Heavy Metal Concentrations in Sea Urchin Tissues From Egypt,Ireland and United Kingdom

Abstract

Sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus) were collected from the Mediterranean coast off Alexandria, Egypt and the Atlantic coast of Ireland to the west of Galway. Samples of another urchin species, Psammechinus miliaris, were collected from the entrance to Southampton Water, U.K. Both the Alexandria coast and Southampton Water receive domestic and industrial waste water inputs whilst the western Irish coast is relatively unpolluted.

Sampled animals were dissected to separate coelomic fluids, Aristotle's lantern, gonads and tissue (digestive tract plus connective tissue). the concentrations of heavy metals (cadmium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc) in the different parts were measured using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Many levels of heavy metals in the different parts were similar in specimens taken across the wide range of sites and the two species. A notable exception was the high level of copper (33 μg g^?1 dry wt.) and zinc 328 μg g^?1? dry wt.) in urchin tissue from Southampton Water.

The metal concentrations in the gonads of Paracentrotus lividus are of particular interest because of human consumption of this species. the highest levels of copper (3.3–5.2 g^?1? dry wt.) and zinc (74–181 μ g^?1? dry wt.) dry wt.) in gonads were found in the samples from Egypt. Data from this study are compared with other results reported from the Mediterranean.

A simple, short term, elevated water column copper uptake experiment was undertaken with Paracentrotus lividus which showed an increase in gonad concentrations of this element.     

Monitoring of heavy metals and butyltin compounds in coastal waters of Ligurian Sea: Results of a mussel watch project

From December 1994 up to October 1995 a “Mussel Watch Project”; was carried out to assess the quality of water of the Ligurian Sea and to identify the possible sources of heavy metal pollution. Several metals and organotin compounds were measured in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis, Lam) transplanted in different months from a marine farm to eight sites of the Ligurian coast.

Spatial differences and temporal trends in tissue concentrations of Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Fe, Al, V, Cd and Mn were evaluated. Concentrations resulted in the same range as those obtained in a previous Mussel Watch Project carried out in the same area. In general, areas of known pollution display high concentrations of these metals, but also some areas not greatly influenced by human activities showed high concentrations of some metals.

Data from this study show little evidence of any overall seasonal pattern except for Cu, Zn and V, concentrations of which were a function not only of sampling site, but also of reproductive cycle.

Organotin compounds show differences in terms of both concentration and speciation between the investigated sites.     

Heavy metals in three commercially valuable cyprinids in the river Panjkora,district Lower Dir,Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,Pakistan

This study was conducted in river Panjkora (Khall, upstream; Timergara, downstream) and its tributary (Konhaye stream, reference site) at district Lower Dir. The study was aimed to assess heavy metal load in gills, liver, kidneys, and muscles of three fish species, namely Schizothorax esocinus, Racoma labiata, and Crossocheilus diplocheilus. The heavy metals, including nickel, cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, chromium, iron, and manganese were determined using an atomic absorption spect-rophotometer. Nickel and cadmium were not detected in any of the collected specimens at all sampling sites. Concentration of the detected metals varied significantly depending upon fish species and tissue type. Crossocheilus diplocheilus showed higher accumulated concentration of heavy metals while R. labiata contained the least. Schizothorax esocinus and R. labiata displayed significant differences in their concentrations of metals. The order of accumulation of heavy metals in different tissues was liver>kidneys>muscles>gills. Data demonstrated that heavy metal levels in the studied species were within permissible limits and thus, apparently suitable for human consumption. Currently, the river contains a sewage burden, and continued heavy pollution may ultimately lead to serious problems in the future.     

