and 60 kg, respectively); HQ and HI values were < 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological risks and health hazards of heavy metals pollution in Taihu Lake have received widespread concern. This study has developed a species-pollution dataset which includes a large amount of data on heavy metal pollution in Taihu fish. The heavy metal contamination poses a significant threat to human consumption, but no studies have been conducted to assess the risk of exposure to consumption of these fish and to make recommendations for their consumption. In this study, we systematically integrated the relevant data in the dataset, analyzed its contamination level using PI (single pollution index) and MPI (metal pollution index) models, and assessed health hazards of fish consumption using THQ (target hazard quotient) and ILCR (incremental lifetime cancer risk) models. Results showed that the contamination levels of heavy metals in fish varied in a feeding habit and living habit dependent manner. The risk of non-cancer health is the highest from consuming omnivorous fish, then from carnivorous and herbivorous fish. The ILCR model predicted that the long-term Taihu consumption of omnivorous fish may pose a potential carcinogenic risk, especially for children. In all, our study provided a comprehensive understanding on the risk of heavy metals in Taihu. Accordingly, it is recommended that children should try to choose herbivorous fish when consuming fish from Taihu Lake while avoiding long-term consumption of omnivorous fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the framework of the biomonitoring programme of the Gulf of Annaba (north-eastern Algeria), this study aims to assess the health status of the Gulf by transplanting the brown mussel Perna perna (Linnaeus 1758) for 12 weeks (June 2017–August 2017) at three sites. The concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) and as well as a battery of enzymatic and non-enzymatic biomarkers were measured in mussels before and after the transplantation period. Furthermore, analysis of trace metals was performed on the surface layer of the sediment of all the sites. A significant increase in the Cu and Pb concentrations in the mussel dry tissues was observed after the transplantation period and followed the order of metal contamination of the surface layer sediments, indicating a relationship between the bioaccumulation of metals and their bioavailability at each site. Unlike those of Cu and Pb, Cd and Zn concentrations did not reach significant levels of bioaccumulation at any of the three study sites. The biomarker response results were complementary to the measured metal concentrations in the mussel tissues and were associated with the metal accumulation index. Metal bioaccumulation in mussels and supporting biomarker response results identified the most important pollution point sources in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seafood has long been considered a unique source of nutrition. However, increasing trends in consumption of marine products must be considered, especially in potentially polluted environments such as the Persian Gulf. This study was undertaken to analyse the level of heavy metal contamination of nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) in shrimp (Penaeus merguiensis) captured from the northern Persian Gulf. The concentration of heavy metals in the muscle of shrimp followed the order Zn > Ni > Pb. The content of Zn and Ni was higher than recommended standard limits by the FAO/WHO. The combined impact of all metals was lower than the acceptable limit of 1 in shrimp. The carcinogenic risk for Ni was higher than the unacceptable value. In total, our finding indicated no potential health risk from the daily consumption of this species. However, long-term consumption of shrimp can pose a risk of carcinogenic effects of nickel. Continuous monitoring of these trace metals in seafood is necessary to ensure the quality of seafood and food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace metals have been found in sea turtle blood and tissues and may represent a threat to these endangered species. Essential trace metal (Cu, Zn Cd, Pb, As, and Hg) concentrations were determined in blood of adult female, post-nesting olive ridley turtles Lepidochelys olivacea (n = 35) on Ceuta beach, Sinaloa, Mexico. Essential metals (Zn and Cu) analyzed were found in higher concentrations than toxic metals (Cd and Pb), while As and Hg concentrations were below the limits of detection (0.01 μg g-1). Low Pb concentrations (0.09 μg g-1) were previously observed in sea turtles in the Gulf of California. There were no significant correlations found between curved carapace length (61.00–71.00 ± 2.29) vs metal concentrations (p > 0.05). Cd levels were relatively high when compared to other species and populations of sea turtles worldwide and Cd may represent the greatest risk for sea turtles in the Mexican Pacific. Such concentrations of Cd may pose a further risk to sea turtles through bioaccumulation from the nesting female to offspring which may affect embryo development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence and contamination level of seven important toxic metals (Cd, Cu, Co, Cr, Hg, Pb, and Zn) and three additional metals (Al, Fe, and Mn) in the water, sediment, and shrimp muscle in aquaculture areas located in Central Java, Indonesia, were investigated. The results suggest that the majority of metals have higher concentrations in the inlet followed by the outlet and ponds. Cd dissolved in the waters exhibited the highest level in Pekalongan (3.15 ± 0.33 μg L−1). Although Pb was not detected in the water, it was detected in the sediment, and the concentration ranged from 7.6 to 15.40 mg kg−1 dw. In general, the heavy metal concentrations in the sediments were found to decrease in the sequence Al > Fe > Mn > Zn > Cr > Cu > Co > Pb. Concentrations below the effects range low level based on the Canadian sediment quality guidelines were found for Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn, whereas moderate sediment pollution (25–75 mg kg−1 dw) was observed for Cr (all regions), Cu (except in the Pekalongan region), and Zn (Brebes and Tegal regions) according to the US EPA standard. The status of the waters was evaluated by calculating a pollution index derived mostly from Mn and Zn. The ecological risk (geoaccumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), and potential ecological risk index (ERI)) determined in the sediments indicated that all studied areas had low to moderate contamination. The concentrations of all metals in shrimp were generally below the maximum limits for seafood, except for Zn (in all stations), Pb, and Cr (Tegal and Pekalongan). The hazard index values for metals indicated that consuming shrimp would not have adverse effects on human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patagonia and Antarctica are biodiverse regions in the Southern Hemisphere, but little is known about the levels of trace elements in marine organisms from these remote coastal ecosystems. In this study, selenium (Se), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and stable isotopes of nitrogen (δ15N; relative trophic level) were measured in 36 marine species collected from two locations of the Chilean Patagonia and two locations of the Antarctic Peninsula area to determine whether biomagnification of these trace elements occurs in the food webs. Results indicated that Cu, Se, and Zn levels were slightly lower than those in similar species from elsewhere, and the highest metal levels were found in marine macroinvertebrates compared with fishes. There was evidence of Cu, Se, and Zn biomagnification but only within the lower-trophic-level organisms. When assessing whole food webs, levels of these elements typically decreased from macroinvertebrates to fishes or birds, suggesting lower risks of metal toxicity to higher-level consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing uses of lead (Pb2+) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) in commercial products have led totheir increased discharge into aquatic environments. This study investigated the effects of the interaction betweennTiO2 and lead (Pb2+) in a simple freshwater food web model consisting of zooplankton (Eucyclops sp.) and theAfrican catfish Clarias gariepinus. The growth performance and nutrient composition of Clarias gariepinus fedwith contaminated zooplankton alone and combined mixtures of nTiO2 (0.20 μM) and Pb2+ (0.01 and 0.04 μM),respectively, were evaluated after a chronic (28 days) semi-static laboratory bioassay. Our results demonstrateda decrease in the bioaccumulation of Pb2+ in fish exposed to the binary mixtures. The interaction of the mixturescaused significant (p < 0.05) retardation of growth of the fish through decreases of specific growth rate andallometric growth. Furthermore, a significant (p < 0.05) decrease of nutrient composition in fish tissues (muscles)was elicited in protein (20.66 to 16.73%), ash (5.96 to 5.69 %), moisture (16.2 to 14.8 %) and total lipid (10.04 to6.62%). The findings of this study suggest that feeding fish with copepods contaminated with Pb2+ and nTiO2mixtures could negatively affect the growth and nutrient composition (protein, ash, moisture and total lipid) offreshwater fish species, such as C. gariepinus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honeybees, due to their wide-ranging foraging behaviour, have great potentials for monitoring environmental quality. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to use honeybees as bioindicators for the detection of toxic and essential metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, and Fe) in the environment. Totally, 180 soil, plant (including root and aerial part), honeybees, and honey samples were collected from 12 sites within the main beekeeping and honey production regions in Markazi Province, Iran in 2016. After acid digestion of samples, the metal concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometers. The translocation factor (TF), and bioconcentration factor (BCF) of metals were computed. The results showed that among the analyzed bee samples, Cd (mg kg−1) was detected in amounts ranging from 0.01 to 2.35, Cr (mg kg−1) ranged from 0.02 to 18.10, Cu (mg kg−1) ranged from 2.00 to 39.11, and Fe (mg kg−1) ranged from 163 to 1695. BCF and TF values obtained showed that the Astragalus gossypinus would have a great accumulation ability for Cd and Cr. The results indicated that honeybees could be used to detect the spatial patterns of metal contaminations in the environment they dwell in. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace element (Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Co, Pb, Zn, Cd, As, Hg) concentrations were assessed in marine organisms (n = 52) sampled from the Magdalena Bay lagoon complex in Baja California Sur, Mexico, a pristine marine environment. The overall trend of metal concentrations (dry weight) in the organisms was found to be Fe > Zn > Cd > Cu > Mn > Pb > As > Hg > Ni > Cr > Co. Bivalve mollusks (53.83 mg kg−1) contained twofold higher levels of metals than the finfishes (20.77 mg kg−1). Calculated BioConcentration Factor (BCF) values showed that dissolved Mn is readily bioavailable to the organisms, whereas Biota Sediment Accumulation Factor (BSAF) indicated high values for Zn, Cu and Cd. Cd and As levels were observed to be increasing with the trophic levels. Toxic elements, namely Pb, Cd and As in the studied fish species were found to be higher than the values recommended for human seafood consumption. The study provides a comprehensive baseline report on trace element bioaccumulation in several marine organisms that will aid in developing effective conservation strategies of the highly biodiverse lagoon complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landfill leachate could constitute significant health impact on human health due to its penetrating tendency and eventual contamination of nearby groundwater. Therefore, assessment of the leachate probable environmental impact is paramount so as to prevent adverse ill-health to man and other living organisms. This study evaluates the heavy metals residue and the potential human health risk assessment factor of Celosia argentea (Lagos spinach) planted on soil mixed with leachate. The concentrations of the heavy metals in the harvested samples were determined with Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Heavy metals residue in Celosia argentea (Lagos spinach) was highest in soil mixed with 40 ml leachate. The daily intake of metals (DIM) of Zn (0.145 - 0.498 mg/kg) and Ni (0.032 - 0.090 mg/kg) were below the recommended limit while that of Cd (0.048 - 0.161 mg/kg) and Pb (0.158 - 0.341 mg/kg) were above the recommended DIM and the upper tolerable daily level. The health risk indexes (HRI) for Cd, Pb, Zn and Ni from this study were far greater than 1 (HRI > 1) except Cr that is less than 1. Thus, findings revealed that inhabitants may be highly exposed to health risks associated to these metals in the order Pb > Cd > Zn > Ni > Cr and as such people should be advised not to grow vegetables and other edible plants around the location of the dumpsite. Government and Policy makers should sensitize the public on the potential danger of eating heavy metal polluted foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distribution and fraction of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Zn, and Mn) in water and sediment in Liangtan River, Chongqing was analyzed using the atomic absorption spectrometry method. Pearson correlation coefficient, bioavailability index, geoaccumulation index and potential ecological risk index were introduced to classify the source and assess the environmental risk of the heavy metal. Pb, Cr, and Zn mainly existed in residual fraction and fraction bounded to Fe-Mn oxides while Mn mainly existed in the fraction bounded to carbonates and the residual fraction. Mn and Pb, Zn and Cr in the sediment were confirmed originating from, separate common sources. Igeo and Eri were both in the order of Pb > Zn > Cr > Mn. Geoaccumulation indexes demonstrated that the Liangtan River has been heavily polluted by Pb and Zn with the class of 2-4 and 2-3, independently. From viewpoint of the whole Liangtan River, the mean RI (45.1) belonged to low risk level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deposition history, enrichment influence factors, and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals are examined on two sediment cores retrieved from the Xuwen National Coral Reef Nature Reserve, China. Pb and Cs dating reveals that the mean sedimentation rate is about 1.5 cm a in the reserve. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, As, and Hg in sediments begin to show evident increasing trends in the 1980s. This is most likely to be caused by the anthropogenic excessive inputs originated from the large-scale development of agricultural chemical usage, coal combustion in cane sugar industry, and marine transportation after the implementation of China open policy in 1979. The annual load of heavy metals received by the reserve in recent years is estimated at about 594 tons, in which Cr and Zn are dominated and account for a proportion of 64 %. Although the ecological risk of heavy metals is assessed as low according to the sediment quality guidelines (China marine sediment quality and US NOAA screening quick reference), appropriate pollution control measures should be undertaken to prevent the occurrences of significant adverse biological effects induced by the continuous accumulations of Pb, Cd, As, and Hg in the sediments of