Total Mercury,Methylmercury, Inorganic Arsenic and Other Elements in Meat from Minke Whale (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Balaenoptera acutorostrata</Emphasis>) from the North East Atlantic Ocean

Meat samples of 84 minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) mainly from the Barents Sea, collected between 1 May and 16 August 2011, were analyzed for total mercury, methylmercury, cadmium, lead, total arsenic, inorganic arsenic and selenium. The average total mercury concentration found was 0.15?±?0.09 mg/kg, with a range from 0.05 to 0.49 mg/kg. The molar ratio of selenium to mercury varied between 1.0 and 10.3. Cadmium content ranged from 0.002 to 0.036 mg/kg, while the content of lead in whale meat ranged from <0.01 to 0.09 mg/kg. None of the whale samples exceeded established EU maximum levels for metals in fish muscle, but 4.8% and 6.8% of the samples exceeded Japanese maximum levels for total mercury and methylmercury, respectively, in whale meat. There was only minor variations in element concentrations between whales from different geographical areas, and cadmium was the only element were the concentration increased with increasing length.     

莱菔硫烷对汞致大鼠肾急性损伤的保护作用

目的 探讨莱菔硫烷(sulforaphane,SFN)对莱菔硫烷(sulforaphane,SFN)所致大鼠急性肾损伤的保护作用。 方法 清洁级Wistar大鼠30只按体重随机分5组,每组6只,分别为对照组,低、中、高剂量染汞组, SFN干预组。对照组及各染汞组皮下注射生理盐水,SFN干预组皮下注射2 mg/kg SFN;2 h后,对照组腹腔注射生理盐水,其他四组腹腔注射2.2、4.4、8.8、8.8 μmol/kg HgCl₂,连续3 d,染毒容量均为5 ml/kg。于最后一次染毒结束后,测定尿液中Hg及尿蛋白含量,碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)和β-N-乙酰氨基葡萄糖苷酶(NAG)活力;腹主动脉采血测定血清尿素氮(BUN)含量;测定肾皮质中Hg含量和谷胱甘肽(GSH)、丙二醛(MDA)水平及超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活力。分析各组各项指标差异。 结果 与对照组比较,各剂量染汞组大鼠尿Hg、肾皮质Hg含量,尿蛋白和血清BUN 含量,尿NAG、LDH 和ALP 活力,肾皮质中GSH 和MDA含量显著升高(P<0.05或P<0.01);肾皮质SOD 和GSH-Px 活力显著降低(P<0.05或P<0.01)。与8.8 μmol/kg HgCl₂组比较,SFN 干预组尿蛋白和血清BUN 含量、尿NAG、LDH 和ALP活力、肾皮质GSH 、MDA含量均显著下降(P<0.05或P<0.01);肾皮质SOD 和GSH-Px 活力显著升高(P<0.01),而尿汞、肾皮质汞含量间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。 结论 莱菔硫烷对汞所致大鼠急性肾毒性有一定的保护作用。     

Total and Methyl Mercury Concentrations in Antarctic Toothfish (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Dissostichus mawsoni</Emphasis>): Health Risk Assessment

The concentrations of total mercury (THg) in different organs of the Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) collected from CCAMLR research blocks in Subarea 88.3 and Division 58.4.1 off the coast of Antarctica were determined. The results revealed THg concentrations of 0.165?±?0.095 mg/kg (0.023–0.454 mg/kg, wet weight) in the Antarctic toothfish. In muscle, methyl mercury (MeHg) accounted for approximately 40% of the THg. In a comparison analysis, muscle and liver tended to bioaccumulate the highest levels of THg, and both THg and MeHg contents showed correlations with fish length and weight. Compared with international guidelines, fish contained 2.5–6.4% and 4.0–10.3% of the provisional tolerable weekly intake for THg recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives and the tolerable weekly intake for MeHg proposed by the European Food Safety Authority, respectively. These results suggest that consumption of the Antarctic toothfish presents no health risk to humans.     

