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Liang H, Pei F, Ge J, Xu P, Wang M, Liang P, Zhang J, Wu S, Wong MH. Algae decomposition released dissolved organic matter subfractions on dark abiotic mercury methylation. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 270:115914. [PMID: 38184975 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115914] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
To understand the mechanism of dark abiotic mercury (Hg) methylation by algae-derived dissolved organic matter (DOM) and effectively manage the environmental risks of mercury methylation in aquaculture areas, we investigated the influence of subfractions of DOM released from algae (Ulothrix sp.) decomposition on mercury methylation. The results showed that the hydrophobic basic component (HOB) in DOM exhibited the most substantial promotion effect on Hg methylation. The methylmercury (MeHg) production in the HOB treatment increased significantly, while the production rate of MeHg (%MeHg represented the concentration ratio of MeHg to THg) in the six subfractions treated solutions decreased significantly with the increase of Hg concentration. The change of the %MeHg was more evident at low Hg concentration, indicating the limited number of binding sites and methyl donors on DOM. As a consequence, Hg(Ⅱ) in the solution could not be converted into MeHg in equal proportion. Furthermore, the production of MeHg in solution was significantly reduced by the decomposed algae DOM, and its concentration was in the range of 0.017-0.085 ng·L-1 (significantly lower than undecomposed algal). The difference between the decomposed and the non-decomposed algae DOM reached a significant level (P < 0.05). When the DOM decayed for 20 and 30 days, the Hg methylation ability of DOM was weakened most obviously. During the decomposition process, considerable variations were observed among the subfractions, with HOB consistently playing a dominant role in Hg methylation. At the same time, the hydrophilic acid component exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on Hg methylation. Generally, the main components (e.g. HOB and HIA (hydrophilic acid component)) of DOM affecting mercury methylation were found in our study, which provided a better understanding of algae-derived DOM subfractions on the Hg methylation, in an attempt to prevent and control water pollution in aquaculture areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang Liang
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Fuyun Pei
- CECEP Tech and Ecology & Environment Co., Ltd., Shenzhen 812000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingjing Ge
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Ping Xu
- China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou 311401, China
| | - Minyan Wang
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China.
| | - Peng Liang
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China
| | - Shengchun Wu
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China.
| | - Ming Hung Wong
- Consortium on Health, Environment, Education, and Research (CHEER), Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
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Wang C, Pi X, Yin S, Liu M, Tian T, Jin L, Liu J, Li Z, Wang L, Yuan Z, Wang Y, Ren A. Maternal exposure to heavy metals and risk for severe congenital heart defects in offspring. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113432. [PMID: 35533713 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common congenital malformations with a complex etiology, and environmental factors play an important role. Large epidemiology studies on prenatal exposure to selected heavy metals and their association with risk for CHDs are scarce and joint effects are not well understood. OBJECTIVES To examine the association between prenatal exposure to selected heavy metals and risk for CHDs. METHODS Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the maternal plasma concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, and manganese were in 303 CHD cases and 303 healthy controls that were recruited in eight hospitals in China. Generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were fitted to evaluate the individual and joint effects of metal concentrations on CHDs. RESULTS In GLMM, two metals were each significantly associated with an increased risk for CHDs [adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval): mercury, 2.88 (1.22-6.77); lead, 2.74 (1.00-7.57)]. In BKMR, CHD risk increased with mixture levels of the five metals when their concentrations were at the 40th percentile or higher, compared to when all metals were below their 35th percentile, and mercury was the major metal that contributed to the mixture effect. The interaction between mercury and lead was observed in BKMR. CONCLUSIONS Using metal concentrations in maternal plasma obtained during the second or third trimester as exposure markers, we found that the risk of CHDs increased with the levels of the mixtures of As, Cd, Hg, Pb, and Mn, with Hg being the most important contributor to the mixture effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengrong Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Pi
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shengju Yin
