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Hedgespeth ML, Taylor DL, Balint S, Schwartz M, Cantwell MG. Ecological characteristics impact PFAS concentrations in a U.S. North Atlantic food web. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 880:163302. [PMID: 37031936 PMCID: PMC10451026 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This is the first comprehensive study of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a coastal food web of the U.S. North Atlantic, in which we characterize the presence and concentrations of 24 targeted PFAS across 18 marine species from Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, and surrounding waters. These species reflect the diversity of a typical North Atlantic Ocean food web with organisms from a variety of taxa, habitat types, and feeding guilds. Many of these organisms have no previously reported information on PFAS tissue concentrations. We found significant relationships of PFAS concentrations with respect to various ecological characteristics including species, body size, habitat, feeding guild, and location of collection. Based upon the 19 PFAS detected in the study (5 were not detected in samples), benthic omnivores (American lobsters = 10.5 ng/g ww, winter skates = 5.77 ng/g ww, Cancer crabs = 4.59 ng/g ww) and pelagic piscivores (striped bass = 8.50 ng/g ww, bluefish = 4.30 ng/g ww) demonstrated the greatest average ∑PFAS concentrations across all species sampled. Further, American lobsters had the highest concentrations detected in individuals (∑PFAS up to 21.1 ng/g ww, which consisted primarily of long-chain PFCAs). The calculation of field-based trophic magnification factors (TMFs) for the top 8 detected PFAS determined that perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA) associated with the pelagic habitat biomagnified, whereas perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA) associated with the benthic habitat demonstrated trophic dilution in this food web (calculated trophic levels ranged from 1.65 to 4.97). While PFAS exposure to these organisms may have adverse implications for ecological impacts via toxicological effects, many of these species are also key recreational and commercial fisheries resulting in potential for human exposure via dietary consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie L Hedgespeth
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA.
| | - David L Taylor
- Department of Marine Biology, Roger Williams University, One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809, USA
| | - Sawyer Balint
- ORISE Research Participant at the US Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Morgan Schwartz
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Mark G Cantwell
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
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Liu J, Cao L, Dou S. Trophic transfer, biomagnification and risk assessments of four common heavy metals in the food web of Laizhou Bay, the Bohai Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 670:508-522. [PMID: 30909029 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the trophic transfer of four common toxic metals (Cd, Cr, Cu and Hg) in the food web and assessed their potential ecological risks in Laizhou Bay, a spawning area for fishery populations in the Bohai Sea, North China. Based on the predation relations of 43 species that were representatives of the main trophic levels (TLs), a simplified food web was constructed using stomach content analysis and stable nitrogen isotope ratio (δ15N) analysis. Using copepods as the baseline species (TL = 2.00), the TLs of the organisms ranged from 1.96 (Polychaeta) to 4.47 (Japanese flounder) and showed the following ranking order: predatory pelagic or demersal fish > medium demersal fish > crustacean, cephalopod, small pelagic or demersal fish > zooplankton and Polychaeta. The metals showed different trophic transfer behaviors in the food web. Hg and Cr tended to be efficiently biomagnified between TLs, along the main food chains and in the food web. Cu biodiluted significantly with increasing TLs, while Cd showed no biomagnification or biodilution trends in the food web. At low or moderate levels of Cd and Hg, potential ecological risks were detected in the water and sediments at only a few sites, indicating their overall low ecological risks in the environment. The metals in the important fishery species (four top predatory fish, two cephalopods and eight crustaceans) were below the permissible limits, except for Cd in octopus and paddle crab, which reached or exceeded the most restrictive criteria. Based on the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) criteria, the safe weekly human consumption levels by humans of the predatory fish, cephalopods and crustaceans were species-specific (0.20-4.44 kg) and should be cautiously assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhu Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environment Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Liang Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environment Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Shuozeng Dou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environment Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao, 266071, China.
