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Rudershausen PJ, Cross FA, Runde BJ, Evans DW, Cope WG, Buckel JA. Total mercury, methylmercury, and selenium concentrations in blue marlin Makaira nigricans from a long-term dataset in the western north Atlantic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159947. [PMID: 36336054 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mercury in seafood is a neurotoxicant that threatens human health. Dynamic rates of mercury emission, re-emission, and atmospheric deposition warrant studies into mercury concentrations in fish because many are consumed by humans and can serve as sentinels of mercury levels in the environment. We modeled trends in total mercury content in an apex marine fish predator, Atlantic blue marlin Makaira nigricans, whose muscle tissues were opportunistically sampled from North Carolina (USA) sportfishing tournaments over a discontinuous time period: between 1975 and 77 and 1998-2021 (n = 148). The model-estimated influence of marlin weight on total mercury concentration was constant across years (shared slope) allowing for comparisons of weight-corrected mercury concentrations among years. Weight-corrected total mercury concentrations revealed an inter-decadal decline of approximately 45 % between the 1970s and late 1990s and then variable but relatively stable concentrations through 2021. The mean (SD) wet weight concentration of total mercury was 9.47 (4.11) from 1975 to 77 and 4.17 (2.61) from 2020 to 2021. Methylmercury and selenium were measured on a subset of fish to address questions related to human health and consumption. Methylmercury levels (mean = 0.72 μg/g) were much lower than total mercury (mean = 4.69 μg/g) indicating that total mercury is not a good proxy for methylmercury in Atlantic blue marlin. Selenium, examined as a Se:Hg molar ratio and as a selenium health benefit value (HBVSe), showed high protective value against mercury toxicity. Long-term trends in the concentration of mercury in blue marlin should continue to be monitored to determine whether policies to mitigate anthropogenic contributions to global mercury are achieving their intended goals and to provide information to inform safe human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Rudershausen
- North Carolina State University, Department of Applied Ecology, Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, 303 College Circle, Morehead City, NC 28557, USA.
| | - F A Cross
- NOAA, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 101 Pivers Island Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - B J Runde
- North Carolina State University, Department of Applied Ecology, Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, 303 College Circle, Morehead City, NC 28557, USA
| | - D W Evans
- NOAA, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 101 Pivers Island Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - W G Cope
- North Carolina State University, Department of Applied Ecology, Box 7617, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - J A Buckel
- North Carolina State University, Department of Applied Ecology, Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, 303 College Circle, Morehead City, NC 28557, USA
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2
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Dhar PK, Dey SK, Rahman A, Sayed MA, Ara MH. Probabilistic Health Risk Assessment of Iodine Exposure in Bangladesh. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:65-81. [PMID: 35249208 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03141-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the concentrations of iodine in household salt samples (n = 690) were determined by following the iodometric titration method, and the health risks of Bangladeshi people were assessed based on the semi-probabilistic approach and the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) deterministic model. After adjusting 20% of cooking losses, the iodine concentration (mean, range) in salt samples of Phultala, Dighalia, Terokhada, Rupsha, Batiaghata, Dumuria, Paikgacha, Koyra, Dacope, and KCC was (29.68 ± 8.67, 14.39-48.26), (31.05 ± 6.68, 15.24-43.18), (26.94 ± 5.57, 16.09-45.72), (24.33 ± 5.61, 12.70-37.26), (26.69 ± 6.73, 10.16-44.87), (27.20 ± 8.44, 9.31-53.34), (27.71 ± 8.09, 8.46-47.42), (28.39 ± 7.80, 11.01-46.57), (28.20 ± 7.97, 3.38-49.10), and (29.21 ± 6.62, 18.62-40.64) mg/kg, respectively. The iodine contents in 97.25% of samples were within the standard fortification level of Bangladesh (15-50 mg/kg), while 2.61% of samples were below this limit. The semi-probabilistic risk assessment studies showed that 80.14% of samples at a low ingestion rate could provide optimal nutrition (150-299 μg/day) to the whole population. Contrarily, at medium, moderate-high, and high consumption rates 34.93%, 65.22%, and 85.94% of samples, respectively, belonged to above the requirements to excessive exposure categories (300-1100 μg/day), which might cause iodine-induced diseases. The target hazard quotient (THQ) values for the adults in most of the samples were within the threshold risk limit (THQ < 1.0), whereas THQ values in 6.82% to 85.97% of samples for the children at low to high ingestion rates, respectively exceeded this limit, which revealed that the adults were almost safe, but the children might face non-carcinogenic health effects. Therefore, regular monitoring of iodine concentration in iodized salts should be done to prevent iodine deficiency or iodine-induced disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Asifur Rahman
