Accumulation of Lead,Zinc, and Cadmium in a Wild Population of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Clethrionomys glareolus</Emphasis> from an Abandoned Lead Mine

Lead, zinc, and cadmium were determined in a range of tissues from wild populations of bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) trapped on an abandoned metalliferous mine site and a reference site. Estimated dietary intakes indicated that animals were exposed to elevated levels of all three metals at the mine site, and this was generally reflected in metal residues in body tissues. Lead concentrations were significantly higher in all tissues of animals from the mine compared to the reference site, while Cd was higher only in the kidney. There was evidence of age-accumulation (using total body weight as an index of age) of Cd in both the liver and kidney of mine site animals but no evidence of such accumulation of lead in bone. In contrast to Cd and Pb, Zn was lower in the tissues of mine site animals compared to the reference site. Based on critical tissue concentrations, the ecotoxicological risk to a wild population of bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus), associated with total substrate levels of 1 μg g⁻¹ dry weight Cd and 700 μg g⁻¹ dry weight Zn at this mine site is negligible, but that associated with 4000 μg g⁻¹ dry weight Pb may be considered significant. Received: 28 January 2002/Accepted: 29 July 2002     

Lead,Zinc, and Cadmium in Vegetable/Crops in a Zinc Smelting Region and its Potential Human Toxicity

Lead, Zn, and Cd in vegetables/crops were investigated in a zinc smelting region in China, and their daily dietary intake by local residents was estimated. It is observed that Pb, Zn, and Cd were in 34.7–91.1, 242–575, and 0.199–2.23 μg g⁻¹ dry weight in vegetables/crops with their greatest concentrations in leafy vegetable. The daily dietary intake of Pb, Zn, and Cd by adult residents reached 3, 646, 59,295, and 186 μg day, respectively, and lettuce and cabbage together contributed 75% of the Pb, 50% of the Zn, and 70% of the Cd.     

Spatial Distribution and Temporal Trend in Concentration of Carbofuran,Diazinon and Chlorpyrifos Ethyl Residues in Sediment and Water in Lake Naivasha,Kenya

Chlorpyrifos ethyl was found to be widely distributed in water and sediment in Lake Naivasha. Higher levels were reported in sediment (11.2–30.0 ng g⁻¹ dry weight (dw) in wet season than in dry season (4.7–17.4 ng g⁻¹ dw). The mean concentration of chlorpyrifos ethyl in water in wet season ranged between 8.8 and 26.6 μg L⁻¹ and decreased to between below detection limit to 14.0 μg L⁻¹ in dry season. On average, higher concentrations of chlorpyrifos ethyl were observed in sediment than water samples. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in concentration between the seasons, and a significant interaction between seasons and mean concentrations at p ≤ 0.05. However, levels of diazinon and carbofuran were below the detection limit in all the samples analyzed. Notably, levels of chlorpyrifos ethyl were higher than the maximum allowable limits (0.1 μg L⁻¹) recommended by European Union for drinking water and general water quality criterion for protection of freshwater water organisms (0.083 μg L⁻¹).     

Concentrations of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Sediments from Jukskei River,Gauteng, South Africa

This study determined concentration levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in sediment samples collected from Jukskei River in South Africa. Final extracts, after concentration and dilution to 200 μL were analyzed by injecting 1 μL in the GC–ECD and GC–MS. Results obtained showed good recoveries (73%–114%, with RSD < 17%). The concentrations of ∑PBDEs in sediment for the seven sampling sites ranged from 0.92 to 6.76 ng g⁻¹ dry weight and total PBDEs with a total BDE sum of 23.85 ng g⁻¹ dry weights. Concentrations of PBDEs obtained in the present study are significantly lower than the values reported from developed countries.     

Distribution and Enrichment of Silver and Cadmium in Coastal Sediments from Bahía Todos Santos, Baja California, México

Silver, cadmium and iron were studied in sediment from Bahia Todos Santos, Baja California, México during 2004. Results showed that the spatial distributions of these metals were very similar to that of organic carbon and fine grain size, with values increasing from the inner to the outer parts of the bay. High concentrations and enrichments of silver (0.051–0.071 μg g⁻¹ dry weight) and cadmium (1.9 μg g⁻¹ dry weight) in Bahía Todos Santos were associated to harbor dredging activities and to coastal upwelling, respectively. However, the distribution of silver and cadmium in most of the study area is controlled by grain size and organic carbon content.     

