Concentrations of Metals in Blood and Feathers of Nestling Ospreys (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pandion haliaetus</Emphasis>) in Chesapeake and Delaware Bays

In 2000, 2001, and 2002, blood and feather samples were collected from 40–45-day-old nestling ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) from Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay and River. Concentrations of 18 metals, metalloids, and other elements were determined in these samples by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy, and Hg concentrations were measured by cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy. When compared to concurrent reference areas (South, West, and Rhode Rivers), mean As and Hg concentrations in blood were greater (p < 0.05) in two of three Chesapeake Bay regions of concern (Baltimore Harbor [As: 1.18 vs. 0.548 μg/g dw], Anacostia River [Hg: 0.305 vs. 0.178 μg/g dw], and Elizabeth River [As: 0.876 vs. 0.663 μg/g dw; Hg: 0.260 vs. 0.180 μg/g dw]). Lead was detected more frequently in blood of nestlings from the highly industrialized Elizabeth River compared to the rural reference area. When compared to the concurrent reference area, mean Al, Ba, Hg, Mn, and Pb concentrations in feathers were substantially greater (p < 0.05) in one or more Chesapeake regions of concern (Anacostia River [Al: 206 vs. 62.1 μg/g dw; Ba: 3.31 vs. 0.823 μg/g dw; Mn: 65.4 vs. 22.9 μg/g dw] and Elizabeth River [Al: 165 vs. 63.5 μg/g dw; Hg: 1.24 vs. 0.599 μg/g dw; Pb 1.47 vs. 0.543 μg/g dw]). When compared to the coastal Inland Bays reference area, feathers of nestlings from northern Delaware Bay and River had greater concentrations (p < 0.05) of Ba (1.90 vs. 0.660 μg/g dw), Fe (258 vs. 109 μg/g dw), Mn (18.5 vs. 4.66 μg/g dw), Mo (0.130 vs. 0.040 μg/g dw), Pb (1.96 vs. 0.624 μg/g dw), and V (0.671 vs. 0.325 μg/g dw), presumably due to extensive metal-working and petroleum refinery activities. Concentrations of Hg in nestling feathers from Delaware were frequently greater than in the Chesapeake. The present findings and those of related reproductive studies suggest that concentrations of several heavy metals (e.g., Cd, Hg, Pb) in nestling blood and feathers from Chesapeake and Delaware Bays were below toxicity thresholds and do not seem to be affecting chick survival during the nestling period. An erratum to this article can be found at     

Influence of Parasitism on Trace Element Contents in Tissues of Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) and Its Parasites Mesocestoides spp. (Cestoda) and Toxascaris leonina (Nematoda)

Bioaccumulation of cadmium, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc in 56 foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and their parasites Mesocestoides spp. (Cestoda) and Toxascaris leonina (Nematoda) was studied. The levels of heavy metals were determined in the livers and kidneys of the animals depending on parasitism in the following ranges: Pb, 0.029–3.556; Cd, 0.055–9.967; Cr, 0.001–0.304; Cu, 4.15–41.15; Mn, 1.81–19.94; Ni: 0.037–0.831; Zn, 52.0–212.9 μg/g dry weight (dw). Cd in parasites (0.038–3.678 μg/g dw) were comparable with those in the livers of the host and lower than in the kidneys (0.095–6.032 μg/g dw). Contents of Pb, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn in cestodes were predominantly higher than those in the kidney and liver of the host. Median lead levels in Mesocestoides spp. (45.6 μg/g dw) were 52-fold higher than in the kidney and liver of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) infected by both parasites and median Pb values in T. leonina (8.98 μg/g dw) were 8-fold higher than in the tissues of the parasitized red fox. Bioaccumulation factors of copper, zinc, nickel, and manganese are lower than those of lead and mostly range from 1.9 to 24 for Mesocestoides spp. and from 1.5 to 6 for nematode T. leonina depending on the tissue of host and element. A significant decrease in the content of Pb was found in the kidney of animals infected by T. leonina (0.260 μg/g dw) as well as those infected by Mesocestoides spp. (0.457 μg/g dw) in comparison with the lead content (0.878 μg/g dw) in the kidneys of the nonparasitized red fox. Regardless of a bioaccumulation of copper and manganese in the parasites, a significant increase of the concentrations of Mn and Cu was observed in the host’s livers infected predominantly by Mesocestoides spp.     

