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Day NK, Schmidt TS, Roberts JJ, Osmundson BC, Willacker JJ, Eagles-Smith CA. Mercury and selenium concentrations in fishes of the Upper Colorado River Basin, southwestern United States: A retrospective assessment. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0226824. [PMID: 31929573 PMCID: PMC6957192 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) are contaminants of concern for fish in the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB). We explored Hg and Se in fish tissues (2,324 individuals) collected over 50 years (1962-2011) from the UCRB. Samples include native and non-native fish collected from lotic waterbodies spanning 7 major tributaries to the Colorado River. There was little variation of total mercury (THg) in fish assemblages basin-wide and only 13% (272/1959) of individual fish samples exceeded the fish health benchmark (0.27 μg THg/g ww). Most THg exceedances were observed in the White-Yampa tributary whereas the San Juan had the lowest mean THg concentration. Risks associated with THg are species specific with exceedances dominated by Colorado Pikeminnow (mean = 0.38 and standard error ± 0.08 μg THg/g ww) and Roundtail Chub (0.24 ± 0.06 μg THg/g ww). For Se, 48% (827/1720) of all individuals exceeded the fish health benchmark (5.1 μg Se/g dw). The Gunnison river had the most individual exceedances of the Se benchmark (74%) whereas the Dirty Devil had the fewest. We identified that species of management concern accumulate THg and Se to levels above risk thresholds and that fishes of the White-Yampa (THg) and Gunnison (Se) rivers are at the greatest risk in the UCRB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie K. Day
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Moab, Utah, United States of America
| | - Travis S. Schmidt
- U.S. Geological Survey, Colorado Water Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - James J. Roberts
- U.S. Geological Survey, Colorado Water Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Barbara C. Osmundson
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Grand Junction, Colorado, United States of America
| | - James J. Willacker
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Collin A. Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
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Schiavon M, Ertani A, Parrasia S, Vecchia FD. Selenium accumulation and metabolism in algae. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2017; 189:1-8. [PMID: 28554051 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 05/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an intriguing element because it is metabolically required by a variety of organisms, but it may induce toxicity at high doses. Algae primarily absorb selenium in the form of selenate or selenite using mechanisms similar to those reported in plants. However, while Se is needed by several species of microalgae, the essentiality of this element for plants has not been established yet. The study of Se uptake and accumulation strategies in micro- and macro-algae is of pivotal importance, as they represent potential vectors for Se movement in aquatic environments and Se at high levels may affect their growth causing a reduction in primary production. Some microalgae exhibit the capacity of efficiently converting Se to less harmful volatile compounds as a strategy to cope with Se toxicity. Therefore, they play a crucial role in Se-cycling through the ecosystem. On the other side, micro- or macro-algae enriched in Se may be used in Se biofortification programs aimed to improve Se content in human diet via supplementation of valuable food. Indeed, some organic forms of selenium (selenomethionine and methylselenocysteine) are known to act as anticarcinogenic compounds and exert a broad spectrum of beneficial effects in humans and other mammals. Here, we want to give an overview of the developments in the current understanding of Se uptake, accumulation and metabolism in algae, discussing potential ecotoxicological implications and nutritional aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Schiavon
- Biology Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1878, USA.