Mercury in fur of Daubenton’s bat (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Myotis daubentonii</Emphasis>) in Southern Sweden and Comparison to Ecotoxicological Thresholds

To characterise mercury (Hg) exposure in Daubenton’s bat (Myotis daubentonii, Kuhl 1817) in southern Sweden, 17 specimens were captured in 2013 and back fur samples were taken for analysis to determine Hg concentrations. The fur Hg levels determined [1.15?±?0.27 (mean?±?standard deviation, n?=?17) µg Hg g^?1 fresh weight (fw)] represent a baseline for comparison in future assessments of Hg exposure in bat populations in northern Europe. Mercury concentrations were close to those reported in fur from other bat species, but were lower than proposed toxicological thresholds in bats (>?30 µg Hg g^?1 fw) and mice (5 µg Hg g^?1 fw). This is the first study to examine Hg exposure in bats in Scandinavia.     

Effects of Pistacia atlantica on Oxidative Stress Markers and Antioxidant Enzymes Expression in Diabetic Rats

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects many patients all over the world. It involves different parts of the body, such as brain, eyes, kidneys, vessels, and so on. The lack of balance between free radicals and antioxidants is a possible mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Antioxidant treatment, especially natural forms, can be a beneficial solution. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of Pistacia atlantica oleoresin (PAO) on oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzymes expression in diabetic rats.

Method: Fifty adult male Wistar rats were allotted randomly into five groups as follow: control group, diabetic control group, glibenclamide control group, diabetic glibenclamide group, diabetic treated group with 200?mg/kg PAO. Then PAO was prepared and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). LD50 was also estimated for essential oil. Oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme including malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also measured. The expression of GPx, CAT, and SOD genes was investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: The main constituents of essential oil gum were beta-pinene (29.38%), followed by alpha-pinene (18.15%), myrcene (7.36%), trans-pinocarveol (7.15%), and camphene (4.12%). Diabetes induced an increased level of MDA (69.92?±?3.92 vs. 43.76?±?3.73) and decreased levels of GSH (2.57?±?0.40 vs. 7.05?±?1.59), GPx (11.66?±?2.2 vs. 16.38?±?2.1), CAT (12.17?±?3.38 vs. 18.7?±?2.66), and SOD (0.78?±?0.67 vs. 2.41?±?0.46). In contrast, PAO treatment significantly decreased MDA (54.59?±?12.54 vs. 69.92?±?3.92) and increased GSH (4.5?±?0.89 vs. 2.57?±?0.40), GPx (25.86?±?5.37 vs. 11.66?±?2.2), CAT (22.69?±?0.36 vs. 12.17?±?3.38), and SOD (3.65?±?1.08 vs. 0.78?±?0.67) (p?<?0.05). Moreover, our results indicated that both GPx and CAT mRNA levels significantly increased approximately 4.46 and 6.23 times in rats fed with 200?mg/kg of PAO, more than that of the healthy control group, respectively (p?<?0.01 and p?<?0.001, respectively). Also, the average expression level of SOD was also significantly 1.57 higher in rats fed with 200?mg/kg of PAO in comparison to the diabetic control group (p?<?0.05).

Conclusion: The results indicated that PAO could be propose as an agent that protects the body against diseases that are associated with oxidative stress.     

Identifying occupational and nonoccupational exposure to mercury in dental personnel

The objective of this study was to investigate the occupational and nonoccupational exposure to mercury (Hg) vapor in dental personnel by examining the relationships between blood mercury, urine mercury, and their ratio with air mercury. The method was performed on 50 occupational exposed and 50 unexposed controls (25 men and 25 women). The mercury concentrations in air and human biological samples were determined based on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) method and standard method (SM) by a new mode of liquid-phase microextraction, respectively. The mean mercury concentrations in urine (μg Hg⁰/g creatinine) and blood were significantly higher than control group, respectively (19.41 ± 5.18 vs 2.15 ± 0.07 μg/g and 16.40 ± 4.97 vs 2.50 ± 0.02 μg/L) (p <.001). The relationships between mercury concentration in blood/urine ratio (r = .380) with dental office air are new indicators for assessing occupational exposure in dental personnel.     

Total Mercury in Squalid Callista <Emphasis Type="Italic">Megapitaria squalida</Emphasis> from the SW Gulf of California,Mexico: Tissue Distribution and Human Health Risk

We evaluated the total Hg concentration in different tissues of squalid callista Megapitaria squalida in order to measure Hg distribution in tissue and to estimate human health risk. Samples were obtained by free diving in the SW Gulf of California, Mexico. Concentrations are given on a wet weight basis. A total of 89 squalid callista specimens were obtained, presenting an average Hg concentration of 0.07?±?0.04 µg g^?1. There were no significant differences (p?>?0.05) in Hg concentration between tissues (visceral mass?=?0.09?±?0.08 µg g^?1; mantle?=?0.06?±?0.07 µg g^?1; muscle?=?0.06?±?0.04 µg g^?1). The low Hg values found in squalid callista and its low risk quotient (HQ?=?0.03) suggest that the consumption of squalid callista does not represent a human health risk. However, HQ calculated using MeHg was >?1, it which could indicate a potential risk related to consumption of clams.     

