Tracing the heavy metals zinc, lead and nickel in banana shrimp (Penaeus merguiensis) from the Persian Gulf and human health risk assessment

Risk assessment of heavy metals and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) in coastal sediments of commercial and industrial areas of Hormozgan province, Iran

The significant increase in the pollution of heavy metals and organic pollutants, their stable nature, and their high toxicity are gradually becoming a global crisis. In a recent study, a comprehensive assessment of the spatial distribution of heavy metals and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs), as well as an assessment of their ecological risks in the sediments of 32 stations located in commercial and industrial areas (Mainly focusing on petrochemical and power industries, desalination plants and transit Ports) of Hormozgan province (East and West of Jask, Bandar Abbas, Qeshm, and Bandar Lengeh) was performed during 2021-2022. The sediment samples were digested with HNO3, HCl and HF solvents. The concentration of heavy metals was determined with furnace and flame systems of atomic absorption spectrometer. The concentration of heavy metals showed significant spatial changes between stations. The ecological assessment indices between the regions indicated that the stations located in Shahid Bahonar Port, Suru Beach, and Khor gorsouzuan had a higher intensity of pollution than other places and significant risks of pollution, especially in terms of Cr and Ni. The average contamination degree (CD) (14.89), modified contamination degree (MCD) (2.48), pollution load index (PLI) (2.32), and potential ecological risk index (PERI) (100.30) showed the sediments in the area of Shahid Bahonar Port, Suru beach and Khor gorsouzuan, experience significant to high levels of pollution, especially Cr and Ni. Using contamination factor (CF) and Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), Cr was considered the most dangerous metal in the studied areas. Based on the global classification of marine sediment quality for the concentrations of TPHs, the sediments of the studied stations were classified as non-polluted to low pollution. In all regions, indices of the PELq (General toxicity) and CF (Contamination factor) were much lower than 0.1 and 1 respectively, showing the absence of adverse biological effects caused by TPHs in sediments. It is necessary to consider comprehensive and impressive strategies to control and reduce pollution of heavy metals, especially in the areas of Shahid Bahonar Port, Suru Beach, and Khor gorsouzuan, so that the sources of this pollution are required to be identified and managed.

Introducing bio-indicator fish of the Persian Gulf based on health risk assessment of 27 commercial species

BACKGROUND

The increasing consumption of seafood may bring health risks. It will be especially important for the people living along the coasts who are highly dependent on seafood for food and income.

METHODS

In this research, a comprehensive health risk assessment was performed on 27 species of high-consumption commercial fish sampled from stations located in Hormozgan province within the Northeast Persian Gulf. Concentrations of trace metals and their health risk were investigated.

RESULTS

Spatial distribution of trace metals in commercial fish showed central stations including Kong and Greater Tonb have higher concentrations of all trace metals except Pb. Some metals showed a significant correlation between concentrations. Our finding indicated the average concentration of all trace metals except Ni in all species was below the concentrations proposed by WHO/FAO/USEPA. EDI for all metals in all species in both adult and child age groups was lower than its RfD (oral reference dose of trace metal) showing the daily consumption of these fish does not pose any health risk and implicates seafood consumption guidelines or policies. Values of THQ for each metal and HI for all metals were lower than 1 in all commercial fish indicating the lack of non-cancerous health risk through the long-term consumption of these fish. The research found potential health risks associated with the consumption of these fish, specifically related to the metals Cr, Ni, and Cd.

CONCLUSION

In total, health risk indices proposed eight fish as bio-indicator species of the Persian Gulf. The findings emphasize the risk management of commercial fish consumption, especially bio-indicator species, in Hormozgan province, the Northeast Persian Gulf.

Assessing Metal Toxicity on Crustaceans in Aquatic Ecosystems: A Comprehensive Review

Residual concentrations of some trace elements and lightweight metals, including cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, silver, zinc, nickel, chromium, arsenic, gallium, indium, gold, cobalt, polonium, and thallium, are widely detected in aquatic ecosystems globally. Although their origin may be natural, human activities significantly elevate their environmental concentrations. Metals, renowned pollutants, threaten various organisms, particularly crustaceans. Due to their feeding habits and habitat, crustaceans are highly exposed to contaminants and are considered a crucial link in xenobiotic transfer through the food chain. Moreover, crustaceans absorb metals via their gills, crucial pathways for metal uptake in water. This review summarises the adverse effects of well-studied metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Hg, Zn, Ni, Cr, As, Co) and synthesizes knowledge on the toxicity of less-studied metals (Ag, Ga, In, Au, Pl, Tl), their presence in waters, and impact on crustaceans. Bibliometric analysis underscores the significance of this topic. In general, the toxic effects of the examined metals can decrease survival rates by inducing oxidative stress, disrupting biochemical balance, causing histological damage, interfering with endocrine gland function, and inducing cytotoxicity. Metal exposure can also result in genotoxicity, reduced reproduction, and mortality. Despite current toxicity knowledge, there remains a research gap in this field, particularly concerning the toxicity of rare earth metals, presenting a potential future challenge.