- Chemistry Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abu Sayed
- Chemistry Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh
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3
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Li Z, Hussey NE, Li Y. Quantifying maternal transfer of trace elements and stable isotopes in the endangered pelagic thresher shark (Alopias pelagicus). CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 300:134614. [PMID: 35439495 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
To quantify maternal provisioning of nutrients in the pelagic thresher shark (Alopias pelagicus) and the potential for negative impacts, the concentrations of trace elements (essential: Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Se, and Zn; nonessential: As, Ba, Cd, Hg, and Pb) and fractionation of stable isotopes (13C and 15N) were analyzed in the muscle and liver of 10 pregnant females and 18 associated embryos. Essential trace elements were observed to be offloaded at higher concentrations to embryos, with the exception of Zn and Ni in liver, while nonessential trace elements were unevenly distributed between maternal-embryo tissues. Observed Hg concentrations were at levels considered toxic in A. pelagicus, but the Se: Hg molar ratios in all embryonic tissues were all greater than one. A negative correlation was observed between transfer ratios and concentrations of all elements in maternal tissue, indicating the existence of a regulatory mechanism in maternal ovaries of A. pelagicus. Compared with maternal specimens, associated embryos had higher δ13C and δ15N values in muscle and liver tissue. Negative correlations were observed between δ13C, δ15N, and Δδ13C values and precaudal length in embryonic muscle tissue potentially reflecting either a dietary-habitat shift in pregnant females during the latter period of gestation or a physiological change modifying fractionation. Higher concentrations of essential elements are linked to potential benefits for embryos during early development, levels of Hg suggested a degree of anthropogenic impact with unknown consequences while the directionality of isotopic fractionation could suggest a potential reproductive migration as a protective mechanism for birthing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zezheng Li
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nigel E Hussey
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yunkai Li
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai,China; National Engineering Research Centre for Oceanic Fisheries,Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Oceanic Fisheries Exploration, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai,China.
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4
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Sakamoto M, Haraguchi K, Tatsuta N, Nakai K, Nakamura M, Murata K. Plasma and red blood cells distribution of total mercury, inorganic mercury, and selenium in maternal and cord blood from a group of Japanese women. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 196:110896. [PMID: 33640495 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Fetuses are a high-risk group for methylmercury (MeHg) exposure. The main objective of this study was to compare the characteristic profiles of total mercury (THg), inorganic mercury (IHg), MeHg, and selenium in plasma and red blood cells (RBCs) between maternal and cord blood at parturition collected from a group of Japanese women. Furthermore, correlations of THg in RBCs, which is a biomarker of MeHg, and THg in plasma, which is an IHg exposure biomarker, were examined in maternal and cord blood. Fifty-five pairs of maternal and cord blood samples obtained at parturition were collected from pregnant women in Fukuoka, Japan. THg in RBCs and plasma were significant correlated between maternal and cord blood. THg in RBCs was 13.9 ng/mL for cord and 9.16 ng/mL for maternal blood, with a cord:maternal RBCs ratio for THg of 1.58, suggesting that MeHg is actively transferred from the mother to the fetus via the placenta. THg in plasma showed a positive correlation with THg in RBCs for maternal and cord blood. This result suggests that measuring THg in plasma can overestimate the exposure level to IHg in fish-eating populations. The percentages of IHg in cord plasma and RBCs were 31% and 1.7%, respectively, and those in maternal plasma and RBCs were 46% and 5.9%, respectively. These results suggest that cord blood is rich in MeHg and can easily transfer to the fetal brain. Selenium in cord plasma was 67 ng/mL and that in maternal plasma was 97 ng/mL, with a cord:maternal plasma ratio for Se of 0.69, suggesting that the protective effects of Se against MeHg toxicity in fetuses may be weaker than those expected in adult mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mineshi Sakamoto
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan.
