Seasonal investigation of trace element contents in commercially valuable fish species from the Black sea,Turkey

Fish species (Sarda sarda, Mulus barbatus ponticus, Trachurus trachurus and Merlangius merlangus) were collected from the Black sea, Turkey between 2008 and 2009 (spring, summer, autumn and winter). The samples were analyzed using flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after microwave digestion. The maximum metal concentrations were found to be as 25.5–41.4 μg/g (Fe), 17.8–25.7 μg/g (Zn), 0.28–0.64 μg/g (Pb), 0.64–0.99 μg/g (Cr), 1.3–3.6 μg/g (Mn), 1.4–1.9 μg/g (Cu), 0.18–0.35 μg/g (Cd) and 0.25–0.42 μg/g (Co) for fish species. The concentration of trace metals in samples is depended on fish species. Some species is accumulated trace metals at high ratio. Trace element levels in analyzed fish species were acceptable to human consumption at nutritional and toxic levels. The levels of lead and cadmium in fish samples were higher than the recommended legal limits.     

Arsenic and mercury in commercially valuable fish species from the Persian Gulf: Influence of season and habitat

This study was undertaken to determine the concentrations of arsenic and mercury in edible muscle of pelagic (Scomberomorus commerson, Chirocentrus dorab, Sphyraena jello, Rachycentron conadum, Thunus tonggol), benthopelagic (Trichiurus lepturus, Caranx sem, Pampus argenteus, Parastromateus niger) and demersal (Nemipterus japonicas, Epinephelus coioides, Platycephalus indicus, Psettodes erumei, Pomadasys argenteus, Acanthopagrus latus) fish species from the Persian Gulf during summer and winter. The samples were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) for arsenic and cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS) for mercury after wet-ashing digestion. The results were expressed as μg/g of wet weight. The resulted range of contamination in fish species was between 0.156–0.834 μg/g for arsenic; and 0.120–0.527 μg/g for mercury. Also study revealed that seasonal variation influenced the concentration of the metals in the fish samples. The highest concentration of arsenic and mercury was found in Epinephelus coioides (1.011 μg/g) and Thunus tonggol (0.548 μg/g) in winter, respectively. Moreover, demersal fish species had the highest arsenic (0.481 μg/g) and mercury (0.312 μg/g) concentrations. Our study demonstrates that estimated daily and weekly intakes of arsenic and mercury via consumption of fish flesh were far below the PTDI and PTWI values established by FAO/WHO.     

Determination of trace metals in canned anchovies and canned rainbow trouts

Trace metal (Fe, Zn, Cu, Cd, Sn, Hg and Pb) concentrations of canned anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus Linnaeus, 1758) and canned rainbow trouts (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, 1792), commercialized in Turkey, were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The average contents of trace metals in canned anchovies and canned rainbow trouts were found as 50.708 and 6.980 mg/kg for iron, 22.467 and 11.605 mg/kg for zinc, 1.145 and 0.541 mg/kg for copper, 0.019 and 0.001 mg/kg for cadmium, 0.140 and 0.023 mg/kg for tin, 0.041 and 0.026 mg/kg for mercury, and 0.188 and 0.167 mg/kg for lead, respectively. Although these products pose no risk with respect to the concentrations of zinc, copper, cadmium, tin and mercury, some of the samples had higher contents of lead and iron than the permissible limits. Comprehensive and periodic controls of trace metals in canned fish are needed to assess the safety of these products with respect to human health.     