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3
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Le Croizier G, Schaal G, Point D, Le Loc'h F, Machu E, Fall M, Munaron JM, Boyé A, Walter P, Laë R, Tito De Morais L. Stable isotope analyses revealed the influence of foraging habitat on mercury accumulation in tropical coastal marine fish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 650:2129-2140. [PMID: 30290354 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Bioaccumulation of toxic metal elements including mercury (Hg) can be highly variable in marine fish species. Metal concentration is influenced by various species-specific physiological and ecological traits, including individual diet composition and foraging habitat. The impact of trophic ecology and habitat preference on Hg accumulation was analyzed through total Hg concentration and stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in the muscle of 132 fish belonging to 23 different species from the Senegalese coast (West Africa), where the marine ecosystem is submitted to nutrient inputs from various sources such as upwelling or rivers. Species-specific ecological traits were first investigated and results showed that vertical (i.e. water column distribution) and horizontal habitat (i.e. distance from the coast) led to differential Hg accumulation among species. Coastal and demersal fish were more contaminated than offshore and pelagic species. Individual characteristics therefore revealed an increase of Hg concentration in muscle that paralleled trophic level for some locations. Considering all individuals, the main carbon source was significantly correlated with Hg concentration, again revealing a higher accumulation for fish foraging in nearshore and benthic habitats. The large intraspecific variability observed in stable isotope signatures highlights the need to conduct ecotoxicological studies at the individual level to ensure a thorough understanding of mechanisms driving metal accumulation in marine fish. For individuals from a same species and site, Hg variation was mainly explained by fish length, in accordance with the bioaccumulation of Hg over time. Finally, Hg concentrations in fish muscle are discussed regarding their human health impact. No individual exceeded the current maximum acceptable limit for seafood consumption set by both the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. However, overconsumption of some coastal demersal species analyzed here could be of concern regarding human exposure to mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaël Le Croizier
- Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UMR 6539 CNRS, UBO, IRD, IFREMER, Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer (IUEM), rue Dumont d'Urville, BP 70, 29280 Plouzané, France; Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), UMR 5563 CNRS, IRD, UPS, CNES, Observatoire Midi Pyrénées (OMP), 14 avenue Edouard Belin, 31400 Toulouse, France.
| | - Gauthier Schaal
- Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UMR 6539 CNRS, UBO, IRD, IFREMER, Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer (IUEM), rue Dumont d'Urville, BP 70, 29280 Plouzané, France
| | - David Point
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), UMR 5563 CNRS, IRD, UPS, CNES, Observatoire Midi Pyrénées (OMP), 14 avenue Edouard Belin, 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - François Le Loc'h
- Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UMR 6539 CNRS, UBO, IRD, IFREMER, Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer (IUEM), rue Dumont d'Urville, BP 70, 29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Eric Machu
- Laboratoire d'Océanographie Physique et Spatiale (LOPS), UMR 6523 CNRS, UBO, IRD, IFREMER, Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer (IUEM), rue Dumont d'Urville, 29280 Plouzané, France; Laboratoire de Physique de l'Atmosphère et de l'Océan Siméon Fongang, Université Cheikh Anta DIOP de Dakar, Ecole Supérieure Polytechnique, BP 5085, Dakar Fann, Sénégal
| | - Massal Fall
- Laboratoire de Physique de l'Atmosphère et de l'Océan Siméon Fongang, Université Cheikh Anta DIOP de Dakar, Ecole Supérieure Polytechnique, BP 5085, Dakar Fann, Sénégal; Centre de Recherches Océanographiques de Dakar-Thiaroye (CRODT/ISRA), BP 2241, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Jean-Marie Munaron
- Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UMR 6539 CNRS, UBO, IRD, IFREMER, Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer (IUEM), rue Dumont d'Urville, BP 70, 29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Aurélien Boyé
- Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UMR 6539 CNRS, UBO, IRD, IFREMER, Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer (IUEM), rue Dumont d'Urville, BP 70, 29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Pierre Walter
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), UMR 5563 CNRS, IRD, UPS, CNES, Observatoire Midi Pyrénées (OMP), 14 avenue Edouard Belin, 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Raymond Laë
- Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UMR 6539 CNRS, UBO, IRD, IFREMER, Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer (IUEM), rue Dumont d'Urville, BP 70, 29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Luis Tito De Morais
- Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UMR 6539 CNRS, UBO, IRD, IFREMER, Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer (IUEM), rue Dumont d'Urville, BP 70, 29280 Plouzané, France
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4
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Taylor DL, Calabrese NM. Mercury content of blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) from southern New England coastal habitats: Contamination in an emergent fishery and risks to human consumers. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 126:166-178. [PMID: 29421084 PMCID: PMC5808593 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.10.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Total mercury (Hg; ppm dry weight) was measured in blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus, collected from Narraganset Bay and adjacent coastal lagoons and tidal rivers (Rhode Island/Massachusetts, USA) from May to August 2006-2016. For juvenile crabs (21-79mm carapace width, CW), total Hg was significantly greater in chelae muscle tissue (mean±1 SD=0.32±0.21ppm; n=65) relative to whole bodies (0.21±0.16ppm; n=19), and irrespective of tissue-type, crab Hg was positively related to CW indicating bioaccumulation of the toxicant. Across a broader range of crab sizes (43-185mm CW; n=465), muscle Hg concentrations were significantly higher in crabs from the Taunton River relative to other locations (0.71±0.35ppm and 0.20±0.10ppm, respectively). Spatial variations in crab Hg dynamics were attributed to habitat-specific Hg burdens of their prey, including bivalves, gastropods, polychaetes, and shrimp. Prey Hg, in turn, was directly related to localized sediment Hg and methylmercury conditions. Biota-sediment accumulation factors for crabs and prey were negatively correlated with sediment organic content, verifying that organically-enriched substrates reduce Hg bioavailability. From a human health perspective, frequent consumption of crabs from the Taunton River may pose a human health risk (23% of legal-size crabs exceeded US EPA threshold level); thus justifying spatially-explicit Hg advisories for this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Taylor
- Roger Williams University, Department of Marine Biology, One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809, USA.
