Contamination Profile of DDTs in the Shark <Emphasis Type="Italic">Somniosus microcephalus</Emphasis> from Greenland Seawaters

DDT isomers were detected in all the liver and muscle samples of Greenland sharks Somniosus microcephalus (n?=?15) caught in Greenland seawaters. The mean concentrations of ΣDDTs (sum of o,p’ and p,p’ DDT, DDD, and DDE isomers) were 1094?±?818 ng/g lipid weight (lw) in the muscle and 761?±?416 ng/g lw in the liver. The p,p’-DDE accounted for 48%?±?41% and 53%?±?54% of the total DDT residue in the white muscle and liver, respectively. The lipid content was 48%?±?10% in the muscle and 43%?±?17% in the liver. Female sharks showed the highest concentrations of ΣDDTs. The youngest shark showed higher concentrations of ΣDDTs in the liver than the older sharks. To our knowledge, this is one of the few investigations on DDT levels in S. microcephalus where concentrations were correlated to lipid content and sex/size.     

Uptake of Urea Nitrogen by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oocystis borgei</Emphasis> in Prawn <Emphasis Type="Italic">(Litopenaeus vannamei)</Emphasis> Aquaculture Ponds

The goal of this study was to assess the rate of urea nitrogen uptake (ρ) by Oocystis borgei and the relationship between environmental factors and ρ. Light intensity, temperature, pH, salinity, and algal concentration, were used to construct an empirical model. The results showed that light intensity, algal concentration, pH and salinity had significant effects on ρ, and the optimal combination of environmental conditions for ρ was a temperature of 25°C, pH of 7.0, light intensity of 81 µmol m^?2 s^?1, salinity of 15‰, and algal concentration of 4.5?×?10⁸ cell L^?1–5.5?×?10⁸ cell L^?1. The model equation was ρ?=?2?×?10^?5?×?(A^0.363B^0.783C^0.045D^?0.503E)?+?0.0017, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.83. No significant difference in variance was observed between the model-predicted values and the measured values (F?=?0.238, p?>?0.05), which demonstrated the high fitting degree of the simulation equation. This study provided valuable insight into the reduction of urea nitrogen levels in aquaculture water by O. borgei.     

Growth Recovery of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lemna gibba</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lemna minor</Emphasis> Following a 7-Day Exposure to the Herbicide Diuron

In agricultural catchments, aquatic ecosystems can experience a pulse exposure to pesticides. Following such exposure, non-target organisms that are not extirpated may recover. This paper investigates the potential of two duckweed species (Lemna minor and Lemna gibba) to recover from a 7-day exposure to different concentrations (0.4–208 µg L^?1) of the herbicide diuron. There was significant inhibition in the growth and biomass after the initial 7-day exposure (e.g. frond number EC₅₀ = 59.2 and 52.2 µg L^?1 for L. minor and L. gibba, respectively). Following transfer to clean media, recovery (the highest concentration yielding no significant difference in the effect endpoint from the control) was observed for all effects endpoints at concentrations ranging 60–111 µg L^?1 for L. minor and 60–208 µg L^?1 for L. gibba. These results suggest that recovery is possible for primary producers at environmentally relevant concentrations considered significant in ecological risk assessment.     

Concentrations of Cadmium,Copper, and Zinc in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macrobrachium rosenbergii</Emphasis> (Giant Freshwater Prawn) from Natural Environment

This study analyzed the levels of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) by the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS), in the muscle tissues, exoskeletons, and gills from freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) (n?=?20) harvested from natural habitat in Kerang River, Malaysia on 25th November 2015. Significant increase of the metals level in muscle tissue and gill (r?>?0.70, p?<?0.05) were observed with increase in length except for Cu in gills. No relationship was found between metals level in exoskeleton and length. The concentrations of Cd, Cu and Zn were significantly higher (p?<?0.05) in males (muscle tissues and exoskeleton) except for Cd in exoskeleton. In gills, only Cu was significantly higher (p?<?0.05) in female than male. All samples contained metals below the permissible limit for human consumption (i.e., Cd?<?2.00 mg/kg; Cu?<?30.00 mg/kg; Zn?<?150 mg/kg). Annual metals monitoring in prawn and environmental samples is recommended to evaluate changes of metals bioaccumulation and cycling in the system, which is useful for resources management.     