A mathematical model for the uptake of heavy metals in benthic algae

A mathematical model for the uptake of heavy metals in the benthic algae Ascophyllum nodosum has been developed. The model allows assignment of age-dependent growth parameters which also may be a function of external factors. Mortality curves for A. nodosum corresponding to a highly polluted and a nearly unpolluted area have been used in the study of metal uptake. Uptake has been simulated for different values of growth parameters and different concentrations of heavy metals in seawater. Emphasis has been on the uptake of zinc. The simulations showed that the concentration of zinc in the algae changed much less (6%) than the biomass (30%) with changes in intrinsic growth rate, mortality and carrying capacity.The concentration in the algae was found to be an approximately linear function of the mean concentration in seawater up to about 100 ppb. At very high concentrations, associated with high mortality, the deviation from linearity may be significant (about 13% at 162 ppb at one locality). The calculation indicates further that variations in the zinc concentration in the seawater are considerably damped in the algae.Simulations have also been performed to study the effects of sampling different parts of the algae, and some initial simulations have been performed to study the effects of heavy metal exchange between algae and sea water.     

Analytical studies on the pollution of argeş river

Using two analytical techniques (ICP‐AES and ASV) the heavy metal pollution of Arge? River was studied. These techniques are characterized by similar analytical performances.

The samples were collected from 13 sites starting from Capra Lake (altitude 2241 m) and finishing at Oltenita city (altitude 10 m).

Arge? River is the fifth longest river in Romania after Siret, Mure?, Olt and Some?, its length is 340 km and the river flows through four cities, Curtea de Arge?, Pite?ti, Gae?ti and Oltenita.

The results of the determinations of Cu, Cd, Zn and Pb, indicate that the Arge? River shows relatively low pollution.     

Settlement, recruitment and potential predators and competitors of juvenile echinoderms in the rocky subtidal zone

Recruitment patterns of marine invertebrates are affected both by settlement and early post-settlement events. This study examined the settlement and recruitment patterns of echinoderms at three sites in the rocky subtidal zone of Bocabec Cove, Bay of Fundy, Canada using artificial turf collectors and quadrats on the natural substrate. Potential predators were quantified at two of the sites along transects and in 1-m² quadrats. Both potential predators and competitors were quantified in 0.0625-m² quadrats. Settlement varied across sites (1.5–3 km apart) and two years of sampling (2004, 2005). The site of most potential settlement differed for the three groups of echinoderms: sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis), sea stars (Asterias spp.) and sea cucumber (Psolus fabricii). Settlement densities on the artificial turf collectors tended to be greater than the densities of settlers on the natural substrate. On the natural substrate, the only significant difference between densities of juveniles over time was that newly settled sea stars were found in July and were not found the following October. Large lobsters and carnivorous worms were potential predators with densities that varied between sites. Potential competitors that differed in abundance between sites were herbivorous gastropods and conspecifics for sea urchins; and carnivorous worms for sea stars. This study suggests that patterns of recruitment are either set up by patterns of settlement or by events during the first few weeks/months on the benthic substrate for these echinoderms.     

Impacts of Chronic Anthropogenic Noise from Energy‐Sector Activity on Abundance of Songbirds in the Boreal Forest

Abstract: The effects of human activities in forests are often examined in the context of habitat conversion. Changes in habitat structure and composition are also associated with increases in the activity of people with vehicles and equipment, which results in increases in anthropogenic noise. Anthropogenic noise may reduce habitat quality for many species, particularly those that rely on acoustic signals for communication. We compared the density and occupancy rate of forest passerines close to versus far from noise‐generating compressor stations and noiseless well pads in the boreal forest of Alberta, Canada. Using distance‐based sampling, we found that areas near noiseless energy facilities had a total passerine density 1.5 times higher than areas near noise‐producing energy sites. The White‐throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), Yellow‐rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata), and Red‐eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) were less dense in noisy areas. We used repeat sampling to estimate occupancy rate for 23 additional species. Seven had lower conditional or unconditional occupancy rates near noise‐generating facilities. One‐third of the species examined showed patterns that supported the hypothesis that abundance is influenced by anthropogenic noise. An additional 4 species responded negatively to edge effects. To mitigate existing noise impacts on birds would require approximately $175 million. The merits of such an effort relative to other reclamation actions are discussed. Nevertheless, given the $100 billion energy‐sector investment planned for the boreal forest in the next 10 years, including noise suppression technology at the outset of construction, makes noise mitigation a cost‐effective best‐management practice that might help conserve high‐quality habitat for boreal birds.     