| | - Andrea Ertani
- DAFNAE, University of Padova, Agripolis, 35020 Legnaro PD, Italy
| | - Sofia Parrasia
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences (DSF), University of Padova, Padova, 35131, Italy
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Selenium Speciation in the Fountain Creek Watershed (Colorado, USA) Correlates with Water Hardness, Ca and Mg Levels. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22050708. [PMID: 28468296 PMCID: PMC6154685 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22050708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The environmental levels of selenium (Se) are regulated and strictly enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) because of the toxicity that Se can exert at high levels. However, speciation plays an important role in the overall toxicity of Se, and only when speciation analysis has been conducted will a detailed understanding of the system be possible. In the following, we carried out the speciation analysis of the creek waters in three of the main tributaries—Upper Fountain Creek, Monument Creek and Lower Fountain Creek—located in the Fountain Creek Watershed (Colorado, USA). There are statistically significant differences between the Se, Ca and Mg, levels in each of the tributaries and seasonal swings in Se, Ca and Mg levels have been observed. There are also statistically significant differences between the Se levels when grouped by Pierre Shale type. These factors are considered when determining the forms of Se present and analyzing their chemistry using the reported thermodynamic relationships considering Ca2+, Mg2+, SeO42−, SeO32− and carbonates. This analysis demonstrated that the correlation between Se and water hardness can be explained in terms of formation of soluble CaSeO4. The speciation analysis demonstrated that for the Fountain Creek waters, the Ca2+ ion may be mainly responsible for the observed correlation with the Se level. Considering that the Mg2+ level is also correlating linearly with the Se levels it is important to recognize that without Mg2+ the Ca2+ would be significantly reduced. The major role of Mg2+ is thus to raise the Ca2+ levels despite the equilibria with carbonate and other anions that would otherwise decrease Ca2+ levels.
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Selenium speciation in the Fountain Creek Watershed and its effects on fish diversity. J Biol Inorg Chem 2017; 22:751-763. [DOI: 10.1007/s00775-017-1457-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Beckon WN. A method for improving predictive modeling by taking into account lag time: Example of selenium bioaccumulation in a flowing system. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2016; 176:172-180. [PMID: 27149556 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2016.04.023] [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: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
For bioaccumulative substances, efforts to predict concentrations in organisms at upper trophic levels, based on measurements of environmental exposure, have been confounded by the appreciable but hitherto unknown amount of time it may take for bioaccumulation to occur through various pathways and across several trophic transfers. The study summarized here demonstrates an objective method of estimating this lag time by testing a large array of potential lag times for selenium bioaccumulation, selecting the lag that provides the best regression between environmental exposure (concentration in ambient water) and concentration in the tissue of the target organism. Bioaccumulation lag is generally greater for organisms at higher trophic levels, reaching times of more than a year in piscivorous fish. Predictive modeling of bioaccumulation is improved appreciably by taking into account this lag. More generally, the method demonstrated here may improve the accuracy of predictive modeling in a wide variety of other cause-effect relationships in which lag time is substantial but inadequately known, in disciplines as diverse as climatology (e.g., the effect of greenhouse gases on sea levels) and economics (e.g., the effects of fiscal stimulus on employment).
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Affiliation(s)
- William N Beckon
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Suite W-2605, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825, USA.
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The physiological stress response and oxidative stress biomarkers in rainbow trout and brook trout from selenium-impacted streams in a coal mining region. J Appl Toxicol 2009; 29:681-8. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.1458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Deng DF, Hung SSO, Teh SJ. Selenium depuration: residual effects of dietary selenium on Sacramento splittail (Pogonichthys macrolepidotus). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2007; 377:224-32. [PMID: 17391737 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2007.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2006] [Revised: 02/13/2007] [Accepted: 02/15/2007] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
