Comparison of trace element accumulation in Baikal seals (Pusa sibirica), Caspian seals (Pusa caspica) and northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus)

Concentrations of 18 trace elements (V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, Sr, Zr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Cs, Hg, Tl and Pb) were determined in liver, kidney, muscle and hair of Baikal seals, Caspian seals and northern fur seals. All the three species showed the highest concentrations of Hg, V, Mn, Se and Ag in liver, Cd, Co and Tl in kidney, and Cs in muscle among the soft tissues examined. The highest burdens of Zn, Rb and Cs were observed in muscle, Mo and Ag in liver, and Sb and Pb in hair in all the three species. Concentrations of non-essential elements, Rb, Cd, Cs and Hg, showed significant positive correlations among liver, kidney and muscle, whereas correlation coefficients for essential elements, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn and Se, between the three tissues were generally low for all the species, suggesting that homeostasis controls the concentrations of essential elements but not the non-essential elements in the tissues of these animals. Significant age-dependent increase was found in the concentrations of V, Se and Ag in liver and Hg in liver and kidney of all the three species. Hair concentrations showed significant positive correlations with Zn levels in liver and kidney and Hg in muscle for Caspian seals, Hg in liver and kidney for Baikal seals, and Pb in liver for northern fur seals. Furthermore, regression analysis using the data in the present study and in the literature showed significant positive correlations between Hg levels in hair, and liver, kidney and muscle for various species of pinnipeds. These results indicate the possibility of using hair samples for monitoring these trace elements in pinnipeds.     

Relationships and bioaccumulation of chemical elements in the Baikal seal (Phoca sibirica)

Concentrations of Al, Ba, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Si, Sr, Zn, Ca, K, Mg, Na and P in the livers of Baikal seal, plankton, zoobenthos, and fish, constituting the food sources for the seals, were determined by ICP-MS and ICP-AES. The accumulation of elements in the liver of seals, affected by internal and external (environmental) factors, was assessed by multidimensional (ANOVA, FA) and correlation analyses. FA has enabled identification of abiotic and biotic factors responsible for the accumulation of elements in the livers of Baikal seals. Significant influence of sex and development stage of the seals analysed on hepatic concentrations of some elements was found. The observed differences in element concentrations between pups, males and females could be attributable to the reproductive cycle of this species. ANOVA showed differences in concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu and Cd in seals from the three separate basins of the lake. BMFs suggest biomagnification of Fe and Zn in the fish-seal trophic link.     

Distribution and coassociations of selected metals in seals of the Antarctic

Zinc, Cu, Cd, Pb, Ag, Ni, Co, Cr, Fe and Mn concentrations in some tissues of crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophagus), leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) and Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddelli) from the Antarctic were determined. Distinct inter-tissue differences in metal concentrations in seals were observed; liver contained maximum levels of Zn, Cu, Ag and Mn, whilst kidney showed the highest levels of Cd, Ni and Co. Muscle was characterized by low concentrations of all the elements analyzed. The metal concentrations in the vertebrates analyzed were compared with those for organisms originating from various aquatic areas. Significant correlations were found between the levels of several of the metals analyzed, e.g. between renal and hepatic concentrations of Zn and Cd. Strong relationships between the hepatic concentrations of some metals were found, e.g. Cd-Zn. These two metals also showed a significant coassociation in their renal concentrations. The slope of the regression line for renal Cd/Zn was about three times higher than the hepatic one and this may reflect a relatively high Cd exposure, probably from specific food (squid and krill) provenance, of the seals analyzed.     

Metal accumulation in tissues of seabirds from Chaun, northeast Siberia, Russia

Concentrations of four essential elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) and two toxic metals (Cd and Hg) were determined in selected tissues of 11 seabird species collected in Chaun, northeast Siberia. In oldsquaw, arctic tern and herring gull, zinc concentrations were correlated with Cd concentrations. Cadmium concentrations in all the species were highest in kidney and Hg in liver. Cd levels in the liver and kidney of herring gulls were higher than those observed from other breeding areas. Similarly, Hg concentrations were also high in the liver of herring gull. High concentrations of Cd and Hg found in some birds from Chaun might have arisen from exposure on migration.     