Effects of 12-week supplementation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Citrus bergamia</Emphasis> extracts-based formulation CitriCholess on cholesterol and body weight in older adults with dyslipidemia: a randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial

Backgrounds

Recent experiments suggest that Citrus bergamia extracts could benefit people with dyslipidemia and obesity but this needs to be further validated.

Methods

A total of 98 people age-matched older adults (65 years) with elevated blood lipids were enrolled to receive 12-week supplementation of a Citrus bergamia extracts-based formulation (CitriCholess)(n?=?48) and placebo (n?=?50).

Results

No group differences were found in baseline bodyweight, body mass index (BMI), blood cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and glucose levels. CitriCholess supplementation resulted in lower levels than placebo in TG (1.83?±?0.92 vs. 1.95?±?1.34 mmol/L, P?=?0.612), TC (5.14?±?0.98 vs. 5.44?±?0.77 mmol/L, P?=?0.097), and LDL-C (3.13?±?0.74 vs. 3.43?±?0.62 mmol/L, P?=?0.032). Compared to placebo, CitriCholess also resulted in greater reductions in body weight (?0.604?±?0.939 vs. 0.06?±?0.74 kg, P?<?0.01), waist circumferences (?0.60?±?1.349 cm vs. -0.16?±?1.503 cm, P?<?0.01) and BMI (?0.207?±?0.357 vs. 0.025?±?0.274, P?<?0.01). Additionally, females had a significantly higher level of HDL-C than males. TC was significantly correlated with LDL-C, and to a less degree, with TG. TG was inversely correlated with HDL-C. Body weight and waist circumference were negatively correlated with HDL-C and positively correlated with glucose.

Conclusion

12-week supplementation of CitriCholess could benefit lipid metabolism and weight management in old adults with dyslipidemia.

     

An assessment of particulate mercury and arsenic concentrations in size-fractioned total suspended particulate matter in urban areas

In this study, arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) concentrations were determined in total suspended particulate matter (TSP) fractioned at nine different sizes (>8, 8–6.5, 6.5–5.2, 5.2–3.5, 3.5–2.6, 2.6–1.7, 1.7–1, 1–0.43, and <0.43 μm) at five sampling stations (four urban stations and a background station) in Istanbul. A total of 80 TSP samples were collected using an Andersen 8-stage cascade impactor from July 2008 to August 2010. The mean As and Hg concentrations varied between 2.23?±?2.78 and 5.55?±?3.14 ng/m³ and 0.59?±?0.09 and 1.25?±?0.10 ng/m³, respectively. The highest total As concentration was measured at the Avc?lar station, which is located in an industrial area. The lowest concentrations were measured at Kilyos station, which is a rural area of Istanbul. The highest enrichment factor (EF) values (>10) of As were observed within the fine particle size (<1 μm) at all stations. The EF values of As generally decreased with increasing particle size. A significant negative correlation was observed between the size of the particles and the As concentration in the heating period at the Be?ikta? and Rasathane stations, which are located in residential areas. Higher Hg concentrations were found in fine particles (<2.6 μm) at stations near the sea, specifically during non-heating periods.     

Mercury Concentrations in South Atlantic Swordfish, Xiphias gladius, Caught off the Coast of Brazil

This study evaluated the concentrations of mercury in fillets (anterior, middle, and end regions) from the swordfish, Xiphias gladius, and the relationships between mercury concentration and fish weight, as well as the region of collection. Of a total of 697 swordfish analyzed, 11 had mercury concentrations above 1 mg/kg, 421 were between 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg, and 265 were below 0.5 mg/kg. The anterior and posterior regions had greater concentrations of mercury than the middle region, and fish caught off the northern coast of Brazil had a higher concentration than those caught off the southern coast.     