Trace Elements in Three Marine Birds Breeding on Reunion Island (Western Indian Ocean): Part 1—Factors Influencing Their Bioaccumulation

This work aimed to use seabirds as bioindicators of trace element levels in the tropical waters and food webs of the Western Indian Ocean. The accumulation patterns of selected toxic (Cd and Hg) and essential (Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn) elements were determined in liver, kidney, and pectoral muscle of 162 marine birds belonging to 3 species collected in Reunion Island between 2002 and 2004. These pelagic seabirds belong to the following species: Barau’s Petrel (Pterodroma baraui), Audubon’s Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri bailloni), and White-Tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus). Hg levels were also measured in breast feathers. Highest mean kidney Cd and liver Hg levels (respectively, 27.79 ± 13.78 μg.g ⁻¹ dry weight (dw) and 24.31 ± 14.13 μg.g ⁻¹ dw) were found in the squid-eating Barau’s Petrel. Barau’s Petrel feather Hg levels fell in the range of 0.6 to 2.7 μg.g⁻¹ dw previously reported for other petrels and shearwaters. The values of the other elements were also in the same range as those previously reported in the published literature concerning related seabirds, although Se and Zn burdens in the Reunion birds were among the highest values. Levels of Zn, Fe, and, to a lesser extent, Cu appeared to be regulated in seabird tissues. Uptake and pathways of metabolism and storage seemed to be similar for the five essential elements. The reproductive status of the bird did not seem to affect element levels, which, moreover, were not significantly different between male and female birds. However, trace elements in sampled birds varied according to the tissue considered, the age of the animal, and its species. Diet was seemingly a major influencing factor. Health status also appeared to have an impact on element levels.     

Distribution and Normalization of some Metals in Surface Sediments from South Caspian Sea

Surface sediments along the south of Caspian Sea were collected to evaluate the contamination of heavy metals. The result ranged (μg/g, Fe% dw): Pb(13.06–33.48); Ni(18.01–69.63); Cd(0.62–1.5); Zn(30.11–87.88); Cu(5.86–26.37) and Fe(1.8–4%) respectively. Cadmium showed higher EF when compared to other sites. Geoaccumulation Index value for Cd in most stations was classified as moderately contaminated and moderately to strongly contaminated, as well as the average of I_geo of Cd (1.77 ± 0.35) suggested that surface sediments of Caspian coast were moderately polluted by this metal. The result of the Pearson correlation showed that there were significant positive associations between Ni, Cd and Zn (r = 0.44–0.76; p < 0.01).     

Trace Elements in Three Marine Birds Breeding on Reunion Island (Western Indian Ocean): Part 2—Factors Influencing Their Detoxification

Seabird tissues collected between 2002 and 2004 from Barau’s Petrel (Pterodroma baraui), Audubon’s Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri bailloni), and White-Tailed Trop icbird (Phaethon lepturus) colonies on Reunion Island were analyzed for metallothioneins (MTs) and trace element content. The subcellular distribution between soluble and insoluble fractions of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn was determined in liver and kidney. In both, the soluble fraction of the cell concentrated most of the Cd and Se, whereas Fe, Mn, and Zn were preferentially accumulated in the insoluble fraction. The distribution of these elements varied with the tissue, age of the bird, and species. Furthermore, the distributions of Fe and Mn were somewhat influenced by the bird’s physical condition. MT levels were measured in the soluble fraction after heat denaturation. The levels of these proteins varied from 5.5 ± 2.7 mg.g⁻¹ dry weight (dw) to 11.4 ± 6.2 mg.g⁻¹ dw depending on the species and the tissue considered. MT levels were significantly different between liver and kidney only in the White-Tailed Tropicbird. In the three species, MT levels in kidney were significantly higher in adult than juvenile birds. The bird’s weight also had an influence on hepatic and renal MT levels, but not the sex nor the reproductive status. The implication of MTs in Cu and Zn homeostasis and Cd and Hg detoxification are discussed. In addition, clues on Hg regulation by Se were found, especially in Barau’s Petrel, where the levels of these two elements were significantly correlated.     

Levels of Heavy Metals in Some Commercial Fish Species Captured from the Black Sea and Mediterranean Coast of Turkey

The distribution of some heavy metals in the muscle tissue of Merlangius merlangus (whiting), Mullus barbatus (red mullet), Engraulis encrasicholus (anchovy) from Black and Mediterranean Seas were studied. The highest Al (95.313 μg/g dw), Mn (1.390 μg/g dw), Zn (25.416 μg/g dw) concentration was detected in E. encrasicholus from Black Sea; the highest Li (3.200 μg/g dw) concentration was detected in E. encrasicholus from Mediterranean Sea; the highest Cd (1.685 μg/g dw) concentration was detected in M. merlangus from Mediterranean Sea; the highest Ni (1.363 μg/g dw) concentration was detected in M. merlangus from Black Sea; the highest Pb (0.727 μg/g dw) concentration was detected in M. barbatus from Black Sea and the highest Cr (1.893 μg/g dw), Fe (21.901 μg/g dw) concentration was detected in M. barbatus from Mediterranean Sea.     