| | - Koichi Haraguchi
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan
| | - Nozomi Tatsuta
- Development and Environmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Nakai
- Development and Environmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Masaaki Nakamura
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Murata
- Department of Environment and Public Health, Akita University School Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Hondo, Akita, 010-8543, Japan
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5
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Burger J, Gochfeld M. Biomonitoring selenium, mercury, and selenium:mercury molar ratios in selected species in Northeastern US estuaries: risk to biota and humans. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:18392-18406. [PMID: 33471308 PMCID: PMC9624179 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-12175-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The mutual mitigation of selenium and mercury toxicity is particularly interesting, especially for humans. Mercury is widely recognized as a pantoxic element; all forms are toxic to all organisms. Less well known is that selenium in excess is toxic as well. The high affinity between these elements influences their bioavailability and toxicity. In this paper, we use selected species from Barnegat and Delaware Bays in New Jersey to examine variations in levels of selenium and mercury, and selenium:mercury molar ratios between and within species. We report on species ranging from horseshoe crab eggs (Limulus polyphemus), a keystone species of the food chain, to several fish species, to fish-eating birds. Sampling began in the 1970s for some species and in the 1990s for others. We found no clear time trends in mercury levels in horseshoe crab eggs, but selenium levels declined at first, then remained steady after the mid1990s. Concentrations of mercury and selenium in blood of migrant shorebirds directly reflected levels in horseshoe crab eggs (their food at stopover). Levels of mercury in eggs of common terns (Sterna hirundo) varied over time, and may have declined slightly since the mid2000s; selenium levels also varied temporally, and declined somewhat. There were variations in mercury and selenium levels in commercial, recreational, and subsistence fish as a function of species, season, and size (a surrogate for age). Selenium:mercury molar ratios also varied as a function of species, year, season, and size in fish. While mercury levels increased with size within individual fish species, selenium levels remained the same or declined. Thus selenium:mercury molar ratios declined with size in fish, reducing the potential of selenium to ameliorate mercury toxicity in consumers. Mercury levels in fish examined were higher in early summer and late fall, and lower in the summer, while selenium stayed relatively similar; thus selenium:mercury molar ratios were lower in early summer and late fall than in midsummer. We discuss the importance of temporal trends in biomonitoring projects, variations in levels of mercury, selenium, and the molar ratios as a function of several variables, and the influence of these on risks to predators and humans eating the fish, and the eggs of gulls, terns. Our data suggests that variability limits the utility of the selenium:mercury molar ratio for fish consumption advisories and for risk management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Burger
- Division of Life Science, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
| | - Michael Gochfeld
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
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6
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Soltani N, Marengo M, Keshavarzi B, Moore F, Hooda PS, Mahmoudi MR, Gobert S. Occurrence of trace elements (TEs) in seafood from the North Persian Gulf: Implications for human health. J Food Compost Anal 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2020.103754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Gochfeld M, Burger J. Mercury interactions with selenium and sulfur and the relevance of the Se:Hg molar ratio to fish consumption advice. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:18407-18420. [PMID: 33507504 PMCID: PMC8026698 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12361-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Eating fish is often recommended as part of a healthful diet. However, fish, particularly large predatory fish, can contain significant levels of the highly toxic methylmercury (MeHg). Ocean fish in general also contain high levels of selenium (Se), which is reported to confer protection against toxicity of various metals including mercury (Hg). Se and Hg have a high mutual binding affinity, and each can reduce the toxicity of the other. This is an evolving area of extensive research and controversy with variable results in the animal and epidemiologic literature. MeHg is toxic to many organ systems through high affinity for -SH (thiol) ligands on enzymes and microtubules. Hg toxicity also causes oxidative damage particularly to neurons in the brain. Hg is a potent and apparently irreversible inhibitor of the selenoenzymes, glutathione peroxidases (GPX), and thioredoxin reductases (TXNRD) that are important antioxidants, each with a selenocysteine (SeCys) at the active site. Hg binding to the SeCys inhibits these enzymes, accounting in part for the oxidative damage that is an important manifestation of Hg toxicity, particularly if there is not a pool of excess Se to synthesize new enzymes. A molar excess of Se reflected in an Se:Hg molar ratio > 1 is often invoked as evidence that the Hg content can be discounted. Some recent papers now suggest that if the Se:Hg molar ratio exceeds 1:1, the fish is safe and the mercury concentration can be ignored. Such papers suggested that the molar ratio rather than the Hg concentration should be emphasized in fish advisories. This paper examines some of the limitations of current understanding of the Se:Hg molar ratio in guiding fish consumption advice; Se is certainly an important part of the Hg toxicity story, but it is not the whole story. We examine how Hg toxicity relates also to thiol binding. We suggest that a 1:1 molar ratio cannot be relied on because not all of the Se in fish or in the fish eater is available to interact with Hg. Moreover, in some fish, Se levels are sufficiently high to warrant concern about Se toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Gochfeld