邻苯二甲酸二(2-乙基)己酯青春前期暴露对雌性大鼠性激素水平及卵巢抗氧化系统的影响

目的研究邻苯二甲酸二(2-乙基)己酯(di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate,DEHP)青春前期暴露对雌性大鼠性激素水平及卵巢氧化应激指标的影响。方法将40只健康3周龄SPF级雌性SD大鼠按体重随机分为5组,分别为对照(玉米油)组和0.5、5、50、500 mg/kg DEHP暴露组,每组8只。采用经口灌胃方式进行染毒,染毒容量为1 ml/kg,每天1次,连续染毒4周。测定雌性大鼠血清、睾丸氧化应激[丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、酸性磷酸酶(ACP)、碱性磷酸酶(AKP)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)]指标以及血清、海马性激素[雌二醇、卵泡刺激素(FSH)、黄体生成素(LH)]水平。结果与对照组相比,500 mg/kg DEHP暴露组雌性大鼠卵巢MDA、ACP水平增加,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);而各剂量DEHP暴露组雌性大鼠卵巢SOD、CAT和AKP的水平均未见明显变化。各剂量DEHP暴露组雌性大鼠血清MDA、SOD、CAT、ACP和AKP的水平与对照组相比,差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。与对照组相比,仅0.5 mg/kg DEHP暴露组雌性大鼠海马雌二醇水平及5 mg/kg DEHP暴露组雌性大鼠血清雌二醇水平降低,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。与对照组相比,仅500 mg/kg DEHP暴露组雌性大鼠血清LH水平升高,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);而各剂量DEHP暴露组雌性大鼠血清FSH水平均未见明显变化。结论 DEHP青春前期暴露会导致雌性大鼠卵巢氧化应激损伤,并易引起青春期性激素分泌紊乱。     

Mercury in the Body of the Most Commonly Occurring European Game Duck, the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos L. 1758), From Northwestern Poland

The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of mercury (Hg) in liver (L), kidney (K), breast muscle [BM (musculus pectoralis major)], breast feathers (BF), and stomach contents (SC) of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos L. 1758). Among the edible parts of mallard, the greatest concentrations of Hg were observed in K and L, although they did not exceed 1.5 mg/kg dry weight (dw). Average concentrations in K, L, and BM were 0.27, 0.25, and 0.13 mg/kg dw, respectively. Significant correlations were observed between Hg concentrations in BM and K and in BM and L (r _s = 0.92) as well as between Hg concentrations in these tissues and BF. In addition, we found significant correlations between Hg concentrations in SC and BM (r _s = 0.72) and in L and K (r _s = 0.55). In conclusion, mallard exhibits a measurable response to environmental Hg pollution and meets the requirements of a bioindicator.     

Mercury Contamination of Fish and Shrimp Samples Available in Markets of Mashhad, Iran

Fish and shrimp are common healthy sources of protein to a large percentage of the world’s population. Hence, it is vital to evaluate the content of possible contamination of these marine-foods. Six species of fishes and two species of shrimps were collected from the local markets of Mashhad, Iran. The mercury (Hg) concentration of samples was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry using a mercuric hydride system (MHS 10). High concentration of total Hg was found in Clupeonella cultriventris caspia (0.93 ± 0.14 μg/g) while the lowest level was detected in Penaeus indicus (0.37 ± 0.03 μg/g). Mean Hg levels in fish and shrimp samples were 0.77 ± 0.08 μg/g and 0.51 ± 0.05 μg/g, respectively. Farmed species (except for P. indicus) and all samples from Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea had mean mercury concentrations above 0.5 μg/g, which is the maximum standard level recommended by Joint FAO/WHO/Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). All samples had also mean Hg concentrations that exceeded EPA’s established safety level of 0.3 μg/g. A little more extensive analysis of data showed that weekly intake of mercury for the proportion of the Iranian population consuming Hg contaminated fish and shrimp is not predicted to exceed the respective provisional tolerable weekly intakes recommended by JECFA. However, the Iranian health and environmental authorities should monitor Hg contamination of the fishes and shrimps before marketing.     

Mercury Contamination in Idaho Bald Eagles, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Haliaeetus leucocephalus</Emphasis>

Because mercury contamination is potentially threatening to bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) populations, we collected molted feathers at nests to determine the level of contamination in bald eagles in the state of Idaho, USA. Eagle feathers contained measurable amounts of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), selenium (Se), lead (Pb), as well as mercury (Hg). Cadmium, Cr, Se, and Pb levels averaged 0.17, 4.68, 2.02, and 1.29 mg/kg dry weight, respectively, and were at or below concentrations indicated as causing reproductive failure in bald eagles. Mercury contamination was found to be the highest averaging 18.74 mg/kg dry weight. Although a concentration of only 7.5 mg/kg dry weight Hg in bird feathers can cause reduced productivity and even sterility, all of the eagles we sampled bred successfully and the population of bald eagles continues to grow annually throughout the state.     

