Mercury levels and health parameters in the threatened Olrog��s Gull (Larus atlanticus) from Argentina

Mercury (Hg) exposure was investigated through feathers of Olrog's Gull and related to health parameters in adults (hematocrit, total plasma proteins, morphometric measures, sex) and chicks (hematocrit, total plasma proteins, immunoglobulins G and M) from a colony located in estuary of Bahía Blanca, Argentina. Mercury concentrations were 5.50 ± 2.59 μg g?1 (n = 44) in live adults, 1.85 ± 0.45 μg g?1 (n = 45) in live chicks and 1.81 ± 0.41 μg g?1 (n = 41) in dead chicks. Large differences were observed between live adults and live or dead chicks and small differences between live and dead chicks. In the adults, the sex of the birds was the variable that best explained Hg concentrations. Male birds had higher concentrations than females; this suggests that the clutch provides a sink for mercury during egg laying. Hg concentrations in both adults and live chicks were associated with higher hematocrits. This could be associated with upregulated erythropoiesis to compensate for increased rate of destruction of prematurely senescent, Hg-contaminated erythrocytes. Based on our results, on the levels of Hg pollution in the past in the study area, and on the dietary specialization of Olrog's Gull, we must be vigilant about potential negative effects of Hg pollution on this population and recommend continued monitoring on this threatened species.     

微波消解-电感耦合等离子体质谱法同时测定废水中20种元素

采用微波消解-电感耦合等离子体质谱法,同时测定了废水中Be、V、Cr、Mn、Co、Ni、Cu、Zn、As、Se、Mo、Ag、Cd、Sb、Ba、Hg、Tl、Pb、Th、U等20种元素,比较了5种不同消解体系对废水样品的加标回收结果,确定采用硝酸+过氧化氢消解体系。Hg在0.050μg/L～2.00μg/L、其他元素在5.00μg/L～500μg/L范围内线性良好,检出限为0.01μg/L～0.2μg/L,国家有证标准物质的测定结果符合要求,废水样品平行测定的RSD为2.6%～6.5%,加标回收率为84%～110%。     

Mercury wet deposition in rural Korea: concentrations and fluxes

The characteristics of Hg wet deposition were investigated in a rural area of Korea from August 2006 to July 2008. The volume weighted mean (VWM) Hg(T) concentration and cumulative Hg(T) flux were 8.8 ng L(-1) and 9.4 μg m(-2) per year, respectively. The VWM Hg(T) concentration varied seasonally, similar to the seasonal pattern in atmospheric Hg(p) concentration. The enhancement of both VWM Hg(T) and atmospheric Hg(p) concentrations in spring and winter was likely caused by the long-range transport of Hg from China. Monthly VWM Hg(T) and atmospheric Hg(p) concentrations were well correlated (R(2) = 0.36); however, there was no correlation between VWM Hg(T) and RGM (reactive gaseous mercury) concentrations, suggesting that Hg(p) was responsible for the majority of the Hg in wet deposition at this site. The VWM Hg(T) concentration in snow was statistically higher than in rain. In addition, the atmospheric Hg(p) concentration appeared to be elevated for snow events as well. This suggests that both elevated Hg(p) concentrations and the enhanced scavenging efficiency of snow for Hg(p) were responsible for the elevated VWM Hg(T) concentrations measured during snow events.     

Toxic and essential elements in blood from delivering women in selected areas of São Paulo State, Brazil

This study was designed to evaluate the degree of environmental contamination and possible exposure of pregnant women to toxic elements in seven selected areas of S?o Paulo State, Brazil. The overall median concentration of Mo in maternal blood was 0.53 μg L?1, highly significant differences found between sites (p < 0.0001). Cd was found to be low overall - 0.09 μg L?1 (0.01-0.58 μg L?1) - with mothers from the Coastal and Rural 1 sites having the highest levels (p < 0.016).Median Hg concentration was 0.60 μg L?1 (0.06 μg L?1-4.35 μg L?1); median Pb level was 16.2 μg L?1 (3.5-57.7 μg L?1) and no differences between sites were observed for both metals. Median Mn level was 16.7 μg L?1 (7.0-39.7 μg L?1), being highest in Urban 2 site (p < 0.016). Concentrations of maternal Co were found to range between 0.06 μg L?1 and 1.1 μg L?1 (median 0.25 μg L?1) and As level was 0.60 μg L?1 (0.10-3.8 μg L?1) overall, with no statistical significance between sites for Co and As. Median Se concentrations were found to be 64 μg L?1 (36-233 μg L?1), with the highest median levels found in Urban 3 site; site differences were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Correlation for each element (between paired maternal and cord blood) was measured only in Rural site 1; significant correlation was shown for Hg, Pb, Mn and Co (p < 0.05). These findings may be interpreted as indicating low environmental contamination in S?o Paulo State, Brazil. These findings could also indicate that pregnant women have little or no contact with pollutants, possibly due to awareness campaigns carried out by public health practitioners.     