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institutes, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
| | - Joanna Burger
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institutes, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Division of Life Science, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
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Manceau A, Gaillot AC, Glatzel P, Cherel Y, Bustamante P. In Vivo Formation of HgSe Nanoparticles and Hg-Tetraselenolate Complex from Methylmercury in Seabirds-Implications for the Hg-Se Antagonism. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:1515-1526. [PMID: 33476140 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c06269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
In vivo and in vitro evidence for detoxification of methylmercury (MeHg) as insoluble mercury selenide (HgSe) underlies the central paradigm that mercury exposure is not or little hazardous when tissue Se is in molar excess (Se:Hg > 1). However, this hypothesis overlooks the binding of Hg to selenoproteins, which lowers the amount of bioavailable Se that acts as a detoxification reservoir for MeHg, thereby underestimating the toxicity of mercury. This question was addressed by determining the chemical forms of Hg in various tissues of giant petrels Macronectes spp. using a combination of high energy-resolution X-ray absorption near edge structure and extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy coupled to elemental mapping. Three main Hg species were identified, a MeHg-cysteinate complex, a four-coordinate selenocysteinate complex (Hg(Sec)4), and a HgSe precipitate, together with a minor dicysteinate complex Hg(Cys)2. The amount of HgSe decreases in the order liver > kidneys > brain = muscle, and the amount of Hg(Sec)4 in the order muscle > kidneys > brain > liver. On the basis of biochemical considerations and structural modeling, we hypothesize that Hg(Sec)4 is bound to the carboxy-terminus domain of selenoprotein P (SelP) which contains 12 Sec residues. Structural flexibility allows SelP to form multinuclear Hgx(Se,Sec)y complexes, which can be biomineralized to HgSe by protein self-assembly. Because Hg(Sec)4 has a Se:Hg molar ratio of 4:1, this species severely depletes the stock of bioavailable Se for selenoprotein synthesis and activity to one μg Se/g dry wet in the muscle of several birds. This concentration is still relatively high because selenium is naturally abundant in seawater, therefore it probably does not fall below the metabolic need for essential selenium. However, this study shows that this may not be the case for terrestrial animals, and that muscle may be the first tissue potentially injured by Hg toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Manceau
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, ISTerre, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Anne-Claire Gaillot
- Université Nantes, CNRS, Institut des Matériaux Jean Rouxel, IMN, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Pieter Glatzel
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), 71 Rue des Martyrs, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Yves Cherel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- La Rochelle Université, CNRS, Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), 17000, La Rochelle, France
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Bridges KN, Furin CG, Gerlach RF. Subsistence fish consumption in rural Alaska: Using regional monitoring data to evaluate risk and bioavailability of dietary methylmercury. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 736:139676. [PMID: 32497892 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
On average, Alaskans in rural communities consume over three times the Federally recommended maximum weekly fish ingestion rate (IR), the overwhelming majority of which is Pacific salmon. Results of statewide monitoring efforts consistently show that Pacific salmon from Alaska have low concentrations of mercury, yet concerns regarding dietary exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) and other aquatic contaminants continue to contribute to declining subsistence fish consumption rates in rural communities. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to use statewide biomonitoring datasets and regional fish IRs to quantitatively evaluate potential risk from dietary MeHg exposure via subsistence consumption of salmon from Alaska. Hazard Indices (HIs) did not exceed 1 for any of the groups evaluated, indicating negligible risk for the average Alaskan subsistence consumer. Selenium health benefit values (HBVSe) of various fish species from AK were also calculated, with positive results for all commonly consumed subsistence species. Additionally, mercury concentrations in the hair of Alaskan women were evaluated as a proxy for dietary MeHg exposure. Results reveal that Alaskan women of childbearing age have substantially lower hair Hg concentrations than their counterparts in other large-scale biomonitoring studies, despite similar fish IRs. Collectively, results of the present study suggest that MeHg in Pacific salmon does not pose an unacceptable hazard for the average subsistence consumer in Alaska.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin N Bridges
- Alaska Division of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, 3601 C Street Ste. 540, Anchorage, AK 99503, United States of America; Geosyntec Consultants, 3003 Minnesota Dr. Ste. 302, Anchorage, AK 99503, United States of America; Alaska Pacific University, 4101 University Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508, United States of America.