Pilot Study of Environmental Monitoring of Konya Region near Abandoned Mercury Mine in Turkey

Abandoned mines are an important global concern and continue to pose potential threats to human health including environmental damage/s. There is not any specific regulation for mining wastes in Turkey and this situation puts the mining wastes into the dangerous category. Therefore, this study focuses on the environmental effects of the abandoned mercury mines. To demonstrate environmental mercury contamination, fish samples were collected from two different regions which were contaminated and uncontaminated region. As a biomarker of environmental exposure the levels of Hg in fish samples were measured by Cold Vapor-Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (CVAAS). In fish samples, the levels of Hg were 0.504 ± 0.475 (mg/kg) (Mean ± SD) in Group 1 and 0.04 ± 0.054 (mg/kg) (Mean ± SD) in Group 2. Our data suggested that although mercury mine was closed long time ago, mining waste is still a problem and continues to contaminate the environment.     

缺锌对大鼠生长发育及脂代谢的影响

本文观察缺锌饲料对雄性ＳＤ幼鼠的生长、血液学多数、血清锌、碱性磷酸酶及血脂的影响。实验分五组：１组为正常对照组（饲料含锌量３２．２μｇ／ｇ）；２组为严重缺锌组（饲料合锌量３．４μｇ／ｇ），两组均自由进食；３组为锌足量组（饲料含锌８４．９μｇ／ｇ）；４组为锌缺乏组（饲料含锌４．４μｇ／ｇ）；５组为锌边缘缺乏组（饲料含锌５．５μｇ／ｇ）。后三组动物均与２组对喂。实验期２６天。结果表明：（１）严重缺锌组体重和食物摄入量显著低于正常对照组，并且出现缺锌症状，最突出的是丧失食欲；（２）严重缺锌组红细胞数、血细胞容积、血红蛋白均明显高于正常对照组，而平均红细胞容积却显著低于正常对照组，但对喂组之间未见有意义的改变；（３）严重缺锌组血清锌：碱性磷酸酶均显著低于正常对照组，而血清锌结合能力却明显高；（４）严重缺锌组血清和脂蛋白中胆固醇、甘油三酯、磷脂浓度均显著低于正常对照组，但对喂组之间差别不明显。     

Somatic and reproductive development in pre-pubertal mice treated with cyclophosphamide and subsequent estrogen replacement

We tested the hypothesis that chemotherapy would prevent the expected pubertal development of uterus, ovaries, and long bones, and that estrogen replacement subsequent to treatment with chemotherapy would restore uterine and bone development to expected sizes. Pre-pubertal female C57BL/6J mice (n?=?78) were assigned to receive placebo (controls), 200?mg/kg (group A), or 120?mg/kg (group B) of cyclophosphamide (CTX) on postnatal day 18. Mice were subsequently randomized to receive estradiol placebo or long-release estradiol pellet insertion on day 22 (early estradiol dose), day 45 (mid estradiol dose), or day 67 (late estradiol dose) of life. Body weight and length, uterine and ovarian weight, and right femur length and weight were measured. Mice treated with CTX had shorter and lighter femurs and lighter ovaries than controls (13.46?cm?±?1.51?cm vs. 15.00?cm?±?1.10?cm, 57.70?mg?±?9.71?mg vs. 65.30?mg?±?3.68?mg, and 5.16?mg?±?3.00?mg vs. 10.05?mg?±?2.31?mg, respectively; p?<?0.05). Mice receiving estrogen replacement had a larger average body weight, BMI, and uterine weight than those that received placebo estrogen (19.56?g?±?1.82?g vs. 18.10?g?±?2.08?g, 26.53?g/cm²?±?2.91?g/cm² vs. 23.47?g/cm²?±?3.06?g/cm², 101.19?mg?±?41.69?mg vs. 50.00?mg?±?9.49?mg, respectively; p <?0.05). Cyclophosphamide treatment in pre-pubertal mice negatively affected femur and reproductive development. Estrogen treatment restored expected uterine development by maturity, regardless of the timing of administration. However, there was no similar recovery of femur length and bone mass was only partially recovered.     