| | - Nicholas M Calabrese
- Roger Williams University, Department of Marine Biology, One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809, USA
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5
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Baumann Z, Mason RP, Conover DO, Balcom P, Chen CY, Buckman KL, Fisher NS, Baumann H. Mercury bioaccumulation increases with latitude in a coastal marine fish (Atlantic silverside, Menidia menidia). CANADIAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCES. JOURNAL CANADIEN DES SCIENCES HALIEUTIQUES ET AQUATIQUES 2017; 74:1009-1015. [PMID: 28701819 PMCID: PMC5502350 DOI: 10.1139/cjfas-2016-0396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to the neurotoxic methylmercury (MeHg) occurs primarily via the consumption of marine fish, but the processes underlying large-scale spatial variations in fish MeHg concentrations [MeHg], which influence human exposure, are not sufficiently understood. We used the Atlantic silverside (Menidia menidia), an extensively studied model species and important forage fish, to examine latitudinal patterns in total Hg [Hg] and [MeHg]. Both [Hg] and [MeHg] significantly increased with latitude (0.014 and 0.048 μg MeHg g-1 dw per degree of latitude in juveniles and adults, respectively). Four known latitudinal trends in silverside traits help explain these patterns: latitudinal increase in MeHg assimilation efficiency, latitudinal decrease in MeHg efflux, latitudinal increase in weight loss due to longer and more severe winters, and latitudinal increase in food consumption as an adaptation to decreasing length of the growing season. Given the absence of a latitudinal pattern in particulate MeHg, a diet proxy for zooplanktivorous fish, we conclude that large-scale spatial variation in growth is the primary control of Hg bioaccumulation in this and potentially other fish species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zofia Baumann
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut,
1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton CT, 06340
- Corresponding author; phone: 860-405-9281;
| | - Robert P. Mason
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut,
1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton CT, 06340
| | - David O. Conover
- University of Oregon, 1266 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
97403
| | - Prentiss Balcom
- Harvard Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences,
58 Oxford Street, Cambridge MA 02138
| | - Celia Y. Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College,
Hanover NH, 03755
| | - Kate L. Buckman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College,
Hanover NH, 03755
| | - Nicholas S. Fisher
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook
University, Dana Hall, Stony Brook NY 11794-5000
| | - Hannes Baumann
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut,
1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton CT, 06340
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6
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Haddad SP, Du B, Scott WC, Saari GN, Breed C, Kelly M, Broach L, Chambliss CK, Brooks BW. Ontogenetic dietary shifts and bioaccumulation of diphenhydramine in Mugil cephalus from an urban estuary. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 127:155-162. [PMID: 28365158 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Though bioaccumulation of pharmaceuticals has received attention in inland waters, studies of pharmaceutical bioaccumulation in estuarine and marine systems are limited. Further, an understanding of pharmaceutical bioaccumulation across size classes of organisms displaying ontogenetic feeding shifts is lacking. We selected the striped mullet, Mugil cephalus, a euryhaline and eurythermal species that experiences dietary shifts with age, to identify whether a model base, diphenhydramine, accumulated in a tidally influenced urban bayou. We further determined whether diphenhydramine accumulation differed among size classes of striped mullet over a two year study period. Stable isotope analysis identified that ontogenetic feeding shifts of M. cephalus occurred from juveniles to adults. However, bioaccumulation of diphenhydramine did not significantly increase across age classes of M. cephalus but corresponded to surface water levels of the pharmaceutical, which suggests inhalational uptake to diphenhydramine was more important for bioaccumulation than dietary exposure in this urban estuary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel P Haddad
- Department of Environmental Science, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Bowen Du
- Department of Environmental Science, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; The Institute of Ecological, Earth, and Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - W Casan Scott
- Department of Environmental Science, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Gavin N Saari
- Department of Environmental Science, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Christopher Breed
- Department of Environmental Science, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Martin Kelly
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Houston, TX, USA; Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Linda Broach
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Houston, TX, USA
| | - C Kevin Chambliss
- Department of Environmental Science, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; The Institute of Ecological, Earth, and Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Bryan W Brooks
- Department of Environmental Science, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; The Institute of Ecological, Earth, and Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