| | - Christoff G Furin
- Division of Environmental Health, Office of The State Veterinarian, 5251 Dr. MLK Jr. Ave., Anchorage, AK 99507, United States of America
| | - Robert F Gerlach
- Division of Environmental Health, Office of The State Veterinarian, 5251 Dr. MLK Jr. Ave., Anchorage, AK 99507, United States of America
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Gerson JR, Walters DM, Eagles-Smith CA, Bernhardt ES, Brandt JE. Do Two Wrongs Make a Right? Persistent Uncertainties Regarding Environmental Selenium-Mercury Interactions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:9228-9234. [PMID: 32633495 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c01894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a pervasive environmental pollutant and contaminant of concern for both people and wildlife that has been a focus of environmental remediation efforts for decades. A growing body of literature has motivated calls for revising Hg consumption advisories to co-consider selenium (Se) levels in seafood and implies that remediating aquatic ecosystems with ecosystem-scale Se additions could be a robust solution to Hg contamination. Provided that elevated Se concentrations are also known toxicological threats to aquatic animals, we performed a literature search to evaluate the strength of evidence supporting three assertions underpinning the ameliorating benefits of Se: (1) dietary Se reduces MeHg toxicity in consumers; (2) environmental Se reduces Hg bioaccumulation and biomagnification in aquatic food webs; and (3) Se inhibits Hg bioavailability to, and/or methylmercury production by, microbial communities. Limited or ambiguous support for each criterion indicates that many scientific uncertainties and gaps remain regarding Se mediation of Hg behavior and toxicity in abiotic and biotic compartments. Significantly more information is needed to provide a strong scientific basis for modifying current fish consumption advisories on the basis of Se:Hg ratios or for applying Se amendments to remediate Hg-contaminated ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline R Gerson
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - David M Walters
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201, United States
| | - Collin A Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, Oregon 97330, United States
| | - Emily S Bernhardt
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Jessica E Brandt
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment & Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
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11
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Ancora S, Mariotti G, Ponchia R, Fossi MC, Leonzio C, Bianchi N. Trace elements levels in muscle and liver of a rarely investigated large pelagic fish: The Mediterranean spearfish Tetrapturus belone (Rafinesque, 1810). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 151:110878. [PMID: 32056654 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We determined levels of mercury, cadmium, lead and selenium in muscle and liver of 29 specimens of a large pelagic fish rarely investigated, the Mediterranean spearfish Tetrapturus belone (Raf., 1810). The following element concentration ranking (mean ± S.D.; espressed in mg/kg dry weight) was recorded in muscle: Hg (3.401 ± 1.908) > Se (1.727 ± 0.232) > Pb (0.532 ± 0.322) > Cd (0.019 ± 0.015), and Se (6.577 ± 1.789) > Cd (5.815 ± 3.038) > Hg (2.698 ± 2.214) > Pb (0.661 ± 1.334) in liver. Levels of Hg, Se and Cd were compared to those reported for other Istiophoridae from oceanic areas and for other large predators of Mediterranean Sea, like swordfish and tuna. Organotropism of trace elements and their relation to size was discussed. Ecophysiological considerations regarding the Se-Hg relationship as well as Se-Cd indicate a possible detoxification mechanism. The implications for human consumption are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Ancora
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Physical Sciences, University of Siena, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Mariotti
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Physical Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Rosetta Ponchia
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Physical Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Fossi
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Physical Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Claudio Leonzio
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Physical Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Nicola Bianchi
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Physical Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
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12
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Vega-Sánchez B, Ortega-García S, Ruelas-Inzunza J, Frías-Espericueta M, Escobar-Sánchez O, Jara-Marini M. Selenium and mercury in dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) from the Gulf of California: inter-annual variations and selenium health benefit value. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:2311-2318. [PMID: 31776904 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06795-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