Potential Cardioprotective Effects of Sumac Capsule in Patients With Hyperlipidemia: A Triple-Blind Randomized,Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial

Objective: Alternative medicine and herbal drugs have been taken into account for managing cardiovascular risk factors. Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) is rich in biologically active ingredients known to improve cardiovascular health. We investigated the effect of sumac on systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), body mass index (BMI), and serum concentrations of lipids and fasting blood sugar (FBS) in participants with hyperlipidemia in a triple-blind randomized placebo- controlled crossover trial.

Methods: Thirty adults with dyslipidemia (mild to moderate elevation of plasma total cholesterol and/or triglycerides [TG; total cholesterol ≥ 6.0 mmol/L or TG ≥ 1.7 mmol/L and TG ≤ 5.0 mmol/L]) were assigned randomly to a sumac or a placebo group. Participants in the sumac group received sumac capsules (500 mg/twice daily) for the first 4 weeks, followed by 2 weeks’ washout period; the patients were then switched to a 4-week interval and received placebo for 4 weeks in the second period. The placebo group received these treatments in reverse order. FMD, BMI, SBP, DBP, lipids, and FBS were measured at baseline and after each period.

Results: Differences between placebo group and sumac group (placebo-sumac) were significantly decreased for BMI (0.21 ± 0.075 kg/m²), SBP (1.87 ± 0.83 mm Hg), DBP (1.32 ± 0.46 mm Hg), and total cholesterol (14.42 ± 4.95 mmol/L) and significantly increased for FMD (?0.23% ± 0.065%). Plasma level of TG did not change significantly across the treatment.

Conclusion: Sumac consumption may decrease cardiovascular risk factors in persons with mild to moderate hyperlipidemia.     

Concentrations of Essential and Non-essential Toxic Trace Elements in Wild Boar (Sus Scrofa L., 1758) Tissues from Southern Turkey

Wild animals, including wild boars, are suitable for use as bioindicators. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of selected essential (Co, Cu, Fe, Se, Zn) and non-essential (As, Cd, Pb) potentially toxic trace elements in various tissues (hair and hoof) of wild boars hunted in the vicinity of Antalya province in Turkey, in relation to hunting seasons. Concentrations in mg/kg on dry weight basis were determined as 0.37 ± 0.27 mg/kg for As, 0.05 ± 0.04 mg/kg for Cd, 0.24 ± 0.33 mg/kg for Co, 4.84 ± 2.48 mg/kg for Cu, 289.94 ± 165.26 mg/kg for Fe, 8.71 ± 15.68 mg/kg for Pb, 0.24 ± 0.10 mg/kg for Se, and 28.99 ± 21.41 mg/kg for Zn in the hair samples; and as 0.11 ± 0.04 mg/kg for As, 0.01 ± 0.04 mg/kg for Cd, 0.01 ± 0.01 mg/kg for Co, 1.03 ± 0.25 mg/kg for Cu, 56.88 ± 18.68 mg/kg for Fe, 0.30 ± 0.18 mg/kg for Pb, 0.11 ± 0.05 mg/kg for Se, and 17.91 ± 10.98 mg/kg for Zn in the hoof samples.     

Assessment of mercury in muscle of fish from Cartagena Bay,a tropical estuary at the north of Colombia

Fish belonging to several trophic levels from Cartagena Bay, a tropical estuary, were collected and analyzed for total mercury (T-Hg) concentrations in muscle. T-Hg concentrations varied from 0.010–0.526 μg/g, and the overall average was 0.051 ± 0.002 μg/g. Carnivorous species presented the highest T-Hg mean value (0.100 ± 0.006 μg/g), followed by omnivorous (0.076 ± 0.014 μg/g) and detritivorous (0.028 ± 0.001 μg/g). The relationships between weight and T-Hg content were found for the carnivorous species Sciades herzbergi (r = 0.508, p < 0.001) and not for the detritivorous Mugil incilis (r = 0.086, p = 0.207). Although results suggest fish from the bay pose a low health threat for humans in terms of Hg exposure, vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, should avoid eating large size carnivorous species. Knowledge about species with low Hg content should be widespread within fishing communities, guaranteeing adequate nutrition by including fish in the diet and reducing the risk of Hg poisoning.