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Matulik AG, Kerstetter DW, Hammerschlag N, Divoll T, Hammerschmidt CR, Evers DC. Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of mercury and methylmercury in four sympatric coastal sharks in a protected subtropical lagoon. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 116:357-364. [PMID: 28117131 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mercury bioaccumulation is frequently observed in marine ecosystems, often with stronger effects at higher trophic levels. We compared total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) from muscle with length, comparative isotopic niche, and diet (via δ13C and δ15N) among four sympatric coastal sharks in Florida Bay (USA): blacknose, blacktip, bull, and lemon. Mercury in blacknose and blacktip sharks increased significantly with size, whereas bull and lemon sharks had a high variance in mercury relative to size. Both δ13C and δ15N were consistent with general resource use and trophic position relationships across all species. A significant relationship was observed between δ13C and mercury in blacktip sharks, suggesting an ontogenetic shift isotopic niche, possibly a dietary change. Multiple regression showed that δ13C and δ15N were the strongest factors regarding mercury bioaccumulation in individuals across all species. Additional research is recommended to resolve the mechanisms that determine mercury biomagnification in individual shark species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam G Matulik
- Nova Southeastern University, Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, 5000 N. Ocean Dr., Dania Beach, FL 33004, USA; University of Miami, Rosenstiel School for Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, USA
| | - David W Kerstetter
- Nova Southeastern University, Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, 5000 N. Ocean Dr., Dania Beach, FL 33004, USA.
| | - Neil Hammerschlag
- University of Miami, Rosenstiel School for Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, USA
| | - Timothy Divoll
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Rd., Portland, ME 04103, USA
| | - Chad R Hammerschmidt
- Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | - David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Rd., Portland, ME 04103, USA
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Taylor DL, Williamson PR. Mercury contamination in Southern New England coastal fisheries and dietary habits of recreational anglers and their families: Implications to human health and issuance of consumption advisories. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 114:144-156. [PMID: 27595617 PMCID: PMC5219939 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.08.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Total mercury (Hg) was measured in coastal fishes from Southern New England (RI, USA), and Hg exposure was estimated for anglers and family members that consumed these resources. Fish Hg was positively related to total length (n = 2028 across 7 fish species), and interspecies differences were evident among legally harvestable fish. Many recreational anglers and their families experienced excessively high Hg exposure rates, which was attributed to the enriched Hg content of frequently consumed fishes. Specifically, 51.5% of participants in this study had Hg exposures exceeding the US EPA reference dose, including 50.0% of women of childbearing years. These results are noteworthy given that Hg neurotoxicity occurs in adults and children from direct and prenatal low-dose exposure. Moreover, this study underscores the need for geographic-specific research that accounts for small-scale spatial variations in fish Hg and dietary habits of at-risk human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Taylor
- Roger Williams University, Department of Marine Biology, One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809, USA.
| | - Patrick R Williamson
- Roger Williams University, Department of Marine Biology, One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809, USA
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9
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Smylie MS, McDonough CJ, Reed LA, Shervette VR. Mercury bioaccumulation in an estuarine predator: Biotic factors, abiotic factors, and assessments of fish health. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 214:169-176. [PMID: 27086072 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Estuarine wetlands are major contributors to mercury (Hg) transformation into its more toxic form, methylmercury (MeHg). Although these complex habitats are important, estuarine Hg bioaccumulation is not well understood. The longnose gar Lepisosteus osseus (L. 1758), an estuarine predator in the eastern United States, was selected to examine Hg processes due to its abundance, estuarine residence, and top predator status. This study examined variability in Hg concentrations within longnose gar muscle tissue spatially and temporally, the influence of biological factors, potential maternal transfer, and potential negative health effects on these fish. Smaller, immature fish had the highest Hg concentrations and were predominantly located in low salinity waters. Sex and diet were also important factors and Hg levels peaked in the spring. Although maternal transfer occurred in small amounts, the potential negative health effects to young gar remain unknown. Fish health as measured by fecundity and growth rate appeared to be relatively unaffected by Hg at concentrations in the present study (less than 1.3 ppm wet weight). The analysis of biotic and abiotic factors relative to tissue Hg concentrations in a single estuarine fish species provided valuable insight in Hg bioaccumulation, biomagnification, and elimination. Insights such as these can improve public health policy and environmental management decisions related to Hg pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith S Smylie
- Grice Marine Laboratory, College of Charleston, 205 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
| | - Christopher J McDonough
- Marine Resources Division, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, 217 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29422, USA
| | - Lou Ann Reed
- National Ocean Service, NOAA, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Virginia R Shervette
- Department of Biology and Geology, University of South Carolina Aiken, 471 University Parkway, Aiken, SC 29801, USA
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10
