Trace element concentrations in six fish species from freshwater lentic environments and evaluation of possible health risks according to international standards of consumption

Arsenic species in coastal marine fish species from the Southwest Atlantic Ocean: Human health risk implications

This study analyzed total arsenic (As) and As species concentrations in muscle and liver of marine fish species commercially important of the southwest Atlantic coast. Most total As levels exceeded national and international regulations, Urophycis brasiliensis exhibited the highest total As and toxic As species levels (total As: 16.2 and 22.3 mg kg-1 ww and toxic As species: 0.54 and 3.21 mg kg-1 ww in muscle and liver respectively). Differences in As concentrations among species and tissues were found. Dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) was the predominant toxic As species, followed by methylarsonic acid (MA) and inorganic As (iAs). Estimated daily intake indicated no risk from muscle consumption, but liver exceeded safety thresholds for fishermen population, who consume fish at twice the rate of the general population, the higher value found was in U. brasiliensis (7.14*10-4-1.69*10-3 mg kg-1bw day-1). Target hazard quotient values estimated using total As surpassed safety limits, while the 100 % of target hazard index values estimated using As species (DMA, MA and iAs) were within acceptable ranges. Cancer risk values calculated with DMA, MA and iAs exceeded safety thresholds for fishermen and general population, the 76 % of CR values estimated in liver samples exceeded the inadmissible limit, on the contrary, CRiAs values remained within and below the reevaluation range (<10-4 and > 10-6). These results highlight the need for species-specific risk evaluations and regulatory guidelines for toxic As species in fish.

Arsenic Speciation, an Evaluation of Health Risk Due to the Consumption of Two Fishes from Coastal Marine Areas of the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean (SWAO)

Arsenic (As) is naturally occurring and is found in different forms, some of which are considered toxic to human health and frequently present in fishery resources. The aim of this work was to determine the contribution of toxic As species to the total As in muscle of two commercial fish species (Micropogonias furnieri and Urophycis brasiliensis) and to assess the toxicological risk associated with their consumption, considering different exposed groups. The total As concentrations found exceeded local guideline recommendations (> 1 mg kg-1 wet weight), but the concentrations of the toxic As species were below this threshold. The inorganic As levels do not exceed the international guideline recommendations (0.03-0.15 μg kg-1 bw per day of iAs). Both interspecific and intraspecific differences in As concentrations were found. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk values indicated that the exposed groups would not experience health risks through consumption of either fish species. However, due to the lack of an established safe consumption limit for iAs or As species worldwide, there are currently no legal tools to ensure that these fish species are safe for human consumption.

Pollutant bioaccumulation in sentinel fish chronically exposed in Iguaçu river reservoirs (Southern Brazil) and human health risk of fish consumption

Bioaccumulation studies in fish mark the initial phase of assessing the risk of chemical exposure to biota and human populations. The Iguaçu River boasting a diverse endemic ichthyofauna, is grappling with the repercussions of human activities. This study delved into the bioaccumulation of micropollutants, the early-warning effects on Rhamdia quelen and Oreochomis niloticus in the Segredo Reservoir (HRS) and the potential risk of human exposure. Two groups of caged fish in three sites of the reservoir were exposed during the autumn-winter and spring-summer, while a third group (O. niloticus) underwent a twelve-month exposure, and inorganic and organic chemicals analysis in water, sediment, and biota. Additionally, metallothionein expression and genotoxicity were employed as biomarkers. PAHs, PCBs, Al, Cu, Fe, and As in water and DDTs, Cu, Zn, and As in sediment surpassed the thresholds set by Brazilian regulations, where DDT exhibited bioaccumulation in muscle, alongside metals in liver, kidney, gills, and muscle tissues. R. quelen showed metallothionein expression whereas DNA damage and NMA frequencies were elevated in target organs and in brain and erythrocytes of O. niloticus during summer. In this species the DNA damage in liver was remarkable after twelve months. Target Hazard Quotients and Cancer Risk values shedding light on the vulnerability of both children and adults. The reservoir's conditions led to heightened sensitivity to micropollutants for R. quelen species. The data presented herein provides decision-makers with pertinent insights to facilitate effective management and conservation initiatives within the Iguaçu Basin.