Bioaccumulation profiles of polychlorinated biphenyls including coplanar congeners and possible toxicological implications in Baikal seal (Phoca sibirica)

Isomer specific concentrations of individual polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) including toxic non-ortho (IUPAC 77, 126, 169), mono-ortho (105, 118, 156) and di-ortho (137, 138, 153, 180) coplanar congeners were determined in the blubber of 40 Baikal seals (Phoca sibirica) and as their fish diet collected from Lake Baikal, Siberia. Residue levels of total PCBs in Baikal seals were noticeably high and comparable to those reported for seals from the North Sea, suggesting the recent usage of this compound in the watershed of Lake Baikal. Non-, mono-, and di-ortho coplanar congeners were also detected in Baikal seals and fish. An approach to estimate bioaccumulation profiles of PCB congeners revealed that the non-ortho PCBs, IUPAC 77, 126 and 169 seemed to be less persistent than other congeners. Furthermore, selective biotransformation of PCB congeners having either meta-para vicinal H atoms or both adjacent chlorinated meta-para and ortho-meta positions has been suggested. Comparison of 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalents (TEQ) of non-, mono- and di-ortho coplanar congeners in Baikal seals with those for other marine mammals suggested higher enrichment of mono-ortho congeners, particularly IUPAC 105 and 118, which contributed significantly to the total TEQs in Baikal seals. Results imply that the TCDD-like toxicity is relatively serious in Baikal seals, because of the enrichment of these toxic PCB congeners in tissues.     

Concentrations of some heavy metals in water, sediment and fish species from the Atatürk Dam Lake (Euphrates), Turkey

Concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb and Zn) were measured in the water, sediment and fish species (Acanthobrama marmid, Chalcalburnus mossulensis, Chondrostoma regium, Carasobarbus luteus, Capoetta trutta and Cyprinus carpio) from the Atatürk Dam Lake, Turkey. Among the heavy metals studied Cd, Co, Hg, Mo and Pb were not detected in water, sediments and fish samples, while Ni was undetectable levels in fish samples. Levels of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn varied depending on different tissues. The results of this study indicated that a general absence of serious pollution in the dam lake is due to heavy metals, where as the concentrations of elements found could mainly be attributed to geological sources.     

Specific accumulation of 20 trace elements in great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) from Japan

This study is to elucidate the specific accumulation of 20 trace elements in tissues/organs of great cormorants from two different colonies (Lake Biwa and Mie) in Japan. In the body distribution of trace elements, some elements revealed tissue-specific accumulation such as most of the burden of Mo, Ag and Cd in liver, Tl and Cd in kidney, Cu, Rb and Cs in muscle, and V, Sr and Ba in bone. Gender-related variation was not observed in both populations for most of the trace elements, except for higher hepatic Sr in males from Lake Biwa. Hepatic V, muscular Hg and Tl, and Cd in liver, kidney and muscle increased with growth. Comparison of trace element levels in tissues between the two colonies showed that Cr, Rb, Sr, Cd, Cs, Ba and Tl levels were higher in Lake Biwa than in Mie, whereas Zn, Co and Hg in Mie samples were greater than Lake Biwa. Variations of elemental levels in stomach contents also showed similar patterns, thus, showing that dietary sources tended to be the main factor for these regional variations. Toxic Hg and Cd concentrations in the liver of cormorants from the two colonies were lower than those from other areas, implying relatively low exposure to these metals in the present study sites. Concentrations of V, Co, Ag, Cd, Cs, Hg, Tl, Pb and Bi in liver remained more or less at the same level between 1993 and 2003, while hepatic Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, Sr and Ba showed apparent decrease, which might be related to the biological factors.     