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Cross FA, Evans DW, Barber RT. Decadal Declines of Mercury in Adult Bluefish (1972-2011) from the Mid-Atlantic Coast of the U.S.A. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:9064-72. [PMID: 26148053 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b01953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of total mercury were measured in muscle of adult bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) collected in 2011 off North Carolina and compared with similar measurements made in 1972. Concentrations of mercury decreased by 43% in the fish between the two time periods, with an average rate of decline of about 10% per decade. This reduction is similar to estimated reductions of mercury observed in atmospheric deposition, riverine input, seawater, freshwater lakes, and freshwater fish across northern North America. Eight other studies between 1973 and 2007 confirm the decrease in mercury levels in bluefish captured in the Mid-Atlantic Bight. These findings imply that (1) reductions in the release of mercury across northern North America were reflected rather quickly (decades) in the decline of mercury in adult bluefish; (2) marine predatory fish may have been contaminated by anthropogenic sources of mercury for over 100 years; and (3) if bluefish are surrogates for other predators in the Mid-Atlantic Bight, then a reduction in the intake of mercury by the fish-consuming public has occurred. Finally, with global emissions of mercury continuing to increase, especially from Asia, it is important that long-term monitoring programs be conducted for mercury in marine fish of economic importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ford A Cross
- †NOAA, National Ocean Service, Center for Fisheries and Habitat Research, 101 Pivers Island Road, Beaufort, North Carolina 28516, United States
| | - David W Evans
- †NOAA, National Ocean Service, Center for Fisheries and Habitat Research, 101 Pivers Island Road, Beaufort, North Carolina 28516, United States
| | - Richard T Barber
- §Duke University Marine Laboratory, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, North Carolina 28516, United States
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Eagles-Smith CA, Ackerman JT. Mercury bioaccumulation in estuarine wetland fishes: evaluating habitats and risk to coastal wildlife. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2014; 193:147-155. [PMID: 25019587 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Estuaries are globally important areas for methylmercury bioaccumulation because of high methylmercury production rates and use by fish and wildlife. We measured total mercury (THg) concentrations in ten fish species from 32 wetland and open bay sites in San Francisco Bay Estuary (2005-2008). Fish THg concentrations (μg/g dry weight ± standard error) differed by up to 7.4× among estuary habitats. Concentrations were lowest in open bay (0.17 ± 0.02) and tidal wetlands (0.42 ± 0.02), and highest in managed seasonal saline wetlands (1.27 ± 0.05) and decommissioned high salinity salt ponds (1.14 ± 0.07). Mercury also differed among fishes, with Mississippi silversides (0.87 ± 0.03) having the highest and longjaw mudsuckers (0.37 ± 0.01) the lowest concentrations. Overall, 26% and 12% of fish exceeded toxicity benchmarks for fish (0.20 μg/g wet weight) and piscivorous bird (0.30 μg/g wet weight) health, respectively. Our results suggest that despite managed wetlands' limited abundance within estuaries, they may be disproportionately important habitats of Hg risk to coastal wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin A Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis Research Group, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- U. S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA, USA
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12
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Teffer AK, Staudinger MD, Taylor DL, Juanes F. Trophic influences on mercury accumulation in top pelagic predators from offshore New England waters of the northwest Atlantic Ocean. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 101:124-134. [PMID: 25440782 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2014.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/28/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Trophic pathways and size-based bioaccumulation rates of total mercury were evaluated among recreationally caught albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga), yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus), and dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) from offshore southern New England waters of the northwest Atlantic Ocean between 2008 and 2011. Mercury concentrations were highest in mako (2.65 ± 1.16 ppm) and thresher sharks (0.87 ± 0.71 ppm), and significantly lower in teleosts (albacore, 0.45 ± 0.14 ppm; yellowfin, 0.32 ± 0.09 ppm; dolphinfish, 0.20 ± 0.17 ppm). The relationship between body size and mercury concentration was positive and linear for tunas, and positive and exponential for sharks and dolphinfish. Mercury increased exponentially with δ (15)N values, a proxy for trophic position, across all species. Results demonstrate mercury levels are positively related to size, diet and trophic position in sharks, tunas, and dolphinfish, and the majority of fishes exhibited concentrations greater than the US EPA recommended limit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy K Teffer
- University of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental Conservation, 160 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, MA 01003-9285, USA.
| | - Michelle D Staudinger
- University of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental Conservation, 160 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, MA 01003-9285, USA; University of North Carolina Wilmington, Department of Biology and Marine Biology, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA.
| | - David L Taylor
- Roger Williams University, Department of Marine Biology, One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809, USA.
| | - Francis Juanes
- University of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental Conservation, 160 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, MA 01003-9285, USA.