Perfluorinated Compounds in Water,Sediment and Soil from Guanting Reservoir,China

Concentrations of 12 perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) were measured in 21 representive water, sediment and soil samples from Guanting Reservoir and vicinity. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was the predominant PFCs with concentrations of 0.55–2.3 ng/L, <LOQ to 0.68 ng/g dw and <LOQ to 2.8 ng/g dw in water, sediment and soil, respectively. Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) was frequently detected in solid matrices, with concentrations of <LOQ to 0.18 ng/g dw in sediment and 0.13–0.26 ng/g dw in soil. PFCs were detected in all environmental matrices sampled, but concentrations found throughout the watershed were less than those reported from other locations.     

Mercury Bio-Concentration Potential of Larch Bolete,Suillus grevillei,Mushroom

Larch Bolete can be classified as a mushroom species accumulating Hg in the fruiting bodies. Our results did indicate diversity of Hg concentrations (p < 0.05), depending on a site of collection of Larch Bolete fruiting bodies as well as the lack of any statistically significant differences in soil mercury contamination among the examined sites. Values of 1.0 μg Hg/g dw for pool of caps and 2.0 μg/g dw for a single cap of Larch Bolete are suggested as threshold concentrations implying Hg baseline level, while greater value could imply contamination due to the site pollution.     

Mercury Bio-Concentration by Puffballs (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lycoperdon perlatum</Emphasis>) and Evaluation of Dietary Intake Risks

In the present study, Hg bioconcentration by Puffball (Lycoperdon perlatum) mushroom was investigated. Total Hg content of fruiting bodies and topsoil (0–10 cm layer) were determined by cold-vapour atomic absorption spectroscopy. For ten geographically distant sampling sites of Poland, Hg ranged from 0.91 ± 0.28 to 2.4 ± 0.4 (overall range 0.57–4.5) μg/g dry weight in the carpophores and 0.012 ± 0.002 to 0.063 ± 0.024 (overall range 0.0077–0.12) μg/g dw in topsoil. The mean values of the bioconcentration factor ranged from 28 ± 11 to 110 ± 36 (range 9.6–280) indicating that L. perlatum effectively accumulates Hg and could be classified as a Hg accumulator. Total Hg content of L. perlatum to some degree seems to be determined both by degree of soil contamination and metal bioavailability to mycelium and also the rate of transfer and accumulation in fruiting bodies at the sites surveyed. Summarized and discussed are published data available on total Hg and methylmercury in L. perlatum.     

Contamination Profiles of Antifouling Biocides in Selected Coastal Regions of Malaysia

The concentrations of butyltins (BTs) in sediment from Peninsular Malaysia along the Strait of Malacca and their spatial distribution are discussed. The concentrations of BTs were high in the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia where there is a lot of ship traffic, because trade is prosperous. The concentrations of monobutyltin (MBT), dibutyltin (DBT), and tributyltin (TBT) in sediment from the coastal waters of Peninsular Malaysia were in the range 4.1–242 μg/kg dry weight (dw), 1.1–186 μg/kg dw, and 0.7–228 μg/kg dw, respectively. A higher percentage of TBT was observed in the area where TBT concentrations were high. The concentrations of monophenyltin (MPT), diphenyltin (DPT), and triphenyltin (TPT) were in the range <0.1–121 μg/kg dw, 0.4–27 μg/kg dw, and 0.1–34 μg/kg dw in sediment from Peninsular Malaysia, respectively. MPT was the dominant phenyltin species. MBT, DBT, and TBT in green mussel (Perna viridis) samples were detected in the range 41–102 μg/kg, 3–5 μg/kg, and 8–32 μg/kg, respectively. A tolerable average residue level (TARL) was estimated at 20.4 μg/kg from a tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 0.25 μg TBTO/kg body weight/day. The maximum value of TBT detected in green mussel samples was the value near the TARL. TPTs were not detected in green mussel samples. The concentrations of Diuron and Irgarol 1051 in sediment from Peninsular Malaysia were in the range <0.1–5 μg/kg dw and <0.1–14 μg/kg dw, respectively. High concentrations of these compounds were observed in locations where the concentrations of TBT were high. Sea Nine 211, Dichlofluanid, and Pyrithiones were not detected in sediment. The concentrations of antifouling biocides in Melaka and the Strait of Johor were investigated in detail. BTs were found in similar concentrations among all sampling sites from Melaka, indicating that BT contamination spread off the coast. However, Sea Nine 211, Diuron, and Irgarol 1051 in the sediment from Melaka were high at the mouth of the river. BT concentrations at the Strait of Johor were higher than those in Peninsular Malaysia and Melaka and were high at the narrowest locations with poor flushing of water. The concentrations of antifouling biocides were compared among Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. A higher concentration and wide variations of TBT and TPT in sediment from Malaysia were observed among these countries. The Irgarol 1051 concentrations in sediment from Malaysia were higher than those in Thailand and Vietnam.     