Genotoxicity of the sediments collected from Pearl River in China and their polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals

The accelerated industrialization and urbanization in the last three decades around the Pearl River Delta within Guangdong Province in China have led to serious concerns about the impacts on the aquatic environment. In the present study, the genotoxicity of the sediments collected from the Pearl River was evaluated by micronucleus (MN) assay with Vicia faba root tip cells, and the 16 EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals (HMs, including Cr, Cu, As, Se, Cd, Hg, and Pb) in the sediments were determined respectively by GC-MS, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The results showed that there were significant increases of MN frequencies observed in the sediment-exposed groups, compared with the negative group (P?相似文献   

Heavy metal in surface sediments of the Liaodong Bay, Bohai Sea: distribution, contamination, and sources

In an effort to assess the potential contamination and determine the environmental risks associated with heavy metals, the surface sediments in Liaodong Bay, northeast China, were systematically sampled and analyzed for the concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Ni, As, and Hg. The metal enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (I _geo) were calculated to assess the anthropogenic contamination in the region. Results showed that heavy metal concentrations in the sediments generally met the criteria of China Marine Sediment Quality (GB18668-2002); however, both EF and I _geo values suggested the elevation of Pb concentration in the region. Based on the effect-range classification (TEL-PEL SQGs), Cu, Pb, Ni, and As were likely to pose environment risks, and the toxic units decreased in the order: Ni?>?Pb?>?Cr?>?Zn?>?As?>?Cu?>?Hg. The spatial distribution of ecotoxicological index (mean-ERM-quotient) suggested that most of the surface sediments were “low–medium” priority zone. Multivariate analysis indicated that the sources of Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, and Hg resulted primarily from parent rocks, and Pb or As were mainly attributed to anthropogenic sources. The results of this study would provide a useful aid for sustainable marine management in the region.     

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in Candarli Gulf sediment, Eastern Aegean Sea

Concentrations of selected heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Hg, Cr, Al, and As) in surface sediments from 18 stations in the Candarli Gulf were studied in order to understand current metal contamination due to urbanization and economic development in Candarli region, Turkey. The sediment samples were collected by box corer in Candarli Gulf in 2009 to assess heavy metal pollution. Heavy metal concentrations in surface sediment varied from 1.62% to 3.60% for Fe, 0.38?C2.53% for Al, 173?C1,423 for Mn, 8?C100 for Ni, 3?C46 for Cu, 55?C119 for Zn, 16?C138 for Pb, 0.2?C6.3 for Hg, 16?C71 for Cr, and 11?C37 mg kg^???1 for As. This study showed that the concentrations of Mn, Ni, Zn, Pb, Hg, and Cr in the surface sediment layers were elevated when compared with the subsurface layers. Both metal enrichment and contamination factors show that Hg, Zn, and Pb contamination exists in the entire study area and contamination of other metals is also present in some locations depending on the sources.     

Assessment of particulate matter in the urban atmosphere: size distribution, metal composition and source characterization using principal component analysis

In this study, the size distribution of airborne particles and related heavy metals Co, Cd, Sn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb and V in two urban areas in Istanbul: Yenibosna and Goztepe, were examined. The different inhalable particles were collected by using a cascade impactor in eight size fractions (<0.4 μm, 0.4-0.7 μm, 1.1-2.1 μm, 2.1-3.3 μm, 3.3-4.7 μm, 4.7-5.8 μm, 5.8-9 μm and >9 μm) for six months at each station. Samples were collected on glass fiber filters and filters were extracted and analyzed using ICP-MS. Log-normal distributions showed that the particles collected at the Yenibosna site have a smaller size compared to the Goztepe samples and the size distribution of PM was represented the best by the tri-modal. The average total particle concentrations and standard deviations were obtained as 67.7 ± 17.0 μg m(-3) and 82.1 ± 21.2 μg m(-3), at the Yenibosna and G?ztepe sites, respectively. The higher metal rate in fine and medium coarse PM showed that the anthropogenic sources were the most significant pollutant source. Principal component analysis identified five components for PM namely traffic, road dust, coal and fuel oil combustion, and industrial.     