Effects of Cadmium Exposure on Metal Accumulation and Energy Metabolism of Silver Carp (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hypophthalmichthys molitrix</Emphasis>)

Effects of cadmium (Cd) exposure on metal accumulation and energy metabolism of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) were studied during 14 days. The results showed that Cd accumulated in tissues of silver carp significantly with time and Cd concentration, as the order: liver?>?kidney?>?gill?>?muscle. The levels of muscle glycogen, triglyceride, and plasma triglyceride decreased significantly (p?<?0.05). The levels of muscle protein, plasma glucose and lactate significantly increased during the first 8 days, and then all significantly decreased (p?<?0.05). No significant alternations were observed in muscle cortisol, ATP and plasma protein (p?>?0.05). The results indicate that the tissues’ Cd concentrations and energy metabolism were altered by the presence of waterborne Cd, and silver carp mobilizes the muscle energy stores to cope with the increased energy demands for detoxication and repair mechanism induced by the exposure to waterborne Cd.     

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 <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dracontomelon duperreanum</Emphasis> Leaf Litter on the Growth and Photosynthesis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Microcystis aeruginosa</Emphasis>

This study investigated the use of Dracontomelon duperreanum leaf litter extract (DDLLE) in inhibiting the growth and photosynthesis of the algae Microcystis aeruginosa. The goal of the study was to evaluate a potential solution for cyanobacterial bloom prevention. M. aeruginosa was exposed to extract concentrations from 0.4 to 2.0 g L^?1. Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) content and photosynthesis levels were assessed using pulse amplitude modulated fluorimetry phytoplankton analyzer. Results suggested that the extract could efficiently suppress M. aeruginosa growth. The content of Chl-a was only 19.0 µg L^?1 and achieved 96.0% inhibition rate when exposed to 2.0 g L^?1 on day 15. Growth rate in response to different extract concentrations were consistent with changes in the photosynthesis efficiency (alpha), maximal relative electron transport rate and maximal photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (F _v /F _m ). Furthermore, several kinds of volatile chemicals and their concentrations in DDLLE had been identified by GC–MS, which of them play major role to suppress the growth of M. aeruginosa should be further studied.     

Heavy Metals in the Blue Crab (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Callinectes sapidus</Emphasis>) in Mersin Bay,Turkey

The concentrations of four metals (copper, cadmium, zinc and lead) were quantified in blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) tissues collected in January, April, June and September at two stations in Mersin Bay, northeastern Mediterranean Sea, using ICP-MS. The metal concentrations in crabs from the two stations differed significantly. The hepatopancreas was the major organ accumulating metals, followed by gill and muscle tissues. Except for lead, the highest concentrations of metals were measured in the hepatopancreas. The hepatopancreas had higher concentrations of all heavy metals (Cu 321.1?±?4.30; Zn 182.2?±?3.40; Cd 48.2?±?2.00) compared to gill (Cu 90.2?±?1.35; Zn 104.3?±?2.30; Cd 22.3?±?3.40) and muscle (Cu 19.1?±?1.10; Zn 55.1?±?3.25; Cd 2.5?±?0.20). Among the metals analyzed, Cu, Zn and Pb were the most abundant in the different tissues while Cd was the least abundant in C. sapidus. Seasonality in the levels of the four metals was determined.The highest concentrations of all metals were observed in the June (Zn 55.1?±?3.25; Cu 19.1?±?1.10; Cd 2.5?±?0.20; Pb 5.1?±?0.18) compared to all other months (Zn 34.1?±?3.23; Cu 11.1?±?1.15; Cd 0.9?±?0.20; Pb 3.1?±?0.21).     