Heavy metal (Pb,Cu, Zn,and Cd) concentrations in the water and muscle of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fish and associated non-carcinogenic risk assessment: Alagol wetland in the Golestan,Iran

Short- and long-term exposure to heavy metals can be dangerous for human health. One of the main routes of exposure to heavy metals is intake of seafood such as fish. In this study, lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) concentration in the water and muscle of C. Carpio fish was measured and non-carcinogenic risk of these heavy metals was estimated. The mean (range) concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd were 7.92?±?7.99 (1.22–39.43?mg/kg), 120.90?±?106.25 (1.15–477?mg/kg), 5.84?±?5.22 (ND-21.86?mg/kg), and 0.027?±?0.043 (ND-0.14). Except Cd, the concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Pb were significantly more than Food and Agricultural Organization United Nations (FAOUN) maximum guidelines (p??Cu?>?Pb?>?Cd in the water and muscle tissue of C. carpio fish. Lowest and highest target hazard quotient (THQ) for adults was related to Cd (0.005) and Pb (0.252) and for children, Cd (0.003) and Pb (0.168), respectively. The rank order of THQ for adults and children are Pb?>?Zn?>?Cu?>?Cd. Since THQ and hazard index (HI) for both adults and children were significantly lower than 1 (p?C. Carpio fish consumption.     

Therapeutic efficacy of Picroliv in chronic cadmium toxicity

Cadmium (Cd), an industrial and environmental pollutant, is toxic to several tissues, most notably causing hepatotoxicity on acute administration and nephrotoxicity following chronic exposure. The therapeutic efficacy of Picroliv – a standardized fraction of Picrorhiza kurroa, was investigated in male rats treated with Cd as CdCl₂ (0.5 mg/kg, sc) 5 days/week for 24 weeks and Picroliv at two doses (6 and 12 mg/kg, p.o.) was given during the last 4 weeks.     

Anti-oxidative effect of Rhodiola imbricata root extract in rats during cold,hypoxia and restraint (C–H–R) exposure and post-stress recovery

Anti-oxidative potential of Rhodiola imbricata root aqueous extract was examined in rats, administered orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg both in single and multiple doses, 30 min prior to cold (5 °C)–hypoxia (428 mmHg)–restraint (C–H–R) exposure. Lipid per-oxidation, anti-oxidant parameters and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), were studied in blood, liver and muscle of rats on attaining T_rec23 °C during C–H–R exposure and after recovery (T_rec37 °C) from C–H–R induced hypothermia. The results of untreated control rats on attaining T_rec23 °C showed a significant increase in blood, liver and muscle malondialdehyde (MDA) and LDH levels. Hepatic catalase (CAT) and muscle glutathione S-transferase (GST) also increased significantly. Administration of single dose of Rhodiola imbricata root aqueous extract significantly restricted rise in blood MDA, increased blood reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity with restricted rise in blood, liver and muscle LDH; improved liver and muscle SOD on attaining T_rec23 °C and T_rec37 °C; liver CAT on attaining T_rec23 °C and liver GST during recovery. Multiple doses treatment of the extract further increased blood, liver and muscle GSH and GST levels; restricted increase in LDH on attaining T_rec23 °C and recovery; increased CAT during recovery. Results suggested the anti-oxidant potential of Rhodiola root extract during C–H–R exposure and post-stress recovery and it also maintained cell membrane permeability.     

Assessment of PCBs,heavy metals (Cd,Co, Ni,Pb), mercury and methyl mercury content in four fish commonly consumed in Iran

Coastal waters act as nurseries for various fish species and have been recognized as essential fish habitat. In this study, concentrations of PCB 16, PCB 44, heavy metals Cd, Co, Ni, Pb, mercury (Hg) and methyl Mercury (MMHg) were determined in commercially valuable fish from Khuzestan Shore, northwest of the Persian Gulf. It was also our intention to evaluate potential risks to human health associated with seafood consumption. The results indicated that the concentration of heavy metals in the fish were different among the tissue and species. Generally, liver and skin showed higher metal concentrations than muscle. The results confirmed that the concentration of heavy metal in fish strongly affected by habitat and feeding habitats. The results of this study showed heavy metals concentrations in different food habitats increase in the following order benthic omnivorous fish<zooplanktivores fish<phytoplanktivores fish<piscivores fish. Also, the comparison indicated that benthic species (E. orientalis, O. ruber) were more contaminated than pelagic species (L. abu and P. erumei). The fish species studied had mean concentration lower than all standards, expect Ni and Cd in E. orientalis and Pb in O. ruber. Therefore, the concentration of pollutants in edible part of fish species did not exceed the permissible limits proposed by FAO (1983), WHO (1996), FAD (2001) and are suitable human health.     