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Mengyuan Liu
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Tian Tian
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jufen Liu
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiwen Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Linlin Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengwei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Department of Ultrasound, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Aiguo Ren
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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Qin Y, Xu C, Li W, Jian B, Wu B, Chen M, Sun H, Hong H. Metal/metalloid levels in hair of Shenzhen residents and the associated influencing factors. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 220:112375. [PMID: 34051662 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
129 Shenzhen residents' hair samples were collected and the metal/metalloid concentrations of Hg, As, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe and Ni were detected. Meanwhile, the relationships between metal/metalloid contents in human hair and gender, age, seafood diet habit, smoking habit, as well as the housing type (dwelling environment) were analyzed. Results showed that the average content of Hg, As, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe and Ni in human hair of Shenzhen residents was 0.76 ± 0.96, 0.10 ± 0.04, 5.25 ± 4.88, 0.25 ± 0.33, 0.60 ± 0.31, 13.84 ± 3.67, 2.82 ± 2.01, 196.90 ± 145.01, 12.20 ± 5.10 and 0.34 ± 0.32 μg/g, respectively. Compared with other regions at home and abroad, most metal/metalloids in Shenzhen residents were at a moderate level, and the highly toxic elements (i.e. Pb, Cd, As and Hg) didn't exceed the upper limit of normal values in China. Statistical analysis showed that the young male people contained significantly higher (p < 0.05) level of Pb (in age group of 20-30 years old) and Fe (in age group of 20-40 years old) in hair than the female people. Smokers had significantly (p < 0.05) higher level of Cd (0.35 μg/g) but lower level of Zn (101.24 µg/g) than non-smokers (Cd: 0.17 μg/g; Zn: 252.63 µg/g). Hg and Pb contents in hair of Shenzhen people were positively related with the frequencies of seafood consumption and the age, respectively. Moreover, residents lived in private buildings (well decorated house) accumulated significantly higher (p < 0.05) levels of Pb, Cr, Fe and Ni as compared with those lived in public rental house and village house (no decoration or simple decoration), suggesting that decoration material was also an important way for human exposure to heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Qin
- Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wanrong Li
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Bin Jian
- Shenzhen Public Security, Shenzhen 518040, China
| | - Binbin Wu
- Centre for Cardiovascular Genomics and Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), HKSAR, China
| | - Minwei Chen
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Hongjie Sun
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Huachang Hong
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China.
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Contribution of commercial fish species to human mercury exposure: An evaluation near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. J Food Compost Anal 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2020.103688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Richter W, Skinner LC. Mercury in the fish of New York's Great Lakes: A quarter century of near stability. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 29:1721-1738. [PMID: 31784923 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-019-02130-1] [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] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We collected 849 fish of 16 species from New York portions of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and the intervening Niagara River and its tributary Cayuga Creek, and analyzed fillets from individual fish for total mercury. Concentrations ranged from 0.029 to 1.090 ppm wet weight, with 92% below the EPA tissue residue criterion of 0.3 ppm, and thus not posing an undue risk from human consumption. We compared these 2010-2017 results to historical data spanning 40 years to assess temporal changes. The temporal pattern was generally consistent among water bodies and species: Mercury concentrations differed little between the most recent collections and fish taken from 1999-2008 and 1988-1996, while concentrations in all three of these periods were generally lower than in 1970. Smallmouth Bass from Lake Ontario were an exception with a continued decline, likely due to diet change following the introduction of exotic prey. Overall, though, fish tissue mercury concentrations from these large water bodies, which integrate regional influences, appear to have changed little in the last quarter century. We also report a consistent spatial pattern for multiple species having lower mercury concentrations in Lake Erie than in Lake Ontario over the period of record.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne Richter
- Division of Fish and Wildlife, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY, 12233, USA.