Heavy metals in fish, rice, and human hair and health risk assessment in Wuhan city, central China

The current study investigated the concentration of heavy metals (HMs) in human hair associated with fish and rice consumption in Wuhan City, central China. The mean values of As in 8/10 fish species exceeded the food safety standard of 0.015 mg/kg. The mean values (mg/kg) of HMs in rice followed a descending order of Zn (13.7)> Cu (1.9)>Cr (0.51)>As (0.11) >Cd (0.08) >Pb (0.04). The ascending order of HMs for male hair was Cd < As < Cr < Pb < Cu < Zn, while As < Cd < Cr < Pb < Cu < Zn for female. 30% of hair Cr and 22% of hair Zn contents exceeded the recommended values. The middle age (19-44) and adult (45-59) groups were the most vulnerable group, as the concentration for most elements was high in these age groups. A significant correlation was found between fish-eating frequency and hair Zn (r = 0.213; p < 0.05), and As (r = 0.204; p < 0.05). High odd ratios were found in a population with high fish-eating frequency, especially for Pb (7.19), As (3.1), Zn (3.83), and Cd (3.7). A significant non-carcinogenic risk was associated with Cr exposure through consuming herbivores, filter feeders, and omnivorous fish. The cancer risk values of Cd exposure (1.54E-04) via rice consumption and As exposure (1.25E-04) via consumption of omnivores fish indicate precautionary measures.

Selenium Content in Freshwater and Marine Fish from Southern Brazil Coastal Plain: a Comparative Analysis on Environmental and Dietary Aspects

The coastal plain of Rio Grande do Sul is considered to be a Se-deficient region in terms of its population dietary habit, making it the focus of this study. Selenium dietary deficiency is a concern when we consider its potential critical health effects on the local population. Therefore, this study contributes new information on the levels of Se in several species of marine and freshwater fish in the region of the Patos-Mirim Lagoon system, coupled with a comparative analysis of the metalloid contents between both fish groups. The Se contents in the fish species ranged from 88 ± 13 to 688 ± 19 μg.kg^-1. The average Se concentration in the muscle tissue of the freshwater species (251 ± 96 μg kg^-1) was significantly lower than that of the marine species (412 ± 143 μg kg^-1). Likewise, no evidence of Se biomagnification was found among the fish from both the marine and freshwater environments, suggesting the absence of trophic transfer of Se. We note that to ensure that the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance, 55 μg day^-1) of Se dietary intake for adults is met, at least 134 g of freshwater or 82 g of marine fish fillet could be incorporated into the diet of the population of Rio Grande do Sul. According to target hazard quotients (THQ) and the permissible safety limits, consumption of the fish species analyzed is safe for human health.

Possible health risk assessment for heavy metal concentrations in water, sediment, and fish species and Turkmen pregnant women's biomonitoring in Miankaleh Peninsula, Iran

This study investigated the human biomonitoring of heavy metals in the water, sediments, and tissues of mostly consumed fish species using Turkmen pregnant women's biomarkers in winter 2019, at the Miankaleh Peninsula, north of Iran. Metal concentrations were measured in various fish organs as well as pregnant women's blood, hair, and nail as biological indicators. For this purpose, a total of 20 water and sediment, 14 fish, and 16 human samples were collected. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to evaluate the concentration of Cr, Co, Cu, As, Hg, and Pb. Results showed metals with the highest concentrations as Cu and Cr in water (93.35 and 80.91 µg/l, respectively), Hg and Pb in sediment (7.40 µg/g for both), Cu and Pb in the liver (27.00 and 18.9 µg/g for C. carpio; 1414 and 31.7 µg/g for L. auratus), muscle (10.00 and 18.80 for C. carpio; 37.20 and 8.27 µg/g for L. auratus), and skin (26.40 and 9.90 for C. carpio; 10.80 and 11.74 µg/g for L. auratus). In addition, Cu, in pregnant women samples, had the highest values at 2.53 mg/l, 8.87, 36.46, and 29.04 µg/g for blood, hair, fingernail, and toenail, respectively. However, Co showed the lowest concentration in all studied samples. Fish liver and fingernail of pregnant women did reveal the highest heavy metal accumulation, whereas fish muscle and blood of pregnant women had the lowest accumulated heavy metals. The concentration of Hg in water, sediment, fish muscle, and women's blood and hair exceeded the limits suggested by various organizations. Therefore, this study highlighted that heavy metal concentration, in particular Hg, in water, sediments, and fish is a serious risk to the health of local inhabitants who rely on fisheries products and recommended that necessary information should be provided to warn Turkmen pregnant women in consumption of Hg-contaminated fish in this area.