Metals and selenium in wild animals from Norwegian areas close to Russian nickel smelters

This paper reports the concentrations of metals (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and/or Zn) and selenium (Se) in kidney and/or liver samples from capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus), hares (Lepus timidus), common shrews (Sorex araneus) and grey-sided voles (Clethrionomus rufocanus) from the Norwegian areas most heavily contaminated by pollutants from the Russian smelters on the Kola peninsula. In addition to comparing areas that differed in expected pollution rate within Sør-Varanger, comparisons are drawn with reference data from other parts of Norway. The relatively highest levels of metals were found for Cu and Ni in the sub-area most heavily exposed to pollution from the smelters. Also the highest Cr concentrations were found in the areas closest to the smelters. In this study, there is evidence for a direct link between increased metal concentrations in wild animals and pollution from the Russian smelters for Cu and Ni and to some extent for Cr. relatively high concentration of Hg and slight increases in Pb are also documented, but regional differences within Sør-Varanger indicate no direct relationship to the Russian smelters. No samples showed concentrations of any of the analysed metals in excess of the limits where negative effects on animals can be measured.     

Determination of heavy metals and metals levels in five fish species from I??kl? Dam Lake and Karaca?ren Dam Lake (Turkey)

The concentrations of heavy metals and metals (Zn, Pb, Bi, Cd, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn, Mg, Cu, Cr, Ca, Sr, Na, Li, K) were measured in muscle of five species Cyprinus carpio (from I??kl? dam), Scardinius erythrophthalmus (from I??kl? dam), Tinca tinca (from I??kl? dam), C. carpio (from Karaca?ren dam), Carassius carassius (from Karaca?ren dam) caught from I??kl? and Karaca?ren. The highest metal was Na (466.95 μg/g) in C. carassius, while the lowest levels were Fe (0.37 μg/g) and Cu (0.37 μg/g) in C. carpio from I??kl? dam. The mean concentrations μg/g d.w. some of heavy metals in muscle of C. carpio (from I??kl? dam), S. erythrophthalmus (from I??kl? dam), T. tinca (from I??kl? dam), C. carpio (from Karaca?ren dam), C. carassius (from Karaca?ren dam) were as follows: Cd 2.00-2.10-1.95-2.06-2.27, Zn 4.36-2.64-13.13-13.33-24.47, Pb 1.65-1.24-1.90-2.37-2.41, Co 2.46-2.37-2.48-2.58-2.80, Mg 138.51-154.35-218.59-204.58-202.16, Fe 0.37-2.62-3.17-3.01-12.33, respectively.     

Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in surface sediments of northern littoral zone of Lake Çıldır,Ardahan, Turkey

In this paper, the heavy metal levels (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Mn, Fe, As, Cd, Cr, Hg), organic carbon, and chlorophyll degradation products were studied to prove their ecological effects in Lake Ç?ld?r, where fossil fuels are used as an energy source in the studied area for most of the year, and domestic waste from settlements is discharged directly into the lake. Sediment samples were collected from six sites on the northern shore of Ç?ld?r Lake, Turkey in November 2012. Enrichment (EF) and contamination factor (CF) values were determined, and Pollution Load (PLI) and Potential Ecological Risk (PER) indices were calculated. Average concentrations of heavy metals in the sediments were, in descending order, Fe?>?Mn?>?Zn?>?Ni?>?Cr?>?Cu?>?Pb?>?As?>?Cd?>?Hg, respectively. According to mean values, the source of these elements may be considered natural due to lack of enrichment in Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, and Cr in the sediment samples. Regarding enrichment of As, Cd, Mn, and Hg, the highest EF belongs to Hg. PLI and PER values indicate there are moderate ecological risk in the lake.     

Aerosol size distribution and mass concentration measurements in various cities of Pakistan