新乡市郊区大棚菜地土壤重金属Pb、Cd、Cr和Hg污染评价

科学评估菜地土壤重金属污染对保障食品安全和公众身体健康具有重要的现实意义。采用原子吸收光谱法和冷原子吸收光谱法,研究了新乡市郊区菜地土壤重金属Pb、Cd、Cr和Hg的质量分数,并参照HJ 333-2006《温室蔬菜产地环境质量评价标准》,对土壤重金属污染进行评价。结果表明：菜地土壤重金属Cd、Pb、Cr、Hg的平均质量分数分别为25.64、156.18、992.38、0.316 mg·kg-1。东黑堆、前河头、后河头和东水东菜地土壤重金属Cd、Pb、Cr均全部超标,其中以Cd污染最为严重,后河头土壤重金属Cd的质量分数达到33.78 mg·kg-1,超过土壤环境质量评价指标限值的111.6倍,东水东采样点次之,也超标66倍。除了前辛庄Hg污染超标127%以外,其他采样点重金属Hg均不超标。表层（0~10 cm）土壤重金属Hg质量分数高于耕层（10~20 cm）,其他重金属没有表现出明显的规律性。在不同季节,Cr质量分数随着季节变化逐渐递增,Hg质量分数则呈递减的趋势;Cd和Pb质量分数没有明显规律性。不同采样点综合污染指数以后河头的为最高,达到了82.49,其他依次为前河头、前辛庄、东黑堆、东水东。总体上讲,新乡市近郊菜地土壤重金属综合污染指数远远超过Ⅴ级的限值3.0,前河头、后河头和前辛庄菜地土壤都处于极高风险的重金属污染状态;东黑堆和东水东菜地土壤也处于高风险状态。     

Barnacles: Possible indicators of zinc pollution?

Barnacles [Balanus balanoides (L.), Elminius modestus Darwin, Lepas anatifera (L.)] from several different sites were found to accumulate the heavy metal zinc. The majority of the zinc was deposited in the tissues associated with the gut, and the level of zinc in soft body tissue generally reflected well the level of zinc in the immediate sea-water environment. The zinc accumulated in the gut tissues was in the form of discrete granules, mainly within the parenchyma cells which surround the gut. These granules probably exist as an insoluble zinc salt. A comparison of the zinc level in barnacles with those recorded for some other marine organisms indicates the possible usefulness of barnacles as indicators of zinc pollution.     

Identifying the source and accessing the spatial variations,contamination status,conservation threats of heavy metal pollution in the river waters of Sunderban biosphere reserve,India

This study emphasizes on identification of source and accessing the spatial variation of dissolved heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the rivers of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve India, the UNESCO world heritage site. ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), PCA (Principal Component Analysis) as well as FA (Factor Analysis) are used for assessing the significant difference in means of metals concentration among the sites and understanding the sources of these pollutants. Three principal components with cumulative variance of 32, 55, and 73 %, show that Pb, Ni and Cd are closely associated with each other indicating an anthropogenic origin of these metals. Heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) values indicate that areas close to densely populated sites are affected by elevated metals concentration due to anthropogenic activities. The ratio between the concentration of Cd, Ni and Pb in sites and the maximum respective permissible limit for these metals for conserved habitat is Log₁₀ normalized to understand the threats of these pollutants over the distributaries of Sundarbans. Pb pollution is prevalent in the areas that rely on the fossil fuel-operated boats, for transport, whereas higher Cd concentration is found in the areas dependent on rechargeable batteries to meet their energy demand. So these anthropogenic activities and mal-practices may be responsible for the heavy metal pollution in this region. The study concludes that gradual increase in metal pollution in river water due to anthropogenic activities, particularly Pb and Cd, could have a negative impact on the conserved flora and fauna of this ecosystem.     