- Department of Biology, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866, USA.
| | - Lawrence C Skinner
- Division of Fish and Wildlife, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY, 12233, USA
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Jin L, Yu JR, Zhang L, Ren AG. Comparison of Plasma Concentrations of Mercury, Cadmium, and Arsenic among Women in 2005 and 2012 in a Historically Contaminated Area in China. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 198:380-389. [PMID: 32072446 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02075-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) concentrations in women were measured and compared to evaluate the effects of environmental heavy-metal pollution control on internal exposure levels. In 2005 and 2012, 200 and 182 women, respectively, were enrolled in the study. Demographic and diet information were collected using a questionnaire. Fasting venous blood samples were collected, and plasma concentrations of Hg, Cd, and As were measured using inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The median concentrations (P25-P75) of Hg, Cd, and As decreased from 0.56 (0.46-0.75) ng/mL, 0.14 (0.09-0.21) ng/mL, and 0.83 (0.66-1.09) ng/mL in 2005 to 0.39 (0.19-0.66) ng/mL, 0.09 (0.05-0.13) ng/mL, and 0.48 (0.29-0.72) ng/mL in 2012, respectively. The difference in plasma metal concentrations between measurements in 2005 and 2012 remained statistically significant after we adjusted for confounders. The adjusted ORs were 0.31 (0.16-0.60), 0.24 (0.12-0.48), and 0.25 (0.13-0.50) for Hg, Cd, and As concentrations, respectively, in 2012, relative to those in 2005. The levels of Hg, Cd, and As were 30% to 40% lower in 2012 than in 2005, indicative of lower human internal exposure to these contaminants due to the implementation of environmental pollution control. Engagement with agriculture and high-frequency water product consumption were associated with high Hg levels, and a high frequency of consumption of fresh fruit and eggs was negatively associated with lower levels of Cd in plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Jin
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Jing-Ru Yu
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institute, Nobels väg 12A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Le Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ai-Guo Ren
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
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Yu X, Khan S, Khan A, Tang Y, Nunes LM, Yan J, Ye X, Li G. Methyl mercury concentrations in seafood collected from Zhoushan Islands, Zhejiang, China, and their potential health risk for the fishing community: Capsule: Methyl mercury in seafood causes potential health risk. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 137:105420. [PMID: 32070806 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Seafood is an important exposure route for mercury, especially methyl mercury (MeHg). Therefore, we quantified MeHg concentrations in 69 species of seafood including fish, crustaceans and mollusks collected from Zhoushan Islands, China. MeHg concentrations ranged from <0.0020-0.2098 µg/g and did not exceed the threshold limit of 1 µg/g in all sampled species, However, MeHg concentrations significantly differed among fish species (0.0085-0.2098 mg kg-1), crustaceans (<0.002-0.0221 mg kg-1) and mollusks (<0.002-0.1389 mg kg-1). The trophic magnification factor (TMF) was determined on the basis of the trophic level (TL). The TL values for fish, crustaceans and mollusks were above 3 when the TMF values were >1. The daily dietary intake and hazard quotient for MeHg were calculated to estimate exposure and health risk through seafood consumption by local inhabitants. The calculated HQ was lower than 1, thus indicating that the exposure was below the risk threshold of related chronic diseases. However, higher MeHg concentrations in fish species such as Scoliodon sorrakowah and Auxis thazard are concerning and may pose health risk through continuous consumption by local inhabitants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Yu
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Fuli Institute of Food Science, Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro-Food Processing, Zhejiang R & D Center for Food Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Health Risk Factors for Seafood of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan Municipal Center For Disease Control and Prevention, Zhoushan 316021, China
| | - Sardar Khan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315800, China; Department of Environmental Science, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan.
| | - Anwarzeb Khan
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan; Department of Environmental and Conservation Sciences, University of Swat, Swat 19130, Pakistan
| | - Yuting Tang
- School of Geographical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, The University of Nottingham, Ningbo 315100, China
| | - Luis M Nunes
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315800, China; Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability Center, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Jianbo Yan
- Key Laboratory of Health Risk Factors for Seafood of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan Municipal Center For Disease Control and Prevention, Zhoushan 316021, China
| | - Xingqian Ye
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Fuli Institute of Food Science, Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro-Food Processing, Zhejiang R & D Center for Food Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Gang Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315800, China.