During March and April 2010 aerosol inventories from four large cities in Pakistan were assessed in terms of particle size distributions (N), mass (M) concentrations, and particulate matter (PM) concentrations. These M and PM concentrations were obtained for Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar from N concentrations using a native algorithm based on the Grimm model 1.109 dust monitor. The results have confirmed high N, M and PM concentrations in all four cities. They also revealed major contributions to the aerosol concentrations from the re-suspension of road dust, from sea salt aerosols, and from vehicular and industrial emissions. During the study period the 24 hour average PM(10) concentrations for three sites in Karachi were found to be 461 μg m(-3), 270 μg m(-3), and 88 μg m(-3), while the average values for Lahore, Rawalpindi and Peshawar were 198 μg m(-3), 448 μg m(-3), and 540 μg m(-3), respectively. The corresponding 24 hour average PM(2.5) concentrations were 185 μg m(-3), 151 μg m(-3), and 60 μg m(-3) for the three sites in Karachi, and 91 μg m(-3), 140 μg m(-3), and 160 μg m(-3) for Lahore, Rawalpindi and Peshawar, respectively. The low PM(2.5)/PM(10) ratios revealed a high proportion of coarser particles, which are likely to have originated from (a) traffic, (b) other combustion sources, and (c) the re-suspension of road dust. Our calculated 24 hour averaged PM(10) and PM(2.5) concentrations at all sampling points were between 2 and 10 times higher than the maximum PM concentrations recommended by the WHO guidelines. The aerosol samples collected were analyzed for crustal elements (Al, Fe, Si, Mg, Ca) and trace elements (B, Ba, Cr, Cu, K, Na, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sr, Cd, Ti, Zn and Zr). The averaged concentrations for crustal elements ranged from 1.02 ± 0.76 μg m(-3) for Si at the Sea View location in Karachi to 74.96 ± 7.39 μg m(-3) for Ca in Rawalpindi, and averaged concentrations for trace elements varied from 7.0 ± 0.75 ng m(-3) for B from the SUPARCO location in Karachi to 17.84 ± 0.30 μg m(-3) for Na at the M. A. Jinnah Road location, also in Karachi.     

Lichen biomonitoring of trace metals in the Pistoia area (central northern Italy)

The epiphytic lichen Parmelia caperata (L.) Ach. was used as bioaccumulator of the heavy metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn in the environs of the town of Pistoia (central northern Italy). The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Ni, Hg and Pb were comparable with those found in areas not subject to atmospheric pollution. Copper and especially Zn were found in rather high concentrations. Fertilizers and pesticides were the main source of atmospheric contamination.     

Baseline values for metals in soils on Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica: the extent of anthropogenic pollution

Metal contents (Al, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Ti, and Zn) have been measured in 30 surface soils on Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica, yielding values (in milligrams kilogram(-1)) of 41.57-80.65 (Zn), 2.76-60.52 (Pb), 0.04-0.34 (Cd), 7.18-25.03 (Ni), 43,255-70,534 (Fe), 449-1,401 (Mn), 17.10-64.90 (Cr), 1,440-25,684 (Mg), 10,941-49,354 (Ca), 51.10-176.50 (Cu), 4,388-12,707 (Ti), 28,038-83,849 (Al), and for Hg (in nanograms gram(-1)) 0.01-0.06. Relative cumulative frequency analysis was used to determine the baseline values for the 13 metals. Compared with adjacent areas in Antarctica, Mg and Ni are significantly lower, but Cu is significantly higher than that of McMurdo Station. Enrichment factor analysis and the geo-accumulation index method were applied in order to determine the extent of anthropogenic contamination, and both show that Pb, Cd, and Hg have been significantly increased by human activities. Principal component analysis was used to identify the sources of metals in these soil samples.     

The seasonal distribution of heavy metals in Mussel sample from Yalova in the Marmara Sea, 2008�C2009

Concentration of the some heavy metals (Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn) Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis from Yalova (Marmara Sea) were investigated seasonally. The mean concentrations of Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn in the soft tissues were 4.08 ± 0.67, 5.54 ± 0.59, 156.72 ± 20.18, 3.71 ± 1.14, 2.92 ± 0.51 and 106.23 ± 5.66 mg kg(?-1) dry weights, respectively. There were no significant differences between the metal concentrations among the seasons (P > 0.05). The mean Pb and Zn concentrations were higher than the acceptable limit proposed by International Turkish standards.     

Seasonal variations of heavy metals in central Greenland snow deposited from 1991 to 1995

To better assess the seasonality in the fallout of heavy metals to central Greenland, a continuous series of 68 snow samples has been collected at a remote site in the Summit area from a 2.7 m pit using ultraclean sampling procedures. This covers a continuous four year time period from spring 1991 to spring 1995. Co, Cu, Zn, Mo, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sb, Pt, Pb, Bi and U were determined using ultrasensitive inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry under clean room conditions. In addition we also determined Al by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and Na+, Ca2+, SO4(2-), MSA and oxalate by ion chromatography, species that will assist in the interpretation of the trace metal data. The data show pronounced inter- and intra-annual variations, with large differences in the amplitude of these variations for the element studied, with few clear seasonality patterns. Generally, high concentrations are observed in the spring snow layers, while much lower concentrations are typical of summer snow layers. Significant correlations are observed between Co, Cu, Zn, Ag and Sb, while Pt, Pd and Rh show no correlation with the other metals. Crustal enrichment factors show that while the crustal dust contribution is probably important for some metals for part of the year (spring), anthropogenic inputs are as important in many instances. Pronounced intra-annual variations are observed for some metals, in particular Pt. The variations observed for this metal parallel fairly closely changes in Russian Pt production, which points to emissions from smelters in the Russian Arctic as likely sources for Pt.     