Determination of trace metals in different fish species and sediments from the River Yeşilırmak in Tokat,Turkey

In the presented study, five different fish species and sediment samples were collected from polluted areas, control samples from unpolluted areas in Ye?il?rmak River during 2008–2009. The samples were analyzed using flame and/or graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after various digestion methods. The relative standard deviations (RSD) were found below 10%. The accuracy of the methods was confirmed by certified reference materials. The maximum iron, zinc, copper, lead, manganese, nickel and cadmium concentrations were found to be as 116 (Fe), 63.5 (Zn), 2.5 (Cu), 0.56 (Pb), 9.4 (Mn), 10.2 (Ni) and 0.75 (Cd) μg/g in fish samples. The maximum metal concentration in sediment was 3566 μg/g for Fe, 463 μg/g for Mn, 45.5 μg/g for Zn, 38.7 μg/g for Cu, 17.3 μg/g for Pb, 79.2 μg/g for Ni and 0.55 μg/g for Cd, respectively. Some species is accumulated trace metals at high ratio.     

Phenolic acids determination by HPLC–DAD–ESI/MS in sixteen different Portuguese wild mushrooms species

Analysis of phenolic compounds in sixteen Portuguese wild mushrooms species has been carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array detector and mass spectrometer (HPLC–DAD–ESI/MS). No flavonoids were detected in the analysed samples, but diverse phenolic acids namely protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic and p-coumaric acids, and two vanillic acid isomers were found and quantified. A related non-phenolic compound, cinnamic acid, was also detected in some samples, being the only compound found in Cantharellus cibarius (14.97 mg/kg, dry matter), Lycoperdon perlatum (14.36 mg/kg) and Macrolepiota procera (21.53 mg/kg). p-Hydroxybenzoic acid was found in the majority of the samples, being the most abundant compound in Agaricus silvicola (238.7 mg/kg). Ramaria botrytis showed the highest phenolic acids concentration (356.7 mg/kg) due to the significant contribution of protocatechuic acid (342.7 mg/kg).     

Detoxification/toxification of cadmium in scorpionfish (Scorpaena guttata): Acute exposure

Scorpionfish were exposed to sea water (control), sea water dosed with 25 mg Cd/l (0.4 96-h LC₅₀), and 50 mg Cd/l (0.8 96-h LC₅₀) as CdCl₂ for 96 h. These fish were then analyzed to determine the effects of near-lethal Cd exposure on mechanisms of detoxification by metallothionein and the potential for toxification of enzymes in several tissues. In scorpionfish exposed to 50 mg Cd/l, the highest concentrations of metallothionein pool Cd occurred in liver ($\text{532 ± 68 μ}\text{mol/wet}\text{kg; mean}\text{±}\text{sd}\text{; n=3}$) followed by intestine (151 ± 55 μmol/wet kg), gills (27.1 ± 9.6 μmol/wet kg) and then kidney (26.8 ± 6.1 μmol/wet kg). In these same fish, the highest concentrations of enzyme pool Cd occurred in kidney (65 ± 41 μmol/wet kg), followed by gills (33.4 ± 2.2 μmol/wet kg), intestine (21 ± 12 μmol/wet kg) and then liver (3.9 ± 1.6 μmol/wet kg). Based upon this partitioning of Cd, the order of sensitivity of tissues, at near-lethal Cd concentrations, would appear to be kidney > gills > intestine > liver.     