We examined the growth performance, tissue selenium (Se) concentration, and histopathology of Sacramento splittail (Pogonichthys macrolepidotus) fed a control diet (0.4 microg Se/g) for 1, 3, 7, 13, 21 wk after a 9-month dietary exposure to 0.4, 12.6, 26.0, and 57.6 microg Se/g dry diet. Splittail previously fed 57.6 microg Se/g showed a significantly (P<0.05) lower final body weight but had higher weight gain than fish fed 0.4 microg Se/g diet at the end of the 21-wk depuration study. There were no significant differences in body weight in fish previously fed diets with or less than 26.0 microg Se/g. Liver and muscle Se concentrations decreased significantly in fish previously fed 26.0 and 57.6 microg Se/g diet but did not change significantly in fish fed 12.6 or less mug Se/g diet at the end of 21 wk. Liver Se concentrations dropped to the same concentration as fish fed 0.4 microg Se/g diet after a 13-wk depuration in all treatments. Muscle Se concentrations remained significantly higher in fish previously fed 12.6 or higher microg Se/g diets when compared to fish fed control diet at the end of a 21-wk depuration. Except for the presence of preneoplastic basophilic foci in two fish previously fed 57.6 microg Se/g diet, normal liver morphology was observed in splittail in all treatments at the end of 21-wk depuration. Prevalences of kidney lesions were increased in fish previously fed 26.0 and 57.6 microg Se/g diets at 3 and 7 wk, and decreased at 13 and 21 wk of depuration. No kidney lesions were observed in fish previously fed 12.6 microg Se/g diet or less. In conclusion, growth of splittail previously fed a diet containing 57.6 microg Se/g was still affected at the end of 21-wk depuration. The 21-wk depuration was not long enough for muscle Se concentrations to return to basal levels in fish previously fed 12.6 or more microg Se/g diet. Deleterious health effects of Se persisted in fish previously fed diets with 26.0 or more microg Se/g diet. Current results suggest that splittail that survived the 9-month exposure to 12.6 or less microg Se/g diet under current laboratory conditions is likely to thrive if Se in diet was reduced to control concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Fang Deng
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, USA
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Hamilton SJ. Commentary: selenium study on endangered razorback sucker is flawed. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2005; 61:313-26. [PMID: 15922797 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2004.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2004] [Revised: 07/29/2004] [Accepted: 11/30/2004] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus) is listed as federally endangered throughout its range. A massive recovery effort by the Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin has focused its efforts in the upper Colorado River. The upper Colorado River basin also has two locations that have been identified by the National Irrigation Water Quality Program as having substantial selenium contamination. Selenium is toxic to fishes, affecting reproductive success. Thus, there is concern about potential effects of selenium on the endangered razorback sucker. Two sets of studies have investigated the effects of selenium on razorback suckers, but study results are conflicting. This commentary evaluates studies that claim selenium is not a problem for razorback sucker. We find that study bias was so pervasive that purported conclusions were unwarranted. Contaminated control water, older life stages of fish tested, lack of methodology for analysis of selenium in water, diet, or fish, use of rotifer food, low feeding rates, low growth rates of fish, and improper storage of site waters resulted in an apparent erroneous linkage of high selenium in whole-body residues with no adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Hamilton
- US Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Field Research Station, 31247 436th Avenue, Yankton, SD 57078-6364, USA.
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Hamilton SJ, Holley KM, Buhl KJ, Bullard FA. Selenium impacts on razorback sucker, Colorado: Colorado River III. Larvae. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2005; 61:168-89. [PMID: 15883090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2004.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2003] [Revised: 07/01/2004] [Accepted: 07/02/2004] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus) larvae from adults exposed to selenium at three sites near Grand Junction, Colorado, for 9 months were used in a 30-day waterborne and dietary selenium study. Selenium concentrations in water averaged <1.6 microg/L from 24-Road, 0.9 microg/L from Horsethief, 5.5 microg/L from Adobe Creek, and 10.7 microg/L from the North Pond. Selenium in dietary items averaged 2.7 microg/g in brine shrimp, 5.6 microg/g in zooplankton from Horsethief east wetland, 20 microg/g in zooplankton from Adobe Creek, and 39 microg/g in zooplankton from North Pond. The lowest survival occurred in larvae fed zooplankton rather than brine shrimp. Survival of larvae at Adobe Creek and North Pond was lower in site water than in reference water. Survival of brood stock larvae was higher than Horsethief larvae even though they received the same water and dietary treatments. Arsenic concentrations in brine shrimp may have resulted in an antagonistic interaction with selenium and reduced adverse effects in larvae. Deformities in larvae from North Pond were similar to those reported for selenium-induced teratogenic deformities in other fish species. Selenium concentrations of 4.6 microg/g in food resulted in rapid mortality of larvae from Horsethief, Adobe Creek, and North Pond, and suggested that selenium toxicity in the Colorado River could limit recovery of this endangered fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Hamilton
- US Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Field Research Station, 31247 436th Avenue, Yankton, SD 57078-6364, USA
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