A Food-Safety Risk Assessment of Mercury, Lead and Cadmium in Fish Recreationally Caught from Three Lakes in Poland

Simple Summary

The research aimed to determine the content of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) in water, sediment, and freshwater fish species roach (Rutilus rutilus), perch (Perca fluviatilis), and pike (Esox lucius) from the Dratów, Syczyńskie, and Czarne Sosnowickie lakes located on Polesie Lubelskie, Poland, as well as a food safety assessment for the consumer. Pb and Cd were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, while Hg was measured by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. The research results showed that both the waters and the sediments of the studied lakes are characterised by a low concentration of Pb, Cd, and Hg, which indicates the lack of a moderate influence of anthropopressure on these reservoirs. The range of heavy metal contents in the muscles of roach, pike, and perch for Pb was 0.0399–0.1595, 0.0305–0.0920, and 0.0296–0.1057 mg kg⁻¹, respectively; for Cd 0.0014–0.0095, 0.0010–0.0015, and 0.0020 mg kg⁻¹, respectively; and for Hg 0.0123–0.0499, 0.0185–0.0255, and 0.0216–0.0583 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. The content of heavy metals in fish muscles was low and conformed to requirements as defined in the European Union (EU) food legislation. The health risk assessment with regard to the heavy metal contents in the muscles of fish confirmed the safety of this food for consumers.

Abstract

Heavy metals are introduced into water due to anthropogenic activities and can significantly affect an entire ecosystem. Due to their close integration with the water environment, fish are a sensitive indicator of contamination. In addition, fish is an important element in human diets, therefore, monitoring the concentrations of metallic contaminants in their meat is particularly important for food safety. This study aimed to assess the pollution of water ecosystems with selected toxic heavy metals in lakes Dratów, Czarne Sosnowickie, and Syczyńskie. The concentration of Pb, Cd, and Hg in water, sediment, and freshwater fish muscle tissue was determined, and a food safety assessment was performed. The analysis of water and sediments showed that the sediments were characterised by a significantly higher concentration of heavy metals. Presumably, this ecosystem element plays an important role in the uptake of heavy metal contaminants by fish whose levels were higher in planktonophagous and benthophagous fish species as compared to predatory fish. The food safety assessment showed that amounts of heavy metals in the muscle tissue posed no threat to the health of consumers ingesting that fish species, neither individually (THQ) nor collectively (TTHQ).

Spatial distribution, partitioning, ecological risk and source apportionment of potential toxic elements in water and sediments of the Hoor Al-Azim wetland and their bioaccumulation in selected commercial fish species

The potentially toxic elements (PTEs) concentrations in water and sediments were measured in the Hoor Al-Azim wetland to evaluate the spatial distribution, pollution rate, fate, partitioning, and ecological risk and also to recognize the PTEs sources in sediments using MLR-APCs (multiple linear regression-absolute principal component scores) receptor model. The human health risk was investigated based on the seven fish species consumed in the study area. Based on the results, water and sediment contamination was observed at some stations in the southern part of the wetland where agricultural water drains. Also, the sediments of oil well drilling disposal site was polluted by PTEs. Based on the MLR-APCs model, 80.8% of Mo and 81.5% of Se originated from agricultural source. Total target hazard quotients (TTHQ) values suggested that the children could experience adverse health effects due to consumption of Coptodon zillii, Aspius vorax, Carassius auratus and Carasobarbus luteus.