Tissue-specific accumulation of cadmium and its effects on antioxidative responses in Japanese flounder juveniles

This study investigated the accumulation of cadmium (0-8 mg Cd L⁻¹) and its toxicological effects on oxidative stress biomarkers in different tissues of Japanese flounder juveniles. Following Cd exposure for 28 d, accumulation of Cd in fish was dose-dependent and tissue-specific, with the greatest accumulation in the liver, followed by the kidney, gill, and muscle. Although the gill and liver mounted active antioxidant responses at ≥4 mg L⁻¹ Cd including a decrease in glutathione level and GST and GPx activities, the antioxidant response failed to prevent lipid peroxidation induction in these organs. In the kidney, increased GPx and GST activities and decreased SOD activity were observed in fish exposed to high Cd concentrations, but LPO levels did not significantly differ among the exposure concentrations. The gill was most sensitive to oxidative damage, followed by the liver; the kidney was the least affected tissue.     

Health risk estimation of metals bioaccumulated in commercial fish from coastal areas and rivers in Bangladesh

Metal contaminations in commercial fish have become a great public health concern worldwide including Bangladesh. The current study was conducted to provide preliminary evidence of nine metals in three commercially significant fish namely Pampus argenteus, Sardinella longiceps and Tenualosa ilisha collected from four coastal stations- Kuakata, Pathorghata, Cox's Bazar, and Pirojpur, and eight stations of five rivers- Padma, Meghna, Jamuna, Katcha, and Nobogonga in Bangladesh. High magnitudes of Pb (0.74–4.59 mg/kg ww), Cd (0.07−0.24 mg/kg ww), and Mn (0.45–2.03 mg/kg ww) were recorded in the sampling stations that exceeded the maximum permissible limits (MPL) proposed by different recognized organizations. Significant mean differences of metal concentrations were observed (p < 0.05) between species and stations. In fish samples, excessive metals accumulations were recorded from Kuakata (St.1) at the coastal area, and Nobogonga (St. 12) among the rivers. The health risk assessment (HRA) was carried out comprehensively via the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and target cancer risk (TR) calculations. The outcomes of EDI, THQ, and HI suggest that chronic exposure to towering Pb content might pose potential health threats to inhabitants particularly living in highly polluted stations of the coastal area. In addition, the massive TR values of Cd intake through fish consumption from the coastal area might create cancer risks.Accordingly, the ingestion of metals contaminated fish portends chronic as well as acute health risks to Bangladeshi people living both at home and abroad.     

Remediation of cadmium contaminated irrigation and drinking water: A large scale approach

Cadmium is one of the most troublesome toxic heavy metals. It accumulates in the water reservoirs and agricultural soil as a result of intensive use of Cd contaminated phosphate fertilizers, e.g. in agriculture in the North Central Province (NCP) of Sri Lanka. The hyper-accumulator Thlaspi caerulescens, accumulates up to 1000 ppm Cd in shoots without exhibiting toxicity symptoms. The storage rhizomes of year old Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) natural vegetation in water reservoirs in NCP accumulated 253 ± 12 mg Cd/kg. Seedlings of lotus grown in 5% Hoagland's solution at 0.75, 1.0 and 1.25 ppm cadmium sulphate showed a significant increase in Cd removal of 0.0334–0.121 ppm/week. However the removal rate of Cd from water failed to increase any further at higher concentrations of Cd in water. The slow growth rate and low rate of phytoextraction demands a more effective but an affordable method of remediation in order to combat the prevailing elevated cadmium levels in NCP that causes chronic renal failure (CRF). We have developed a large scale filtering device using rice husk. We have achieved successful results in sequestering Cd using raw rice husk as well as amorphous silica derived from rice husk.     

Total mercury determination in different tissues of broiler chicken by using cloud point extraction and cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry

A cloud point extraction (CPE) method has been developed for the determination of total mercury (Hg) in different tissues of broiler chicken by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS). The broiler chicken tissues (leg, breast, liver and heart) were subjected to microwave assisted digestion in a mixture of nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide (2:1 ratio), prior to preconcentration by CPE. Various parameters such as the amount of ammonium O,O-diethyldithiophosphate (DDTP), concentrations of Triton X-114, equilibrium temperature, time and centrifugation have been studied in order to find the best conditions for the determination of mercury. For validation of proposed method a certified reference material, DORM-2 was used. No significant difference p > 0.05 was observed between the experimental results and the certified values of CRM (paired t-test). The limit of detection and quantitation obtained under the optimal conditions were 0.117 and 0.382 μg/kg, respectively. The accumulation of Hg in different tissues were found in the order of, liver > muscles > heart. The concentration of Hg in chicken tissues were found in the range of 1.57–2.75, 1.40–2.27, 1.55–4.22, and 1.39–2.61 μg/kg in leg, breast, liver and heart, respectively.     