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13
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Brasso RL, Polito MJ, Emslie SD. Multi-tissue analyses reveal limited inter-annual and seasonal variation in mercury exposure in an Antarctic penguin community. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2014; 23:1494-1504. [PMID: 25085270 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-014-1291-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Inter-annual variation in tissue mercury concentrations in birds can result from annual changes in the bioavailability of mercury or shifts in dietary composition and/or trophic level. We investigated potential annual variability in mercury dynamics in the Antarctic marine food web using Pygoscelis penguins as biomonitors. Eggshell membrane, chick down, and adult feathers were collected from three species of sympatrically breeding Pygoscelis penguins during the austral summers of 2006/2007-2010/2011. To evaluate the hypothesis that mercury concentrations in penguins exhibit significant inter-annual variation and to determine the potential source of such variation (dietary or environmental), we compared tissue mercury concentrations with trophic levels as indicated by δ(15)N values from all species and tissues. Overall, no inter-annual variation in mercury was observed in adult feathers suggesting that mercury exposure, on an annual scale, was consistent for Pygoscelis penguins. However, when examining tissues that reflected more discrete time periods (chick down and eggshell membrane) relative to adult feathers, we found some evidence of inter-annual variation in mercury exposure during penguins' pre-breeding and chick rearing periods. Evidence of inter-annual variation in penguin trophic level was also limited suggesting that foraging ecology and environmental factors related to the bioavailability of mercury may provide more explanatory power for mercury exposure compared to trophic level alone. Even so, the variable strength of relationships observed between trophic level and tissue mercury concentrations across and within Pygoscelis penguin species suggest that caution is required when selecting appropriate species and tissue combinations for environmental biomonitoring studies in Antarctica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecka L Brasso
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 South College Rd, Wilmington, NC, 28403, USA,
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14
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Taylor DL, Kutil NJ, Malek AJ, Collie JS. Mercury bioaccumulation in cartilaginous fishes from Southern New England coastal waters: contamination from a trophic ecology and human health perspective. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 99:20-33. [PMID: 25081850 PMCID: PMC4323185 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2014.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Revised: 04/26/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
This study examined total mercury (Hg) concentrations in cartilaginous fishes from Southern New England coastal waters, including smooth dogfish (Mustelus canis), spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias), little skate (Leucoraja erinacea), and winter skate (Leucoraja ocellata). Total Hg in dogfish and skates were positively related to their respective body size and age, indicating Hg bioaccumulation in muscle tissue. There were also significant inter-species differences in Hg levels (mean ± 1 SD, mg Hg/kg dry weight, ppm): smooth dogfish (3.3 ± 2.1 ppm; n = 54) > spiny dogfish (1.1 ± 0.7 ppm; n = 124) > little skate (0.4 ± 0.3 ppm; n = 173) ∼ winter skate (0.3 ± 0.2 ppm; n = 148). The increased Hg content of smooth dogfish was attributed to its upper trophic level status, determined by stable nitrogen (δ(15)N) isotope analysis (mean δ(15)N = 13.2 ± 0.7‰), and the consumption of high Hg prey, most notably cancer crabs (0.10 ppm). Spiny dogfish had depleted δ(15)N signatures (11.6 ± 0.8‰), yet demonstrated a moderate level of contamination by foraging on pelagic prey with a range of Hg concentrations, e.g., in order of dietary importance, butterfish (Hg = 0.06 ppm), longfin squid (0.17 ppm), and scup (0.11 ppm). Skates were low trophic level consumers (δ(15)N = 11.9-12.0‰) and fed mainly on amphipods, small decapods, and polychaetes with low Hg concentrations (0.05-0.09 ppm). Intra-specific Hg concentrations were directly related to δ(15)N and carbon (δ(13)C) isotope signatures, suggesting that Hg biomagnifies across successive trophic levels and foraging in the benthic trophic pathway increases Hg exposure. From a human health perspective, 87% of smooth dogfish, 32% of spiny dogfish, and <2% of skates had Hg concentrations exceeding the US Environmental Protection Agency threshold level (0.3 ppm wet weight). These results indicate that frequent consumption of smooth dogfish and spiny dogfish may adversely affect human health, whereas skates present minimal risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Taylor
- Roger Williams University, Department of Marine Biology, One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809, USA.