Pollution distribution of heavy metals in surface soil at an informal electronic-waste recycling site

We studied distribution of heavy metals [lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn)] in surface soil at an electronic-waste (e-waste) recycling workshop near Metro Manila in the Philippines to evaluate the pollution size (spot size, small area or the entire workshop), as well as to assess heavy metal transport into the surrounding soil environment. On-site length-of-stride-scale (~70 cm) measurements were performed at each surface soil point using field-portable X-ray fluorescence (FP-XRF). The surface soil at the e-waste recycling workshop was polluted with Cu, Zn and Pb, which were distributed discretely in surface soil. The site was divided into five areas based on the distance from an entrance gate (y-axis) of the e-waste recycling workshop. The three heavy metals showed similar concentration gradients in the y-axis direction. Zn, Pb and Cu concentrations were estimated to decrease to half of their maximum concentrations at ~3, 7 and 7 m from the pollution spot, respectively, inside the informal e-waste recycling workshop. Distance from an entrance may play an important role in heavy metal transport at the soil surface. Using on-site FP-XRF, we evaluated the metal ratio to characterise pollution features of the solid surface. Variability analysis of heavy metals revealed vanishing surficial autocorrelation over metre ranges. Also, the possibility of concentration prediction at unmeasured points using geostatistical kriging was evaluated, and heavy metals had a relative “small” pollution scales and remained inside the original workshop compared with toxic organohalogen compounds. Thus, exposure to heavy metals may directly influence the health of e-waste workers at the original site rather than the surrounding habitat and environmental media.     

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Sea Urchin Tissues From Egypt, Ireland and United Kingdom

Sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus) were collected from the Mediterranean coast off Alexandria, Egypt and the Atlantic coast of Ireland to the west of Galway. Samples of another urchin species, Psammechinus miliaris, were collected from the entrance to Southampton Water, U.K. Both the Alexandria coast and Southampton Water receive domestic and industrial waste water inputs whilst the western Irish coast is relatively unpolluted.

Sampled animals were dissected to separate coelomic fluids, Aristotle's lantern, gonads and tissue (digestive tract plus connective tissue). the concentrations of heavy metals (cadmium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc) in the different parts were measured using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Many levels of heavy metals in the different parts were similar in specimens taken across the wide range of sites and the two species. A notable exception was the high level of copper (33 μg g^-1 dry wt.) and zinc 328 μg g^-1- dry wt.) in urchin tissue from Southampton Water.

The metal concentrations in the gonads of Paracentrotus lividus are of particular interest because of human consumption of this species. the highest levels of copper (3.3-5.2 g^-1- dry wt.) and zinc (74-181 μ g^-1- dry wt.) dry wt.) in gonads were found in the samples from Egypt. Data from this study are compared with other results reported from the Mediterranean.

A simple, short term, elevated water column copper uptake experiment was undertaken with Paracentrotus lividus which showed an increase in gonad concentrations of this element.     

Assessment of total and organic vanadium levels and their bioaccumulation in edible sea cucumbers: tissues distribution,inter-species-specific,locational differences and seasonal variations

The objective of this study is to investigate the levels, inter-species-specific, locational differences and seasonal variations of vanadium in sea cucumbers and to validate further several potential factors controlling the distribution of metals in sea cucumbers. Vanadium levels were evaluated in samples of edible sea cucumbers and were demonstrated exhibit differences in different seasons, species and sampling sites. High vanadium concentrations were measured in the sea cucumbers, and all of the vanadium detected was in an organic form. Mean vanadium concentrations were considerably higher in the blood (sea cucumber) than in the other studied tissues. The highest concentration of vanadium (2.56 μg g⁻¹), as well as a higher degree of organic vanadium (85.5 %), was observed in the Holothuria scabra samples compared with all other samples. Vanadium levels in Apostichopus japonicus from Bohai Bay and Yellow Sea have marked seasonal variations. Average values of 1.09 μg g⁻¹ of total vanadium and 0.79 μg g⁻¹ of organic vanadium were obtained in various species of sea cucumbers. Significant positive correlations between vanadium in the seawater and V _org in the sea cucumber (r = 81.67 %, p = 0.00), as well as between vanadium in the sediment and V _org in the sea cucumber (r = 77.98 %, p = 0.00), were observed. Vanadium concentrations depend on the seasons (salinity, temperature), species, sampling sites and seawater environment (seawater, sediment). Given the adverse toxicological effects of inorganic vanadium and positive roles in controlling the development of diabetes in humans, a regular monitoring programme of vanadium content in edible sea cucumbers can be recommended.