Comparative analysis on the effect of Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato) in reducing cadmium,mercury and lead accumulation in liver

Scope

L. esculentum (tomato) contain compounds with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, able to synthesize metal chelating proteins. We examined the ability of fruit extract to protect against mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) accumulation in the liver.

Methods and results

Rats were fed on tomato mixed with rat chow (10% w/w), while Hg (10 ppm), Cd (200 ppm) and Pb (100 ppm) was given in drinking water. Tomato was administered together with the metals (group 2), a week after exposure (group 3) or a week before metal exposure (group 4) for a period of six weeks. The metal accumulations in the liver were determined using AAS. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in protection by tomato to Cd and Hg accumulation but not to Pb (P < 0.05) in weeks 2 and 4 for groups 2 and 3. The protective ability was significantly (P < 0.05) increased for Pb in group 4, but was less comparable to Cd and Hg.

Conclusion

Tomato reduces uptake while enhancing the elimination of these metals in a time dependent manner. The highest hepatoprotective effect was to Cd followed by Hg and least to Pb. Its administration is beneficial in reducing heavy metal accumulation in the liver.     

Source and impact of lead contamination on δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity in several marine bivalve species along the Gulf of Cadiz

Coastal areas and estuaries are particularly sensitive to metal contamination from anthropogenic sources and in the last few decades the study of space-time distribution and variation of metals has been extensively researched. The Gulf of Cadiz is no exception, with several rivers draining one of the largest concentrations of sulphide deposits in the world, the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB). Of these rivers, the Guadiana, one of the most important in the Iberian Peninsula, together with smaller rivers like the Tinto and Odiel, delivers a very high metal load to the adjacent coastal areas.The purpose of this work was to study the source and impact of lead (Pb) drained from historical or active mining areas in the IPB on the activity of a Pb inhibited enzyme (δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, ALAD) in several bivalve species along the Gulf of Cadiz.Seven marine species (Chamelea gallina, Mactra corallina, Donax trunculus, Cerastoderma edule, Mytilus galloprovincialis, Scrobicularia plana and Crassostrea angulata) were collected at 12 sites from Mazagón, near the mouth of the rivers Tinto and Odiel (Spain), to Cacela Velha (Ria Formosa lagoon system, Portugal). Lead concentrations, ALAD activity and lead isotope ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) were determined in the whole soft tissues.The highest Pb concentrations were determined in S. plana (3.50 ± 1.09 μg g⁻¹ Pb d.w.) and D. trunculus (1.95 ± 0.10 μg g⁻¹ Pb d.w.), while M. galloprovincialis and C. angulata showed the lowest Pb levels (<0.38 μg g⁻¹ Pb d.w.). In general, ALAD activity is negatively correlated with total Pb concentration. However this relationship is species dependent (e.g. linear for C. gallina ALAD = −0.36[Pb] + 0.79; r = 0.837; or exponential for M. galloprovincialis ALAD = 2.48e^−8.3[Pb]; r = 0.911). This indicates that ALAD activity has considerable potential as a biomarker of Pb and moreover, in marine bivalve species with different feeding habits. Lead isotope data showed significant seasonal and spatial changes in bivalve isotopic composition reflecting seasonal and geographic differences in bioaccumulation. Within the study area, Pb can be modelled as a mixing between geogenic Pb and mine-related, discharges of Pb from the IPB. For some sites at the mouth of the Guadiana River, the bivalves show contamination from other anthropogenic sources, such as leaded boat/aviation fuel and/or leaded paint. Finally, the study demonstrates convincingly the need to consider species-specific variation when using bivalve ALAD activity as a biomarker for Pb.     