Association between Chromosome 4 and mercury accumulation in muscle of the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)

Anthropogenic stressors, such as pollutants, act as selective factors that can leave measurable changes in allele frequencies in the genome. Metals are of particular concern among pollutants, because of interference with vital biological pathways. We use the three-spined stickleback as a model for adaptation to mercury pollution in natural populations. We collected sticklebacks from 21 locations in Flanders (Belgium), measured the accumulated levels of mercury in the skeletal muscle tissue, and genotyped the fish by sequencing (GBS). The spread of muscle mercury content across locations was considerable, ranging from 21.5 to 327 ng/g dry weight (DW). We then conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) between 28,450 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the accumulated levels of mercury, using different approaches. Based on a linear mixed model analysis, the GWAS yielded multiple hits with a single top hit on Chromosome 4, with eight more SNPs suggestive of association. A second approach, a latent factor mixed model analysis, highlighted one single SNP on Chromosome 11. Finally, an outlier test identified one additional SNP on Chromosome 4 that appeared under selection. Out of all ten SNPs we identified as associated with mercury in muscle, three SNPs all located on Chromosome 4 and positioned within a 2.5 kb distance of an annotated gene. Based on these results and the genome coverage of our SNPs, we conclude that the selective effect of mercury pollution in Flanders causes a significant association with at least one locus on Chromosome 4 in three-spined stickleback.

Uptake and accumulation of Cr in edible parts of Eruca sativa from irrigation water. Effects on polyphenol profile and antioxidant capacity

Metals in the environment have been an increasing research topic over the past decade, since they can be found in both natural and drinking water, including irrigation of crops and edible plants with contaminated water. The aim of this study was to investigate the uptake of Cr by arugula (Eruca sativa) in a greenhouse experiment, simulating the open field irrigation conditions. We also evaluate the toxic effects of Cr on oxidative stress by measuring the antioxidant capacity and polyphenol profile in the plant. The study examines the irrigation of arugula, during 15 and 21 days, with four Cr (VI) concentrations, ranging from 0 (control) to 250 μg. L⁻¹. Arugula plants were able to accumulate Cr when irrigated during 15 and 21 days in all the Cr concentrations evaluated. The estimated daily intake (EDI) shows that the amount of Cr accumulated by arugula plants does not represent a threat to human health.

Application of Cr levels induced some changes in content, profile and capacity of antioxidants depending on Cr concentration and time of exposure. Taking into account that E. sativa is consumed due to its polyphenol-related health benefits, the allowable Cr limits in irrigation water should be reviewed, in order to maximize health benefits associated with its consumption, and also to improve vegetable quality. Arugula is a valuable and nutritious food, that should not be excluded from a balanced diet. Chromium concentration in irrigation water as well as the speciation forms present in vegetables should be controlled.

Mercury distribution in different environmental matrices in aquatic systems of abandoned gold mines, Western Colombia: Focus on human health

Total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg) in water, sediments, macrophytes, fish and human health risks were analyzed and assessed from abandoned gold mining ponds (AGMPs)/ mining areas in Western Colombia to know its present environmental condition. Concentrations of THg in water (avg. 13.0 ± 13.73 ng L^-1) was above the EPA threshold level (12 ng L^-1), suggesting possible chronic effects. Sediment sample revealed that the ponds are methylated (%MeHg: 3.3-11). Macrophyte Eleocharis elegans presented higher THg content in the underground biomass (0.16 ± 0.13 µg g^-1 dw) than in the aerial biomass (0.05 ± 0.04 µg g^-1 dw) indicating accumulation of THg. MeHg was the most abundant chemical species in fish (MeHg/THg: 83.2-95.0%), signifying higher bioavailability and its risk towards human health. Fish samples (15%) indicate that THg were above WHO limit (0.5 µg g), particularly in Ctenolucius beani, Hoplias malabaricus and lowest in Sternopygus aequilabiatus and Geophagus pellegrini. Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of MeHg were higher in the carnivores representing a source of exposure and potential threat to human health. Fulton's condition factor (K) for bioaccumulation indicate a decrease with increasing trophic level of fishes. Overall results suggest, mercury species found in different AGMPs compartments should be monitored in this region.