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Caetano T, Branco V, Cavaco A, Carvalho C. Risk assessment of methylmercury in pregnant women and newborns in the island of Madeira (Portugal) using exposure biomarkers and food-frequency questionnaires. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2019; 82:833-844. [PMID: 31482763 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2019.1658859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a contaminant present in fish which exerts a severe impact on health predominantly exhibiting neurotoxicity that might irreversibly affect fetal neurodevelopment. Fish consumption in Portugal is the third highest in the world, particularly high in regions with fishing tradition such as the Madeira Archipelago. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the risk of exposure to MeHg in a population of pregnant women residing in Madeira. Blood samples from pregnant women (533) and umbilical cord (194) were collected from volunteer participants collected at primary health services in Madeira (Portugal) and analyzed for total mercury (HgT) level. A food-frequency questionnaire was used to estimate exposure and indices of risk while HgT in blood were correlated with estimated exposure. Analysis of HgT levels in blood indicated that 30% of pregnant women surpassed the maximum safe level of 10 µg/L recommended by the WHO, which was derived from the consumption of predatory fish, rich in MeHg. In addition, HgT levels in cord blood were 1.3 fold higher than in maternal blood, indicating the high risk of exposure to MeHg in this population. It is thus important to provide nutritional advice concerning fish consumption as a food choice in order to reduce fetal exposure and potential neurologic damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Caetano
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Vasco Branco
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Afonso Cavaco
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Cristina Carvalho
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
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Ai CE, Li CJ, Tsou MC, Chen JL, Hsi HC, Chien LC. Blood and seminal plasma mercury levels and predatory fish intake in relation to low semen quality. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:19425-19433. [PMID: 31077049 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04592-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Declining human sperm quality has been demonstrated in several recent studies. Age, environmental factors, and nutritional factors can affect semen quality. Mercury (Hg) is considered a male reproductive toxicant. Animal studies indicated that exposure to Hg can cause DNA damage, sperm dysfunction, and decreased sperm motility. Some previous studies also revealed that blood Hg levels in infertile or subfertile males were higher than those in normal males. In this study, we recruited 84 male participants from a reproductive medical center and investigated the Hg, lead, and selenium levels in blood and seminal plasma. Participants were divided into two groups, low- and high-quality semen groups, according to the World Health Organization reference values for human semen characteristics. The distribution of blood reproductive hormones and information on participants' lifestyle and medical history were collected from structured questionnaires. Average Hg levels in blood were 9.3±5.9 versus 8.9±5.9 and in seminal plasma were 1.26±0.61 versus 1.05±0.52 μg/L in the low- and high-quality semen groups, respectively. There was a dose-dependent relationship between blood Hg levels and normal sperm morphology (p=0.02). Participants with predatory fish intake and high blood Hg level had lower sperm with a normal morphology. Therefore, predatory fish intake may be a critical risk factor for elevated Hg levels in males and cause low semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-En Ai
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Xinyi Dist., Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Jen Li
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Xinyi Dist., Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chien Tsou
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Xinyi Dist., Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Lin Chen
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Xinyi Dist., Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Cheng Hsi
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, 71 Chou-Shan Rd., Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
| | - Ling-Chu Chien
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Xinyi Dist., Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
- Nutrition Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, 250 Wuxing St., Xinyi Dist., Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