The French Mussel Watch Program reveals the attenuation of coastal lead contamination over four decades

The mid-20th century industrial peak caused severe global lead (Pb) marine contamination. Although Europe initiated Pb emission reduction regulations in the 1980s, the short- and long-term impacts remain unclear. This study investigates the evolution of Pb contamination on the French coast through elemental and isotope analysis in oysters and mussels from the French "Mussel Watch" Program. Observations at 114 monitoring stations over four decades have shown decreasing Pb levels in these bivalve mollusks. In 1988, 95 % exceeded the background reference values; this level had dropped to 39 % by 2021. The Pb isotope ratios in bivalves from eight target sites revealed a reduction in bioaccumulated anthropogenic Pb, albeit without complete elimination. The long residence time of legacy Pb combined with inputs from diffuse urban sources likely explains the persistent presence of anthropogenic Pb on the French coast. This study endorses the importance of continuous biomonitoring to evaluate environmental regulations and policies.

Heavy metal concentration according to shrimp species and organ specificity: Monitoring and human risk assessment

This study assessed heavy metal levels (lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), total arsenic (tAs), arsenite (As (III)), arsenate (As (V)), monomethyl arsenic acid (MMA), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), total mercury (tHg), and methylmercury (MeHg)) in six organs (total portion, head, body, shell, muscle, and intestine) of 11 shrimp species distributed in Korea. Shrimp exhibited significant variability in heavy metal accumulation, with Alaskan pink and dried shrimp (Lesser glass, Southern rough, and Chinese ditch prawn) showing the highest metal concentrations. Notably, the intestine having the highest overall metal content, while Cd was most prominent in the head, tHg was highest in the muscle. The Hazard Quotient values of 11 shrimp species in South Korea were below the European Food Safety Authority's allowable limits for heavy metals. This study illuminates the heavy metal profiles of distributed shrimp in Korea and emphasizes the ongoing need for monitoring heavy metals on seafood to ensure consumer safety.

Evaluation of human health and ecological risk of heavy metals in water, sediment and shellfishes in typical artisanal oil mining areas of Nigeria

Heavy metal contamination in water and sediment is a serious concern in nations that depend heavily on natural resources such as Nigeria. In most coastal communities around oil mining areas in Nigeria, drinking water quality, staple food, and livelihoods are primarily dependent on ecological systems and marine resources (e.g., fish). Thus, humans and other receptors are exposed to heavy metal risks through ingestion and dermal contact. This research evaluated the potential ecological risks of heavy metals including Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), and Lead (Pb) in water, sediments, and shellfishes (Callinectes amnicola, Uca tangeri, Tympanotonus fuscatus, Peneaus monodon) along the Opuroama Creek in Niger Delta, Nigeria. The concentrations of heavy metals were measured in three stations using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and their relative ecological (geo-accumulation index and contamination factor) and human health risk (hazard index and hazard quotient) analysed. The toxicity response indices of the heavy metals indicate that the sediments pose significant ecological risk particularly with Cd. None of the three exposure pathways to heavy metals in the shellfish muscles and age groups pose a non-carcinogenic risk. Total Cancer Risk values for Cd and Cr exceeded the acceptable range (10-6 to 10-4) established by USEPA in children and adults, raising concerns of potential cancer risks following exposure to these metals in the area. This established a significant possibility of heavy metal risks to public health and marine organisms. The study recommends conducting in-depth health analysis and reducing oil spills while providing sustainable livelihoods to the local population.

Health risk assessment of commercial fish and shrimp from the North Persian Gulf

BACKGROUND

Bioaccumulation of trace metals in the food web demands continuous monitoring of seafood safety. Here, the food safety of commercial fish bluespot mullet Crenimugil seheli, deep flounder Pseudorhombus elevates, and Jinga shrimp Metapenaeus affinis was assessed from commercial and industrial region of the West Bandar Abbas, the North Persian Gulf, for the first time.

METHODS

For this purpose, concentrations of trace metals Ni, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, and Pb, and their health risks were investigated.

RESULTS

Results showed the average concentration of all trace metals in all species was below concentrations proposed by WHO/FAO/USEPA. The finding on risk assessment of three species indicated three species are safe for daily consumption. Long-term consumption of three species would not pose potential non-carcinogenic health risk. However, it would result in carcinogenic effects from the ingestion of trace metals Ni, Cr, and Cd.

CONCLUSIONS

The data emphasizes the need for the continuous monitoring in this industrial region in the future to manage and control pollutant sources and to ensure the quality of seafood.

Food safety of the green tiger shrimp Penaeus semisulcatus from the Persian Gulf

Seafood is a rich source of essential compounds for human health, but the consumption of aquatic products that are exposed to environmental pollutants, especially trace metals, comes with risk. Therefore, in this study, the levels of nickel, zinc, and lead in the muscle of shrimp Penaeus semisulcatus caught from the north of the Persian Gulf as a polluted environment were measured, and the health risks were assessed. The results showed that the level of Zn (300.88 ± 2.76 µg/g) in the muscle of shrimp was higher than Ni (6.82 ± 0.10) and Pb (1.10 ± 0.09 µg/g), and the amount of accumulation of all three metals is higher than the allowable limit proposed by the FAO/WHO. According to values of estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ), the consumption of shrimp has no or minimal risk for health. However, the target cancer risk (TR) of Ni (adult, 0.00294; child, 0.00196) indicated that Ni accumulation is associated with carcinogenic risks. These findings may be helpful in the proper management of seafood quality and public health in the Persian Gulf.