Determination of total mercury in chicken feed,its translocation to different tissues of chicken and their manure using cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometer

In this study, the contents of total mercury (Hg) present in poultry feed, tissues of broiler chicken and manure were assessed. For this purpose, chicken feeds (five brands), different tissues of broiler chicken of two age groups (1–3 and 4–6 week) and manure samples were collected from five commercial poultry farms of Hyderabad, Pakistan. The Hg concentrations in feeds, chicken tissues (leg, muscle, liver and heart) and manure samples were determined by CVAAS, prior to microwave assisted acid digestion in closed vessels. For validation, a certified reference material, DORM-2 was used. The limit of detection and quantitation were 0.117 and 0.382 μg/kg, respectively The Hg concentration in different chicken feed were found in the range of 8.57–16.5 μg/kg. The concentration of Hg in chicken tissues were found in the range of 2.54–5.54 μg/kg (liver), 1.27–3.86 μg/kg (muscles) and 2.13–3.27 μg/kg (heart). The bioaccumulation factors (BAF) for Hg in different tissues were found in the range of 0.092–0.269. The obtained data shows the high correlation coefficient between feed and manure, while low r-values were obtained between Hg levels in feed and tissues of broiler chicken of two age groups.     

Analysis of dioxins,furans and DL-PCBs in food and feed samples from Lithuania and estimation of human intake

The methods, validated for determination of dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans and dioxin like-polychlorinated biphenyls were applied for investigation of food and feed matrixes. Validation criteria on repeatability and reproducibility conditions comply with the requirements of European Commission. Validated methods were successfully applied for determination of PCDD/F and DL-PCB in fish, meat and feed using HRGC–HRMS. Statistical data was evaluated. One focal point of this work was to determine a fit for dioxins, furans and DL-PCBs of fatty fish for human consumption from the Baltic Sea ICES 26. Daily intake was found to be in the range of 2–4 TEQ pg/kg body weight and it is in the range of recommended TDI of 1–4 TEQ pg/kg body weight. The range of Baltic cod liver was 2–4 pg TEQ kg bw⁻¹ d⁻¹ WHO-TEQ₍₁₉₉₈₎ PCDD/F, PCB and its consumption was forbidden in Lithuania in 2011. Baltic fish represents 97.9% of human daily intake. Other matrixes like meat, eggs and feed did not exceed the maximum limit set by EU during the period of 2005–2011.     

Trace element residues in eggshells of grey heron (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ardea cinerea</Emphasis>) and black-crowned night heron (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Nycticorax nycticorax</Emphasis>) from Nallihan Bird Paradise,Ankara-Turkey

Concentrations of four trace elements (Cd, Ni, Cu and Pb) were determined in eggshells of grey heron (Ardea cinerea) and black-crowned night herons (Nycticorax nycticorax) from Nallihan Bird Paradise, which is located in the northern part of Sariyar Dam Reservoir, Turkey. Results indicated that, within the same area, these ardeid species differed in the levels of Cd, Cu and Pb in their eggshells (generally grey heron > night heron), possibly because females may have foraged in different habitats and regions. Geometric means found for Cd, Ni, Cu and Pb in eggshells were 0.931 mg/kg, 0.405 mg/kg, 6.755 mg/kg and 4.567 mg/kg, respectively, for grey heron; and 0.230 mg/kg, 0.220 mg/kg, 1.369 mg/kg and 1.108 mg/kg, respectively, for night heron. High bioaccumulation from sediments to eggshells occured for Cu and Pb, while Cd and Ni exhibited low accumulation. Bioaccumulation ratios were calculated as 19.63 (Cu) and 22.9 (Pb) in eggshells of grey herons. In conclusion, eggshells of grey herons appeared to be good bioindicators for monitoring of Cu and Pb in Nallihan Bird Paradise.