     

Concentrations of cadmium,manganese, copper,zinc, and lead in the tissues of the oyster (Crassostrea iredalei) obtained from Setiu Lagoon,Terengganu, Malaysia

Heavy metals pollution in aquatic environments is a major problem contributing to human health issues. The study of these pollutants through bioindicators such as the oyster Crassostrea iredalei is important for (1) determining the levels and sources and (2) regulating the quantity of pollutants. The concentrations of cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) in tissues of C. iredalei, sediment and surrounding water was measured, and data was analyzed to determine the relationship between sampling periods and between oyster tissue, sediment, and water. The highest concentration of metals in oyster tissue was Zn, followed by Cu, Mn, Cd, and Pb. Concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Zn exceeded the maximum level allowed according to the Malaysian Food Act of 1983, which is equivalent to the WHO recommended levels of heavy metals in organisms used for consumption. The highest metal concentration in sediment was Mn followed by Zn, Pb, Cu, and Cd. Concentrations of heavy metals in surrounding water were Zn, Pb, Cu, Mn, and Cd. There was no correlation between metal concentration in oyster tissue and in sediment for all five metals.     

Toxic substances: Measures and measurements†

The formulation of a sound policy for environmental protection and toxic substances control requires knowledge of the presence and concentration of environmental contaminants. For this reason monitoring programs have been set up in the Netherlands for water, drinking water, and air pollution. The Netherlands system for air pollution, monitoring of the substances SO2, NOχ, CO, O₃ is now fully automated. Some examples will be given to show the acquisition and management and interpretation of air pollution measurements.

Various smaller projects, supported by the Department of Health and Environmental Protection include measurement of indoor air‐contaminants, contaminants in soil and hazardous waste sites, and contaminants in biotic samples such as for instance PCB's in eels and seals and mussels. Moreover a Coordinating Committee regularly collects measurements from various sources in the Netherlands regarding pesticide residues and contaminants in food.

For cost‐effective monitoring the accuracy of the measurements must be chosen with regard to the biological effect concentration of the pollutant. The necessity of proper control measurements to establish background levels and the necessity of ring‐tests to increase interlaboratory reproducibility is discussed. In cost‐effective monitoring the minimum number of measurements, which are necessary to check the effect of environmental protection measures, must be defined through proper sampling.     

Chemical characterization of a water soluble fraction (WSF) of crude oil

Very polar oil compounds are predominant in the resulting water soluble fraction (WSF) of crude oil, in agreement with their high solubility in seawater. Non‐volatile hydrocarbons represent only a low proportion of total soluble extracts.

The experimental process we have achieved allows us to obtain quantitative and reproducible soluble oil extracts that could be used in ecotoxicological tests and for the study and the characterization of marine oil pollution.     

甘肃某冶炼厂区土壤重金属铅、镉污染特征及其对微生物群落结构的影响

长期受到重金属铅(Pb)和镉(Cd)污染的土壤生态危害指数较高,土壤微生物群落结构容易受到重金属的影响,重金属对土壤微生物的毒性与重金属的生物利用度直接相关。以白银市重金属污染土壤为样本,分析了土壤的理化性质、重金属Pb和Cd的污染状况及土壤微生物群落结构,探究它们之间的关联性。样本采自距离污染中心由近及远的4个位置(分别命名为S1、S2、S3和S4)。采用Hakanson指数法来评估该地重金属生态风险;选用改进的BCR顺序提取法分析Pb与Cd的组分分布情况;利用SPSS和Canoco 4.5对土壤性质、重金属和细菌群落进行相关性分析和冗余分析,探究微生物群落结构与土壤性质和重金属污染之间的相关性。结果表明:白银市该处重金属污染场地3 km以内的土壤均受到严重的Pb、Cd污染。Pb主要以弱酸可提取态和可还原态的形式存在于土壤中,Cd则以弱酸可提取态为主;土壤重金属的危害生态指数均已经达到极高污染风险程度,且危害程度S1>S3>S2>S4;微生物丰度和多样性可能受到土壤性质及重金属的共同影响,与Pb、Cd的污染程度大致呈负相关(S2相似文献   