Concentrations of Lead in Liver, Kidney, and Bone of Bald and Golden Eagles

The diagnosis of lead poisoning in eagles relies on autopsy information and residue analysis of lead in certain tissues, usually liver or blood. Similarly, the assessment of elevated lead exposure in eagles depends on the determination of lead concentrations in these tissues. Renal and bone lead concentrations have rarely been examined in eagles. We examined relationships among hepatic, renal, and bone lead concentrations in bald and golden eagles from the Canadian prairie provinces. Hepatic and renal lead concentrations were strongly related (R² = 0.87) while those in liver and bone were significantly but poorly related (R² = 0.22). Renal lead concentrations of 5 and 18 μg · g⁻¹ (dry weight) corresponded to hepatic lead concentrations of 6 and 30 μg · g⁻¹, the hepatic concentrations that we used as criterion levels associated with elevated lead exposure and death from lead poisoning, respectively. Lead was elevated in 19 of 119 and 21 of 109 liver and kidney samples, respectively. Of these 19 and 21 liver and kidney samples, 14 and 11, respectively, had lead concentrations compatible with death from lead poisoning. Taken together, lead concentrations were elevated in liver or kidney samples from 25 eagles and were compatible with death from lead poisoning in 15. Mean bone lead was higher in eagles with elevated hepatic lead than in those exhibiting background hepatic lead concentrations. However, even in the former group, bone lead concentrations were lower than those in lead-exposed individuals of other species of birds. Bone is probably not a useful tissue for identifying elevated lead exposure in eagles. Three of eleven birds that had been shot had anomalous renal lead concentrations, suggestive of contamination by residue from lead ammunition. It is important to exclude such birds when assessing lead exposure. Received: 22 October 1998/Accepted: 3 March 1999     

Biological Responses of Lumbriculus variegatus Exposed to Fluoranthene-Spiked Sediment

Lumbriculus variegatus was used as a bioassay organism to examine the impact of the sediment-associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) fluoranthene on behavior, reproduction, and toxicokinetics. The number of worms increased between the beginning and end of the experiment at 59 μg g⁻¹ fluoranthene, but at the next higher treatment (108 μg g⁻¹) the number of worms found was lower and not different from the control. Worms exposed to 95 μg g⁻¹ also exhibited increased reproduction when fed a yeast-cerophyl-trout chow mixture. On a total biomass basis, only the 95 μg g⁻¹ exposure with food exhibited a statistically significant increase over the nonfed control. Evaluation of reproduction at the two highest treatments was compromised by a brief aeration failure 2 days before the end of the experiment. The behavioral responses were followed as changes in biological burial rate (sediment reworking rate) of a ¹³⁷Cs-labeled marker layer. The biological burial rate increased toward a plateau as the concentration increased from the control (3.9 μg g⁻¹ dry weight total PAH) to 355 μg g⁻¹ dry weight fluoranthene in sediment. The aeration failure had minimal impact on the determination of reworking rate because all the data for the rate determination were collected prior to the aeration failure. Uptake and elimination rates declined with increasing treatment concentration across the range of fluoranthene concentrations, 59–355 μg g⁻¹ dry weight sediment. The disconnect between the increasing biological burial rates and the decreasing toxicokinetics rates with increasing exposure concentration demonstrates that the toxicokinetic processes are dominated by uptake and elimination to interstitial water. The bioaccumulation factor (concentration in the organisms on a wet weight basis divided by the concentration in sediment on a dry weight basis) ranged from 0.92 to 1.88 on day 10 and declined to a range of 0.52 to 0.99 on day 28 with the lowest value at the highest dose. Received: 31 May 2001/Accepted: 9 November 2001     