Bioecological Aspects and Heavy Metal Contamination of the Mollusk <Emphasis Type="Italic">Donax denticulatus</Emphasis> in the Colombian Caribbean Coastline

Donax denticulatus is a key mollusk for the ecology of sandy beaches, serving as a controller of organic matter, microorganisms, and as bioindicator of heavy metals pollution. The goal of this study was to characterize some ecological aspects of D. denticulatus and its relationship with the content of heavy metals in their tissue, in three beaches of the Caribbean coast of Colombia. The results showed the study populations were different in terms of morphological characteristics and density (Berrugas-Sucre?<?Cartagena-Bolívar?<?Riohacha-Guajira), but not in sexual proportion; although density was clearly related to beach occupancy by tourists. Analysis of metals revealed tissue concentrations varied depending on the location (Greater means: Hg?=?0.018?±?0.004 in Riohacha; Pb?=?0.110?±?0.060 in Berrugas and Cd?=?0.040?±?0.010 µg/g in Cartagena). No relationships were found between morphometric variables and heavy metals content. Principal components analysis highlighted Riohacha for presenting differences respecting to Bocagrande and Berrugas in terms of physicochemical water parameters such as pH, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and conductivity. Results suggest tourism rather than environmental pollution could be a sensitive factor for biota survival in Caribbean beaches.     

Effects of Ammonia and Density on Filtering of Commensal and Pathogenic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Escherichia coli</Emphasis> by the Cladoceran <Emphasis Type="Italic">Daphnia magna</Emphasis>

Grazing by cladocerans can reduce the survival of enteric bacteria associated with fecal pollution. This study examined the potential of Daphnia magna to filter commensal and pathogenic Escherichia coli of human origin. Grazing on commensal and pathogenic bacteria was comparable, but slightly greater at 20 compared to 15 and 25°C. Filtering activity was strongly dependent on D. magna and E. coli densities at environmentally relevant bacterial concentrations. Maximum feeding rates were >10⁷ cells h^?1 daphnid^?1, clearance rates were 1–6 mL h^?1 daphnid^?1, and filtering was independent of bacterial cell sizes between 0.7 and 1.8 µm. Filtering and ingestion of E. coli by D. magna was susceptible to acute inhibition by unionized ammonia with a 24 h EC50 of 0.18 mg L^?1 NH₃–N, and a LOEC of 0.09 mg L^?1 NH₃–N. The study indicated that biological and chemical constraints should be considered when applying Daphnia for attenuation of fecal pollution.     

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Favor the Initial Growth of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia mangium,Sorghum bicolor</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Urochloa brizantha</Emphasis> in Soil Contaminated with Zn,Cu, Pb,and Cd

This study evaluated the effect of inoculation with a mixture of spores of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (Glomus macrocarpum, Paraglomus occultum, and Glomus sp.) on the initial establishment of Acacia mangium, Sorghum bicolor, and Urochloa brizantha in soil contaminated with heavy metals. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, in plastic pots containing 1.8 kg of soil, which presented 7200, 1140, 480, and 72 mg of Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd, respectively. The chlorophyll content (SPAD index) of inoculated plants of A. mangium and U. brizantha was higher than those of non-inoculated plants (p?<?0.05). No differences were detected for the concentration of heavy metals in plant shoots, whether the plant was inoculated or not. However, inoculated plants had greater root length (S. bicolor and U. brizantha) (p?<?0.05) and greater plant height (A. mangium) (p?<?0.05). The present results demonstrate that the beneficial effects of AMF on plant growth and the alleviation of contaminants are imperative factors for the rehabilitation of soils contaminated with heavy metals.     

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.

     

Protective Effects of Calcium on Cadmium Accumulation in Co-Cultured Silver Carp (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hypophthalmichthys molitrix</Emphasis>) and Triangle Sail Mussel (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hyriopsis cumingii</Emphasis>)

Discovering cost effective strategies to reduce cadmium (Cd) uptake is of great concern for consumer food safety in the aquaculture industry. This study investigated the protective effects of calcium (Ca) on Cd uptake in co-cultured silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and triangle sail mussel (Hyriopsis cumingii). The results show that Ca—depending on its applied concentration—caused a significant decrease in the Cd uptake into muscle (by 48?%–72?%), gills (by 51?%–57?%), liver (by 52?%–81?%) and kidney (by 54?%–81?%) of silver carp (p?<?0.001), as well as foot (by 8?%–32?%) and visceral mass (by 40?%–47?%) of triangle sail mussels (p?<?0.05). The results indicate that Ca treatment is an effective means of reducing Cd accumulation in aquaculture. Since Ca is often used to increase the quality of pearls produced by triangle sail mussel, the quality of co-cultured edible fish might improve as a consequence of the potentially reduced Cd uptake.     