| | - Nicholas J Kutil
- Roger Williams University, Department of Marine Biology, One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809, USA
| | - Anna J Malek
- University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Jeremy S Collie
- University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
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15
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Piraino MN, Taylor DL. Assessment of nonlethal methods for predicting muscle tissue mercury concentrations in coastal marine fishes. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2013; 65:715-23. [PMID: 23929385 PMCID: PMC3834091 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-013-9946-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Caudal fin clips and dorsolateral scales were analyzed as a potential nonlethal approach for predicting muscle tissue mercury (Hg) concentrations in marine fish. Target fish were collected from the Narragansett Bay (Rhode Island, USA) and included black sea bass Centropristis striata [n = 54, 14-55 cm total length (TL)], bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix (n = 113, 31-73 cm TL), striped bass Morone saxatilis (n = 40, 34-102 cm TL), summer flounder Paralichthys dentatus (n = 64, 18-55 cm TL), and tautog Tautoga onitis (n = 102, 27-61 cm TL). For all fish species, Hg concentrations were greatest in muscle tissue [mean muscle Hg = 0.47-1.18 mg/kg dry weight (dw)] followed by fin clips (0.03-0.09 mg/kg dw) and scales (0.01-0.07 mg/kg dw). The coefficient of determination (R (2)) derived from power regressions of intraspecies muscle Hg against fin and scale Hg ranged between 0.35 and 0.78 (mean R (2) = 0.57) and 0.14-0.37 (mean R (2) = 0.30), respectively. The inclusion of fish body size interaction effects in the regression models improved the predictive ability of fins (R (2) = 0.63-0.80; mean = 0.71) and scales (R (2) = 0.33-0.71; mean = 0.53). According to the high level of uncertainty within the regression models (R (2) values) and confidence interval widths, scale analysis was deemed an ineffective tool for estimating muscle tissue Hg concentrations in the target species. In contrast, the examination of fin clips as predictors of muscle Hg had value as a cursory screening tool; however, this method should not be the foundation for developing human consumption advisories. It is also noteworthy that the efficacy of these nonlethal techniques was highly variable across fishes and likely depends on species-specific life-history characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David L. Taylor
- corresponding author: Telephone: (401) 254-3759, Fax: (401) 254-3310,
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Hammerschmidt CR, Finiguerra MB, Weller RL, Fitzgerald WF. Methylmercury accumulation in plankton on the continental margin of the northwest Atlantic Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:3671-7. [PMID: 23488773 DOI: 10.1021/es3048619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of monomethylmercury (MMHg) by plankton is a key process influencing concentrations of this toxic mercury species in marine food webs and seafood. We examined bioaccumulation and biomagnification of MMHg in microseston and four size fractions of zooplankton on the continental shelf, slope, and rise of the northwest Atlantic Ocean. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF, L/kg) for MMHg in microseston averaged 10(4.3±0.3) among 21 locations, and concentrations were unrelated to those in colocated, filtered surface water. Instead, concentrations and the BAF of MMHg in microseston were related inversely with total suspended solids in surface water, a proxy for planktonic biomass at these remote locations. MMHg was biomagnified by a factor of 4 from microseston to zooplankton, and both concentrations of MMHg and the fraction of total mercury as MMHg increased with larger size fractions of zooplankton. These results suggest that the initial magnitude of MMHg uptake into pelagic marine food webs is influenced by the degree of primary production in surface waters and propagated up through large zooplankton. Accordingly, biological productivity, in addition to inputs of MMHg to surface waters, must be considered when predicting how MMHg bioaccumulation will vary spatially and temporally in the ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad R Hammerschmidt
- Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio 45435, United States.