Trace Elements Contamination in Coral Reef Skeleton,Gulf of Mannar,India

Coral samples were collected from Kurusadi, Shingle and Appa islands of Gulf of Mannar for analyzing the trace elements. The mean concentrations in the coral reef skeleton ranges from 0.19 to 0.62  μg g⁻¹ for Fe, from 6.71 to 15.6 μg g⁻¹ for As, from 0.28 to 1.31 μg g⁻¹ for Cd, from 0.56 to 5.29 μg g⁻¹ for Co, from 7.25 to 22.34 μg g⁻¹ for Cr, from 0.63 to 5.08 μg g⁻¹ for Cu, from 98.38 to 138 μg g⁻¹ for Mn, from 0.18 to 2.53 μg g⁻¹ for Ni, from 0.18 to 4.56 μg g⁻¹ for Pb and from 44 to 135.25 μg g⁻¹ for Zn. The factor analysis revealed the source of trace elements accumulation in the coral skeleton particularly Mn from detrital inputs and Cd from anthropogenic sources. This paper also highlights the nature of trace elements available in coral skeleton.     

Sudden Cadmium Increases in the Digestive Gland of Scallop, Nodipecten nodosus L., Farmed in the Tropics

Cadmium bioaccumulation in Nodipecten nodosus reared on a marine farm in a tropical bay was measured in muscle tissue and the digestive glands in animals ranging from 6 to 16 months. No bioaccumulation tendencies regarding Cd concentration were observed in muscle tissue (below 1 μg g⁻¹), while in the digestive gland concentrations remained below 5 μg g⁻¹ until the organisms reached 10 months, and reached levels above 10 μg g⁻¹ from 12 months onwards (reaching 27 μg g⁻¹). This is the same bioaccumulation pattern noted in animals transplanted to a different Cd exposure. Allometry and environmental factors cannot explain this sudden increase.     

Metal Concentrations in Two Bioindicator Fish Species, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Merlangius merlangus</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mullus Barbatus</Emphasis>, Captured from the West Black Sea Coasts (Bartin) of Turkey

The Black Sea is very vulnerable to originating from land based human activities and its health is equally dependent on the coastal and non-coastal states of its basin. Total concentrations of cadmium, copper, zinc, lead, nickel, aluminum, iron, manganese, boron and chromium concentrations were determined in Merlangius merlangus (whiting) and Mullus barbatus found in Amasra in the West Coast of the Black Sea (Turkey). The metal contents that were measured in head and muscle was expressed in μg g⁻¹ wet weight. On average, while the highest Fe (344.25 μg g⁻¹), Mn (10.35 μg g⁻¹), Cr (0.96 μg g⁻¹) and Al (76.77 μg g⁻¹) concentrations were measured in the heads of M. merlangus and the highest Zn (77.99 μg g⁻¹), Cu(8.53 μg g⁻¹), B (44.83 μg g⁻¹), Ni (1.96 μg g⁻¹), Cd (0.40 μg g⁻¹) and Pb (6.80 μg g⁻¹) concentrations were detected in the muscles of M. merlangus. There were significant differences between metal levels of muscles in these two species. In terms of permissible levels reported by WHO FAO and TSE, there is not any risk for human consumption for both M. merlangus and M. barbatus, for Pb.     

Content of Lead and Cadmium in Barred Hogfish, Bodianusscrofa, Island Grouper, Mycteroperca fusca, and Portuguese Dogfish, Centroscymnus coelolepis, from Canary Islands, Spain

Concentration of lead and cadmium has been analyzed in Bodianus scrofa and Mycteroperca fusca captured in the Canary Islands coast. Concentration of Pb ranged from 2.53 to 306.40 and 4.97 to 792.00 μg kg⁻¹ respectively, while that of Cd ranged from 1.75 to 1854.50 and 6.78 to 656.00 μg kg⁻¹. The same metals have been analyzed in muscles, liver and skin of Centroscymnus coelolepis from Canary Islands, with contents of Pb and Cd ranged between 24.18–96.12 μg kg⁻¹ and 32.00–3266.58 μg kg⁻¹ respectively, and in the Azores Archipelago, with concentrations of Pb and Cd ranged as follow: 18.41–38.99 μg kg⁻¹ and 5.23–4179.87 μg kg⁻¹ respectively. Percentage of contribution of both metals to the PTWIs, has also been calculated for both fishes.     