study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations of nine heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd, Cr, Co, and Pb) in soil samples of Arabian Gulf coast, Saudi Arabia, were investigated. Sediment Quality Guideline (SQGs), SQG-Quotient (SQG-Q), toxicity degree index (TDI), enrichment factor (EF), and multivariate analysis, including principle component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), were used to measure heavy metals of concern in the study area and to identify their possible sources. The results showed that the concentrations of different heavy metals were 530-5,700 mg kg? 1 for Fe; 9-150 mg kg for Mn and 8-69 mg kg for Zn; 1-21 mg kg for Cu and not detectable-17 mg kg for Ni; 6.9-130 mg kg for Cr and not detectable-5 mg kg for Co; and not detectable-24 mg kg for Pb. Based on SQGs, only the maximum and mean Cr concentrations of study area were in heavy and moderate rates of pollution, respectively. The values of SQG-Q and TDI revealed that the investigated sampling points showed the lowest potential of adverse biological effects. The considerable number of collected soil samples has relatively higher EF values of 5-20 for Zn, Cu, Cr, and Pb, suggesting that these four metals may be derived from anthropogenic origin. Multivariate analysis also confirmed this finding that the sources of Zn, Cu, and Pb resulted primarily from anthropogenic sources, whereas Co, Ni, Fe, and Mn were mainly attributed to lithogenic sources. It could be generally concluded that it is possible to use multivariate analyses in combination with EF values as useful tools to identify the natural or anthropogenic sources of heavy metals in soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The consumption of dietary supplements is widely spread and on the rise. These dietary supplements are generally used without prescriptions, proper counseling or any awareness of their health risk. The current study aimed at analyzing the metals in 33 samples of imported dietary supplements highly consumed by the Lebanese population, using 3 different techniques, to ensure the safety and increase the awareness of the citizen to benefit from these dietary supplements. Results: Some samples had levels of metals above their maximum allowable levels (Fe: 24%, Zn: 33%, Mn: 27%, Se: 15%, Mo: 12% of samples), but did not pose any health risk because they were below permitted daily exposure limit and recommended daily allowance except for Fe in 6% of the samples. On the other hand, 34% of the samples had Cu levels above allowable limit where 18% of them were above their permitted daily exposure and recommended daily allowance. In contrast, all samples had concentration of Cr, Hg, and Pb below allowable limits and daily exposure. Whereas, 30% of analyzed samples had levels of Cd above allowable levels, and were statistically correlated with Ca, and Zn essential minerals. Similarly 62% of the samples had levels of As above allowable limits and As levels were associated with Fe and Mn essential minerals. Conclusion: Dietary supplements consumed as essential nutrients for their Ca, Zn, Fe and Mn content should be monitored for toxic metal levels due to their natural geochemical association with these essential metals to provide citizens the safe allowable amounts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomacea canaliculata were exposed experimentally to contaminated sediments from a tributary of the Mae Klong River, Thailand, for 3 months. The highest concentration of Cr, Zn and Fe accumulated in the digestive gland while the gill exhibited the highest concentration of Cu. In addition, histopathological changes (increased mucus vacuoles, loss of cilia, dilation of cells in the epithelial cells of digestive tract organs, and an increase in the number of dark granules in the digestive cells) were observed. The gill exhibited loss of cilia, wider hemolymph space, and degeneration of columnar epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a study conducted on measuring the levels of heavy metals, including Iron, Copper and Lead, in common vegetables like carrot, onion, and lettuce, that are grown in the contaminated mining areas of Banat County, Romania. It states that Iron was the most abundant element in parsley and carrot roots, for reference and contaminated soils. It mentions that copper content was higher in leafy vegetables at contaminated sites, while the content of Lead was higher than normal value.

This study examines seasonal variations in the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Hg in experimentally cultured Crassostrea corteziensis, an oyster species known to have high resistance to physical and chemical stressors. The highest levels of Cd (4.92 mg/kg), Cu (3.45 mg/kg), and Pb (0.67 mg/kg) were detected in oyster samples collected during the summer, while Hg concentrations were similar (0.03 to 0.04 mg/kg) throughout all seasons. Results indicate that except for Cd, Crassostrea corteziensis accumulates metals to levels below those recommended by the US. FDA and the Mexican government. For Cd, its concentration correlates more strongly with the temperature of the oyster’s environment rather than to the oyster growth cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]