Trace Element Concentrations in Wintering Waterfowl from the Great Salt Lake, Utah

The Great Salt Lake (GSL) is an important region for millions of migratory waterbirds. However, high concentrations of some trace elements, including Hg and Se, have been detected within the GSL, and baseline ecotoxicological data are lacking for avian species in this system. We collected common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula), northern shoveler (Anas clypeata), and green-winged teal (A. crecca) from the GSL during the winters of 2004–2005 and 2005–2006 to evaluate sources of variation in liver trace element concentrations. Hg concentrations were among or exceeded the highest values reported in the published literature for common goldeneye, northern shoveler, and green-winged teal. Average Hg (total) concentrations of common goldeneye peaked in midwinter, whereas average Se concentrations peaked during late winter. During late winter, 100% and 88% of female goldeneye contained elevated concentrations of Hg [≥1.0 μg/g wet weight (ww)] and Se (≥3.0 μg/g ww), respectively, and 5% and 14% contained potentially harmful amounts of Hg (≥30.0 μg/g ww) and Se (> 10.0 μg/g ww), respectively. Similarly, 30% and 16% of male goldeneye contained potentially harmful concentrations of Hg and Se, respectively. Concentrations of Hg and Se were elevated in 100% and 79%, respectively, of northern shoveler samples (sexes combined) collected during February. We suggest that waterfowl contain biologically concerning amounts of Hg and Se during winter while on the GSL and further research is needed to evaluate the effect of these elements on GSL waterbirds.     

The Extent of Arsenic and of Metal Uptake by Aboveground Tissues of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pteris vittata</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cyperus involucratus</Emphasis> Growing in Copper- and Cobalt-Rich Tailings of the Zambian Copperbelt

The extent of arsenic (As) and metal accumulation in fronds of the As hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata (Chinese brake fern) and in leaves of Cyperus involucratus, which grow on the surface of an old flotation tailings pond in the Zambian Copperbelt province, was studied. The tailings consist of two types of material with distinct chemical composition: (1) reddish-brown tailings rich in As, iron (Fe), and other metals, and (2) grey-green tailings with a lower content of As, Fe, and other metals, apart from manganese (Mn). P. vittata accumulates from 2350 to 5018 μg g⁻¹ As (total dry weight [dw]) in its fronds regardless of different total and plant-available As concentrations in both types of tailings. Concentrations of As in C. involucratus leaves are much lower (0.24–30.3 μg g⁻¹ dw). Contents of copper (Cu) and cobalt (Co) in fronds of P. vittata (151–237 and 18–38 μg g⁻¹ dw, respectively) and in leaves of C. involucratus (96–151 and 9–14 μg g⁻¹ dw, respectively) are high, whereas concentrations of other metals (Fe, Mn, and zinc [Zn]) are low and comparable with contents of the given metals in common plants. Despite great differences in metal concentrations in the two types of deposited materials, concentrations of most metals in plant tissues are very similar. This indicates an exclusion or avoidance mechanism operating when concentrations of the metals in substrate are particularly high. The results of the investigation show that Chinese brake fern is not only a hyperaccumulator of As but has adapted itself to high concentrations of Cu and Co in flotation tailings of the Zambian Copperbelt.     