Polychlorinated Biphenyl Congeners in the Aquatic Environment of the Mekong River,South of Vietnam

Polychlorinated biphenyl compounds (PCBs) were analyzed in sediments and clams’ soft tissues from sampling sites in the Mekong River delta from the border with Cambodia to the coast of South China Sea. Concentrations of 13 individual PCB congeners are reported. Median concentration of ΣPCB congeners was 0.279 ng g⁻¹ dry weight (range 0.106–2.016 ng g⁻¹ dry weight) in sediments, and 5.20 ng g⁻¹ dry weight (range 1.89–19.37 ng g⁻¹) in clams. Distribution and bioaccumulation of PCBs in the delta are discussed. It is concluded that in the Mekong River delta PCB concentrations were generally lower than in other regions of Vietnam and their likely sources have been waste discharges from repair workshops and other facilities in the delta cities.     

Mercury in Wetland Birds of Iran and Iraq: Contrasting Resident Moorhen, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gallinula chloropus,</Emphasis> and Migratory Common Teal, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anas crecca,</Emphasis> Life Strategies

We document mercury distribution in tissues of two waterfowls; moorhen (Gallinula chloropus; n = 6), and Common Teal (Anas crecca; n = 6) from Shadegan wetlands in Southwestern Iran. Mean value of mercury in moorhen liver was (0.36 Hg μg g⁻¹ dry weight), Common Teal had (4.34 Hg μg g⁻¹ dry weight) mercury. In all tissues, Common Teals had significantly higher mercury concentrations than moorhens (U test, p ≤ 0.05). Mercury was 12, 9, 8, and 6 times higher in liver, muscle, kidney, and feather of Common Teals. These birds have comparable diets but Common Teals are migratory and moorhens are residents of Shadegan wetlands.     

Organochlorine Pesticides in Green Mussel, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Perna viridis,</Emphasis> from the Cienfuegos Bay,Cuba

The green mussel, Perna viridis, was used to measure bioaccumulated levels of organochlorine pesticides in the marine environment of Cuba. Samples were collected in the Cienfuegos Bay between January and December 2010. The organochlorine pesticides (i.e. DDT, Dieldrin, Chlordane, Endosulfan, HCB, Aldrin, Heptachlor and Lindane) were quantified by gas chromatography. The sum of all organochlorine pesticides in P. viridis was 6.31 ng g⁻¹. The concentration ranged from 3.53 to 4.42 ng g⁻¹ dry weight (dw) for DDTs (i.e. sum of pp’ DDT, pp’ DDD, op’ DDE and pp’ DDE); 1.7–1.9 ng g⁻¹ dw for Dieldrin; 0.17–0.20 ng g⁻¹ dw for Chlordanes; 0.14–0.16 ng g⁻¹ dw for Endosulfan; 0.11–0.17 ng g⁻¹ dw for HCB; 0.07–0.11 ng g⁻¹ dw for Aldrin; 0.046–0.054 ng g⁻¹ dw for Heptachlor and 0.035–0.039 ng g⁻¹ dw for Lindane. These levels can be considered as low when compared to reported values from similar studies conducted elsewhere in the world. The concentrations of all organochlorines residues detected in this study fell below the EU Maximum Residue Limits.     

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.     

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.     