Speciation of mercury in the strongly polluted sediments of the Deûle River (France)

The De?le River in Northern France experienced serious contamination from the metallurgical industry, especially from the smelter Metaleurop prior to 2003. In 2002 the surface sediments were collected from the bed of the river around 10 km above and 10 km below the smelter. Total mercury (HgT) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations exceeded the background value of 0.1 mg kg(-1). The average concentrations were 19.67 ± 1.02 mg kg(-1) and 10.88 ± 1.08 μg kg(-1), respectively. In 2003 the sediment core samples were collected at two different sites near the factory for survey depth profiles of Hg contamination. The concentrations of HgT and MeHg in sediment cores varied from 10.47 to 259.44 mg kg(-1) and from 3.24 to 82.61 μg kg(-1), respectively. The concentration of total mercury was significantly correlated with the methylmercury concentration in the sediment below a depth of 23.5 cm (R(2) = 0.81, p < 0.01). This may suggest that the production of MeHg is directly related to the HgT concentration. Nevertheless the MeHg/HgT ratio in the upper part of the sediment core was higher than that in the lower part. This suggests that HgT and MeHg may have been co-deposited together. However, the methylmercury production takes place in the surface sediment by microorganisms. The strong correlation observed between MeHg and acid volatile sulfides (AVS) suggests that MeHg variability is associated with the bacterial activity (presence of AVS).     

微波消解ICP-MS法同时测定大气颗粒物中多种痕量元素

采用微波消解电感耦合等离子体质谱法同时测定大气颗粒物中13种元素,选择硝酸体系消解20 min,硝酸加入体积为8 mL。Cu、Ni、Cr、Pb、Al、Mg、Mn、Ca在0μg/L～100μg/L,Ag、Ba、Co、Cd、Sn在0μg/L～5.00μg/L范围内线性良好,除Al、Mg、Ca检出限较高外,其他10种元素的检出限为0.07 ng/m3～1.82 ng/m3(按采样体积0.688 m3、定容体积50 mL计),滤膜样品平行测定3次的RSD≤1.2%,加标回收率在92%～108%之间。     

Evaluation of metal contamination in sediments from north of Morocco: geochemical and statistical approaches

Concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cd and Hg were evaluated in surface sediments of two rivers from north of Morocco, known as Souani and Mghogha rivers. Significantly higher concentrations in mg kg^???1 dry weight (dw) of Mn (747.6 vs. 392.9), Cr (86.4 vs. 56.3), Zn (299.5 vs. 138.5) were found in sediment samples from Mghogha when compared with Souani river. Average concentrations of Cd and Hg in several sediment samples from both rivers were above the effect range median that predicts toxic effects to aquatic organisms. The calculation of enrichment factors showed that Mn, Cr, Cu and Ni were depleted, whereas Pb and Hg were enriched. The results of geoaccumulation index revealed that sediments of both rivers were unpolluted with most of the metals and moderately contaminated with Fe and Hg. Some of elevated concentrations of Hg, principally in Mghogha River, were due to anthropogenic sources including the direct discharges of industrial zone.     

Seasonal variations in nickel and vanadium in Mont Blanc snow and ice dated from the 1960s and 1990s

Ni and V have been determined in snow and ice collected at a high altitude location (Col du D?me) near the summit of Mont Blanc on the French-Italian border; dated from the 1960s and 1990s. Ni and V were simultaneously determined by inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry. Measured concentrations range from 6 to 700 pg g(-1) and 4 to 1,100 pg g(-1) for Ni and V, respectively. The results show pronounced seasonal variations in the concentrations of both metals, with high concentration values in summer layers and much lower values for winter layers. These seasonal variations are linked especially with the existence of inversion layers during winter months. Ni and V concentrations in excess of the contributions from rock and soil dust (Ni(excess), V(excess)) appear to be mainly associated with anthropogenic inputs, with pronounced seasonal variations. Large variations in the V(excess)/Ni(excess) ratio are observed, with a higher ratio in summer than in winter. This shows differences in anthropogenic inputs at Col du D?me during the different parts of the year. The above ratio was compared with the corresponding ratios for oil combustion from stationary sources and the exhaust from gasoline and diesel engines. It appears that Ni and V concentrations at Col du D?me are probably the result of changing combinations of contributions from oil combustion for power generation, industrial and residential uses, on one side, and automobile and truck traffic, on the other side, with possibly a significant contribution from Ni smelters in Russia during winter months.