Environmental risk assessment of radioactivity and heavy metals in soil of Toplica region,South Serbia

Activity levels of natural and artificial radionuclides and content of ten heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn and Hg) were investigated in 41 soil samples collected from Toplica region located in the south part of Serbia. Radioactivity was determined by gamma spectrometry using HPGe detector. The obtained mean activity concentrations ± standard deviations of radionuclides ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K and ¹³⁷Cs were 29.9 ± 9.4, 36.6 ± 11.5, 492 ± 181 and 13.4 ± 18.7 Bq kg⁻¹, respectively. According to Shapiro–Wilk normality test, activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra and ²³²Th were consistent with normal distribution. External exposure from radioactivity was estimated through dose and radiation risk assessments. Concentrations of heavy metals were measured by using ICP-OES, and their health risks were then determined. Enrichment by heavy metals and pollution level in soils were evaluated using the enrichment factor, the geoaccumulation index (I_geo), pollution index and pollution load index. Based on GIS approach, the spatial distribution maps of radionuclides and heavy metal contents were made. Spearman correlation coefficient was used for correlation analysis between radionuclide activity concentrations and heavy metal contents.

     

Arsenic accumulation in the shore crab Carcinus maenas: the influence of nutritional state,sex and exposure concentration

The accumulation of arsenate from seawater by the shore crab Carcinus maenas L. (collected from Odense Fjord, Denmark in 1991 and from Restronguet Creek, UK in 1991) was investigated in a series of laboratory experiments. A field study was also carried out to determine the effects of raised environmental arsenic concentrations on intra-organismal distribution and tissue concentrations. Studies on the influence of nutritional state and sex on accumulation of As(5) from seawater indicated that most of the arsenic taken up from seawater in laboratory experiments was retained in the gills and the midgut gland. Arsenic accumulation exhibited sex-dependent differences which were also evident in correlation analyses carried out between total lipid contents and total arsenic contents of midgut glands of individual crabs. Arsenic concentrations in the gonads of both sexes were strongly influenced by the nutritional state of the crabs. Elevated arsenic concentrations in seawater and food at an arsenic polluted site (Restronguet Creek) significantly influenced arsenic concentrations and distribution among the tissues of C. maenas. Arsenic concentrations and distribution patterns differed markedly from those crabs from an unpolluted site in Odense Fjord. The gills of the crabs from Restronguet Creek contained extremely high arsenic concentrations ranging from 179 to 483 g As g^-1 dry wt. These values were even higher than those measured in the gills of Odense crabs that had been exposed to 3 mgl^-1 As(5) for 2 wk in the laboratory. Arsenic concentrations in the exoskeleton of Odense Fjord crabs were 15 times lower than those measured in exoskeletons of Restronguet Creek crabs. Approximately 69% of the total body burden of arsenic was located in muscle tissue of crabs from Odense Fjord, whereas the major pool of arsenic (46%) in Restronguet Creek crabs was located in the exoskeleton.     

Heavy Metals in Macroalgae of Havana's Northern Littoral,Cuba

Copper, iron, lead, manganese, and zinc contents were determined in various phyla of macroalgae typical of the rocky mesolittoral zone of Cuba and widely distributed in the Caribbean Region. the samples were collected in different zones along the shores of Havana City which are more or less influenced by anthropogenic activities. Differences in metal contents were observed due to seasonal variations and differences between sampling sites. of the analyzed species, only one brown alga, Padina vickersiae is considered as a suitable candidate for the monitoring of metal contamination.