Occurrence of Antifouling Biocides in Sediment and Green Mussels from Thailand

Various antifouling biocides were surveyed in sediment and green mussels (Perna viridis) from the coastal area of Thailand. The concentrations of butyltin (MBT), dibutyltin (DBT), and tiributyltin (TBT) in sediment from Thailand were in the range of 1–293 μg kg⁻¹ dry wt., 1–368 μg kg⁻¹ dry wt., and 2–1246 μg kg⁻¹ dry wt., respectively. A higher concentration of TBT was observed in industrial areas, where many tankers and cargo ships sail and moor. Phenyltin (PT) compounds were not detected in most of the sampling sites. The concentrations of MBT, DBT, and TBT in green mussels from Thailand were in the range of 8–20 μg kg⁻¹ wet wt., 4–9 μg kg⁻¹ wet wt., and 4–45 μg kg⁻¹ wet wt., respectively. The concentration of TBT was high in an area where aquaculture practice is common. The detection frequencies of TPT were low. Representative booster biocides were surveyed in sediment. The detection frequencies of Sea Nine 211 were low (2/13). Furthermore, Sea Nine 211 concentrations in the detected samples were at values near the detection limit (0.051–0.094 μg kg⁻¹ dry wt.). Diuron was detected at the highest level among the booster biocides in the range of 0.07–25 μg kg⁻¹ dry wt. Irgarol 1051 was detected in the range of 0.03–3.2 μg kg⁻¹ dry wt., and concentrations of the degradation product’s M1 were 0.03–4.9 μg kg⁻¹ dry wt. Diuron and Irgarol 1051 showed higher concentrations in industrial areas and fishery sites, respectively. Diuron was only detected among green mussels in the range of <0.64–9.6 μg kg⁻¹ wet wt. The lower ratio of Diuron and Irgarol 1051 for TBT concentration suggests that TBT is still being used in Thailand.     

Dissolved Heavy Metal (Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni) Concentrations in Surface Water and Porewater from Bahía Blanca Estuary Tidal Flats

The concentrations of dissolved cadmium, lead, chromium and níquel were determined in surface water column and pore water, collected from the extensive tidal plain at Bahía Blanca estuary, Argentina. Three different polluted areas were selected to study the spatial variation of these metals. The concentration ranges within the water column were slightly variable (Cd: 0.18–2.48 μg L⁻¹; Pb: 0.38–7.53μg L⁻¹; Cr: 0.89–5.83 μg L⁻¹; Ni: 0.81–3.49 μg L⁻¹), and displayed a clear gradient respect to the industrial area. Significant differences (contrast tests) between sites were detected for Cd, Pb and Ni. Very similar concentrations of Cd (0.18–3.41 μg L⁻¹), Pb (0.38–5.83 μg L⁻¹), Cr (0.89–9.37 μg L⁻¹), Ni (0.81–6.56 μg L⁻¹) were found in the porewater at all sites. The results suggested that both environmental compartments (water column and tidal flats porewater) may be affected by similar point and non-point heavy metal sources.     

Accumulation of Microcystins in Nile Tilapia, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oreochromis niloticus</Emphasis> L., and Effects of a Complex Cyanobacterial Bloom on the Dietetic Quality of Muscles

The aim of this study was to investigate the kinetics of accumulation and elimination of microcystins in the tissues of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and to evaluate the effect of cyanobacterial exposure on fish muscle quality (levels of total fat and ash, protein, dry matter and the composition of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids). Fish were exposed for 28 days to a natural cyanobacterial bloom with total microcystin concentration around 1,200 μg g⁻¹ biomass dry weight. The hepatopancreas accumulated microcystins up to 350 ng g⁻¹ fresh weight, but concentrations in muscle were generally below the detection limit (2 ng g⁻¹ fresh weight). Following the exposure, fish were moved to the clean water, but only minor microcystin removal from the hepatopancreas was observed during a 4 week depuration period. Exposures of tilapia to the complex cyanobacterial bloom had only minor and temporary impacts on the investigated parameters of dietetic quality.     

Mercury in Cultured Oysters (Crassostrea gigas Thunberg, 1793 and C. corteziensis Hertlein, 1951) from Four Coastal Lagoons of the SE Gulf of California, Mexico

In order to determine the mercury concentrations in cultured oysters from coastal lagoons (SE Gulf of California), several individuals of Crassostrea gigas and C. corteziensis were collected and their mercury levels were measured with a cold vapor analyzer. The mean concentrations during the rainy and dry seasons, respectively, were 0.70 and 0.15 μg g⁻¹ in C. gigas and 0.56 and 0.18 μg g⁻¹ in C. corteziensis. During the rainy season, elevated mercury contents are apparently related to terrigen transport from the watershed, while during the dry season, the moderate levels are related to upwellings.