Age-dependent accumulation of heavy metals in a pod of killer whales (Orcinus orca) stranded in the northern area of Japan

Mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe) manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) concentrations in the liver, kidney and muscle of nine killer whales (including three calves) that stranded together in the northern area of Japan were determined. The Hg and Cd concentrations were found at trace levels in the calf organs, and increased with age. The Fe concentration in the muscle was significantly lower in the calves than in the mature whales and also increased with age. In contrast, Mn and Cu concentrations in the muscle were significantly higher in the calves than in the mature whales, and changes in the Zn concentration relative to age were unclear. These results suggest minimal mother-to-calf transfer of the toxic metals Hg and Cd and accumulation of these metals in the organs with age, while the essential metals Mn and Cu were found at higher concentrations in the muscle of calves than in mature whales.     

Trace elements in two odontocete species (Kogia breviceps and Globicephala macrorhynchus) stranded in New Caledonia (South Pacific)

Liver, muscle and blubber tissues of two short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) and two pygmy sperm whales(Kogia breviceps) stranded on the coast of New Caledonia have been analysed for 12 trace elements (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu. Fe, organic and total Hg, Mn, Ni, Se, V, and Zn). Liver was shown to be the most important accumulating organ for Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Se, and Zn in both species, G. macrorhynchus having the highest Cd, Hg, Se and Zn levels. In this species, concentrations of total Hg are particularly elevated, reaching up to 1452 microg g(-1) dry wt. Only a very low percentage of the total Hg was organic. In both species,the levels of Hg are directly related to Se in liver. Thus, a molar ratio of Hg:Se close to 1.0 was found for all specimens, except for the youngest K. breviceps. Our results suggest that G. macrorhynchus have a physiology promoting the accumulation of high levels of naturally occurring toxic elements. Furthermore, concentrations of Ni, Cr and Co are close to or below the detection limit in the liver and muscles of all specimens. This suggests that mining activity in New Caledonia, which typically elevates the levels of these contaminants in the marine environment, does not seem to be a significant source of contamination for these pelagic marine mammals.     

Taiwan's industrial heavy metal pollution threatens terrestrial biota

The bioconcentration levels of essential (Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Zn) and non-essential (As, Cd, Hg, Pb, and Sn) elements have been investigated in different terrestrial biota such as fungi, plant, earthworm, snail, crab, insect, amphibian, lizard, snake, and bat including the associated soil, to investigate the ecosystem health status in Kenting National Park, Taiwan. High bioconcentrations of Cd, Hg, and Sn in snail, earthworm, crab, lizard, snake, and bat indicated a contaminated terrestrial ecosystem. High concentrations of Cd, Hg, and Sn in plant species, effective bioaccumulation of Cd by earthworm, snail, crab and bat, as well as very high levels of Hg found in invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles revealed a strong influence from industrial pollution on the biotic community. This study for the first time presents data on the impact of heavy metal pollution on various terrestrial organisms in Taiwan.     

Mercury and cadmium in common cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo)

Mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) in common cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) collected in Lake Biwa, Japan and Tokyo, Japan, were investigated to elucidate the biological behaviors of these elements, and to assess exposure to these pollutants of wild, fish-eating birds. Hg and Cd concentrations were highest in the liver and kidneys, respectively. The lowest levels of both elements were observed in chicks. Hg concentrations in all tissues except brain increased significantly with growth from chicks to juveniles (p<0.05, U-test). Cd concentrations in the kidneys and liver also increased significantly during growth from juvenile to adult (p<0.005, U-test). When comparing hepatic Hg and Cd in adult birds between 10 samples from Lake Biwa and nine samples from Tokyo, the Cd concentrations in the Lake Biwa samples (1.4+/-0.37 microg/g dry wt) (mean+/-SD) were significantly higher than those from Tokyo (0.32+/-0.16 microg/g dry wt) (p<0.005, U-test), while no statistically significant difference was found in the Hg concentrations. Possible causes of these differences were discussed in relation to their prey.     