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17
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Driscoll CT, Chen CY, Hammerschmidt CR, Mason RP, Gilmour CC, Sunderland EM, Greenfield BK, Buckman KL, Lamborg CH. Nutrient supply and mercury dynamics in marine ecosystems: a conceptual model. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2012; 119:118-31. [PMID: 22749872 PMCID: PMC3646528 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2012.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Revised: 05/07/2012] [Accepted: 05/09/2012] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing interest and concern over the impacts of mercury (Hg) inputs to marine ecosystems. One of the challenges in assessing these effects is that the cycling and trophic transfer of Hg are strongly linked to other contaminants and disturbances. In addition to Hg, a major problem facing coastal waters is the impacts of elevated nutrient, particularly nitrogen (N), inputs. Increases in nutrient loading alter coastal ecosystems in ways that should change the transport, transformations and fate of Hg, including increases in fixation of organic carbon and deposition to sediments, decreases in the redox status of sediments and changes in fish habitat. In this paper we present a conceptual model which suggests that increases in loading of reactive N to marine ecosystems might alter Hg dynamics, decreasing bioavailabilty and trophic transfer. This conceptual model is most applicable to coastal waters, but may also be relevant to the pelagic ocean. We present information from case studies that both support and challenge this conceptual model, including marine observations across a nutrient gradient; results of a nutrient-trophic transfer Hg model for pelagic and coastal ecosystems; observations of Hg species, and nutrients from coastal sediments in the northeastern U.S.; and an analysis of fish Hg concentrations in estuaries under different nutrient loadings. These case studies suggest that changes in nutrient loading can impact Hg dynamics in coastal and open ocean ecosystems. Unfortunately none of the case studies is comprehensive; each only addresses a portion of the conceptual model and has limitations. Nevertheless, our conceptual model has important management implications. Many estuaries near developed areas are impaired due to elevated nutrient inputs. Widespread efforts are underway to control N loading and restore coastal ecosystem function. An unintended consequence of nutrient control measures could be to exacerbate problems associated with Hg contamination. Additional focused research and monitoring are needed to critically examine the link between nutrient supply and Hg contamination of marine waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles T. Driscoll
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University, 151 Link Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA, 315-443-3434 (phone), 315-443-1243 (fax)
| | - Celia Y. Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, HB 6044, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Chad R. Hammerschmidt
- Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | - Robert P. Mason
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Cynthia C. Gilmour
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, PO Box 28, Edgewater, MD 21037, USA
| | - Elsie M. Sunderland
- Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ben K. Greenfield
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - Kate L. Buckman
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 7770 Pardee Lane, Oakland, CA 94610, USA
| | - Carl H. Lamborg
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
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Mason RP, Choi AL, Fitzgerald WF, Hammerschmidt CR, Lamborg CH, Soerensen AL, Sunderland EM. Mercury biogeochemical cycling in the ocean and policy implications. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2012; 119:101-17. [PMID: 22559948 PMCID: PMC3427470 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2012.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Revised: 03/09/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities have enriched mercury in the biosphere by at least a factor of three, leading to increases in total mercury (Hg) in the surface ocean. However, the impacts on ocean fish and associated trends in human exposure as a result of such changes are less clear. Here we review our understanding of global mass budgets for both inorganic and methylated Hg species in ocean seawater. We consider external inputs from atmospheric deposition and rivers as well as internal production of monomethylmercury (CH₃Hg) and dimethylmercury ((CH₃)₂Hg). Impacts of large-scale ocean circulation and vertical transport processes on Hg distribution throughout the water column and how this influences bioaccumulation into ocean food chains are also discussed. Our analysis suggests that while atmospheric deposition is the main source of inorganic Hg to open ocean systems, most of the CH₃Hg accumulating in ocean fish is derived from in situ production within the upper waters (<1000 m). An analysis of the available data suggests that concentrations in the various ocean basins are changing at different rates due to differences in atmospheric loading and that the deeper waters of the oceans are responding slowly to changes in atmospheric Hg inputs. Most biological exposures occur in the upper ocean and therefore should respond over years to decades to changes in atmospheric mercury inputs achieved by regulatory control strategies. Migratory pelagic fish such as tuna and swordfish are an important component of CH₃Hg exposure for many human populations and therefore any reduction in anthropogenic releases of Hg and associated deposition to the ocean will result in a decline in human exposure and risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Mason
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA.
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Taylor DL, Linehan JC, Murray DW, Prell WL. Indicators of sediment and biotic mercury contamination in a southern New England estuary. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2012; 64:807-19. [PMID: 22317792 PMCID: PMC3319229 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2012.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Revised: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/11/2012] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Total mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) were analyzed in near surface sediments (0-2 cm) and biota (zooplankton, macro-invertebrates, finfish) collected from Narragansett Bay (Rhode Island/Massachusetts, USA) and adjacent embayments and tidal rivers. Spatial patterns in sediment contamination were governed by the high affinity of Hg for total organic carbon (TOC). Sediment MeHg and percent MeHg were also inversely related to summer bottom water dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations, presumably due to the increased activity of methylating bacteria. For biota, Hg accumulation was influenced by inter-specific habitat preferences and trophic structure, and sediments with high TOC and percent silt-clay composition limited mercury bioavailability. Moreover, hypoxic bottom water limited Hg bioaccumulation, which is possibly mediated by a reduction in biotic foraging, and thus, dietary uptake of mercury. Finally, most biota demonstrated a significant positive relationship between tissue and TOC-normalized sediment Hg, but relationships were much weaker or absent for sediment MeHg. These results have important implications for the utility of estuarine biota as subjects for mercury monitoring programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Taylor
- Roger Williams University, Department of Marine Biology, One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809, USA.
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