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Liu M, Chen L, He Y, Baumann Z, Mason RP, Shen H, Yu C, Zhang W, Zhang Q, Wang X. Impacts of farmed fish consumption and food trade on methylmercury exposure in China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 120:333-344. [PMID: 30114623 PMCID: PMC6174094 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The global pollutant mercury (Hg), especially as methylmercury (MeHg), threatens human and ecosystem health. But major contributors of MeHg exposure to people in China remain highly debated. We developed the China Mercury Exposure Assessment (CMEA) model, which incorporates human exposure pathways for MeHg and total Hg (THg), the interregional, including international and interprovincial, food trading as well as human physiology to provide a comprehensive system that can evaluate the pathway of Hg forms to human consumers in China. Based on the CMEA model that employed the most comprehensive and recent data, we have found that the Probable Daily Intake (PDI) of MeHg for the Chinese population was 0.057 (range: 0.036-0.091 as 60% confidence interval) μg·kg-1·day-1, while that of THg was 0.35 (range: 0.22-0.55) μg·kg-1·day-1. MeHg exposure was dominated by fish intake, especially by farm-raised freshwater fish due to higher consumption of these fish. In 2011, fish intake contributed to 56% to the total MeHg exposure, followed by rice (26%). Consumption of farm-raised fish reduced human exposure to MeHg by 33%. On the other hand, interregional food trading increased MeHg exposure of the Chinese population, as a whole, by 7.6%. The international and interprovincial food trades contributed to 5.1% and 22% of MeHg intake, respectively. For the whole China, fish intake related exposure to MeHg was highest for the Eastern and Northeastern populations, while Tibetans were chronically exposed to the highest MeHg from other sources. Our findings highlight the importance of farmed fish and food trade for MeHg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maodian Liu
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Long Chen
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yipeng He
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Zofia Baumann
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Robert P Mason
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Huizhong Shen
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Chenghao Yu
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
| | - Qianggong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xuejun Wang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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11
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Martinez CS, Peçanha FM, Brum DS, Santos FW, Franco JL, Zemolin APP, Anselmo-Franci JA, Junior FB, Alonso MJ, Salaices M, Vassallo DV, Leivas FG, Wiggers GA. Reproductive dysfunction after mercury exposure at low levels: evidence for a role of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) 1 and GPx4 in male rats. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:1803-1812. [PMID: 27755963 DOI: 10.1071/rd16310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mercury is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant and mercury contamination and toxicity are serious hazards to human health. Some studies have shown that mercury impairs male reproductive function, but less is known about its effects following exposure at low doses and the possible mechanisms underlying its toxicity. Herein we show that exposure of rats to mercury chloride for 30 days (first dose 4.6µgkg-1, subsequent doses 0.07µgkg-1day-1) resulted in mean (±s.e.m.) blood mercury concentrations of 6.8±0.3ngmL-1, similar to that found in human blood after occupational exposure or released from removal of amalgam fillings. Even at these low concentrations, mercury was deposited in reproductive organs (testis, epididymis and prostate), impaired sperm membrane integrity, reduced the number of mature spermatozoa and, in the testes, promoted disorganisation, empty spaces and loss of germinal epithelium. Mercury increased levels of reactive oxygen species and the expression of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) 1 and GPx4. These results suggest that the toxic effects of mercury on the male reproductive system are due to its accumulation in reproductive organs and that the glutathione system is its potential target. The data also suggest, for the first time, a possible role of the selenoproteins GPx1 and GPx4 in the reproductive toxicity of mercury chloride.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline S Martinez
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Postgraduate Program in Animal Science and Postgraduate Program in Biological Science, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472 - Km 592 -118, 97500-970 Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Franck M Peçanha
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Postgraduate Program in Animal Science and Postgraduate Program in Biological Science, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472 - Km 592 -118, 97500-970 Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Daniela S Brum
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Postgraduate Program in Animal Science and Postgraduate Program in Biological Science, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472 - Km 592 -118, 97500-970 Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Francielli W Santos
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Postgraduate Program in Animal Science and Postgraduate Program in Biological Science, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472 - Km 592 -118, 97500-970 Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Jeferson L Franco
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Postgraduate Program in Animal Science and Postgraduate Program in Biological Science, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472 - Km 592 -118, 97500-970 Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula P Zemolin
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Postgraduate Program in Animal Science and Postgraduate Program in Biological Science, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472 - Km 592 -118, 97500-970 Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Janete A Anselmo-Franci