Monitoring of Traffic-Related Pollution in a Province of Central Italy with Transplanted Lichen <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudovernia</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">furfuracea</Emphasis>

The ability of transplanted lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea to biomonitor specific airborne pollutants (heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons—PAHs) was investigated at five stations with different traffic densities in Viterbo, Italy. Exposed lichen showed high levels of all analysed pollutants; greatest values were for Zn (147–252 μg/g dw), Pb (24.9–34.6 μg/g dw), fluoranthene (37–107 ng/g dw), pyrene (23–124 ng/g dw). Comparison between contaminants concentration in lichens before and after exposure showed “accumulation” or “severe accumulation” rates in more than 90% of each substance. Besides, Pseudevernia furfuracea accumulated airborne PAHs in a manner that was proportional to traffic density.     

Potential Effects of Mercury on Threatened California Black Rails

San Francisco Bay (SFB) estuary sediments contain high levels of mercury (Hg), and tidal marsh resident species may be vulnerable to Hg contamination. We examined Hg concentrations in California black rails, a threatened waterbird species that inhabits SFB tidal salt marshes. We captured 127 black rails during the prebreeding and postbreeding seasons and examined the influence of site, sex, and year on Hg, methylmercury (MeHg), and also selenium (Se) concentrations in feathers and blood. Feather Hg concentrations averaged 6.94 μg/g dry weight (dw) and MeHg and Se concentrations in blood averaged 0.38 and 0.42 μg/g wet weight (ww). We used Akaike’s information criterion model selection process to evaluate the importance of year, site, sex, and age on patterns of MeHg concentrations; sex and year were the most important of these factors. Feather Hg concentrations (dw) were higher in males (8.22 μg/g) than females (6.63 μg/g) and higher in adult birds (7.36 μg/g) than in hatch-year birds (4.61 μg/g). A substantial portion of SFB black rail populations may be at risk of reproductive effects due to MeHg contamination, as 32–78% of feathers and <10% of blood samples exceeded no observed adverse effect levels. Sea level rise and other anthropogenic threats to endemic tidal marsh species such as black rails may be exacerbated by the presence of MeHg. Further study of population demographics and toxicological effects would further elucidate the effects of MeHg contamination on black rail populations in SFB.     

Distribution of 14 Elements in Tissues and Organs of Oceanic Seabirds

The concentrations of 14 trace elements (Li, V, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, Sr, Ag, Cd, Cs, Pb, and Hg) were determined in tissues and organs of three species and in the liver of 11 species of seabirds. Comparatively high concentrations of Li, Co, Sr, and V were found in the femur. Cd, Se, Cu, and Mn concentrations were relatively higher in the kidney than in other tissues and organs. Rb, Cs, and Pb concentrations were rather uniform among tissues. Concentrations of essential elements such as Mn, Cu, and Co were comparable among seabird species, except high Cu concentrations in northern giant petrel. Among nonessential elements, concentrations of Cd and Hg were variable according to seabird species. Pb levels were low in all the species. High Se levels (100 μg/g dry weight) were found in the liver of black-footed albatross and grey petrel. There were significant positive correlations between Se and Cd concentrations in three species and between Se and Hg in black-footed albatross, suggesting that Se has an antagonistic action on the toxic effects of Cd and Hg. Concentrations of Li, V, Ag, and Cs were usually low (less than 1 μg/g dry weight). Received: 30 October 1997/Accepted: 17 May 1998     

Growth-Related Changes in Heavy Metal Accumulation in Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) from Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa, Japan

Concentrations of nine heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cd, Co, and Hg) were determined in liver, kidney, and muscle of 50 green turtles (Chelonia mydas) collected from Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa, Japan, to elucidate growth-related changes in heavy metal accumulation during different growth stage. Considerably high Cu concentrations were found in the liver of smaller turtles. Mean hepatic concentration of Cu was 50.2 μg/g wet weight which varied widely (4.27–113 μg/g wet weight). Cadmium concentrations decreased with increasing the carapace length. The juvenile green turtles in the pelagic ocean are likely feed on zooplankton, while adult coastal inhabiting green turtles mainly feed on sea grasses and seaweeds. Concentrations of Cd in sea plants are lower than those in zooplankton. The specific accumulation of Cd found in the green turtle seems to be attributable to their feeding habit, which is a shift from carnivore to herbivore at different growth stages. Received: 13 September 1999/Accepted: 29 March 2000     

Speciation of Arsenic in Environmental Samples of the Nha Trang Harbor,Vietnam, Using HPLC Coupled HG-AAS

A coupled High Performance Liquid Chromatography – Hydride Generation-Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy system was used to determine the speciation of Arsenic in samples from the Nha Trang Harbor, Vietnam. Concentrations of Arsenic in seawater, pore water, suspended solid, and sediment were 4.12–9.81 μg/L, 13.10–24.32 μg/L, 1.87–6.42 μg/g, and 3.37–9.06 μg/g, respectively. Extraction using H₃PO₄ + NH₂OH·HCl and ultrasonic digestion was optimized to yield a 76–85% of total Arsenic. Arsenic (III) was the most abundant species in suspended solids and sediments whereas Arsenic (V) represented for 30–50% of Arsenic (III) concentration. Monomethylarsonic acid and Dimethylarsinic acid species were undetectable.     