Non-destructive pollution exposure assessment in the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus): II. Hair and spines as indicators of endogenous metal and As concentrations

The role of hair and spines of the European hedgehog as non-destructive monitoring tools of metal (Ag, Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn) and As pollution in terrestrial ecosystems was investigated. Our results showed that mean pollution levels of a random sample of hedgehogs in Flanders are low to moderate. Yet, individual hedgehogs may be at risk for metal toxicity. Tissue distribution analyses (hair, spines, liver, kidney, muscle and fat tissue) indicated that metals and As may reach considerable concentrations in external tissues, such as hair and spines. Positive relationships were observed between concentrations in hair and those in liver, kidney and muscle for Al, Co, Cr, Cu, and Pb (0.43 < r < 0.85). Spine concentrations were positively related to liver, kidney and muscle concentrations for Cd, Co, Cr, Cu and Pb (0.37 < r < 0.62). Hair Ag, As, Fe and Zn and spine Ag, Al, As and Fe were related to metal concentrations in one or two of the investigated internal tissues (0.31 < r < 0.45). The regression models presented here may be used to predict metal and As concentrations in internal tissues of hedgehogs when concentrations in hair or spines are available. The present study demonstrated the possibility of using hair and spines for non-destructive monitoring of metal and As pollution in hedgehogs.     

Distribution and coassociations of trace elements in soft tissue and byssus of Mytilus galloprovincialis relative to the surrounding seawater and suspended matter of the southern part of the Korean Peninsula

The concentrations of Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Ti and Zn were analyzed by AAS, ICP MS and AFS in soft tissues and byssal threads of Mytilus galloprovincialis from Masan Bay and Ulsan Bay, Korea. Spatial variations in metal concentrations were found. The levels of Cd, Pb, Hg, Cu, Zn, Co and Mn were very high in the mussels from Ulsan Bay (Sts. U1, U2) and comparable with elevated concentrations of these elements in Mytilus sp. reported to date for other geographical areas. Seasonal differences in some metal concentrations were also observed. These variations may be caused by factors such as: a large difference in seawater temperature, food supply for the mussel population and/or freshwater runoff of particulate metal to the coastal water and weight changes brought about by gonadal development and the release of sexual products. Pb, Cu, Zn, Co, Ni, Fe and Mn were more enriched in byssal threads than in the soft tissues, hence the byssus seems to be more sensitive in reflecting the availabilities of trace metals in the ambient waters. Concentrations of trace metals varied with respect to the size of mussels and season, depending on many factors like sexual development, and seawater temperature, etc. The levels of some trace metals in seawater, especially in suspended matter were correlated significantly with those in soft tissues and byssal threads. There were spatial variations in metal concentrations in the soft tissue and byssus attributed to different sources of trace elements located near the sampling sites. There were significant relationships between concentrations of some metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in mussel soft tissues and byssal threads and suspended matter. This suggests that M. galloprovincialis can be used as a sensitive biomonitor for the availabilities of trace elements in the coastal waters off Korea.     

Multivariate statistical evaluation of heavy metals in the urine of opium individuals in comparison with healthy people in Western Iran

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The current study aimed to evaluate the levels of some toxic and essential elements (Pb, Cd, Cu, Ti, Ni, Cr, Co, Fe, Ca, Hg, Mn, Se, and Zn) in the...     

Trace elements in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) from the eastern Mediterranean Sea: overview and evaluation

Concentrations of trace elements (Hg, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Se) in different organs and tissues (liver, kidney, muscle tissue, spleen, heart, lung, and fat tissue) of loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta from eastern Mediterranean Sea were determined. The highest levels of mercury and cadmium were found in liver (Hg: 0.43 microg g(-1) wet weight; Cd: 3.36 microg g(-1) wet weight) and kidney (Hg: 0.16 microg g(-1) wet weight; Cd: 8.35 microg g(-1) wet weight). For lead the overall concentrations were low and often below the limit of detection. Copper and selenium tended to be higher in liver than in other tissues and organs, while for zinc the concentrations were quite homogenous in the different organs and tissues, except fat tissue (64.7 microg g(-1) wet weight) which showed a higher accumulation of this element. For iron the greatest concentrations were observed in liver (409 microg g(-1) wet weight) and spleen (221 microg g(-1) wet weight).     