With the aim of determining the benefit from consumption of dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus from La Paz and Cabo San Lucas in the southern area of the Gulf of California, mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) were measured in liver and muscle of specimens (n = 362) collected between 2006 and 2013. Mean levels of Hg in muscle (0.61 μg g-1) and liver (0.42 μg g-1) of all individuals from La Paz were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in fish from Cabo San Lucas; in the case of Se, mean concentrations in liver (1.54 μg g-1) of all individuals from La Paz were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in fish from Cabo San Lucas. Hg levels in muscle were positively and significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with fork length and weight of fish; in liver, Hg and Se were significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with fork length and weight of specimens. Levels of Hg and Se in muscle and liver among years varied significantly (p < 0.05); although there was not a defined pattern of temporal fluctuations for both elements, the lowest Hg levels occurred in 2009 when surface water temperatures were the highest for the sampled years. With respect to the Se health benefit value (HBVSe), results were positive and above the unit in all cases; it implies that consumption of dolphinfish in the southern Gulf of California is beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brisa Vega-Sánchez
- Posgrado en Recursos Acuáticos, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Av. de los Deportes s/n, C.P, 82017, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Sofía Ortega-García
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional-CICIMAR, COFAA fellowship, Av. IPN s/n Col. Playa Palo de Santa Rita, C.P Baja, California Sur, 23064, La Paz, Mexico
| | - Jorge Ruelas-Inzunza
- Instituto Tecnológico de Mazatlán, Calle Corsario 1 No. 203, Col. Urías, C.P, 82070, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico.
| | - Martín Frías-Espericueta
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Paseo Claussen s/n, C.P, 82000, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Ofelia Escobar-Sánchez
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Paseo Claussen s/n, C.P, 82000, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
- CONACYT- Dirección de Cátedras CONACYT, Av. Insurgentes Sur 1582, Col Crédito Constructor, Del. Benito Juárez, 03940, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Martín Jara-Marini
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. Coordinación de Ciencia de los Alimentos, Unidad Hermosillo, Km 0.6 Carretera a La Victoria, Ejido La Victoria, CP, 83304, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
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Gao XJ, Tang B, Liang HH, Yi L, Wei ZG. Selenium deficiency inhibits micRNA-146a to promote ROS-induced inflammation via regulation of the MAPK pathway in the head kidney of carp. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 91:284-292. [PMID: 31125664 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2019.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is a necessity in multiple species of fish. Se plays an important role in immunoregulation, inflammation, and antioxidant systems in fish and other animals. The head kidney is the major immune organ in adult carp, and it produces white blood cells and destroys old red blood cells. The present study aimed to explore the effects and regulatory molecular mechanisms of Se on ROS and micRNA-146a as part of the inflammatory response in fancy carp. Adult fancy carp were fed different concentrations of Se in their diets. The Se content of the head kidney changed in a pattern consistent with the dietary content of Se. Se deficiency induced a significant increase in ROS, restrained the activities of GPx, SOD and CAT and increased MDA content. qPCR analysis showed a reduction in micRNA-146a with Se deficiency. The Se content, miRNA-146a expression and ROS levels were correlated. H2O2 cell stimulation assays found that ROS could activate the MAPK pathway, and ELISA results showed p38, JNK and ERK phosphorylation significantly increased with H2O2 stimulation. TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were appreciably increased. At same time, miRNA-146a, which should have increased to regulate the inflammatory response, was reduced with Se deficiency. Therefore, with Se deficiency, the head kidney was inflamed. All these results indicated that Se deficiency inhibits micRNA-146a to promote ROS-induced inflammation via regulating the MAPK pathway in the head kidney of carp. The present study revealed that supplementing the diet of carp with selenium is beneficial for growth and disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Jiao Gao
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-resources, College of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, PR China
| | - Bin Tang
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-resources, College of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, PR China
| | - Hui-Huang Liang
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-resources, College of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, PR China
| | - Li Yi
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-resources, College of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, PR China
| | - Zi-Gong Wei
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-resources, College of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, PR China.