Leaf Composition of American Bur-Reed (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sparganium americanum</Emphasis> Nutt.) to Determine Pesticide Mitigation Capability

American bur-reed (Sparganium americanum Nutt.), a common aquatic plant in the middle and eastern United States and Canada, is often located in water-retaining drainage areas. The purpose of this study was to determine the leaf composition of S. americanum, paying attention to the cuticular waxes and the epidermis, and its ability to sorb pesticides. S. americanum leaves (n?=?100) were collected in both early (June) and late (August) summer. Transverse sections of S. americanum were stained and studied with brightfield and fluorescence microscopy to estimate the structural and chemical nature of the leaf tissues cross sections. Mean total lipid content in early summer leaf samples (1.47?±?0.83 mg mL^?1) was significantly greater (alpha 0.05) than late summer leaves (0.15?±?0.36 mg mL^?1). In vitro analysis of epidermal peel permeability exposed to atrazine and malathion determined little to no sorption by the plant. Therefore, the structure of S. americanum leaves suggest this species does not have the capacity of sorbing these pesticides from runoff water.     

Partial Gene Sequencing of CYP1A,Vitellogenin, and Metallothionein in Mosquitofish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gambusia yucatana</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gambusia sexradiata</Emphasis>

Ground characteristics in the Yucatan Peninsula make recovery and treatment of wastewater very expensive. This situation has contributed to an increase of pollutants in the aquifer. Unfortunately, studies related to the effects of those pollutants in native organisms are scarce. The aim of this work was to obtain partial sequences of widely known genes used as biomarkers of pollutant effect in Gambusia yucatana and Gambusia sexradiata. The studied genes were: cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A); vitellogenin (VTG); metallothionein (MT), and two housekeeping genes, 18S and β-actin. From reported sequences of Gambusia affinis, primers were designed and amplification was done in the local Gambusia species exposed for 48 h to gasoline (100 µL/L, stirred for 24 h pre-exposure). Preliminary results revealed partial sequences of all genes with an approximate average length of 200 bp. BLAST analysis of found sequences indicated a minimum of 97% identity with reported sequences for G. affinis or Gambusia holbrooki showing great similarity.     

Organochlorine Chemical Residues in Northern Cardinal (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cardinalis cardinalis</Emphasis>) Eggs from Greater Washington,DC USA

Northern Cardinal eggs from six neighborhoods near Washington DC were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides and PCBs. All compounds were detected more frequently and at higher concentrations in more heavily urbanized neighborhoods. DDT (mostly as p,p?-DDE) was detected in all neighborhoods. p,p?-DDT was typically 0.5?16 ng/g (ww) in most suburban neighborhoods but was not detected (<?0.1 ng/g) in more rural areas; however, p,p?-DDT was 127?1130 ng/g in eggs from two suburban Maryland nests and comprised 65.7% of total p,p?-DDT isomers in the most contaminated sample, indicating recent exposure to un-weathered DDT. Total chlordane (sum of 5 compounds) was 2?70 ng/g; concentrations were greatest in older suburban neighborhoods. Total PCB (sum of detected congeners) was <?5?21 ng/g. Congener patterns were similar in all neighborhoods and resembled those typical of weathered mixtures. Results indicate that wildlife remains exposed to low concentrations of legacy contaminants in suburban neighborhoods and that cardinal eggs can be used to monitor localized contamination.     