Spatial and seasonal variation of major and trace elements in settling particulate matter in an estuarine-like archipelago area in the Northern Baltic proper

This study describes the spatial and the seasonal variation of flux and concentration of 11 metals (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn), organic matter and C and N in settling particulate matter collected with sediment traps during seven interconnective, continuous periods totalling 15 months. Ten sediment traps were placed out along the metropolis-affected fresh water outflow of Lake M?laren, out through a non-tidal estuarine-like region with a low salt content, through the Stockholm archipelago to the Baltic. The metal concentrations of the particles were analysed with AAS using the flame technique and the amounts of C and N were determined with elemental analysis (CHN). The flux of particulate matter and of all metals decreased rapidly outwards in a gradient from the innermost stations. The distribution and composition of the particles were dominated by variations in the runoff from Lake M?laren and by the seasonal dependence on primary production. However, they were also influenced locally by the supply of nutrients via water treatment plant effluents and probably by the special sedimentation conditions in the mixing zones and by resuspension. The concentrations of Cu, Hg, Pb and Cd in the interior of the area under investigation were the most elevated of the elements and decreased markedly further out in the archipelago, indicating local anthropogenic input. Zn, Cr and Fe also showed signs of supply from the urbanized environment. The flux of most of the metals studied displayed both spatial and seasonal correlation with the weight (TPM) of the material, whereas seasonal variation of Cd was correlated to its volume (TPV) and concentration of organic matter (POM, PC and PN).     

西湖沉积物中元素分布特征研究

分析测定了西湖沉积物（２０ｍ钻探样品）不同层次中Ｆｅ、Ａｌ、Ｃａ、Ｍｇ、Ｔｉ、Ｍｎ、Ｃｕ、Ｚｎ、Ｃｄ、Ｎｉ、Ｈｇ、Ｃｒ、Ａｓ、Ｃｏ、Ｖ等１５种元素的含量，并根据元素的分布特征探讨了西湖沉积物的形成发展及重金属污染状况。     

Trace element (Cd, Cu, Hg, Se, Zn) accumulation and tissue distribution in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) from the Western Mediterranean Sea (southern Italy)

Cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) were determined in the liver, kidney and muscle of 29 loggerhead turtles, Caretta caretta, from the South Tyrrhenian Sea (Western Mediterranean). No significant differences (p>0.05) were detected between males and females. Trace element concentrations were not influenced by the size of the specimen except Se in the liver, which was negatively correlated with the curved carapace length (p<0.001). Muscles generally displayed the lowest trace element burdens, with the exception of Zn which contained concentrations as high as 176 microgg-1dwt. Kidneys displayed the highest Cd and Se mean concentrations (57.2+/-34.6 and 15.5+/-9.1 microgg-1dwt, respectively), while liver exhibited the highest Cu and Hg levels (37.3+/-8.7 and 1.1+/-1.7 microgg-1dwt, respectively). Whichever tissue is considered, the toxic elements had elevated coefficients of variation (i.e. from 60% to 177%) compared to those of the essential ones (i.e. from 14% to 65%), which is a consequence of homeostatic processes for Cu, Se and Zn. Globally, the concentrations of Hg remained low in all the considered tissues, possibly the result of low trophic level in sea turtles. In contrast, the diet of loggerhead turtles would result in a significant exposure to Cd. Highly significant correlations between Cd and Cu and Zn in the liver and kidney suggest that efficient detoxification processes involving MT occur which prevent Cd toxicity in loggerhead turtles.     

Total,dissolved, and bioavailable metals at Lake Texoma marinas

Dissolved metals in water and total metals in sediments were measured at marina areas in Lake Texoma during June 1999 to October 2001, and October 2001, respectively. The metals most often found in the highest concentrations in marina water were Na and Ca, followed by Mg and K. Elevated Cu levels detected in lake water appeared to be associated with Cu based anti-fouling paint used on boats. Metal concentrations in sediment were much higher than in water. The relative order of the concentration in sediment was Ca > Al > Fe > K > Mg > Na. Elevated Cu level at specific locations appeared to be associated with local anthropogenic sources of boat repair activities. There were positive relationships between several metal elements in water and sediment. Metals in 16 sediments from lake marinas were extracted with a weak electrolyte solution [0.1 M Ca(NO3)2] to predict the bioavailability of metals. Among the five heavy metals studied (As, Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn), Cu was the most bioavailable in Lake Texoma marinas.