Environmental Contaminants in Fish and Their Associated Risk to Piscivorous Wildlife in the Yukon River Basin, Alaska

Organochlorine chemical residues and elemental contaminants were measured in northern pike (Esox lucius), longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus), and burbot (Lota lota) from 10 sites in the Yukon River Basin (YRB) during 2002. Contaminant concentrations were compared to historical YRB data and to toxicity thresholds for fish and piscivorous wildlife from the scientific literature. A risk analysis was conducted to screen for potential hazards to piscivorous wildlife for contaminants that exceeded literature-based toxicity thresholds. Concentrations of total DDT (sum of p,p′-homologs; 1.09–13.6 ng/g), total chlordane (0.67–7.5 ng/g), dieldrin (<0.16–0.6 ng/g), toxaphene (<11–34 ng/g), total PCBs (<20–87 ng/g), TCDD-EQ (≤1.7 pg/g), arsenic (0.03–1.95 μg/g), cadmium (<0.02–0.12 μg/g), copper (0.41–1.49 μg/g), and lead (<0.21–0.27 μg/g) did not exceed toxicity thresholds for growth and reproduction in YRB fish. Concentrations of mercury (0.08–0.65 μg/g), selenium (0.23–0.85 μg/g), and zinc (11–56 μg/g) exceeded toxicity thresholds in one or more samples and were included in the risk analysis for piscivorous wildlife. No effect hazard concentrations (NEHCs) and low effect hazard concentrations (LEHCs), derived from literature-based toxicity reference values and avian and mammalian life history parameters, were calculated for mercury, selenium, and zinc. Mercury concentrations in YRB fish exceeded the NEHCs for all bird and small mammal models, which indicated that mercury concentrations in fish may represent a risk to piscivorous wildlife throughout the YRB. Low risk to piscivorous wildlife was associated with selenium and zinc concentrations in YRB fish. Selenium and zinc concentrations exceeded the NEHCs and LEHCs for only the small bird model. These results indicate that mercury should continue to be monitored and assessed in Alaskan fish and wildlife.     

Perfluorinated Compounds in River Water, River Sediment, Market Fish, and Wildlife Samples from Japan

Perfluorinated organic compounds (PFCs) such as PFOS, PFOA, PFBS, PFH×S, PFOSA and PFDoA were determined in river water, river sediment, liver of market fish and liver of wildlife samples from Japan. Concentrations of PFOA and PFOS in water samples were 7.9–110 and <5.2–10 ng/L. Only PFOA were detected in sediment from Kyoto river at 1.3–3.9 ng/g dry wt. Among fish, only jack mackerel showed PFOA and PFOS at 10 and 1.6 ng/g wet wt. Wildlife liver contained PFOSA, PFOS, PFDoA, PFOA and PFH×S in the range of 0.31–362, 0.15–238, <0.03–28, >0.07–7.3 and <0.03–1.5, respectively, on ng/g wet wt. Cormorants showed maximum accumulation followed by eagle, raccoon dog and large-billed crow.     

Sediment Matrix Effects in Analysis of Pyrethroid Insecticides Using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

In the present study, we developed a gas chromatography–quadrupole mass spectrometry method for analyzing nine pyrethroid insecticides in sediment after accelerated solvent extraction and solid phase extraction cleanup. The operation was optimized, and negative chemical ionization was selected to improve analytical selectivity. The sediment matrix effects on qualification were evaluated, and matrix-matched standard solutions, along with the internal standard calibration, were used to reduce the matrix-induced chromatographic response enhancement. The method detection limits were 0.68 to 1.43 μg/kg dry weight (dw), and recoveries were 70.3 to 143.3%, 61.1 to 169.7%, and 65.7 to 118.8%, with relative SDs of 4.2% to 32.1%, 4.9 to 23.6%, and 1.5 to 23.3% at the spiked levels of 1.0, 5.0 and 20 μg/kg dw, respectively. The method was also validated by measuring pyrethroids in field-contaminated sediment samples collected in central California and southern Illinois.