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Pereira MG, Lawlor A, Bertolero A, Díez S, Shore RF, Lacorte S. Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Mercury in Gulls Eggs from the Iberian Peninsula. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 76:394-404. [PMID: 30564852 PMCID: PMC6422990 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-018-0584-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
We examined how coastal mercury contamination varied spatially and temporally across the Iberian Peninsula by measuring mercury concentrations in the eggs of the sentinel biomonitor yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis). Samples were collected from eight colonies that ranged from the Atlantic across the south and northern areas of the Mediterranean. We also measured Hg residues in eggs of the one of the most endangered gull species in the world, the Audouin's gull (Larus audouinii) from the Ebro Delta, where colonies of yellow-legged and Audouin's gull co-occur. Fresh eggs were collected in 2009 and 2016 and samples were pooled from each colony for analysis. Mercury concentrations in yellow-legged gulls ranged between 0.4 and 2.8 mg/kg dry weight (dw); although there were no significant differences in concentrations between sampling periods, significant differences were found between colonies. Higher concentrations were associated with northern Mediterranean colonies (Columbretes and Ebro Delta), likely due to proximity to emission sources, circulatory marine currents and diet composition. Mercury concentrations in yellow-legged gull eggs were lower than those reported to result in impaired hatching. Residues in Audouin's gull eggs from the Ebro Delta were significantly higher (4.0-5.6 mg/kg dw) than those in yellow-legged gull from the same location, probably associated with dietary differences. Mercury levels in Audouin's gull were ten times above the benchmark suggested to reduce nest success by 10%. Overall, these results raise concern for adverse health impacts in this protected seabird species and further investigation in Audouin's gull eggs from the Ebro Delta is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Glória Pereira
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK.
| | - Alan Lawlor
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Albert Bertolero
- Associació Ornitològica Picampall de les Terres de l'Ebre, Amposta, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sergi Díez
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDÆA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Richard F Shore
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Silvia Lacorte
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDÆA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Plessl C, Gilbert BM, Sigmund MF, Theiner S, Avenant-Oldewage A, Keppler BK, Jirsa F. Mercury, silver, selenium and other trace elements in three cyprinid fish species from the Vaal Dam, South Africa, including implications for fish consumers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 659:1158-1167. [PMID: 31096329 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The levels of Cr, Cu, Zn, Se, Ag, Cd, Hg, and Pb were determined in muscle and liver samples from 30 specimens of fish belonging to the species Labeobarbus aeneus, Labeobarbus kimberleyensis, and Labeo umbratus from the Vaal Dam. Health risks for human fish consumers were estimated using the target hazard quotient (THQ), the Se:Hg-ratio, and Se health benefit value (Se HBV). This is the first comprehensive report on Hg levels in fish from this lake. Mean concentrations ranging from 0.247-0.481 mg/kg dw in muscle and from 0.170-0.363 mg/kg dw in liver clearly show a contamination with this element. Although levels in muscle did not exceed maximum allowances for human consumption, a calculated THQ of 0.12 and 0.14 for the two Labeobarbus species, respectively, showed a potential risk due to additive effects. All Se:Hg-ratios as well as Se HBVs clearly suggested positive effects for fish consumers. Levels of Cu were remarkably high in the liver of L. umbratus, calling for further investigation on this species. Cadmium levels were above the maximum allowances for fish consumption in the liver of all three species (means between 0.190 and 0.460 mg/kg dw), but below the LOD in all muscle and intestine samples. This is also the first report of Ag in fish from South Africa. Levels were below the LOD in muscle, but well detectable in liver; they varied significantly between the two Labeobarbus species (0.054 ± 0.030 and 0.037 ± 0.016 mg/kg dw) compared to L. umbratus (1.92 ± 0.83 mg/kg dw) and showed a positive correlation with Cu levels (63.7 ± 17.0; 70.3 ± 9.0 and 1300 ± 823 mg/kg dw), possibly due to similar chemical affinities to metallothioneins. The detected Ag levels can serve as a basis to monitor the development of this new pollutant in aquatic environments in South Africa and worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christof Plessl
- University of Vienna, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Beric M Gilbert
- University of Johannesburg, Dept. of Zoology, P. O. Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa
| | - Martin F Sigmund
- University of Vienna, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Theiner
- University of Vienna, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Waehringer Strasse 38, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Bernhard K Keppler
- University of Vienna, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz Jirsa
- University of Vienna, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria; University of Johannesburg, Dept. of Zoology, P. O. Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa.