Ecotoxicological Test Assay Using OECD TG 212 in Marine Java Medaka (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryzias javanicus</Emphasis>) and Freshwater Japanese Medaka (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryzias latipes</Emphasis>)

The study explored (I) the concentration of heavy metals in water samples (II) their bioaccumulation in common carp Cyprinus carpio (III) and the subsequent genotoxicity in the selected organs of carp; from river Kabul, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. Except for Mercury (Hg) the water samples had all the heavy metals within permissible limits of recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Nonetheless a number of heavy metals (Zn, Ni, Cr, Cd, Pb and Hg) showed bioaccumulation at levels higher than permissible. Zinc (Zn) was the most while Cadmium (Cd) was the least accumulated metal in all tissue samples analyzed. The metal burden in different organs of C. carpio was in sequence of intestine?>?skin?>?liver?>?gills?>?muscle. The Comet assay established DNA damage in selected organs to be in accordance with metal burden; the most to least damage being in sequence of blood?>?intestine?>?skin?>?liver?>?gills?>?muscle. In conclusion assessment of DNA damage in the organs of C. carpio appears to be a useful bio-marker to evaluate genotoxic effects of heavy metal pollution.     

Heavy Metal Contamination in Fish (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Callinectis amnicola</Emphasis>) From an Estuarine Creek in the Niger Delta,Nigeria and Health Risk Evaluation

Heavy metal bioconcentration in crabs from an estuarine creek in the Niger Delta was examined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Health risk via human exposure to metal toxicity was evaluated. Mean metal levels (µg/g) were Cr 2.32?±?0.71, Ni 2.76?±?0.48, Cu 12.94?±?3.53, Pb 5.67?±?1.03, Ag 1.83?±?0.71 and Cd 0.73?±?0.14 with significant difference (p?<?0.001) between periods. Ni, Pb and Cd had values above FAO/WHO recommended limits. Estimated daily intake values were below the reference oral doses and the target hazard quotient was <1 for each metal examined while hazard index for all metals was also <1. The target carcinogenic risk value for Ni was 3.4?×?10^?3. Based on the evaluations, the study concluded that consumers of crabs from the study area had minimal/moderate metal toxicity exposures of no significant health concern but recommended continuous monitoring to detect anomalies.     

Tissue-Specific Antioxidative Responses and Cadmium Accumulation in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Silurus meridionalis</Emphasis> Under Chronic Waterborne Cadmium Exposure

In this study, the oxidative damage, antioxidative responses and cadmium (Cd) accumulation in juvenile Silurus meridionalis were studied, after S. meridionalis were exposed to 0 (control), 62.5, 125, 250 and 500 µg Cd/L for 56 days. Cd accumulation, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) were determined in gill, liver, kidney and intestine tissues. The results showed that the Cd accumulation in S. meridionalis was dose-dependent and tissue-specific, with the highest Cd content in the kidney, followed by the liver, gill, and intestine. Waterborne Cd stress in S. meridionalis was expressed as tissue-specific oxidative damage and antioxidant responses in gill, liver, kidney and intestine tissues. Waterborne Cd exposure induced the most significant oxidative damage in the gill, followed by the liver and kidney, while the intestine showed no sensitivity to waterborne Cd exposure. The antioxidants, such as SOD in the liver, kidney and intestine, as well as T-AOC and GSH in the gill, liver and kidney, were sensitive to waterborne Cd exposure.     

Bioaccumulation of Uranium and Thorium by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lemna minor</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lemna gibba</Emphasis> in Pb-Zn-Ag Tailing Water

This study focused on the ability of Lemna minor and Lemna gibba to remove U and Th in the tailing water of Keban, Turkey. These plants were placed in tailing water and individually fed to the reactors designed for these plants. Water and plant samples were collected daily from the mining area. The plants were ashed at 300°C for 1 day and analyzed by ICP-MS for U and Th. U was accumulated as a function of time by these plants, and performances between 110?% and 483?% for L. gibba, and between 218?% and 1194?% for L. minor, were shown. The highest Th accumulations in L. minor and L. gibba were observed at 300?% and 600?% performances, respectively, on the second day of the experiment. This study indicated that both L. gibba and L. minor demonstrated a high ability to remove U and Th from tailing water polluted by trace elements.