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, 14040904, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando B Junior
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. do Café s/n, 14049-903, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - María J Alonso
- Department of Biochemistry, Physiology and Molecular Genetics, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Avda. Atenas s/n, 28922, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Mercedes Salaices
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dalton V Vassallo
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Av. Marechal Campos 1468, 29040-090, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Fábio G Leivas
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Postgraduate Program in Animal Science and Postgraduate Program in Biological Science, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472 - Km 592 -118, 97500-970 Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Giulia A Wiggers
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Postgraduate Program in Animal Science and Postgraduate Program in Biological Science, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472 - Km 592 -118, 97500-970 Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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12
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Qin YY, Jian B, Wu C, Jiang CZ, Kang Y, Zhou JX, Yang F, Liang Y. A comparison of blood metal levels in autism spectrum disorder and unaffected children in Shenzhen of China and factors involved in bioaccumulation of metals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:17950-17956. [PMID: 29680891 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-1957-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The present study compared blood plasma metals in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with those in unaffected children in Shenzhen (China). Factors associated with the metal bioaccumulation were further investigated. Thirty-four blood samples of children with ASD were collected in a local hospital (Shenzhen Children's Hospital), while those of 38 unaffected children were from a local large public kindergarten, during March to April in 2016. Metal analysis was carried out by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The results showed that children with ASD had higher (P < 0.01, 0.05) Pb (ASD 31.9 μg/L, unaffected children 18.6 μg/L), Hg (3.83, and 1.09 μg/L), and Cd (0.70 and 0.26 μg/L) than unaffected children, while essential elements Zn (ASD 4552.0 μg/L, unaffected children 5118.6 μg/L), Se (61.7 and 90.6 μg/L), and Mn (13.5 and 21.4 μg/L) showed an opposite pattern. Moreover, the children exposed to passive smoking had higher (P < 0.05) Cd (passive smoking 1.08 μg/L; non-passive smoking 0.22 μg/L) than those without the exposure. Positive associations were found between levels of Hg or Pb and seafood consumption as well as body mass index (BMI). More future work is needed in order to clarify the association between metal exposure and ASD occurrence in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Yan Qin
- Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Jian
- Shenzhen Public Security, Shenzhen, 518040, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan Wu
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Zi Jiang
- Laboratory for Food Safety and Environmental Technology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Kang
- School of Chemistry and Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Xiu Zhou
- Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518026, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Yang
- Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518026, People's Republic of China.
- Speech Therapy Department, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518026, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yan Liang
- Laboratory for Food Safety and Environmental Technology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Chung RTM. Detoxification effects of phytonutrients against environmental toxicants and sharing of clinical experience on practical applications. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:8946-8956. [PMID: 26310706 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5263-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
According to the Food and Health Bureau and Trade and Industry Department of the Hong Kong Government, 90 % of the total food supply in Hong Kong was imported from the Mainland China. In addition, the hidden or illegal use of prohibited pesticides, food adulteration (e.g., using industrial salt in food processing, using gutter oil as cooking oil), and pollutions were periodically reported by the media. Excessive exposure to toxic heavy metals or persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from diet or environmental is inevitable amid industrialization and pollution. Understanding of the detoxification ability among nutrients in plant-based food (i.e., phytonutrients in green tea, onion, garlic, coriander, and turmeric) offers therapeutic and preventive effects against the poisoning effects due to these pollutants. Oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory actions are the common mechanisms for heavy metals or POPs toxicities, while phytonutrients counteracts these cellular insults by anti-oxidation, upregulation of anti-inflammatory pathways, and chelation.