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Johnson TKB, LePrevost CE, Kwak TJ, Cope WG. Selenium, Mercury, and Their Molar Ratio in Sportfish from Drinking Water Reservoirs. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15091864. [PMID: 30158428 PMCID: PMC6164800 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15091864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) bioaccumulates in aquatic ecosystems and may pose a risk to humans who consume fish. Selenium (Se) has the ability to reduce Hg toxicity, but the current guidance for human consumption of fish is based on Hg concentration alone. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between Se and Hg in freshwater sportfish, for which there is a paucity of existing data. We collected three species of fish from different trophic positions from two drinking water reservoirs in central North Carolina, USA, to assess Hg and Se concentrations in relation to fish total length and to compare two measures of the protective ability of Se, the Se:Hg molar ratio and Se health benefit value (HBVSe), to current guidance for Hg. According to the Se:Hg molar ratio, all of the low trophic position fish sampled and the middle trophic position fish sampled from one of the reservoirs were safe for consumption. The same number of fish were considered safe using the HBVSe. More fish were deemed unsafe when using the Se:Hg molar ratio and HBVSe than were considered unsafe when using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Hg threshold. These findings suggest that the measures of Se protection may be unnecessarily conservative or that the USEPA Hg threshold may not be sufficiently protective of human health, especially the health of sensitive populations like pregnant or nursing mothers and young children. Future examination of the Se:Hg molar ratio and HBVSe from a variety of fish tissue samples would help refine the accuracy of these measures so that they may be appropriately utilized in ecological and human health risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara K B Johnson
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Catherine E LePrevost
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Thomas J Kwak
- U.S. Geological Survey, North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - W Gregory Cope
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
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Schofield K. The Metal Neurotoxins: An Important Role in Current Human Neural Epidemics? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E1511. [PMID: 29206191 PMCID: PMC5750929 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14121511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many published studies have illustrated that several of the present day neurological epidemics (autism, attention deficit disorder, Alzheimer's) cannot be correlated to any single neurotoxicant. However, the present scientific examination of the numerous global blood monitoring databases for adults that include the concentrations of the neurotoxic elements, aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), and selenium (Se) clearly indicate that, when considered in combination, for some, the human body may become easily over-burdened. This can be explained by changes in modern lifestyles. Similar data, solely for pregnant women, have been examined confirming this. All these elements are seen to be present in the human body and at not insignificant magnitudes. Currently suggested minimum risk levels (MRL) for humans are discussed and listed together with averages of the reported distributions, together with their spread and maximum values. One observation is that many distributions for pregnant women are not too dissimilar from those of general populations. Women obviously have their individual baseline of neurotoxin values before pregnancy and any efforts to modify this to any significant degree is not yet clearly apparent. For any element, distribution shapes are reasonably similar showing broad distributions with extended tails with numerous outlier values. There are a certain fraction of people that lie well above the MRL values and may be at risk, especially if genetically susceptible. Additionally, synergistic effects between neurotoxins and with other trace metals are now also being reported. It appears prudent for women of child-bearing age to establish their baseline values well before pregnancy. Those at risk then can be better identified. Adequate instrumental testing now is commercially available for this. In addition, directives are necessary for vaccination programs to use only non-neurotoxic adjuvants, especially for young children and all women of child-bearing ages. Additionally, clearer directives concerning fish consumption must now be reappraised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Schofield
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5121, USA.
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