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14
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Wong MH, Mo WY, Choi WM, Cheng Z, Man YB. Recycle food wastes into high quality fish feeds for safe and quality fish production. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 219:631-638. [PMID: 27352767 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The amount of food waste generated from modern societies is increasing, which has imposed a tremendous pressure on its treatment and disposal. Food waste should be treated as a valuable resource rather than waste, and turning it into fish feeds would be a viable alternative. This paper attempts to review the feasibility of using food waste to formulate feed pellets to culture a few freshwater fish species, such as grass carp, grey mullet, and tilapia, under polyculture mode (growing different species in the same pond). These species occupy different ecological niches, with different feeding modes (i.e., herbivorous, filter feeding, etc.), and therefore all the nutrients derived from the food waste could be efficiently recycled within the ecosystem. The problems facing environmental pollution and fish contamination; the past and present situation of inland fish culture (focusing on South China); upgrade of food waste based feed pellets by adding enzymes, vitamin-mineral premix, probiotics (yeast), prebiotics, and Chinese medicinal herbs into feeds; and potential health risks of fish cultivated by food waste based pellets are discussed, citing some local examples. It can be concluded that appropriate portions of different types of food waste could satisfy basic nutritional requirements of lower trophic level fish species such as grass carp and tilapia. Upgrading the fish pellets by adding different supplements mentioned above could further elevated the quality of feeds, leading to higher growth rates, and enhanced immunity of fish. Health risk assessments based on the major environmental contaminants (mercury, PAHs and DDTs) in fish flesh showed that fish fed food waste based pellets are safer for consumption, when compared with those fed commercial feed pellets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hung Wong
- Key Laboratory for Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Reutilization, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University - Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China; School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Consortium on Health, Environment, Education and Research (CHEER), Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Wing-Yin Mo
- Consortium on Health, Environment, Education and Research (CHEER), Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai-Ming Choi
- Consortium on Health, Environment, Education and Research (CHEER), Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhang Cheng
- Consortium on Health, Environment, Education and Research (CHEER), Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yu-Bon Man
- Consortium on Health, Environment, Education and Research (CHEER), Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong, China
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15
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Shao J, Shi J, Duo B, Liu C, Gao Y, Fu J, Yang R, Jiang G. Mercury in alpine fish from four rivers in the Tibetan Plateau. J Environ Sci (China) 2016; 39:22-28. [PMID: 26899640 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2015.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
As a global pollutant, high levels of mercury (Hg) have been found in remote ecosystem due to the long range atmospheric transport. In this study, a total of 60 fish samples were collected from four rivers across the Tibetan Plateau to study the accumulation of Hg in remote and high-altitude aquatic environment. The total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in fish muscles ranged from 11 to 2097 ng/g dry weight (dw) (average: 819 ng/g dw) and from 14 to 1960 ng/g dw (average: 756 ng/g dw), respectively. Significantly positive linear relationships were observed between the THg (r=0.591, p<0.01, n=36) and MeHg concentrations (r=0.473, p<0.01, n=36) with the trophic level of fish from Lhasa River, suggesting trophic transfer and biomagnification of Hg in this aquatic ecosystem. Moreover, the THg levels in fish had significantly positive correlations with the length (r=0.316, p<0.05, n=60) and weight (r=0.271, p<0.05, n=60) of fish. The high levels of Hg were attributed to the slow growth and long lifespan of the fish under this sterile and cold environment. Risk assessment revealed that the consumption of Oxygymnocypris stewartii, Schizothorax macropogon, Schizothorax waltoni, Schizopygopsis younghusbandi and Schizothorax o'connori would lead to a high exposure to MeHg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjuan Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jianbo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Bu Duo
- Science Faculty, Tibet University, Lhasa 850000, China
| | - Chengbin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jianjie Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Ruiqiang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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Carneiro MFH, Grotto D, Barbosa F. Inorganic and methylmercury levels in plasma are differentially associated with age, gender, and oxidative stress markers in a population exposed to mercury through fish consumption. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2014; 77:69-79. [PMID: 24555648 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2014.865584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the concentrations of plasma methylmercury (Me-Hg) and inorganic mercury (I-Hg) in a population exposed to Me-Hg. In addition, associations between each form of mercury (Hg) and gender, age, plasma selenium (Se), and oxidative stress markers were also investigated. The mean plasma I-Hg level was 5.7 μg/L while the mean for plasma Me-Hg was 3.6 μg/L, representing approximately 59 and 41% of the total Hg in blood, respectively. However, several plasma samples contained higher percentages of Me-Hg. Age displayed a direct linkage with plasma I-Hg levels, whereas gender did not correlate with any of the Hg species. In addition, fish intake was only correlated with and a predictor of plasma Me-Hg, suggesting that plasma I-Hg levels originated endogenously through a demethylation reaction that needs to be verified. Further, plasma Me-Hg was markedly correlated with adverse effects to a greater extent than plasma I-Hg and may be considered a valuable, reliable internal dose biomarker for Hg in chronically Me-Hg- exposed individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fernanda Hornos Carneiro
- a Laboratório de Toxicologia e Essencialidade de Metais, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto-USP, Monte Alegre , Ribeirão Preto , SP , Brazil
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